Small-sized prefabricated houses or, as they are also called, "tiny houses" are becoming more popular in Spain. Against this background, in recent years, the number of companies involved in their construction and distribution grows steadily. Small in size and easily moved properties are especially popular among those who are looking for a second home or those who live constantly moving from place to place.
These tiny houses are not just mobile but also self-sufficient in terms of furnishing and can be placed even on land plots where nothing would otherwise be possible to construct, including legal issues. So, there is a loophole that allows you to place prefabricated houses on agricultural lands or commercial plots. However, in this case, you should still consult with experts and the local authorities.
It is also noted that such real estate is assessed as movable property in the tax legislation, and not real estate in the classical sense. The tax on such houses reaches 21% VAT.
Amid the growing popularity of such housing, the news department of the real estate portal Idealista interviewed Tania Gonzalez, co-founder of the Catalan company Noma House, which produces prefabricated houses.
The company has been operating in the sector for about 15 years, although it entered the prefabricated house market only 4 years ago. Prices for their offers range from EUR 33,000 to 60,000, depending on the model and design. However, Gonzalez found it difficult to name the cost per square meter, since the properties are tailor-made.
Gonzalez points out: “We hope to improve the quality of life for our customers by providing them with the benefits of living in a mini home. High-quality facilities, high mobility, the possibility of active communication with the outside world, environmental friendliness and the possibility of living close to nature, these are the benchmarks we are striving for.”
And the company's policy is bearing fruit. According to Idealista's interlocutor, interest in the company's offers has grown by 30% since the pandemic started. According to her, people have become more withdrawn, began to appreciate the solitary life in a comfortable, but small space. Geographically, such properties are most popular in northern Spain and the archipelagos.
The profile of a typical client, Gonzalez points out, is that of a young person embraced by the idea of independent living in his own home, but without the need to be geographically tied to one place or another. Interest is gradually spreading to other age groups, but almost always it is about a balance between the ability to live on your own and not be tied to your place of residence.
The houses of the INUIT 7 model have gained the greatest popularity. Their dimensions are 7.2 x 2.5 x 4 meters and they are designed for permanent residence of 3 to 5 people. There is a kitchen, shower, washing machine, and other interior items necessary for living in such properties.
According to Gonzalez, the construction of one house takes about a month, maybe a month and a half if the construction is more complex in a particular case. The company's waiting list has already stretched for 8 months. A huge number of people are interested in such houses and the company has to actively grow.
The company commissions the properties fully ready to move in, including, as mentioned earlier, a kitchen with an oven, stove, extractor hood, a bathroom with a shower cabin, bathroom furniture and a toilet. Houses have everything necessary for connection to the power grid, but can also work autonomously.
