![\"Mark](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bf9d83c0-20fa-11f1-b1ff-b293e264f0ef.png\")
Mark Burns installed a tiny pod studio at his property, which he uses as a physiotherapy clinic and home office. (Source: Mark Burns) <\/p>\n Mark Burns installed a tiny pod studio at his property, which he uses as a physiotherapy clinic and home office. (Source: Mark Burns) <\/p>\n
Prefabricated tiny homes<\/a> are growing in popularity as Aussies look for more affordable and quicker housing solutions or extra rental income. Hardware giant Bunnings<\/a> made waves when it announced a partnership to sell flat-pack \u201cpods\u201d recently, which require no development approvals and can be constructed in days<\/a>.<\/p>\n Physiotherapist Mark Burns installed a tiny pod studio<\/a> at his Kiama Downs property in May last year. The 8-metre by 2.4-metre space cost him $135,000 and now serves as a fully functioning physiotherapy clinic and home office, complete with a bathroom and shower.<\/p>\n Burns told Yahoo Finance the whole process took about six weeks, with the construction<\/a> of the pod on site taking just three days.<\/p>\n RELATED<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cTraditionally, because that would also have required the council development application \u2026 it would have been at least a three-month process for that to happen,\u201d Burns said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I had engaged a builder, I maybe could have got it for a similar price, but it would have included $10,000 or $15,000 worth of council stuff and probably six to nine months’ worth of council back and forth.\u201d<\/p>\n The tiny studio was manufactured by Elsewhere Pods and comes on wheels rather than being a fixed dwelling, which is how Burns was able to sidestep council development approvals<\/a>.<\/p>\n The electricity and plumbing are connected to his main home on the property, which is just 100 metres away.<\/p>\n Central Coast homeowner Martijn van Eijkelenborg installed two pods in November<\/a> last year for a little under $200,000.<\/p>\n The move allowed his family to double their living space for a fraction of the cost of a new home or an extension, adding 35 square metres.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that\u2019s still extremely affordable to double the floor space of your house, compared to having it designed by an architect and built \u2014 we\u2019d be almost pushing a $1 million,\u201d he told Yahoo.<\/p>\n Bunnings announced its partnership<\/a> with Elsewhere Pods last month. It offers two DIY backyard studios measuring 4-metres by 2.4-metres, and 2.7-metres by 2.4-metres for $42,900 and $26,100 respectively.<\/p>\n The products offered at Bunnings are limited<\/a> and the two pods are basic, with no bathroom or kitchen included.<\/p>\n Elsewhere Pods claims it is now fielding a call every 48 seconds and has gone from getting 10 to 15 inquiries a day to more than 500 calls a day since the deal with Bunnings was publicised.<\/p>\n \u201cAustralians are searching for smarter, faster and more affordable housing solutions – from backyard studios and granny flats to eco-tourism accommodation and full-time residences,\u201d founder Matt Decarne said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re seeing first-home buyers, downsizers, regional landowners and investors all reaching out to us and it reinforces housing innovation must play a central role in addressing affordability, supply constraints and lifestyle flexibility.\u201d<\/p>\n The company is now launching a $3 million capital raise to support its expansions, increasing its sales team and accelerating plans to expand warehouse and distribution capacity nationally.<\/p>\n Prefabricated and modular housing<\/a> has been touted as a potential solution to Australia\u2019s housing crisis, but they currently make up around 8 per cent of construction.<\/p>\n Recent government analysis shows some of these factory-built homes can be built up to 50 per cent faster than traditionally built homes.<\/p>\n Analysis from Mordor Intelligence suggests Australia’s prefabricated buildings market \u2013 which includes modular flatpack builds \u2013 is projected to grow by around 7 per cent a year to hit $18 billion by 2030.<\/p>\n Major lender Commonwealth Bank announced last year it would offer home loans for prehab homes in a banking first.<\/p>\n Burns said he expects flat-pack tiny dwellings like his will only become more popular given the logistical benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been great, even better than I expected. The finishing and the quality is unreal. Everyone comments on how sleek it looks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Burns recommended other Aussies do their research into what different companies are offering, along with any development approvals the could be required depending on the product specifications and your jurisdiction.<\/p>\n Get the latest Yahoo Finance news – follow us on <\/strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Burns paid $135,000 for the pre-fab pod studio, which includes a shower and bathroom. (Source: Mark Burns) <\/p>\n
Martijn van Eijkelenborg built two pods on his property. (Source: Martijn van Eijkelenborg) <\/p>\n