Study shows 1 in 2 Aussies would consider living in a shed home

A shed home lifestyle might not be everyone’s aspiration, but it’s an option many are considering with a landmark study revealing 46% of Australians would consider living in a shed home.

A steel kit home, commonly known as a 'shed home', is based on the classic home frame with stud wall framing and roof trusses. 

In a sign of the growing appeal of the shed as a modern form of accommodation, the survey found that high income earners showed the same level of consideration for living in a shed home as low income earners.

The data comes from a recent survey of over 2,000 Australians commissioned by leading steel building supplier Sheds n Homes. 

46% of Australians would consider living in a shed home

The shed home finds universal appeal

Unpacking the survey further, the data found that a person’s income does not necessarily change their perspective of living in a shed home. 

People with an income under $50,000 p.a. and those with an income over $100,000 p.a. showed the same level of consideration for the shed home.

A person’s income does not change their perspective of living in a shed home

Responses

From participants earning over $100,000 p.a. included:

• "Home is more about what it means to you as opposed to the place / furnishings itself";
• "Any home is a good home";
• "Shed homes can be lovely as long as they have creature comforts"; and
• "I like being a minimalist"

From participants earning under $50,000 p.a. included:

• "I have done so already. Would consider doing it again";
• "It would be all that I need";
• "I can build my own house energy efficient and homely";
• "Small and easy to manage. Privacy. Low cost"; and
• "Would love to live in something like that, wide open plenty of room unlike the apartment I am in at the moment"

Location: Rural housing solutions

Rural Australians were particularly receptive to the shed home, with the survey finding that people in rural areas were more likely to consider this form of accommodation than their urban counterparts. 

The rural respondents noted that the liveable buildings would provide all that they need, with many showing preference for a minimalist lifestyle.

The responses from their urban counterparts also contained a yearning for a simpler more spacious lifestyle. The responses also noted the appeal of cheaper housing that still met their requirements and standards of living - something that is becoming less common in urban areas.

People in rural areas were more likely to consider living a shed home than their urban counterparts

What is a shed home?

Interestingly, the survey found that 22% of 53 respondents did not know what a ‘shed home’ was. Indeed the concept of a shed as a home is a relatively new one, with the shed still seen by many as a precarious structure with a rickety tin roof and windswept interior. Nonetheless, the idea of the shed home is increasing in prominence as cost of living pressures increase and new sustainable modes of living are explored.

Not to be confused with the basic accommodation provided by a shed conversion, many of the structures that people would call a ‘shed home’ are actually steel kit homes. Offering far more design detail in comparison to regular C-section sheds, steel kit homes are based on the classic home frame with stud wall framing and roof trusses. Steel kit homes are typically delivered in kit form for assembly by a qualified owner-builder.

The shed home - a new way to live?

From humble granny flats to spacious family homes, the shed has been transformed from the rudimentary structures of yesteryear into versatile and liveable buildings suited to the demands of modern living.

Sought-after because of their affordability and versatility, steel kit homes now function as holiday homes, guest spaces, teenage retreats, and family homes for an increasing number of Australians. Ease of construction has played a role in the resurgence of the shed home, with many sheds available in easy to assemble kits.

A leading supplier of steel building kits, Australian company Sheds n Homes’ kits are popular with owner-builders and project managers who are able to complete their shed home to their budget, taste and schedule. The company supplies durable lightweight components made from hi-tensile Australian BlueScope Steel, and offers a range of customisable designs from traditional granny flats to contemporary dual-level family homes.

Is a shed home right for me?

Purchasing a kit home is a big investment and you need to be sure you’re making the right decision. It is important to note that kit homes are not for everyone. In fact, they are designed with the owner-builder in mind. If you don’t have the time or the qualifications to project manage your new shed home, you can always source a licensed builder in your local area.

The good news is that many kit home designs are highly configurable, and you should be able to achieve a design and floor plan that suits your site and lifestyle. It is critical that you choose a qualified supplier, as your design will need to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

To avoid disappointment, make sure your shed kit comes from a reputable local supplier that offers site-specific engineering, ShedSafe® accredited building designs and quality BlueScope Steel products. If your quote comes from a supplier that has been certified by ShedSafe®, then you can be confident that you are being offered a steel building of the highest standard.

ShedSafe® promotes efficient design of BCA compliant sheds, and functions as the industry benchmark for Australian manufactured steel sheds. 

Related: How to find the best shed at the best price

Survey Methodology

The data for this article was collected through a Google Survey of over 2,000 Australians. The question, ‘Would you consider living in a shed home?’ was given to the participants with a multiple choice answer form and optional short answer response as to why. It should be noted that not every participant provided a full user description including their income level or urban density, meaning the statistics discussed above are not taken from the full sample.