The price of new homes in many cities and towns has skyrocketed in recent years, putting real estate out of reach for many would-be homebuyers. However, there is still reason to hope you can buy a home and keep more money in your wallet that can go towards your retirement savings.
This has directly led to the "tiny homes" market booming, as people seek solutions to escape the rental market meat grinder. Tiny homes can be built yourself or purchased ready-made from home improvement stores.
See what tiny home options are available at Home Depot, including an option that's as low as $640.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Handy Home Products Do It Yourself Windemere Wood Garden Shed
Price: $2,844.19
This 10-by-12-foot shed features a 10-foot ceiling and 120 square feet of interior space. It includes a complete wood floor, a deluxe window package, and a keyed locking handle. The shed arrives ready to assemble with precut wood and requires only basic tools for construction.
While technically a shed, it was designed for versatile use, including as a creative workspace or lifestyle retreat, making it easy to adapt into a tiny home.
Chill Out Steel Frame Home Kit
Price: $22,999.00
Made from high-quality steel, this tiny home is built to last and is both termite- and shrink-proof for easy maintenance. This model features pre-assembled steel panels for hassle-free installation. You can assemble this kit yourself, or choose a bundle that includes professional installation.
Permitting is still your responsibility, but the company helps calculate materials for sheathing, windows, and doors, making it easy to create a one-bedroom, one-bathroom tiny home with minimal DIY effort.
Restreal Modern Prefab Cabin
Price: $35,615.07
Not everyone has the skills or desire to DIY their own tiny home, and a prefabricated cabin is basically as ready-to-go as it gets. Buyers need only prepare the spot where they want it placed. Then, it is lifted in via crane, complete with water, plumbing, and electrical. It has a full kitchen, bathroom, and even air conditioning.
Winndoors LLS Prefab Home
Price: $49,999.00
Skip all the DIY and jump right to the biggest of the tiny homes with this prefabricated model. It has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances included. Another benefit is that this structure doesn't require permitting in most areas, so it's the most hassle-free option. Plus, it comes with free delivery.
Winndoors LLS Modern Prefab Luxury Tiny Home
Price: $105,000.00
Could you buy a traditional home at this price point? Maybe, but you'll be looking at a lot of DIY home projects and repairs. The benefit of this prefabricated home is that everything is new, working, and backed by a manufacturer's warranty.
It has energy-efficient windows and modern appliances, and is basically ready to go when you get it. The foundation, permitting, and building are all included, so you get the easiest luxury one-bedroom one-bathroom home possible. It can also be customized with a deck or patio.
Ironbridge Modular Tiny Home
Price: $79,997.00
This brand-new model is a plug-and-play option that can lower costs but requires more paperwork on the buyer's end. The home is delivered fully constructed, though some areas may require on-site completion depending on local permitting. Buyers will also need a general contractor for utility connections and a crew for unloading.
Hud-1 EZ Buildings A-Frame Style Cabin Kit
Price: $45,315.00
This A-frame cabin is on the pricier side, but it is ideal for a tiny home with a view. It features a full glass front and five full-length insulated windows to keep the space comfortable. A loft provides a sleeping area, and the cabin offers 431 square feet of combined living space.
Little Cottage Co. Classic Cottage Outdoor Wood Storage Shed
Price: $7,039.00
This classic cottage-style shed is easily customizable, with two doors and fully functional windows. The 12-by-20-foot structure comes partially pre-assembled, and optional flooring is available for an additional cost. Two people are required for unloading at delivery, and permits may be needed.
Cedarshed Clubhouse Wood Shed with Porch
Price: $9,901.08
This small, wood cabin-style shed has Little House on the Prairie vibes — but for one. The interior measures 10 by 10 feet, with a porch that adds an additional 4 feet. Assembly requires no cutting, and all hardware is included. It's a step above camping and even features a small flower bed under the window.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Best Barns Handcrafted Homestead XL Two-Story Wood Barn Kit
Price: $12,307.69
Building a barn-style tiny home is a good compromise between starting with only a frame or going full prefab. Assembly is still required, along with some cutting during construction, but at the end, you'll have a two-story structure with a loft that is easily converted into a bedroom.
It's not necessarily intended as a dwelling, but it works well for those who have to dwell within while DIYing upgrades.
Little Cottage Co. Pennfield Cottage Outdoor Wood Playhouse
Price: $5,579.00
Those short on space and savings might consider this playhouse as a base for a tiny home. It measures nearly 8 feet at its peak and includes a loft that accommodates a 6-foot mattress. The shed has a full-size side entrance, while the child-size front entrance features a Dutch door for added access. All windows are fully functional, with screens and shutters.
Outdoor Living Today Sunshed Cedar Wood Garden Shed
Price: $5,278.73
If your preferred tiny home vibe is a cottage-nature witch, this cedar sun-shed could be a good base for your DIY tiny home. It has six screened windows and four polycarbonate roof windows for plenty of fresh air and sunlight.
It is pre-cut for easy assembly with minimal tools in approximately 2 to 3 days, and it features a split Dutch door for that added touch of functional cottage charm.
Outsunny Metal Garden Shed
Price: $638.66
This shed is one of the most budget-friendly ways to kick off your tiny home dreams. Its 6-foot-6 peak makes it best suited for those under 5-foot-6, but inside, the possibilities are endless. Think cozy office, creative studio, backyard retreat, or even a minimalist tiny home base.
Durable metal construction and simple assembly mean you can start small and customize as you go, perfect for buyers paying upfront or skipping a loan.
Bottom line
The tiny home trend is appealing for anyone looking to escape rent, but unless you're buying a fully prefabricated home, it requires a lot of work. Social media often glosses over the challenges of converting a structure into a livable space, especially when there's no running water.
Still, lower costs, which can be offset by using the best cash back credit cards when purchasing, may give you a way to bypass mortgage requirements while stepping out of the rental cycle.
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