Coby Koster's Tiny Home Life
Coby Koster, 64, chose a tiny home to escape the rental crisis and enjoy a simpler life. Her tiny home on the NSW South Coast offers everything she needs, from a kitchen to a spare bed.
"Once you buy it outright, you buy the odd gas bottle every now and then but [that's] my only expenses, very minimal," she said.
Inspired by Koster, Shellharbour City Council is piloting a program to allow tiny homes as long-term rentals on residential blocks without development consent.
"We're growing at a rate of knots and it will help ease and provide housing for people who can't find a home," said Mayor Chris Homer.
However, some councillors remain concerned about safety, citing an incident where a cabin was washed away during heavy rains.
The NSW government is considering changes to planning legislation around tiny homes, which are currently not defined in planning legislation.
"The legality of it is a bit up in the air," said Michael Duffy of the Australian Tiny Homes Association.
Surf Coast Shire has implemented a local approvals policy for tiny homes, which includes assessments of environmental impacts and safety regulations.
Koster believes owning a tiny home has given her financial stability and a sense of security. She hopes it becomes easier for others to follow her path.
"If that could be changed and simplified it would make it a lot easier," she said.