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11 small homes for sale that will make you want to downsize immediately

Whether you’re just starting your property journey, looking to downsize or would love a seaside escape, these sweet little one bedroom homes for sale are just the ticket


11 small homes for sale that will make you want to downsize immediately

There’s lots of talk these days about downsizing, de-cluttering and living a minimalist lifestyle that leaves a kinder environmental footprint.

Consequently along with the rise in popularity of the massive “McMansion” homes that gobble up virtually every square metre of a site, there’s increasing interest homes that are small but perfectly formed and make space saving a virtue.

There are growing options for homes that pack a big punch despite their tiny space and here we look at one bedder options that are currently for sale.


1. Heritage haven

This picture perfect Martinborough cottage has the all the charm of yesteryear combined with today’s comforts.

The converted schoolhouse is set on 1.08ha and surrounded by beautiful trees. Relax in the little conservatory and delight in the rural views, or sit on the covered verandah and revel in the total peace.

The loft bedroom looks over the greenery and yet you’re only five minutes from the buzz of Martinborough.


2. Holidays here we come

Do you hanker for a holiday home but don’t want to break the bank? This tiny 18m2 solar-powered darling in Northland may be just the answer to your dreams. The double bedroom has a ladder to a loft sleeping space and the bathroom includes laundry facilities.

The deck is great for barbecues and the the 730m2 site is just waiting for a caravan and tents to offer more living and accommodation options over summer months.

With all the beautiful beaches of the Karikari Peninsula close by, there’s lots of fun to be had while you save to make the most of this lovely flat parcel of land.


3. Tiny treat

No it’s not a typo – this converted 40ft container home in the Taranaki can be all yours for $65,000.

Sure it’s small but it has all you need, with a fully fitted kitchen and bathroom, plenty of closet space, laundry facilities and infinity hot water system.

If you’ve got a plot of land all you need to do is arrange for it to be moved and you’re in business with your very own home.


4. Perfect starter

If you’ve been despairing of ever getting a foot on the property ladder this 50m2 cottage in Avondale, Auckland, could be the perfect solution. The compact open plan kitchen and living area opens to a large deck that doubles the entertaining space.

Enjoy living in up-and-coming Avondale, close to city transport links, with all the benefits of your own patch of land and no body corporate fees.

There’s a carport and off-street parking and a little shed solves storage issues.

5. Coastal magic

This is the perfect spot for downsizers. This little house on the Kapiti Coast is directly across the road from the beach and although modest in size the spectacular views across to Kapiti Island and down the coast make it big on impact.

The charming living area has a window seat where you can enjoy the wonderful sea views and it opens to a deck that is perfectly positioned for watching the sunsets.

There’s even an outdoor bath where you can have a soak with a glass of bubbles while you take in the sights. The double bedroom is supplemented by a bunk room, and a big bonus is the artist’s studio space and garage.


6. Beach living

Stroll to Arkles Bay from this little cutie and enjoy the lovely bush outlook from the living areas and deck on summer evenings.

The generous living-dining area with polished wood floors, updated kitchen and bathroom and spacious bedroom offer a comfortable lifestyle to everyone from first-home buyers to retirees.

There’s also a lined shed and the bonus of a workshop and storage area underneath. Sited on an 888m2 block, this property has loads of potential for future development, but in the meantime is a perfect little home.


7. Bush idyll

Enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of living with the Waitakere Ranges and West Coast beaches on your doorstep in this sweet little cottage. The open plan kitchen and living area is light and bright and the deck outside is ideal for enjoying the bush setting.

The kitchen and bathroom have recently been updated and there’s the added extra of an insulated outside studio that could offer extra accommodation or office space.

Woodland Parks Primary and the bus stop are just at the end of the driveway.


8. Live the dream

Wow! This little home on the Kapiti Coast has so much charm that you won’t feel as if you’ve downsized at all.

The lofty ceilings, framed bush views, spacious open plan living and gorgeous bathroom will have you feeling as if you’re on holiday all year round – no wonder the present owners have enjoyed this property for the past 35 years.

The living space opens to a covered outdoor entertaining area and there are lovely spaces to relax outside all around this special house and enjoy the unique setting. The massive 3768m2 site offers the option of another building platform for future development, but really this home is perfectly formed just as it is.


 

9. Compact cutie

There’s a lot that’s been packed into this compact 38m2 home in Palmerston North, but it still has an airy, spacious feeling and you have the benefit of having your own 272m2 fully fenced garden.

The sunny living area opens to a covered verandah and the double bedroom has a built-in robe and ensuite bathroom. There’s off-street parking and a storage unit — all the ingredients are here for those starting out or starting over who want a private, low-maintenance home for a sharp price.


10. Beach escape

If you dream of an escape bach to get away from it all this one-bed Nelson beauty could be the one you’ve been waiting for.

Sure you might have to make a bit more effort to get to it – the waterfront house is accessed by driving along the beach – but once there you’ll be bowled over by the water views that are the stand-out feature of the living area and bedroom.

Relax on the deck with a glass of wine at the end of the day and soak up the peaceful, totally private setting.


11. Compact cutie

You’ll probably want to get a sofa bed to get the most of living in this 19m2 house in Dunedin, but it does tick all the boxes with a well-fitted kitchen, tidy bathroom and ranch sliders that open to a covered outdoor seating area.

The fenced garden surrounding the cottage has had a low-maintenance makeover that gives the living area a pleasant outlook.

There’s a storage shed with laundry facilities and second toilet. The real surprise in this site is the large concreted parking area at the front of the property that could offer all sorts of future options, but in the meantime you can say goodbye to the landlord.


12. Lovely tree house

This is a great opportunity for those who have a dream of building a new home but need time to get finances sorted. This huge Titirangi 3683m2 section has all the potential for a sustainable lifestyle and you can get started planting the vegie garden while you live in the cute little one-bedder that is currently on the property.

It’s got an immaculate kitchen and bathroom, a wood burner for cosy winter evenings and bush views from the verandah that opens from the upstairs bedroom.

The open plan living spills through bifolds to a paved outdoor area. Everything is here to live the dream while you’re saving to make it a reality.


Words by: Sarah Beresford.

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