Australia’s housing crisis is a hot topic at every barbecue, café, and family dinner table. Whether you’re a renter feeling the pinch or a homeowner watching property values soar, it seems everyone has an opinion, but very few have practical solutions.
Enter a former electrician quietly shaking the market with a refreshingly simple idea.
Brad Busuttil’s journey started almost by accident. What began as a fun side project—converting a shipping container into a livable space—quickly became a lightbulb moment.
‘I realised just how cheap, quick, and easy it was to do,’ Busuttil said.
With a background in affordable housing, he saw the potential to help others and launched Deluxe Tiny Homes, offering container homes for as little as $45,000, with the top end of the range still under $70,000.
And Australians are loving it. In just the first half of this year, Busuttil has delivered 15 tiny homes nationwide.
His customers fall into three main groups: investors with spare land who don’t want to fork out for a half-million-dollar build, families building a new home who need a temporary place to live, and—most commonly—people looking for a comfortable, independent space for elderly parents.
If you’re picturing a cold, rusty box, think again. Busuttil’s homes are built to the same standards as any new house.
The containers are brand new, heavily insulated, and water-sealed before being fitted out with framing, plaster, floorboards, and all the mod cons: kitchen, laundry, and bathroom included.
The entire build happens off-site, and customers need to connect the plumbing and electricity when it’s delivered.
Busuttil quickly addresses the biggest misconception: ‘People think they’ll rust and fall apart, but these containers are designed to survive decades at sea in corrosive saltwater. They’ll outlive any of us!’
A short-term fix or a long-term solution?
While Busuttil’s container homes are a lifeline for many, he’s the first to admit they’re not a silver bullet for Australia’s housing woes.
‘They’re comfortable, but not massive,’ he said. For many, they’re a short-term solution—a stepping stone while waiting for something more permanent.
Dr Peter Davies, a sustainability researcher at Macquarie University, agreed that tiny homes have a role to play.
He sees them as part of a broader ‘suite’ of solutions, not a knee-jerk fix for poor planning. The real issue, he said, is our love affair with big homes.
‘Smaller, even tiny houses, need to be explored more fully,’ he said, but warned against using them as a substitute for proper long-term planning.
The ‘missing middle’
So, what’s the long-term answer? Dr Heather Shearer from Griffith University pointed to the ‘missing middle’ in our cities: medium-density housing like townhouses and duplexes.
‘Suburbs need higher density, but not high-rise towers,’ she explained. This approach could provide more affordable options without sacrificing the character of our neighbourhoods.
Let’s face it: the traditional Australian dream of a quarter-acre block is becoming less attainable.
With house prices and rents skyrocketing, many are rethinking what ‘home’ really means. Tiny homes offer flexibility, affordability, and a chance to live simply, whether for downsizing retirees, young people saving for a deposit, or families needing a granny flat for ageing parents.
Plus, with the entire build taking just 12 days and costing less than a new car, it’s no wonder more people are giving tiny living a go.
What about council rules and red tape?
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Local council regulations can be a hurdle, with rules around where and how to place a container home.
Some councils are starting to relax restrictions in response to the housing crisis, but it’s always wise to check before you buy.
Tiny homes aren’t for everyone. You might find it a squeeze if you love sprawling spaces and entertaining the extended family every weekend.
But they’re a game-changer for those looking to downsize, save money, or provide a safe, independent space for a loved one.
Have you considered a tiny home, or do you know someone who’s made the leap? What do you think about container homes solving Australia’s housing crisis? Share your insights in the comments below.
Also read: Australia is forecast to fall 262,000 homes short of its housing target. We need bold action
