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Forget the quarter-acre block – caravans and motorhomes could be the new address of choice as Aussies look for creative ways to beat the cost-of-living crunch.
A Money.com.au consumer survey found 21 per cent of homeowners would consider downsizing all the way into a caravan if expenses kept rising, while 13 per cent said they’d happily swap bricks and mortar for a permanent life on the road.
Gen Z led the charge toward van life, followed by Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers.
The trend coincides with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s meeting this week to discuss its monetary policy for September.
Currently, Australia’s major financial institutions – Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac, National Australia Bank, and ANZ – anticipate no rate cut until at least November. As a result, the cash rate is expected to remain steady at 3.60 per cent.
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Money.com.au’s Finance Expert, Fi Ahlstrom said with a September rate cut unlikely, soaring house prices and rents are forcing people to rethink what ‘home’ actually means.
“With housing so expensive, especially in our capital cities, people are looking at options once seen as just for holidays, like living in a caravan,” she says.
“For some it’s a short-term fix while the cost of living is so high and for others it could become permanent. And with no real relief on the cost-of-living front, we’re likely to see this trend grow.
“But, it’s worth keeping in mind that caravans still come with costs like site fees, utilities, maintenance, registration and insurance, but for many they can still work out far cheaper than traditional rent or a mortgage.”
Ms Ahlstrom says it was interesting to note that younger Australians are especially open to the idea of living in a caravan.
“It really highlights how tough the affordability crisis is for young people and points to a generational shift toward more flexible, minimalist living,” she says.
“For some, it could even be a stepping stone, an alternative to moving back in with mum and dad, while they save for a house deposit.
“But I think it’s also part of a wider rethink of how we live. Think about tiny homes, van life and other low-cost options all gaining traction in the last five years.”
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Latest PropTrack figures show that national house price for a home now sits at $924,000, while units fetch $683,000 on average.
So why buy a house when you can take your home on the road for a fraction of the price?
LDV’s new Deliver 9 campervan certainly offers a compelling alternative to traditional homeownership, combining affordability with the freedom to explore.
Priced at just $89,990 drive-away, this factory-built camper is one of the most budget-friendly options in Australia, significantly undercutting rivals like the $157,990 Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan.
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The 2025 LDV Deliver 9 campervan may just be the answer to the housing crisis.
Priced at just $89,990 drive-away, this factory-built camper is one of the most budget-friendly options in Australia
Designed for modern adventurers, the Deliver 9 is a fully equipped mobile home.
It features a kitchen with a sink, fridge/freezer, microwave, and induction cooktop, as well as a toilet and both indoor and outdoor showers.
Clever touches include swivel seats, a foldaway dining table, a retractable awning, and a double bed that sets up in under a minute.
With a 100-litre fresh water tank, 100-litre grey water tank, and solar-powered off-grid capabilities, it’s ready for extended trips – or the ultimate tiny home on wheels.
Property listing proves Aussies are ready for alternative housing options
As the rising cost of living pushes Australians to rethink traditional housing, one South Australian property is proving just how far people are willing to go to save on household expenses.
Priced at just $128,000, the listing for Lot 361 O’Connor Rd, Coober Pedy, has sparked interest not for its two-bedroom home, but for the retired Adelaide Metro bus included in the sale.
And while some may marvel at the deal – it’s the dream of live on the road, not live in the outback, that could help seal the deal.
Selling agent Misty Mance from Andrews Property says the bus has become the star of the listing.
Lot 361 O’Connor Rd, Coober Pedy comes with a pretty cheap price tag.
Yep some buyers are only interested in an old bus that comes with the property.
Ms Mance has fielded multiple inquiries from buyers wanting to purchase the bus – but not the home – a testament to the growing appeal of alternative living.
“My answer to those potential buyers has been quick and firm: ‘No, it stays with the property,” she says.
“The current owner is just looking to move the property on (with the bus included).
“It can be quite a bit of a headache having to make the arrangements (to sell the home and the bus separately) and sometimes you can be further out of pocket doing that.”
The bus, originally part of the State Government Authority fleet, was brought to Coober Pedy by a previous owner and has been part of the property since at least 2013.
Read more here.
