News

Sustainable and minimalist, flexible and cost-effective – tiny houses are all this and much more. Since 2018, NEW HOUSING at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre has been showcasing what is possible now and what will be possible in the future. The seventh edition of Europe's most important event for small living will take place from 26 to 28 June.

Concept significantly expanded

It is not only private individuals who have discovered mini houses as an alternative to detached houses and apartment blocks. Campsite operators and investors are also increasingly discovering the appeal of small-space holidays and living for their customers. NEW HOUSING 2026 has a special offer for this group of visitors with its Business Day.

On NEW HOUSING Friday, experts will offer a programme specifically focused on the topic of investment. How do I find the right plot of land? How does cooperation with authorities work? How is the project financed? These and other questions will be discussed and clarified in deep dives, keynotes and individual tours. Business Day participants will also receive priority access to tiny houses.

"In the course of planning the next event and during our numerous discussions with players from the housing and tourism industries, it has become clear that more and more investors would like to include tiny houses in their portfolios. For campsite operators, mini houses offer a great opportunity to significantly improve the quality of their offerings. And with the so-called “Bauturbo” (construction turbo) passed in October 2025, local authorities now also have the opportunity to approve tiny houses in a simple and relatively uncomplicated manner and to actively design modular housing estates, infill developments and redensification with mini houses," says NEW-HOUSING project manager Florian Klag, continuing: ‘So there is interest in tiny houses and there is an enormous need for information. We are meeting this need with our Business Day. We bring together experts in mini houses and investors and decision-makers from local authorities.’

Popular festival

The popular Tiny House Festival organised by NEW HOUSING will continue to take place as usual. On all three days of the fair, visitors can expect more than 80 exhibitors with more than 30 houses. These include tiny houses on wheels, modular houses and more. Topics such as financing the houses, organising sanitary facilities, planting your own garden and CO2-neutral transport also have their place at NEW HOUSING. Visitors will thus gain innovative ideas and tailor-made solutions in the field of small living spaces.

This information is only available here

Many answers to questions about life can be found on the internet. However, the answers provided by experts on tiny house issues are only available at the Tiny Talks at NEW HOUSING. In 30-minute presentations, experienced residents and other tiny house professionals talk about everything interested parties need to know about small living spaces.

Exclusive workshops

The workshops have a permanent place in the festival programme. In 2024, they were resumed after a break of several years – and were immediately sold out. Last year, too, all available workshop places were sold out. A few weeks before the event, interested parties can find out which workshops are being offered this year on the NEW HOUSING website and then decide on one or more workshops.

The big little ones

Tiny doesn't always mean tiny. Some mini houses are slightly larger than others. And for those, there is the Tiny Giants Area at NEW HOUSING. In the outdoor area of the exhibition grounds, visitors can expect to find particularly sophisticated modular houses.

Festival atmosphere

Of course, no NEW HOUSING event would be complete without a festival. The green atrium in the heart of the Karlsruhe exhibition centre has been particularly popular for years. There, visitors will find music, food trucks, plenty of space to relax and good drinks.

More about mini house living

NEW HOUSING in June 2026 is the highlight in the calendar for all tiny house fans. But even outside of the event, NEW HOUSING is the first port of call for everything to do with small living. The news section contains a wealth of information on the topic. Anyone who wishes to can subscribe to the free newsletter. And there are even more insights to be found on Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. The NEW HOUSING podcast also focuses entirely on small living.

NEW HOUSING is the most important port of call when it comes to small living spaces of all kinds. Since 2018, exhibitors have been showcasing tiny houses and modular homes, as well as separate toilets, clever furniture ideas and much more at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre.

The Tiny Talks and workshops also provide visitors with valuable information on various topics such as financing, finding land and the tiny house spirit.

Podcast launched

Outside of the event, interested parties can already find out more about other topics in the news section of NEW HOUSING.

Now, the range of information options has been expanded with the NEW HOUSING podcast. Every month, Florian Klag and Matthias Jundt talk to industry players about a wide variety of topics.

Bauturbo and the Heidelberg project

The second episode focuses on the topics of Bauturbo and the Heidelberg project. They spoke with Johannes Laible, editor of Kleiner Wohnen magazine, and Fabian Müller, an expert in networking investors and local authorities.

The second episode is available HERE, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms.

Where can I find plots of land? How do I find the right manufacturers? Which type of house is the right one? And how is it all financed? Anyone who wants to invest in mini houses has many questions to answer. This is often time-consuming and not infrequently nerve-wracking.

The Business Day powered by Fabian Müller at NEW HOUSING on 26 June 2026 at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre provides a remedy. This will take place in parallel with and in addition to the Tiny House Festival (Friday to Sunday, 26 to 28 June).

Target groups: investors, tourism, local authorities

Business Day is aimed at three groups in particular. Investors such as project developers and housing associations gain early market access to high-yield residential concepts, the opportunity to exchange ideas with project partners and start-ups, and the best insight into trends, key figures and funding opportunities. Tourism providers such as campsites and leisure parks will learn about new accommodation concepts for adventure and nature tourism, gain inspiration from practical examples of successful providers, and discover innovation potential for sustainable tourism. Last but not least, representatives of local authorities will receive solutions to the housing shortage and for sustainable land use, as well as best practices from other cities and regions. Furthermore, they will have excellent contact with providers and an exchange on an equal footing.

‘There is an enormous need for information’

"In the course of planning the next event and during our numerous discussions with players from the housing and tourism industries, it has become clear that more and more investors would like to include tiny houses in their portfolios. For campsite operators, mini houses offer a great opportunity to significantly improve the quality of their own offerings. And with the so-called ‘Bauturbo’ (construction turbo) passed in October 2025, local authorities now have the opportunity to easily and comparatively uncomplicatedly approve tiny houses and actively design modular housing estates, infill developments and redensification with mini houses," says NEW-HOUSING project manager Florian Klag, continuing: ‘So there is interest in tiny houses and a huge need for information. We are addressing this with our Business Day. We are bringing together experts in mini houses and investors and decision-makers from local authorities.’

Schedule

The Business Day begins on Friday, 26 June, at 9:30 a.m. on the conference level of the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre. Admission is from 9 a.m. Participants have free access to the VIP car park. After the keynote speech by Fabian Müller, founder of vilcomo and expert in networking investors and local authorities, participants can decide which deep dives they want to attend. There are options available for local authorities, investors and the tourism sector.

We have secured some high-calibre speakers.

In the morning,

• Martin Riedißer, Managing Director of LBBW Immobilien, responsible for municipal strategies for land activation and vacant lot activation (local authority pillar),
• Michael Schlittenhelm, Iglu Camping Allgäu/Lake Constance, tiny house developer and operator on a leased camping site (Investors pillar)
• and Tanja Preuss, Tiny Houses for rent, tiny house projects for farmers, campsite operators and landowners (Tourism pillar).

At lunchtime,

• Fabian Müller, vilcomo, Tiny Wohnpark Heidelberg and Tiny Baulücke Singen (municipalities pillar),
• Marco Klein, Waldbund, Invest in Tiny House Resorts and Tiny House Developments on Land (investors pillar)
• and Max Couch, AlpAmi, From Development to Houses to Fully Digital Operation (tourism pillar).

After the deep dives, participants will have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of NEW HOUSING. There they will find more than 80 exhibitors from all areas of the mini-house world. In addition to exhibitors offering accessories, sanitary facilities, financial products and more, there will be more than 30 different tiny houses, modular houses and similar structures on display. To avoid long waiting times at the houses, the BUSINESS DAY ticket entitles you to use the Fastline. This avoids queuing at the entrance doors. The self-guided tour is the ideal way to visit the exhibitors that are important for your particular project.

Limited number of participants

The tour will be followed by a final get-together, again on the congress level of the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre. There, participants will have the opportunity to ask any final questions.

Tickets for the Business Day can be purchased via the NEW HOUSING ticket shop. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 150.

At a time when the need for nature experiences is merging with the desire for modern comfort, tiny houses on campsites are experiencing an unprecedented boom. While classic camping tourism in Germany set a new all-time record in 2025 with 44.7 million overnight stays, the industry has transformed itself into a highly diversified experience market by the beginning of 2026. Already today, one in eleven overnight stays in Germany takes place at a campsite. And as camping is constantly changing and camping companies are seizing opportunities to improve their earnings, the following opportunities are emerging for operators and guests:

1. Opportunities for campsite operators: efficiency meets lifestyle

For operators, tiny houses are much more than just a fashionable addition. They are a strategic tool for tapping into new customer groups and increasing profitability.

• Higher margins & year-round use: While traditional pitches for tents or caravans are often seasonal, mini houses allow for year-round rental. A tiny house on a pitch that would otherwise bring in 15 € for a tent can fetch between 80 € and 180 € per night, depending on the amenities.
• Tapping into the ‘non-camper’ market: Tiny houses attract guests who love the atmosphere of a campsite but don't want to forego their own bathroom, kitchen or proper bed. This opens the door to the lucrative ‘glamping’ segment.
• Space efficiency: As tiny houses are often mobile (on wheels or swap bodies), they are subject to simplified approval procedures on campsites in many federal states. They allow for high density while maintaining an exclusive character.

2. Opportunities for guests: pure nature with a ‘home port’ feeling

Today's guests are increasingly looking for ‘slow travel’ and sustainability without sacrificing aesthetics. Campsites offer solutions that meet high standards.

• Maximum comfort in minimum space: A tiny house offers the intimacy of a holiday apartment, but is surrounded by greenery. This provides security (solid walls, lock) and at the same time a social connection to campsite life.
• Sustainable holidays: For eco-conscious travellers, the tiny house is the ideal. The low consumption of resources in construction and operation (heating/electricity) contributes to a ‘green conscience’.
• Flexibility for families and couples: Modern mini houses are space wonders. They often offer sleeping space for up to four people and their own terraces, making them an attractive alternative to expensive hotels.

3. Market data and forecasts (2024–2026)

• Economic indicators: The camping industry in Germany generated gross sales of around 18.5 billion € in 2024. With the number of overnight stays continuing to grow, it can be predicted that the share of rental accommodation (tiny houses, lodges, glamping tents) in the total turnover of campsites will rise to well over 20 per cent by the end of 2026, as the willingness to pay in this segment is significantly higher than for traditional parcel camping.
• Expected turnover per unit: A well-utilised tiny house (approx. 160 days of occupancy) can generate annual revenue of around 21,000 € at an average price of around 130 €. After deducting operating costs and rent, the return on investment is many times higher than that of traditional pitches.

The market has developed as follows over the last two years:

• Guest overnight stays (GERMANY): 42,9 m. (2024) and 45 m. (trend 2026)
• Gross turnover Industry: 20,8 bn and 22,5 bn (trend 2026)
• Average price for a tiny house per night: 90 to 130 € and 110 to 160 €
• return on investment: 4 to 6 years and 3 to 5 years (by optimizatzion)

The tiny house on the campsite is the answer to structural change in tourism. It transforms the campsite into a resort-like nature hotspot. For operators, it is an investment in resilience against weather fluctuations, and for guests, it is the perfect escape from everyday urban life. Another example of cooperation is the fact that the Tiny House Association of Germany has been officially cooperating with the BVCD since 2026.

‘JUST RENT A TINY HOUSE ON AIRBNB. THEN WE'LL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT.’

How to get the most out of your trial living adventure. Ask important questions to find the right house for your trial.

What is trial living?

Trial living is a flexible term. The decision on the right offer depends largely on what practical experience you have already gained with tiny houses and what your expectations are for this next step. Do you just want to get a first impression of the size of a tiny house, spend one night in it or experience everyday life in it over several days? Below, we provide an overview of the different trial living options available and what insights you can gain from each of them for your journey.

The classic – Airbnb

The Airbnb platform now also offers its own search filter for tiny houses. This allows you to search for suitable offers advertised for rent in your desired region or even a specific location. However, these are often designed for holiday rentals and are therefore, in our opinion, offered at inflated prices. As the houses are not usually designed as primary residences due to their short-term use, they are well suited for getting a first impression of the space, but interaction with residents is rarely possible. While researching the platform, we were also inspired to offer our own mini house for rent there in the future, especially when we are away for several weeks. Under certain circumstances, this option of temporary rental may also be attractive to you as a source of additional income.

Insider platforms

Alternative platforms are quite similar to Airbnb in terms of their basic structure. At first glance, the appeal of ‘Naturhäuschen’ and “Ogrido”, for example, seems to be more personal and with a greater awareness of nature and interpersonal relationships. For example, you will also find offers for ‘work in exchange for accommodation’ there. These listings offer you the opportunity to actively participate in the host's life in addition to classic overnight accommodation, thereby saving money on your travels. In general, you should be aware that a large proportion of the tiny houses on online platforms use land that is not approved for full-time residence or as a primary residence. So don't be blinded by the idyllic locations by the water, in the forest, between fields or in the mountains. However, such offers are wonderful for getting a first impression of the tiny living concept itself. [...]

Of course, the trial living was a lot of fun and we were able to have some great experiences as we put some of our theories to the test. Not all trial living experiences really helped us move forward.

To save time and money, we recommend that you make a concrete plan in advance of what experiences you want to have and what information you need in order to make decisions. The following criteria can help you find the right offer for you:

1. Location and surroundings

• Does the location meet your needs?
• Will the house be used as your main residence or is there a possibility of this?
• Can your desired lifestyle be achieved with the existing infrastructure?

2. Facilities

• Do the room layout and furnishings suit your everyday routine?
• Does the house meet your sustainability standards?
• Is the property developed, is the house connected to utilities, and are all the amenities relevant to everyday life fully usable?
• Are all the structural details visible, or do renovations prevent you from seeing the construction in its entirety?
• To what extent is the outdoor area considered as extended living space?

3. Costs and finances

• Could you afford to buy the house?
• Could you afford to maintain the house?

4. Community and social life

• Does the neighbourhood suit your lifestyle?
• Is there an opportunity to get to know your neighbours in advance?

5. Communication with the provider

• Tell the landlord in advance why you want to try out the house, so that they can answer any questions you may have in advance or obtain helpful information, such as electricity consumption, from their records.
• If necessary, take a look at previous reviews of the accommodation and critically question whether these match or are compatible with your expectations of the tiny house. [...]

Of course, you will gain the most realistic experience in a house that is permitted to be used as a primary residence. In the best case scenario, your contact person even lives in the house themselves and has simply sublet it to you. This means you have someone at your side to help you realistically assess your impressions afterwards. To document your thoughts, it is advisable to record them during or at least shortly after your stay. [...]

The options for trial living, insights into the diverse experiences of Chris & Caro, and how you can gain the best insights yourself are the topics covered in chapter 4 of 10.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE BOOK BY CHRIS & CARO

Click here for an insight into Chapter 1

Click here for an insight into Chapter 2

And click here for an insight into Chapter 3

Type 1: The tiny house on wheels

A tiny house on wheels is probably the best-known type of tiny house. This type of tiny house is mounted on a trailer with its own road registration and must therefore comply with both road traffic regulations and building regulations if it is to be used for permanent living.

A tiny house on wheels often gives the illusion that it can be parked anywhere and moved around flexibly. In fact, it is subject to the same installation and approval requirements as a stationary building, and the wheels have no influence on the approval process.

Double regulation for tiny houses on wheels

In Germany, there is a development obligation, which means that the erection of a building must comply with building and usage regulations. This double regulation makes planning and implementation particularly challenging, as the tiny house must be designed to meet two completely different sets of requirements.

The necessary connection work for water, electricity and sewage alone, as well as the stable installation of the house, make the project more complex than it initially appears. A tiny house on wheels should therefore only be chosen if you want the option of moving it to another location independently.

However, anyone looking for a long-term housing solution should be aware that mobility often remains only a theoretical advantage and that the real challenges lie in the legal and infrastructural implementation. This is because every move also means that the permit situation has to be checked again at the new location.

Would you like to read more about other types of mini houses, such as mobile homes, modular houses and small prefabricated houses? Then take a look at the magazine Kleiner Wohnen.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ISSUE

The text was written by Anika Falke, Natalie Sochan and Roxana Sochan from Tiny University. Tiny University is an online platform with verified information and expert knowledge for those interested in tiny houses – whether as a dream home or a business. Participants receive comprehensive support through self-study courses, weekly live calls and an exclusive community.

Is there going to be a boom in tiny house construction? At least the course has been set for this. In October 2025, the federal government, led by Federal Minister of Construction Verena Hubertz, approved the so-called Bauturbo (construction turbo).

In short, the construction turbo describes a special provision in the Building Code that aims to simplify construction and thus create more living space by means of fewer regulations and faster approval procedures. Development plans are to be more flexible, and municipalities are to have more opportunities to approve construction projects.

Special regulation applies until 2030

Minister Hubertz is quoted on her Ministry of Construction website as saying: "With the construction turbo, we have a new and bold instrument that will move our country forward. It is an experimental clause and an opportunity for our cities and municipalities. Now it's up to the city councils, building departments and local authorities. They can apply the Bau-Turbos and build wherever possible. They can redensify, add storeys, expand and repurpose. It's a piece of pragmatic progress that many want for our country. We, as the Federal Ministry of Construction, will support local authorities as best we can in applying the Bau-Turbos."

The construction turbo came into force on 30 October 2025 and will remain in effect until 31 December 2030. The traffic light coalition already wanted to get the construction turbo off the ground. However, the end of the government constellation got in the way of this plan.

Mini houses are not explicitly mentioned in the special regulation. Johannes Laible, publisher of the magazine ‘Kleiner Wohnen’ (Small Living), among others, sees the construction boom as a real opportunity for tiny houses and the like, as he told NEW HOUSING: "There are areas within the scope of the legislative amendment that affect small buildings. This mainly concerns building in the second row, for example in the gardens of detached houses. However, the change also affects additions to normal buildings, as well as garages. This in particular has been discussed repeatedly. Small buildings could be placed on garages in larger residential projects. This was not possible until now."

The will of the municipality is decisive

But this is where the construction boom comes in, Laible continues: "In future, a municipality can allow extensions, for example on garages, if it wants to. The same applies to second-row construction. Until now, municipalities often said that their hands were tied, that they could not allow this because the development plan did not permit it. However, it is important to note that the municipality can still say no.‘

From discussions at NEW HOUSING, the Tiny House Association, of which Laible is a member, also knows that many projects have failed so far due to overly rigid development plans: ’Many people told us that they would like to vacate their detached house for their children. And at the same time, they want to build a tiny house for themselves in the garden." Laible also sees this as an opportunity for society, as it could bring generations closer together again.

‘The door is open for a boom’

So will we see significantly more tiny houses in our towns and villages in the future? Laible: ‘If the local authorities want it, then we are in for a tiny house boom. The construction boom also regulates niche developments where it used to be difficult. Once we see the first projects where this works, many more could follow.’

The Federal Ministry of Construction also emphasises the role and willingness of local authorities, as a spokesperson told NEW HOUSING in response to an enquiry: "The construction turbo and planning law in general do not distinguish between tiny houses built on solid ground and other residential uses. The extent to which tiny houses benefit from the construction turbo will therefore depend in particular on whether local authorities grant the necessary approval for the respective project. According to Section 36a (1) sentence 3 of the BauGB, the local authority will grant its approval if the project is in line with its ideas on urban development and planning."

State building regulations decisive

State building regulations are also decisive in determining whether tiny houses may be built. ‘The state building regulations govern whether or not the erection of tiny houses requires a permit. The regulations vary from state to state. In most cases, a building permit (simplified procedure) will be required for tiny houses. In some cases, depending on the state, tiny houses may also fall under the category of construction projects that do not require a permit or are exempt from approval,’ the ministry continues.

Whether the requirements for the permissibility of structures are met must be assessed by the local authority and, if necessary, the state supervisory authorities, based on local conditions. Tiny houses fall into building class 1 (small buildings) with the lowest requirements.

With its newly created Business Day, NEW HOUSING 2026 offers the ideal opportunity for municipal representatives. On the Friday of the trade fair, experts will discuss all the important issues surrounding tiny house projects that are relevant to municipalities.

INFO: IMPLEMENTATION LAB

The Bau-Turbo implementation lab supports local authorities in making targeted and effective use of the new scope provided by Section 246e of the German Building Code (BauGB). The aim is to create affordable housing more quickly and in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

The focus is on joint learning and testing practical solutions and direct feedback into policy and legislation. To this end, the implementation lab connects local authorities that use (or want to use) Bau-Turbo to form a collaborative learning and exchange platform: open, courageous, solution-oriented.

All local authorities facing the task of creating sustainable and affordable housing are invited to participate, regardless of whether concrete projects are already underway or initial ideas are just emerging. Each local authority brings valuable experience that will help advance the construction turbo.

Text: Ministry of Construction

With the new possibilities for local authorities to deviate from the development plan and allow buildings in the second row and extensions on garages or commercial units, the tiny house industry could be on the verge of a boom, says association chairwoman Regina Schleyer.

The Tiny House Association therefore supports the German government's new legislative package, which responds to the trend and promotes small buildings in particular through simplification and greater efficiency in the construction industry. With a short construction time of sometimes only a few days on site, modular houses and tiny houses can be erected particularly quickly – especially if the requirements for building permits are handled more flexibly in future. The Federal Ministry of Construction has launched an implementation laboratory to design the construction turbo in a practical manner. The Tiny House Association is actively involved in this.

Association chairwoman Regina Schleyer highlights the many opportunities that second-row construction in particular offers as part of the current easing of regulations. In future, tiny houses could be built in many single-family gardens for grandparents to live in while the young family moves into the family home. This would alleviate the housing shortage and strengthen family cohesion.

Many people interested in tiny houses experience rejection when searching for land and assume that tiny houses are generally not permitted in Germany. In practice, however, it is not the tiny house itself that is rejected, but often the way in which the building project is communicated and presented.

Unclear terminology, lack of preparation for discussions with local authorities and false expectations regarding building regulations lead to avoidable rejections. Those who present their project in a factual, understandable and legally correct manner significantly increase their chances of finding a suitable plot of land.

In a free online live training session on 1 February 2026, Tiny University will show you which strategy to use to find plots of land and what really matters in discussions with building authorities and local councils. But even after the training, the creators of Tiny University will continue to provide support and advice.

Outside of the event, interested parties can already find out more about other topics in the news section of NEW HOUSING.

Now, the range of information options has been expanded with the NEW HOUSING podcast. Every month, Florian Klag and Matthias Jundt talk to industry players about a wide variety of topics.

In the first episode, the two look back with Regina Schleyer on what happened in the Tiny Year 2025 and look ahead to what is coming in 2026. They discuss recently launched and planned tiny house projects, plans for NEW HOUSING 2026 and more.

The first episode is available HERE, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms.

The NEW HOUSING team recently published a survey of readers of its free newsletter. Nearly 70 people took part.

According to the survey, around a third of respondents are between 51 and 60 years old. This is consistent with visitors to NEW HOUSING in previous years. The number of participants decreases with age.

41 per cent live as a couple

According to the survey, 44 per cent of those who took part live alone. 41 per cent live with one other person in a household. 15 per cent said they share a flat or house with three or more people.

Nine percent already live in a tiny house, six percent have only recently moved in. 33 percent of those surveyed do not yet live in a mini house, but are planning to do so in the near future. Just under half of the participants do not yet live in a tiny house, but can imagine doing so in a few years.

Respondents were also asked about their interest in small living spaces. The clear winner is modular houses. These living spaces, which can be enlarged, reduced or modified depending on the stage of life and needs, are of great interest to 72 per cent of respondents.

Respondents were asked which tiny house topics they were interested in. Multiple answers were possible. In second place in terms of interest were the topics of building law and land. This was followed by furniture and interiors, as well as accessories such as toilets, with just under 50 per cent.

Greatest interest in modular houses

A good third are interested in tiny houses on wheels. NEW HOUSING will also be showcasing a large number of the mini houses that once sparked the tiny house movement. A similar number of participants said they were interested in consulting, planning, technology and smart homes. A quarter are looking for information on financing mini houses.

NEW HOUSING already offers products and information on all these areas of interest. Participants were also asked in which areas they would like to see more at NEW HOUSING. The topics mentioned were housing for the elderly, second-hand tiny houses, wheelchair-accessible tiny houses, suppliers of mobile garages and thermal insulation. Das NEW-HOUSING-Team hat jüngst eine Umfrage unter den Lesenden des kostenfreien Newsletters veröffentlicht. Knapp 70 Menschen haben teilgenommen.

When searching for the right house that meets your needs, the next question immediately follows: Which provider is right for me?

There are now more than 100 tiny house providers in Germany. They range from local, traditional carpentry businesses to international companies with modular series production. The models are as diverse as the people who live in them: from minimalist 10 m² houses on wheels to modular houses with spa bathrooms, green roofs and smart energy supply. The choice is more diverse than ever these days – and can therefore quickly overwhelm those interested in the orientation phase.

Since the decision for the right provider has far-reaching consequences for the future centre of your life, it is worth taking a structured approach. After all, the right partner turns a design into a home.

Step 1: Clarify your own wishes

Before comparing providers, it is worth taking a look inside yourself. How do I actually want to live? How big should the house be – and how mobile? Will it stay in one place permanently or be moved regularly? What equipment is essential, and how high is the available budget, including additional costs for permits, transport, foundations and connections?

Do I want to help build it or have a turnkey house? Only once these questions have been answered is it worth looking at specific suppliers. And even then, what looks good on paper may not necessarily suit your lifestyle. Not every supplier covers every concept. That's why the previous questions help you set the initial filters. At best, a tiny house is not a finished product that you should buy ‘off the shelf’ – even if some websites or suppliers give that impression. Every project is unique.

And that's exactly why it's so important to be clear about how you want to live. To get a better feel for your own needs, it's also worth reflecting on your previous living experiences and taking these insights into account when looking at tiny houses.

‘IF WE LEASE A PLOT OF LAND, WE CAN MOVE HOUSE AT SHORT NOTICE.’ You should take this into account so that you can implement your project on your plot of land and realise your dream home.

Do you love meeting your neighbours in the hallway or at the garden fence, or do you have absolutely no desire for small talk and therefore try to avoid superficial contact in everyday life? Do you occasionally ring strangers' doorbells and ask for the missing packet of flour for your cake, or would you rather stop baking than ask for help?

What sounds funny are actually exciting control questions to help you find the right combination of tiny house model, plot type and neighbourhood situation for you. Just one wall separating you from your nearest neighbour, or would you prefer a whole forest? Residential area or city centre? In principle, you have to make similar decisions with a tiny house as you would with a normal house or flat. Only moving into a community-based settlement or even founding your own is a special case that is usually only feasible with tiny houses. Perhaps this is why those interested in tiny houses have a romantic idea of living together. [...]

Before you start looking for a specific plot of land, you should better understand how important the factors of ownership and security are to you in this regard. The following questions may help you with this:

• How often have I changed my place of residence so far and what were the reasons for this?
• How dependent is my career on my place of residence?
• What role do local acquaintances or commitments play in my life?
• How important is a stable environment for me if I have children?

The bare figures can also help with the decision-making process: on average, one square metre of building land for detached or semi-detached houses cost around €218 in 2023 – and the trend is rising. When we considered the decision to buy vs. rent/lease, we came up with the following projection. It takes into account the assumed development of the lease price for a tiny house plot based on the enquiries we made ourselves and discussions with operators of community projects. You should therefore consider the following when making your decision:

• The minimum lease term is usually one year.
• In addition to the lease, there are one-off connection costs for electricity, fresh water and sewage connections of approximately €3,000 to €4,000 per plot.
• The monthly rent or lease is usually around €1.00 per square metre and is adjusted for inflation.
• Monthly advance payments for utilities (including a flat rate for water consumption), which range from €50 to €95 depending on the size of the plot and the number of people, are added to this. [...]

A guide to choosing the right plot of land for your lifestyle, understanding the criteria for buying or leasing, basic knowledge about building permits and land development are the topics covered in chapter 3 of 10.

A tiny house on wheels, which is often built on a trailer, is certainly the most common design in the tiny house community. Even though we have seen a trend towards modular construction without wheels in recent years, this approach reflects the origins of the movement in Germany and continues to inspire many people.

Maximum 3.5 tonnes

The version with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes is particularly appealing to interested parties, as it can be moved by car. However, there are also models that have wheels but require a different towing vehicle due to their dimensions and/or weight.

Modular construction is becoming increasingly important in the context of tiny living because it creates living space that can be adapted quickly and economically. Unlike tiny houses on wheels, this approach focuses less on mobility and more on the possibility of creating an individual home in a short construction time using prefabricated modules – whether as a permanent residence, a temporary retreat or an addition to existing buildings.

Only the advantages considered?

Since many modular systems are built on classic point or strip foundations, they are quite similar to conventional building types – but with significantly less space requirements. Many people with whom we discuss their dream of living in a mini house have already made their decisions about building details at an early stage. This includes the decision of whether the house should have wheels or not. When asked about their reasons, they often only have the advantages in mind.

To be honest, it took us months of intensive research to look at the entire range of different tiny house models and construction methods and work out the general advantages and disadvantages of a tiny house. This was important to us so that we could later assess the challenges associated with choosing a particular construction method.

At this point, we would like to review our personal decision-making process ‘wheels or no wheels?’ once again:

• 2020: Enthusiasm for mobile working and living.
• Therefore, focus on tiny houses with wheels; land should be leased.
• First trial living: The impression is confirmed that many structural compromises have to be made for mobility: Height restrictions only allow limited standing room on the second floor; maximum height 4.00 m, with the consequence that there is only one sleeping berth.
• Legal framework: In Germany, a building permit is required for any building intended for permanent residence.
• Insight: Processing time and costs severely limit short-term relocation.
• At the same time, we fundamentally reflected on our life plans: travelling and mobile working have increased the importance of a ‘home base’ and familiar workplace; striving for a permanent centre of life, also with a view to putting down roots and starting a family.
• Insight: We will probably rarely move the tiny house in practice.
• 2021: Decision in favour of a stationary yet flexible modular house on point foundations; modular expansion or subsequent reduction in size of the house are taken into account.

Chapter 2 of 10 covers extensive information on the basic advantages and disadvantages of a mini house, a detailed distinction between tiny houses on wheels and modular construction, and a multi-layered overview of (hidden) costs.

Click here for the entire book by Chri&Caro.

For future builders, it often starts with a quiet longing for less. The idea of owning a tiny house on a sunny plot of land conjures up images of freedom, clarity and self-determination. Owners of unused building plots often want to combine pleasure with practicality: instead of maintenance costs and property tax expenses, they would rather generate rental income and provide living space.

But it's not quite that simple. This article offers practical guidance for both groups. It shows what is important when analysing a plot of land for a tiny house.

1. Building regulations

What can actually be built here? Not every vacant plot of land is automatically buildable – and certainly not with one or more tiny houses. The decisive factors are the location of the plot and what the development plan or building regulations allow. In general, building is permitted in inner areas (§ 34 BauGB) – i.e. within built-up areas – if the project fits in with the surrounding development. In outer areas (§ 35 BauGB) – i.e. outside built-up areas – building is generally prohibited, except for privileged uses such as agriculture.

If a development plan (B-Plan) exists, it specifies more detailed rules, such as building boundaries, roof shapes, type of use (residential/commercial) or maximum floor area and floor space index. Tiny houses – just like conventional single-family homes – are classified as Class I buildings. Formally, this means they are often permitted, but in practice it can sometimes be difficult because they do not meet the required building dimensions.

Regulations from the German Land Use Ordinance (Baunutzungsverordnung), the State Building Code (Landesbauordnung) and possible protected areas such as landscape or nature conservation areas can also restrict development. Furthermore, possible entries in the land register should be checked, such as rights of way or building encumbrances in favour of third parties, which may influence the development.

Tip: A preliminary building application to the relevant authority provides legal certainty at an early stage – for both landowners and builders.

Would you like to read the whole text? You can do so in the magazine Kleiner Wohnen. There you can find out what else there is to read about the other points: ‘Development: Is the technology available here?’, ‘Location: Is the property suitable for everyday life?’, ‘Topography and access’ and ‘Renting or letting the property’.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ISSUE

The text was written by Madeleine Krenzlin. She is the founder and managing director of IndiViva and lives in a tiny house herself. IndiViva GmbH is a Germany-wide consulting and planning company for modular houses, mini houses and tiny houses. IndiViva works with landowners to develop viable and fair concepts for their building plots for rent and offers a legally secure rental agreement.

(A text by Fabian Müller)

The situation in many German cities is clear: pressure on the housing market is increasing, while at the same time, land availability, ecological requirements and urban planning conditions are forcing more sustainable and flexible solutions. This is exactly where our project in Heidelberg comes in – a tiny house neighbourhood based on a lease model that consistently focuses on dismantlability, reusability and modular construction – the advantages of tiny houses.

But who are we? We are Achim Pätzold, an experienced project developer and construction team leader, and Fabian Müller, a municipal consultant, tiny house expert and building land developer. We have joined forces to develop an absolute beacon of housing creation. The term ‘beacon’ is now already used when a multi-family house is built from wood. But we are really breaking new ground – ten-year urban leasehold, development, letting, demolition. We are taking 100 per cent of the risk because we believe in it. No sale, no further safeguards. We believe in the tiny house and its strengths.

The city of Heidelberg is providing us with the space for a period of ten years. This setting creates unusually clear guidelines: every structural intervention must be reversible, ecologically sound and economically viable. So we are not talking about temporary architecture in the classic sense, but about a fully-fledged, high-quality residential quarter that has been deliberately planned so that it can be dismantled or reused elsewhere at the end of its useful life without causing any lasting damage to the urban fabric.

The basis for this is the purchase of 36 high-quality modules from SchwörerHaus KG, a regional, family-run company that consistently shares the philosophy: ‘When we do a project, we do it right.’ This shared attitude shapes the entire development logic. The modules are optimised in terms of their building physics, energy efficient and prepared for later relocation – a decisive quality feature in the context of temporary neighbourhood strategies.

Participation as a location factor

One special feature of the project is already clear today: within a month, over 600 active prospective residents have registered – people who are not only looking for a flat, but also want to help shape the neighbourhood. Tiny living does not work as an isolated product, but as a social structure: community-driven, user-centred, lively.

This response not only confirms the concept, but also shows that reversible forms of living have long been meeting a real market demand that traditional housing projects often fail to satisfy.

(Florian Klag interviewed Fabian Müller about the Heidelberg project. The video can be viewed HERE.)

Conclusion: An urban prototype for new living realities

Tiny living in an urban context is no longer a niche phenomenon, but a serious building block for future urban development. The combination of reversible modules, clear time frames, high construction quality and active user participation makes the Heidelberg project a transferable model that local authorities in Germany can use as a reference.

We are opening in 2026 – and we see this neighbourhood not as an end product, but as a catalyst for a new generation of flexible urban spaces in which living, ecology and economic rationality are in balance.

Hello Florian, welcome to the NEW-HOUSING team.

FLK: Thank you very much. I am very pleased to be able to continue shaping this great trade fair together with the team.

You have already gained a lot of experience in the trade fair business. Tell us a little about your career.

FLK: My professional career has been pretty much shaped by trade fairs. I already worked for Messe Frankfurt's trade fair caterer during my studies. And then, when I saw a job at a private trade fair organiser in Mannheim, I knew that's where I wanted to be. From Mannheim, I then worked in various positions for a wide range of trade fairs in the DACH region. These included topics such as rehabilitation and care, but also “Zukunft Kommune”, a trade fair that originated in Karlsruhe. I believe it started at the fairgrounds back then. Through the personnel trade fairs “Zukunft Personal” and “PERSONAL”, I also got to know Messe Karlsruhe as a guest at LEARNTEC. That's how I ended up starting here in January 2014, initially for LEARNTEC, of course, but also for IT-Trans and industrial trade fairs such as WTT-Expo and HallTtec.

And then you spent ten years as project manager for NUFAM, the commercial vehicle trade fair organised by Messe Karlsruhe. Tell me, how did you go from big trucks to small houses? Why did you decide to make the change?

FLK: First of all, I had a great time at NUFAM. I was able to help shape the transport industry's journey towards CO2 neutrality and gain a lot of skills. But after such a long time, I was simply very curious to try something new. And NEW HOUSING offers me the opportunity to develop a project, however small it may be compared to other events at our company, and to contribute my ideas to ensure that the trade fair becomes an indispensable part of the annual planning, both for us and for visitors.

So now, as project manager, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that NEW HOUSING continues to develop. What are your wishes and goals for Europe's largest trade fair for alternative forms of living?

FLK: First and foremost, of course, that we will be economically successful and also serve as a flagship for the city of Karlsruhe. Until now, NEW HOUSING has been particularly associated with its festival character and geared towards end customers. In other words, those who want to move into a tiny house themselves. The next step for an economically secure future must be to open up the event to a specialist audience and make it attractive. NEW HOUSING should not only be seen as a festival, but should also offer real added value for companies and local authorities. There are basically two key components here. On the one hand, there are exhibitors who offer investors future-proof products and services, which often overlap with the needs of private customers, giving us a good basis. On the other hand, NEW HOUSING will also offer the opportunity to obtain targeted, curated and prepared specialist knowledge in the future. What contributes particularly strongly to this, as I notice every day in every conversation with my colleagues, is that everyone involved in our company, but also important partners, are very passionate about what they do and thus create a very special spirit. For me, it is essential to maintain this.

"Finally finding a plot of land for a tiny house. Many dream of this, but most fail at this very point. This made the interest in our online live training course “Finally find your tiny house plot” all the greater, and we were delighted to welcome over 80 motivated participants. We didn't choose the topic at random, but conducted a survey among the steadily growing tiny house community beforehand. The result was clear: finding a plot of land is the first major challenge.

Why the topic is so important

The desire for a simpler, self-determined life is growing. Tiny houses stand for exactly that. But before it comes to design, planning or the actual purchase, there is one central question:

Where can a tiny house legally be located if I want to live in it permanently?

Many interested parties simply do not know where to start, what they need to look for in their search and how they can search differently from most people. They often struggle through the usual property portals and are frustrated because there are rarely suitable plots of land for tiny houses.

Lack of listings on property portals

This is simply because land sellers mostly advertise building plots for conventional houses. Many landowners are not yet aware of tiny houses as an alternative type of construction, nor that they can offer their land for lease only. As a result, these plots of land usually do not end up on property portals.

‘Grandchild plots’

There is no shortage of suitable plots in Germany, but rather a lack of knowledge about tiny houses as an option for plots that cannot otherwise be built on, as a normal-sized house would not fit on them, or about the temporary buildability with the option of leasing, for example, so-called grandchild plots. In these cases, the plot is not yet to be built on, but also not to be sold, as it is being kept free for the grandchildren. These plots are ideal for temporary use for ten to 15 years. Prerequisite: the owners must be aware of this possibility, otherwise they cannot offer it.

This also leads to misunderstandings when interested parties come forward with the idea of using a plot of land for a tiny house. Here, too, the owners often do not know whether a tiny house development is possible and reject the idea as a precaution. Similar frustration also arises in some communications with the local authority when the ideas of the case worker and the tiny house builder diverge.

Live training creates knowledge

But all this frustration is unnecessary, because there are more than enough plots of land and opportunities to legally realise the dream of owning your own tiny house. All you need is the right knowledge and a strategy. We shared our still-secret strategy outside of Tiny University for the first time.

In the live training, we showed specifically where to find plots of land that are under the radar, how to immediately recognise which plots are realistically buildable, and what role authorities really play when it comes to your tiny houses.

Our own search method, which we developed because the previously promised parking space suddenly disappeared shortly before we moved into our tiny house, was a real highlight. Participants received a clear, actionable step-by-step structure that they can use immediately.

Practical examples that inspire

Real tiny house projects from our daily work were particularly inspiring. Many were surprised at how much is possible when you know the way. This was followed by a lively and open question and answer session. At the end, the participants were highly motivated to start looking for land immediately using this special strategy.

Why we offer this training

At Tiny University, we accompany people on their entire journey to owning their own tiny house – from developing a minimalist mindset to building regulations and planning, right through to implementation as their own living space or rental property. We know where the biggest uncertainties lie. And we know how much easier and faster projects progress when you don't have to tackle issues such as finding a plot of land on your own. This training was part of our mission to make tiny houses socially acceptable in Germany and to give people the confidence to successfully realise their project.

Outlook

Due to strong demand, we are considering offering the live training course on a regular basis in the future. In addition, we offer a free orientation meeting to assess whether we can support interested parties with their individual projects, because every tiny house and every plot of land is as unique as its owner.

Those who wish to continue after the training will find a structured introduction to the 12-month Tiny University programme. Further information can be found on our website www.tinyuniversity.de. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@tinyuniversity.de."

Chapter 1: UNDERSTANDING TINY LIVING

‘We'll buy a tiny house and lease a nice plot of land. Done.’ Reality check – Get a feel for what it really means to live in your own tiny house."

Insight into Chapter 1.1 From social media dream to vision

This scenario is probably familiar to you: you're lying on your sofa, swiping through breathtaking photos of beautiful tiny houses once again. Sometimes you see yourself in the house pictured in your mind's eye and dream of a slower pace of life in the countryside.

In our digitalised world, we have endless opportunities to inform ourselves and find inspiration for our own path. In February 2024, the search term ‘tiny house Germany’ alone returned approximately 18 million results on Google within 0.36 seconds.

The downside of this, however, is that we can be overwhelmed by the flood of information and seduced by romantic photo galleries without any deeper background information. Instagram, for example, offers more than 3.5 million posts under the hashtag #tinyhouse. These houses are often located in spectacular places around the world.

The buildings are immaculate, nestled in nature and, of course, exemplary tidy. Not to mention influencers who report on how they built their own houses. This often gives the impression that building a tiny house is something anyone can do quickly with just a few simple steps and basic craftsmanship skills. We have the utmost respect for every do-it-yourself mini house, but when we look at some of the projects presented, we do wonder how feasible they are in terms of obtaining planning permission.

After all, construction requires more than just expertise in a wide range of trades. Working in a small space is an additional challenge that is often underestimated. We have also seen experienced tradespeople struggle with the limited space available, for example when installing sanitary facilities...

Click here for the book

The key players here are not those interested in tiny houses, but rather the landowners. In Germany, you can't just park a tiny house anywhere – on the contrary, there are strict legal requirements. Although there are thousands of plots of land in this country that are suitable for tiny house projects in principle, very few of them can be used spontaneously.

Why?

There is a lack of legal, infrastructural and conceptual preparation. This is where the work of a building land developer begins: 90 per cent of tiny house construction consists of developing and preparing the site, with the rest being the actual construction of the houses themselves. These are the essential steps in building land development: Concept – from empty plot to well-planned tiny house park

A plot of land does not become buildable through good intentions, but through planning and structure. Before even a single tiny house is erected, a coherent concept for the plot must be in place. This first involves clarifying the building law situation: does the site already have building rights for residential purposes or does municipal approval first have to be obtained? Nothing can be done without valid building rights – a local authority must approve a tiny house project, if necessary via development plans or exemptions. In the concept, we also define the type of use: should a tiny house park enable permanent living, temporary living or tourist use? The requirements for building rights and design depend on this.

It is equally essential to involve neighbours and local politicians from the outset. Without early communication, new forms of housing often meet with reservations in the community. The building land developer therefore seeks early dialogue with residents and community representatives, presents the concept and takes concerns seriously. Through transparent planning and participation, acceptance can be created before the first sod is turned. Nothing would be worse than a tiny house project failing due to neighbourhood protests or local political vetoes because the concept was not communicated properly.

Another component of the concept is location analysis and land use planning. What are the characteristics of the property? How many tiny houses could be sensibly placed on it without overloading the site? Questions of development are important – i.e. where connections for water, sewage and electricity are located and how access is provided. A tiny house site needs basic infrastructure, otherwise it remains a vision on a ‘greenfield site’. All these considerations are incorporated into a concrete site layout and a draft plan. Ideally, the concept process will result in a finished draft plan that shows how tiny houses can be built here – legally permissible, spatially sensible and with the support of local stakeholders.

A well-designed room uses visual openness, clean lines, sensibly placed furniture and well-thought-out layouts to create a feeling of spaciousness, regardless of the actual square footage. Since the layout of small houses must offer very compact and efficient solutions, planning a small building is even more important than for a relatively large house.

Avoid space mistakes

Even the smallest planning mistake can not only affect the quality of the building, but also have a negative impact on how it is perceived. In small houses in particular, a lack of spatial planning often leads to wasted space, visual overload, clutter, chaos and a lack of flexibility. It is therefore not only the amount of space available in the room planning that is crucial, but also how the overall concept of the house is developed.

It is particularly important to clearly define the purpose of the house from the outset. After all, a small building intended for holiday rentals requires different solutions than a house that is permanently inhabited. What really matters when planning small holiday homes Holiday guests expect one thing above all else in accommodation: simple, intuitive functions that are self-explanatory to use.

This is important to consider when it comes to holiday accommodation

Short-term rentals in particular focus less on everyday life and more on the experience. For this reason, holiday accommodation should also be designed to offer guests a special stay characterised by relaxation, retreat and comfort. The more extraordinary the design of a house, for example through exclusive design, impressive views or high-quality furnishings with large panoramic windows and special furniture, the higher the occupancy rate and the more memorable the stay will be.

When planning holiday accommodation, practical aspects are just as important as design and the experience factor in order to ensure comfort and smooth everyday use. The focus here is primarily on materials that can withstand high guest numbers and rapid wear and tear, as well as good accessibility for cleaning staff. Sufficient storage space for luggage and open storage areas in the bathroom help to make the stay uncomplicated for guests.

Well thought out

The floor plan also plays a central role. At first glance, sleeping areas on mezzanines appear to be particularly space-saving, but in everyday use they prove to be impractical, especially when making the beds or cleaning the area becomes too cumbersome and time-consuming for staff. Technically sophisticated solutions or multifunctional furniture can become an obstacle if their operation is not self-explanatory. Instead, the room concept should be reminiscent of a well-designed hotel room that is clear and functional.

Get the full text HERE.

From the smallest to the small but mighty, from those on wheels to those on water, from those on bicycles to those with carports – anyone who thinks that tiny houses are all the same is mistaken. The range offered by the mini house sector is huge. The sixth edition of NEW HOUSING from 27 to 29 June once again impressively demonstrated what small living means.

In addition to accessories, furniture, property search options, house financing and more, the approximately 80 exhibitors showcased more than 30 mini houses of various designs. The Tiny Giants Area featured the big little ones, modular houses up to 50 square metres in size.

"It's always exciting for me to see the areas and stages of life in which mini houses are used and can add value. Every year, our exhibitors demonstrate that the range and possible applications are almost endless. Whether as a retirement home, a holiday home or for rental, mini houses are true all-rounders. I am very excited to see where the journey will take us. In addition to the exhibitors, our visitors make the festival an event unlike any other in the trade fair landscape. The positive, creative and relaxed atmosphere inspires me anew every year," says Ramona Jonait, project manager of NEW HOUSING.

Small giants: modular houses in high demand

In addition to the Tiny Giants, exhibitors presented classic Tiny Houses on Wheels in timber frame or lightweight aluminium construction. Micro-apartments were also a popular destination for visitors. Almost 60 percent of visitors were specifically interested in modular houses. These can be adapted to the respective living situation and are in increasing demand every year. The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre responded to the growing demand with the Tiny Giants Area.

At the second NEW HOUSING press talk, experts discussed what this demand is, what range of mini houses is available, and whether a tiny house can accompany a person throughout their entire life and adapt to new phases of life. Unlike its premiere last year, this event was open to all visitors to NEW HOUSING and was well received. The talk and the trade fair in general were attended by numerous German and European media representatives and were well received.

Knowledge and exchange platform

The discussion marked the start of the Tiny Talks. During these talks, experts from the mini house industry discussed a wide range of topics, such as financing mini houses, building applications and challenges in the camping market. The Tiny Talks have long established themselves as an important knowledge and exchange platform at NEW HOUSING. The unique community character of Europe's largest Tiny House Festival is complemented by the workshops. As in the previous year, these were sold out. On all three days of the festival, the intensive courses got down to the nitty-gritty. ‘How to finally turn your dream into reality – the first step towards living in a tiny house’ and ‘The art of functional interior design: how to distinguish good planning from bad’ were some of the topics discussed.

Participants convinced

‘We attended a workshop because we are interested in tiny houses and how to finance them. Above all, it showed us that you have to take your time and not think that you can build a tiny house overnight,’ says Hendrik von Stiegenhorn from Pforzheim. Johannes Göddesheim also travelled from Pforzheim to attend the workshop: ‘I wanted to get some clarity on what type of tiny house would be interesting and suitable for me. I found the workshop very interesting and informative. It addressed important questions that you should ask yourself in advance.’

Around 9,000 visitors from 17 countries came to find out more about small living. For two-thirds of them, the trade fair plays a decisive role in their investment decisions, and one in four visitors said they came to NEW HOUSING with a specific interest in buying. Christina Hermanns, 53, from Berlin says: "I work in real estate, so tiny houses are naturally a very interesting topic for me. I find mini houses very exciting because you can see how versatile they are, despite the small space. A whole new market is emerging here."

‘The quality of the discussions is very good.’

This also convinces the exhibitors, whose quality is rated by visitors with a satisfaction rate of 90 percent. Rico Bohn is one of these exhibitors. He is the managing director of nest-io, a supplier of modular houses from Schönefeld: "The demand for alternative forms of living continues to rise. People still want to live in beautiful homes, but the construction costs for classic solid houses do not always allow for this. That is why the trend is towards smaller living spaces. Our target group is very diverse. There is also an unbroken trend in Germany in the area of holiday home rentals. Many people want to go on holiday more often, but for shorter periods and closer to home. At NEW HOUSING, you meet all the target groups I have listed – from young to old, from private users to providers of large parks. It's impossible to list them all. Every conversation and every request is different. And the quality of the conversations is very good. Many interested parties have done their homework in advance, come here with specific expectations, are very knowledgeable and ask high-quality technical questions. We had many interested parties and made lots of contacts."

Martin Gruber, Head of Business Development and Sales at Testa Motari, is also on site. The company, which has its roots in the automotive sector, brought a luxurious modular house with a wraparound terrace and carport to the Karlsruhe trade fair and presented the prototype to the world for the first time here: ‘We have received phenomenal feedback from visitors. We were overwhelmed. We had expected a lot of interest, but this really amazed us. People want to choose their house consciously and realise it in a minimalist way, but at the same time not sacrifice anything. The tension between small space and maximum comfort interests and moves us.’

Holidays in tiny houses

In addition to living in tiny houses, more and more people and providers are discovering these small houses as ideal holiday accommodation. Mein kleinHotel offers holidays in small spaces. Managing Director Nicole Habich says: "We have developed a hotel concept using only tiny houses, which we are presenting here. For people who want a very individual holiday, tiny houses are the ideal way to make this a reality. We are the point of contact for those who want to open a small hotel themselves, but also for anyone who wants to holiday in a small hotel. NEW HOUSING reaches exactly the target group we want to reach. Here, interested parties have all the expertise they need in one place. You won't find this range anywhere else."

In addition to campsites and the like, the range of holidays in tiny houses at NEW HOUSING also includes holidays on the water. Dr Heiner Haass was on site as an expert at the press talk and as an exhibitor during the three days of the festival. He is an expert on floating tiny houses: "NEW HOUSING has continued to develop over the past few years. So I had to be there this year. This is where all the knowledge is gathered. You can go inside the houses, sit or lie down, imagine how you would decorate the little house, and so on. But there is also advice in a theoretical sense. Topics such as building permits, planning, testing, materials and much more are discussed here. That's why I like being here. I myself deal with floating tiny houses. These are houses that can be lived in on the water – as an office or for permanent residence. This is a trend that is sure to continue. Of course, the tiny house is predestined for holidays. And when we put it on the water, the experience is enhanced even further. It's pure holiday feeling. You don't have to travel far. We find such offers in great regions in Germany."

NEW HOUSING expands portfolio from 2026

In order to meet the growing demand for tiny houses in the tourism sector, NEW HOUSING is expanding its portfolio in the coming year. "The sixth and once again successful edition of NEW HOUSING shows that living in small spaces is more than just a trend. Messe Karlsruhe has managed to develop a successful format for this segment and establish it on the market. NEW HOUSING now reaches not only private individuals, but also a growing group of professionals. Next year, we will dedicate a special trade visitor day to these guests with a programme tailored specifically to their questions and needs. At the weekend, NEW HOUSING will then be followed by the Tiny House Festival, which our visitors love. This will create the ideal mix for all those interested in the topic and ensure that we remain the most important port of call for tiny houses in Europe. We are also optimistic that the planned construction boom by the new Federal Ministry of Construction will contribute to the continued growth of the industry and thus also of NEW HOUSING," says Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of Messe Karlsruhe.

Date for next year

The next edition of NEW HOUSING will take place from 26 to 28 June 2026.

Around 9,000 visitors from 17 countries attended Europe's largest event for small living spaces, where they were able to view more than 30 mini houses and find out everything they needed to know about living in small spaces from around 80 exhibitors. At the Tiny Talks and sold-out workshops, experts also provided detailed insights and tips into the world of tiny houses.

Special day for trade visitors

The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre, as the organiser, is completely satisfied. Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre, says: ‘NEW HOUSING continues to set the tone as a first mover in the field of mini houses. Everyone who feels part of the community – interested parties, manufacturers and investors – meets here.’ The next NEW HOUSING will take place from 26 to 28 June 2026. In addition to the Tiny House Festival, there will also be a special day for trade visitors.

Please select the german version of our website to get all press releases.

Whether on four wheels or two, mobile living requires smart solutions. That's why MYVELO, well known in the camping and van life sector, is delighted to be represented for the first time this year at NEW HOUSING – Europe's largest tiny house festival in Karlsruhe. And MYVELO has something very special in store: its latest model, the MYVELO Monza – the lightest and most compact carbon e-bike in its range!

Designed for mobile lifestyles

As a supplier of high-quality folding e-bikes, MYVELO knows that people who are on the move a lot want to remain flexible – without compromising on riding comfort. Whether in a tiny house, motorhome, car or train. The latest model, the MYVELO Monza, combines modern design, practical folding technology and uncompromising performance in one – and weighs just under 15 kg!

MYVELO Monza at a glance

• Carbon frame for maximum lightness and stability
• Maintenance-free belt drive
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Compact folding – ideal for tight spaces
• Stylish design with smart technology

Special trade fair highlight

Visitors to the New Housing Fair 2025 in Karlsruhe can look forward not only to our versatile product range, but also to an exclusive first look at the brand new Monza. Interested parties can be there live when MYVELO unveils its most compact model yet for the very first time – made for freedom on the move.

Regional. Mobile. MYVELO.

As a supplier based in the Ortenau region, MYVELO attaches great importance to its connection to the region. The location of Karlsruhe – a hotspot for innovation, sustainability and new forms of living – is the perfect place to present the company's portfolio to an audience enthusiastic about tiny houses.

‘First home, investment property, retirement home – mini houses are so versatile’ – experts from the mini house industry will discuss this topic on 27 June from 10:30 a.m. at NEW HOUSING.

At Europe's largest tiny house festival at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre, around 80 exhibitors will showcase more than 30 tiny houses and everything you need to live in a small space.

Moderator

The festival will kick off with a panel discussion moderated by Christian Klerner. ‘Chris’ has been living in his own tiny house with his partner Caro for several years. The two share their experiences on the rocky road to a fulfilling life in a mini house in more than 60 episodes of their podcast ‘tinyon’. The duo has now developed a consulting service for people who want to live in a tiny house themselves. Chris was born in Upper Franconia in 1985 and has been closely involved with the circular economy since completing his commercial training at a biomass power plant. After spending several years helping to develop recycling concepts for small and medium-sized enterprises, his awareness of sustainable consumption grew. In his role as an innovation coach, he spent several years helping companies to place human needs at the centre of their change processes. In 2024, the well-known presenter hosted the supporting programme at the Tiny House Festival.

Living on water

Klerner talks to Dr Heiner Haass. Dr Haass is an expert in recreational boating structures and tiny houses. He is also an expert in floating tiny houses and is active in construction consulting and building damage assessment. Haass is also an architect with the Association of German Architects in Hanover and a professor of urban planning and tourism architecture. He has written a guest article for NEW HOUSING, which can be read HERE.

Tiny University

Natalie Sochan will also be on stage. She is a lawyer (studied at Viadrina and Humboldt University) specialising in real estate law and has been helping mini house enthusiasts realise their dream of owning a mini home with Tiny University since 2024. She runs the university with Anika Lisa Falke and Anja Roxana Sochan. Natalie Sochan was born in Berlin but has lived in Munich since 2015. Her main areas of expertise are real estate transactions involving large commercial properties such as shopping centres and hotels, property law, commercial tenancy law and property purchase agreements. She wants to revolutionise the construction industry with tiny houses and modular construction, bringing structure and clarity to the industry and establishing tiny houses as a recognised form of housing on the German market. Fun fact: Natalie Sochan loves construction sites and photographing them.

Barrier-free tiny houses

The entrepreneur is an experienced real estate expert with over 20 years of international experience in project development, architectural planning and strategic advisory services. With a dual master's degree in architecture and international construction, supplemented by a degree in economics and training as a tourism specialist, he has taken on key roles as a consultant for governments, institutions and private companies – including as a strategic advisor to the German Development Bank on international expansion projects for leading German brands and investors. His expertise lies in the development of sustainable real estate projects and the creation of long-term partnerships, combining operational details with strategic foresight. He is currently planning barrier-free tiny houses.

The publisher

The group is completed by Johannes Laible. Laible is the owner of Laible Verlagsprojekte, which publishes the annual magazines ‘Klimafreundlich Bauen’ (Climate-Friendly Building), ‘Denkmalsanierung’ (Monument Renovation) and “BAUART” (Building Art). Since 2019, he has also been publishing the popular ‘Kleiner Wohnen’ (Small Living) as an annual magazine for tiny houses and modular construction. The 2026/2027 issue is currently in preparation. The special magazine ‘InsideOut’ with portraits of people and their tiny houses, as well as the industry standard for small buildings, have also been published by Laible. He is involved in voluntary work for the Tiny House Verband e.V., among other things.

Talk from 2024 in video

Last year, the first NEW-HOUSING press talk took place. It can be viewed HERE.

Friedrich Merz proposed them as a means of combating the housing shortage on the way to the Bundestag elections, Trigema is building them for employees and more and more people are using them as retirement homes - mini houses, often referred to as tiny houses, are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.

At the second NEW HOUSING press talk, experts will discuss the options available - for young and old alike. This will take place on the first day of NEW HOUSING, 27 June, at 10.30 am. Unlike last year's press talk premiere, visitors to Europe's largest tiny house festival will also be able to take part in the discussion alongside media representatives. Registration is not necessary, seating capacity on site is limited.

The talk will take place in the action hall directly after the entrance to the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre and will last around 45 minutes. Afterwards, there will be time for questions from the audience.

The talk participants

The experts on stage are Johannes Laible (publisher of Kleiner Wohnen magazine, among others), Natalie Sochan (lawyer, property industry expert and founder of Tiny University), Dr Heiner Haass (expert on living on water) and Christian Landmann (managing director of Apartix and builder of barrier-free tiny houses). The talk will be moderated by Christian Klerner (co-host of the podcast ‘tinyon’).

Talk round on tiny house developments

The press talk from 2024 on the topic ‘How can tiny house settlements be created?’ can be viewed HERE (in german).

Living in a small space is no longer a trend. The niche existence is over. Minimalist living has arrived in society. Many people are consciously downsizing - for environmental reasons, for financial reasons or simply to go through life with less clutter. At NEW HOUSING - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - all of them and many more have found their home.

From 27 to 29 June 2025, visitors to NEW HOUSING will be able to marvel at, view and inspect more than 30 houses. Among the houses are the increasingly popular modular homes. These can be customised according to your wishes, style and stage of life. If the partner moves in, the house gets bigger. Are there offspring? It gets even bigger. Are the children moving out again? Then you can downsize. This is not possible with a conventional house. A modular house also remains transportable.

In addition to modular houses, exhibitors will also be showing classic Tiny Houses on Wheels, accommodation in timber frame construction or aluminium, micro-apartments or containers.

Visitors can expect to find everything they need to live in a tiny house. In addition to practical accessories, this also includes space-saving furniture, clean toilet solutions, clever ideas for the garden and much more.

Ungoogleable information at the Tiny Talks

First-hand information is available at NEW HOUSING 2025 at the Tiny Talks. During compact 30-minute keynote speeches, residents and experts will talk about life in a tiny house and share their experiences, manufacturers will present practical accessories and bankers will explain how to finance tiny houses. The entire forum programme can be found on the NEW HOUSING website.

"Alongside the unique variety of tiny houses, the Tiny Talks are one of the centrepieces of NEW HOUSING. Finding out so much about living in the smallest of spaces in such a condensed and compact way over three days is unique in Europe. We provide visitors with information and real and tangible added value that cannot be googled," says Ramona Jonait, Project Manager of NEW HOUSING.

Exclusive workshops

The workshops returned last year and will be back again in 2025. These are aimed at people interested in mini houses, but also at people who have already taken the step towards reduced living. The workshops offer the opportunity to engage intensively and very personally with a topic. All places were fully booked in 2024; interested parties can secure places via the ticket shop.

Tiny Giants Area

Very special tiny houses will be located in the outdoor area of Messe Karlsruhe: the Tiny Giants. Although these houses are still tiny, compared to those in the exhibition halls they are somewhat larger spatial wonders. So if you prefer it small, but not quite so spacious and expansive, the Tiny Giants Area is the right place for you. Tiny is not always just minimalist, but just as broadly diversified as the needs of its residents.

Festival character

NEW HOUSING is not called the Tiny House Festival for nothing. Numerous food trucks, DJ music and a relaxed atmosphere await visitors in the green atrium of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. Whether in the comfortable hammocks or on the lush greenery - everyone will find a cosy spot here. And for those who like live music, the performances by the musicians in the atrium are highly recommended.

"NEW HOUSING is a first mover and trendsetter when it comes to tiny houses. As Europe's number one tiny house festival, we offer our visitors everything they need to live in the smallest of spaces. This also includes finding and selecting the right plot of land - throughout Germany," says René Naumann, Director Market Area 1 at Messe Karlsruhe.

More about mini home living

The NEW HOUSING news section is the right place for anyone interested in mini houses even when the trade fair is not taking place. Exciting, curious and interesting articles about life away from single-family homes and apartment blocks or semi-detached houses are regularly published there. You can access the news section HERE. If you want, you can also sign up for the free monthly newsletter.

You can also find out more about NEW HOUSING in the social networks on Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

More and more people are looking for a reduced, self-determined lifestyle - conscious, climate-friendly and free. Tiny houses are seen as a symbol of a new living culture. However, the path to small happiness in Germany is often associated with major hurdles: Finding a plot of land, building regulations, permits - all of this can quickly become overwhelming.

This is where the new book ‘Vom kleinen Wohntraum zum fertigen Zuhause’ by Christian Klerner and Carolin Werner comes in. The two contribute their experiences as tiny house residents, coaches and the duo behind the podcast ‘tinyon’ - in a practical, honest and inspiring way. In ten clear chapters, they accompany interested parties from the initial idea to moving into their own tiny house. In addition to their own journey, the two show how typical mistakes can be avoided and how to realise your vision step by step. Personal experience reports from the community and well-founded expert impulses provide orientation - supplemented by to-do/checklists and compact practical tips.

This book is more than just a romanticised illustrated book, but a workbook for anyone who really wants to get started. It creates clarity and provides the necessary knowledge to turn the dream of a small home into reality.

Further information on the book can be found HERE.

Tiny-House (On Wheels)

Mobi House

With their appearance at the trade fair, Mobi House want to address precisely those people who favour a minimalist lifestyle. As they have already lived in a Tiny House themselves, they recognise the advantages first-hand and can incorporate them into their Tiny Houses. By exhibiting one of these Tiny Houses at the trade fair, they want to attract new customers and investors, as well as engage in dialogue with others.

Modular / Tiny House

Greenflex

Greenflex will also be presenting one of their Tiny Houses this year. They mainly have Tiny House concepts and a total of seven different Tiny House models. Their houses are sustainable, organic and constructed from wood. In addition to presenting their own products, the eco-house manufacturers mainly want to interact with the competition and have a good time.

F.H.U BAR-TOF

In addition to tiny house enthusiasts, the company F.H.U BAR-TOF also wants to attract new potential customers and business partners. The manufacturer from Poland builds energy-efficient modular houses. These are made from ecological materials such as wood and sheep's wool combined with modern solutions such as heat pumps. In addition to their modular houses, they also produce houses on wheels. In addition to the camping version, there is also a GEG version.

Nestio

Nestio is participating for the first time and is looking forward to being an exhibitor at the largest trade fair of its kind in Germany. The experts for high-quality modular houses are looking forward to welcoming visitors. They want to advise them on how to realise their own dream home in an energy-efficient and modern way. Nestio already has 25 years of experience in the construction and property sector. They have used this experience to develop their modular houses. In addition to energy efficiency, aesthetics were particularly important to them.

Casita de Campo

The Laichingen-based company Casita de Campo is your contact for small-scale living. They plan modular houses individually, from holiday homes to residential projects. Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that their insulation is GEG and KfW55 certified. The company plans houses from 18 to over 150 square metres of living space and hopes that NEW HOUSING will raise its profile. The aim of the trade fair is to hold informative discussions and gather new ideas.

Tiny Systems

The experts from Tiny Systems support their customers from the initial idea to handing over the keys. Their sustainable living solutions can be customised and are designed to help people realise their dream of owning their own home. This year, they want to present their innovative and high-quality modular houses to all interested parties. They are also looking forward to exchanging ideas with their colleagues.

Danwood

Danwood builds turnkey detached houses. With their NEXT by Danwood series, they transfer these advantages to small living spaces. They are seen as the market leader in turnkey prefabricated timber construction and demonstrate sustainable, modern and modular construction, efficient and suitable for series production. NEW HOUSING is intended to serve as a platform for presenting well thought-out design to a future-orientated target group. It is also intended to encourage dialogue and provide new impetus.

Aurora

Visitors can look forward to seeing Aurora Company and its sustainable living solutions at NEW HOUSING 2025. Their aim is to make sustainable living stylish, comfortable and suitable for everyday use. The tiny houses on offer are resource-saving, energy-efficient and flexible. For Aurora Company, the trade fair is a great opportunity to present its products and introduce them to new contacts.

Charis Architecture

Charis Architecture offers two tried and tested plot sizes, but these only serve as a basis. Each house is created through an individual planning process so that personal wishes and requirements can be easily catered for. Here, the flexibility of tiny houses is combined with the comfort of classic homes. Everything is sustainable and well thought out and even standing height on the upper floor can be possible.

Unitfab

The Ukrainian manufacturer Unitfab specialises in modular prefabricated houses. The range includes high-quality, energy-efficient housing solutions from 30 to 140 square metres. With their model ‘Imagine - invisible hotel on wheels’, they show how aesthetics and functionality can merge wonderfully. By taking part in NEW HOUSING, they hope to reach an even wider circle of customers and establish themselves on the European market.

WST Structures

WST Tragwerke specialises in the development and production of small houses in the premium segment. The Tiny Houses fulfil all LBO and GEG requirements. The WST Midi class is also eligible for KfW subsidies. Great importance is attached to brand quality here. The trade fair itself will be used to expand the customer base and to exchange experiences with other manufacturers.

DWELLI

DWELLI builds modular houses that are both visually and functionally impressive. The German company works closely with award-winning architects and has the houses produced according to German quality standards. All houses are assembled in the shortest possible time and delivered ready for occupancy. For DWELLI, NEW HOUSING is the most important trade fair of its kind. The aim is to reach customers with new product ranges and show homes.

SchwörerHaus

FlyingSpaces is the name of the SchwörerHaus concept. These are compact and flexible room modules. These can be used in a variety of ways as a docked living module, as a mini house in the garden, as a workplace or wellness oasis. All DIN standards such as building law and building energy use are complied with. Attention is also paid to high-quality and healthy materials.

Tiny House accessories

Expert office Dr Haass

The expert office of Dr Heiner Haass works nationwide as an expert for Tiny Houses and advises on damage. They also deal with floating Tiny Houses and their moorings as a special form of Tiny House. The team hopes that the trade fair will provide interesting discussions and contacts as well as innovative impulses.

Tiny House Village

The founders of the first Tiny House Village in Germany not only share their idea and experience, but also offer a lot more today. First and foremost, they offer leaseholds for all types of small-scale housing for communal living. You can also book holidays in their own Tiny Hotels and they have recently started offering seminars. The aim of the trade fair is to establish networks, enter into co-operations and discuss political developments.

Camping Resort Rülzheim

The campsite located in the Southern Palatinate offers pitches for road-legal Tiny Houses. They hope to rent out some of these pitches at the trade fair.

EthikBank

The socio-ecological direct bank EthikBank will be on hand at NEW HOUSING to answer any questions about financing and loans for tiny houses. They want to further establish themselves in the market. The quality of the visitors was a decisive factor for Ethik Bank to participate again this year.

FirstBase screw foundations

Living in a tiny house requires foundation solutions. First Base offers quick-to-install, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly screw foundations. The foundations are concrete-free and can be installed with low vibration, minimising the impact on flora and fauna. They can also be used as a temporary solution, as First Base ground screws are easy to move or remove.

Separett

Separett is also taking part for the fourth time this year. They offer waterless urine-diverting toilets that work completely without chemicals. Waterless toilets are ideal for anyone who does not have a direct water connection to their tiny house. The mentality of minimalism and environmental awareness is important to them. Separett wants to contribute to this mentality with its separating toilet.

Tiny Houses for Karlsruhe e.V.

The association based here in Karlsruhe has set itself the goal of engaging in dialogue with interested parties and providing insights into life in a small space. They would like to enable small groups to visit manufacturers and provide insights behind the scenes. They also want to share realistic insights and network the community.

The complete list of exhibitors can be found here.

Many people are interested in mini houses - and the number is increasing. The thirst for knowledge is correspondingly great. Before people can live in tiny houses permanently or offer them for temporary rental, there are a few things to consider.

What is the legal situation? Where can interested parties get their plot of land? And which strategies make the most sense if someone wants to build a mini house? Mini house fans inevitably come up against these and other questions.

The Tiny Talks at NEW HOUSING provide answers to these and many more. In the action hall, experts will talk about all topics relating to life in a tiny house.

The Tiny Talks are free of charge and included in the price of admission to NEW HOUSING. Seating on site is limited, but it is also possible to listen to and watch the talks standing up due to the spatial surroundings.

You can find out which lectures are running when in the overview HERE. This is updated on an ongoing basis.

An important measure to achieve planning security is to apply for a preliminary building enquiry. But what exactly is a preliminary building enquiry and how can it help to realise the dream of a tiny house?

What is a preliminary building enquiry?

A preliminary building enquiry is an official application to the building authorities to obtain information and a binding opinion on a planned construction project. It enables future builders to obtain clarity about the eligibility for approval of their project before the actual purchase of the property and before construction begins.

The preliminary building enquiry should be submitted as early as possible, ideally before the property is purchased. By submitting the application at an early stage, potential obstacles and problems can be recognised and avoided in good time. A preliminary building enquiry therefore provides an important basis for decision-making as early as the purchase and planning phase.

If developers have already purchased a plot of land or are about to do so, they have the option of submitting a preliminary building enquiry. This involves checking whether the planned building project is generally permitted. A preliminary building enquiry can therefore always be useful if clients have a concrete idea of their own four walls, but do not know exactly whether any building regulations are against it.

Building law or design regulations could, for example, result from the current development plan for the property. If your own ideas differ from those in the development plan or if there is no development plan at all, it makes sense to submit a preliminary building enquiry. The potential building project is then examined and either approved or rejected. In this way, future building owners receive a legally secure planning basis.

Who can submit a preliminary building enquiry?

In principle, anyone planning a specific building project may submit a preliminary building enquiry. These can be private developers, architects or construction companies. Professional support can help to avoid potential errors and ensure that the preliminary building enquiry meets the requirements of the building authority.

An architect can submit a detailed preliminary building enquiry and knows the tips and tricks to successfully implement the project.

This text was published in Kleiner-Wohnen-Magazin (issue 2024/2025). The author is Anne Kozlowski. She is a tiny house architect and an expert on sustainable and alternative ways of living. Those interested can find the full article and the entire issue of the magazine HERE.

Tiny houses are most suitable for singles or couples. Living in a small space is not possible with children or pets. This is the reaction you often get when you talk to people who don't know much about living in a tiny house. But is it really true?

One thing is clear: even small families can find space in a Tiny House. According to the guideline, four people only need 25 to 30 square metres, as ‘Timo Haus’ states in an article about family life in Tiny Houses.

Advantages

Spending a lot of time together in a small space strengthens the family relationship, according to the author of an article on ‘TinyHouseKaufen.net’. You develop new priorities and values yourself and pass these on to your children. It can be very enriching for the little ones to learn about sustainability, consumer behaviour and multifunctionality from an early age. Family togetherness is based on mutual respect and gives you energy.

Family-friendly planning

If you want to live in a mini home with your partner and children, you should adapt it to their specific needs right from the start. Every family has its own needs and priorities. For example, it can help to plan the bathroom to be slightly larger than in a conventional tiny house. This is what family father Max Watzlawek did, he explains in his article on ‘Energievoll’.

However, the new home is not just limited to its four walls; the terrace or garden can also be planned to suit the family.

Communication and agreements are important. Boundaries must be respected and private areas can be created using original solutions such as curtains. You can find even more original solutions and ideas on this topic in the blog entry on AC Tiny Houses.

Challenges

The challenges and requirements of living in a tiny house are very subjective and there is no universal solution. Innovative ideas are required to fulfil requirements and ensure functionality. Children continue to develop - and so do their interests and needs. A Tiny House should be able to adapt.

With small children, a family bed may be the ideal solution, but as the children get older, they need places to retreat to. The Ledge family also realised this, as they tell Wohnglück. It is no longer enough to provide a separate area for everyone. Children need their own room with a door and space to play.

Such retreats can be created by adding another Tiny House as an extension. However, this does not have to be the most sustainable or cost-effective alternative.

Pets

A pet can also make family happiness perfect. However, not every animal is suitable due to the space available. Some dogs, for example, need more exercise than others and even an indoor cat won't get its money's worth here. Outdoor cats are more suitable and small animals in terrariums or aquariums can also be an option.

Stairs should be designed in such a way that cats can also use them. More storage space is also needed to store treats, leads, toys and other items. From the already limited space, room must be created for a sleeping and feeding area. On top of this, there must also be space for a scratching post or a litter tray. ACTinyHouses" have also addressed the issue of pets in tiny houses.

Modular houses as a solution?

Modular houses are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility. They can be individually extended or reduced, making them ideal for responding to new and different needs of residents. In this way, the house can grow or shrink with the family or pets.

In social media and magazines, the dream of a tiny house is often advertised like a piece of furniture: you buy it, put it somewhere, and you're done. But what's almost always missing is the reality behind it: the right plot of land. And please don't get me wrong. It's not the people looking for land who are the key players here, but the landowners.

In Germany, there are thousands of plots of land that are in principle suitable for tiny house projects – but very few of them are actually usable. The reason? There is a lack of legal, infrastructural, and market-based preparation. This is where our work at Vilcomo begins.

From green field to finished home

As a building land and property developer, we know that a plot of land does not become buildable through good intentions alone, but through planning and structure.

A tiny house needs:

• Building rights – and therefore municipal approval
• Market-oriented planning – demand, location analysis, target groups
• Economic viability – sustainable and affordable use
• Legal certainty – through watertight lease agreements
• Development – water, electricity, sewage, access
• Financing solutions – for future residents

These issues are not optional – they are the foundation of every tiny house project.

We bring order to the tiny house market

Since our founding in 2022, we have made it our mission to turn tiny house projects from emotional dreams into realisable living solutions. We come from a background in municipal consulting and building land development. In the past, we developed residential and commercial properties. Now we work on holistic tiny house projects throughout Germany with municipalities, investors, and property owners.

We develop sites that are truly buildable – not just in theory, but with all the necessary permits, plans, and contracts. This creates security for owners, municipalities, and future residents.

Workshop & land exchange: knowledge and networks combined

With our new workshop offering, we accompany owners step by step from the “untouched plot” to a marketable tiny house site. At the same time, our land exchange brings investors and interested parties together – networked, well-informed, and professional.

Motorhomes, campers and vans show us how it's done: they offer everything you need in a minimal amount of space – a bathroom, bed, wardrobe and much more. But anyone who lives in a confined space for long periods will want a little more: space that is not only functional but also so inviting and attractive that the occupant feels like they're living in a palace.

Plan first, then shop

Careful planning is needed from the outset to turn small apartments into large ones. It is important to analyze your own needs and set priorities in advance. If you work from home a lot, you need a good workplace, but perhaps not a large sofa. If you often have visitors but hardly ever cook, you can downsize the kitchen in favor of comfortable seating.

Instead of spontaneous shopping, it's time to sharpen your pencil and draw a floor plan. You might even want to use a 3D model with a visualization function to get a realistic view of the result. If you're stuck, photos overlaid with tracing paper will also help. This way, furniture can be moved with a few strokes, colors can be quickly tried out, and decorations can be repositioned in no time.

Create zones, design lines of sight

No matter how small: “Every successful apartment needs zones that reflect different needs so that the residents feel comfortable,” says Benjamin Oeckl, who, with his company Belform, specializes in furnishing micro-living properties, from student housing to serviced and coliving.

With experience in designing more than 5,000 apartments, the managing director explains: “Even those who live in the smallest of spaces want to be able to cook, eat, work, sleep, chill or invite someone over in their apartment without having to sit on the bed.”

Screens, shelves and room dividers can be used to separate the individual areas and also perform additional functions. Books can be stored on the shelf, the screen can be backed with an acoustic fleece to dampen noise, and a drawer can be fitted under a pedestal for blankets, shoes and other items.

To avoid appearing too compartmentalized, zoned rooms should be combined with long lines of sight that give them a sense of spaciousness. These are best routed through several rooms or even outside. Wherever doors form boundaries, it makes sense to leave them open or remove them altogether. Sliding doors disappear completely into the wall anyway.

This text appeared in the Smaller Living magazine (issue 2024/2025). The author is Christine Ryll. She is an architect and writes as a technical editor on topics related to construction, architecture and real estate. Interested parties can find the entire article and the entire issue of the magazine HERE.

One possibility – although usually not a cheap solution – is to visit your trusted carpenter and/or joiner and commission them to build a custom-made tiny house. From a purely legal point of view, you conclude a (construction) contract with the craftsman or the craft enterprise, which is to be processed according to the general rules of the German Civil Code.

The same applies to the liability of the entrepreneur – it is to be assessed according to the provisions of the German BGB. Accordingly, the tradesman owes a service that is suitable, among other things, for ordinary (not for the contractually agreed!) use.

As a layman in legal matters, one might now come up with the idea that the ordinary use of a tiny house is living in it if I can live in it.

But this is precisely where the legal finger is to be laid on the wound. What does “live” mean? And do I want to live in my tiny house all year round or maybe just on weekends or during vacations?

This text appeared in the Kleiner-Wohnen-Magazin (issue 2024/2025). The author is Yannic Zimmermann, a specialist lawyer in construction and architectural law, notary and owner of the “Advokatur ZimmermanN” in Lennestadt in North Rhine-Westphalia. Interested parties can find the entire article and the whole issue of the magazine HERE.

Tiny houses are all the rage. These little houses are inexpensive and sustainable. Although you have to make some sacrifices, many people like the new simplicity. In addition, they offer a close connection to nature, which appeals to many people. But this appeal of the new way of living can be taken even further – with a floating tiny house.

Different house variants

First of all, a distinction must be made between mini-houseboats that can sail as boats and have a drive, and floating tiny houses that are moored in one place.

Before deciding on one of these two variants, you should consider living on the water and ask yourself whether life away from solid ground is right for you. Constant movement, high humidity and frequent winds are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed. A floating tiny house also requires a special design and construction method. These come from boatbuilding. After all, higher safety standards are needed than for a house on land.

Actually possible anywhere

In principle, floating tiny houses are possible anywhere there are suitable bodies of water. A tiny house doesn't need much space; a water area of around 20 or 30 square meters is sufficient. This is possible even on a small quarry pond, at the edge of a harbor basin or in an oxbow of a river.

“...unrecognized in German building law”

However, there are some legal hurdles to overcome before you can move onto the water. Tiny houses and floating houses are not recognized under German building law. Therefore, the path to approval is a difficult one and requires competent professional support. Questions of financing, insurance and, ultimately, registration address are more complicated on the water than on land. Again, administrations are not yet familiar with these cases.

However, this should not be allowed to deter you, because examples show that this approach can lead to success. When you finally get the permit, the project can be implemented and construction can begin. The first thing to consider when building a floating Tiny House is the float on which the house will be built. For reasons of stability and durability, a concrete pontoon has proven to be the best solution.

All the building services can be installed in this “basement”. The tiny house itself will in most cases be a lightweight construction made of wood or aluminum. Here, the same construction methods and safety precautions as for a boat should be taken into account. A floating tiny house should also have safety equipment like on a boat for an emergency. This includes life jackets, signaling devices and, if necessary, a lifeboat. In Germany, there is now even a standard (DIN SPEC 80003) for these technical conditions that takes all these requirements into account. And if the construction has worked, the joy in the floating tiny house is very great.

Prof. Dr. Haass is also at the NEW HOUSING on site. During the Tiny Talks, he will be speaking on stage about mini-houses on water. He is also represented as an exhibitor at his stand.

NEW HOUSING is the most important meeting place for all friends of small living. Europe's largest Tiny House Festival, taking place this year from June 27 to 29, proves that this will still be the case in 2025.

Alongside the Tiny Talks (formerly the Experts' Forum), the almost 80 exhibitors and the 30 or so houses, visitors can expect concentrated expertise in the workshops.

These were reintroduced last year and proved extremely popular. “Every single one of our workshops offered was completely sold out in 2024. This showed us once again that the thirst for mini-house knowledge is enormous. That's why it was a matter of course for us to want to provide opportunities for intensive courses in 2025 as well,” says Ramona Jonait, NEW HOUSING project manager.

Interested parties can register for the workshops on all three days of the festival. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of May and can be purchased on the NEW HOUSING website. Each course costs €20, and a maximum of 30 people can participate in each workshop.

Workshop topics include, for example, the question of the right type of tiny house for each person. However, the focus of one event is also on spatial planning and the question of how limited capacities can be used ideally. Workshops are also offered on the topic of renting out tiny houses.

Almost every stakeholder agrees: construction must be faster. In addition, regulations must be simplified and hurdles removed. The Baden-Württemberg cabinet recently approved an amendment to the building code that is intended to achieve this.

‘Residential construction is in crisis. Building is too complicated and too expensive. One factor here is government regulations and requirements. With our LBO reform, we want to change this: we want to switch the system from ‘control’ to ‘enablement’ and finally release the brakes on construction. To do this, we are simplifying and accelerating the procedures. This is the only way to get residential construction moving again,’ said Construction Minister Nicole Razavi in the ministry's press release.

The reform of the state building code covers four areas. The first is to optimise and accelerate the building permit process. This will be achieved by abolishing the objection procedure and introducing a presumption of approval and a type approval.

Specifically, this means that if there is still no decision after three months, a building application is automatically deemed to have been approved.

The second area is to reduce construction standards. The existing building is to be simplified, and the obligation to provide a children's playground is to be revised. A simplification of the distance regulation is also to be achieved.

In the third area, measures are to be taken to strengthen the building authorities and to improve the situation regarding skilled workers. Specifically, in the future there are to be minimum staffing requirements for the lower building authorities. This should also ensure the training and further education of building law administration and a nationwide standardised knowledge management system.

And the fourth area is to serve the expansion of renewable energies. Specifically, the construction of charging stations for electric cars should be facilitated.

When will the reform come into force?

After the hearing and the recent referral by the cabinet, the reform is to be submitted to the state parliament. The aim is for the parliament to pass the reform before the end of 2025.

How is the reform being received?

‘The introduction of type approval is an important step in accelerating modular and sustainable housing construction. It brings enormous advantages, especially for standardised construction concepts such as tiny houses, because lengthy approval processes are reduced. This makes it much easier for us as developers to implement affordable living space efficiently and flexibly. This reform strengthens innovative forms of living and makes it easier for municipalities and investors to implement sustainable construction projects,’ says Fabian Müller, managing director of Vilcomo GmbH & Co. KG.

In most cases, the search begins with a desired construction method, a design or a style that the owner likes in terms of taste. But what is even more important is which type of tiny house the manufacturer offers at all: from tiny houses on wheels in different weight classes, to circus wagons, container houses, mobile homes, modular houses, to mini houses, the possibilities are very diverse. But the most important question is which manufacturer will successfully build the desired small house to such a high quality that the owner will enjoy it for decades.

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1. range of services offered by the manufacturer

There are numerous tiny house manufacturers on the German market. The range of services they offer varies greatly.

If you, as the client, don't want to put a lot of time and effort into project coordination yourself, make sure that the manufacturer offers all the relevant services from a single source or from their network. This is because other companies will need to be brought in for areas beyond the actual construction of the house. This applies, for example, to architectural services such as obtaining a building permit or carrying out earthworks and laying the foundations for the house. Searching for and hiring these companies will cause additional work for you and involves transaction costs if the companies involved are not a well-rehearsed team.

When it comes to tiny houses as residential or holiday homes on building plots, it is important to ensure that the manufacturer's construction method meets the requirements of the building regulations, such as thermal insulation, statics, fire protection, etc.

Even if you opt for a standard house model, you probably still have individual wishes. Is the manufacturer flexible and willing to accommodate them?

Ask whether the manufacturer offers the design you want. From a kit to ready to move in, there is a wide range of options. Find out about the company's production capacity and the estimated delivery time for your tiny house. It may also be relevant for you to be able to follow the construction progress of your house, e.g. through regular photo documentation from the manufacturer or by being able to visit the workshop.

This text appeared in the Kleiner Wohnen magazine (issue 2024/2025). The author is Madeleine Krenzlin, managing director of indiViva. Interested parties can find the entire article and the whole issue of the magazine HERE. Points 2 to 8 in the text will help you find the right tiny house manufacturer.

Even though the term is often used, there are no special ‘tiny house plots’ or areas that meet certain requirements. From a building law perspective, tiny houses are neither caravans nor vehicle trailers, but explicitly buildings – and that's how you should communicate your own building project.

Because the right language and presentation will not only help you in your search for a property, but also in convincing those around you of your building project. When it comes to planning permission and the development of your building plot, the same rights apply as for an ordinary detached house.

The German Federal Building Code

As soon as a small house is to become a main residence or is connected to the local utility network, the provisions of the German Federal Building Code, the state building regulations of the respective federal state, the land use plan and the development plan with its local design statutes apply.

In Bavaria, for example, a simplified approval process allows for the construction of buildings up to 75 cubic metres. Ultimately, the authorities will check whether the house meets the requirements and whether the property has been approved for development.

Tip number 1: Don't talk about ‘tiny houses’ when dealing with authorities

Although smaller houses have to meet essentially the same standards as conventional houses, they are often not recognised as traditional forms of housing by the local building authorities. One reason for this is that the authorities do not have time to familiarise themselves with a new subject area, opinions differ widely and each manufacturer uses different wall structures and materials.

On the other hand, the term ‘tiny house’ has no clear legal definition and is often equated with mobile homes. However, in Europe, depending on the weight limit, material and trailer selection, these often only allow for a smaller wall structure and do not always meet the criteria required for the construction of a main system. Smaller houses, for example in modular or prefabricated construction, can be implemented in the planning without complications in terms of building law.

In addition, smaller forms of living are still relatively new and often confronted with prejudices. The lack of information about the different implementation options contributes to the fact that many inquiries are rejected more quickly without dealing more intensively with the topic, the ideology and the construction method in detail. Therefore, it is advisable to describe the exact building type and to take a closer look at your own construction plans.

Avoid misunderstandings

Before contacting the authorities, you should already have a concrete idea of the house. You are on the safe side if you can answer all questions about your building project to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your building project complies with local building regulations.

This text appeared in the Kleiner-Wohnen-Magazin (issue 2024/2025). The author is Anika Falke, founder of falke.design. Interested parties can find the entire article and the whole issue of the magazine HERE. Tips 2, 3 and 4 can be found in the text.

Europe's largest Tiny House Festival will take place from 27 to 29 June at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. Tickets for NEW HOUSING 2025 are now available for fans, interested parties and experts in living in small and very small spaces.

You can purchase tickets HERE

Visitors can expect to see around 30 different tiny houses, including the increasingly popular modular houses. These can be adapted – enlarged, reduced in size, modified – to suit the respective living situation and the wishes of the residents. However, NEW HOUSING also offers the classic tiny houses in wheels, i.e. tiny houses on wheels that can be relocated relatively easily.

The community meeting will also showcase opportunities for investors to invest in small-scale housing, for example for campsites or holiday resorts.

Those who have a ticket for NEW HOUSING will also receive compact yet detailed information about life in tiny houses. At the Tiny Talks, experts will discuss a wide range of topics – from a first-hand account of what it's like to live in a tiny house for many years to the right toilet for a tiny house and minimalist living as a philosophy.

Various ticket categories

In addition to the day ticket, which allows entry to the trade fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., particularly interested parties can also purchase a three-day ticket or a happy hour ticket valid from 3 p.m. Information about the park ticket and discounts is available in the ticket shop.

People who decide to buy a tiny house face an important question: what material should the tiny house be made of? Wood, concrete or plastic? What are the pros and cons?

Solid wood

Solid wood is not only a sustainable building material, but also offers numerous other properties. Due to its solidity, the wood has natural insulation that reduces energy consumption and ensures a pleasant indoor climate. In addition, it is durable when properly cared for and can be easily renewed if there are external defects.

However, wood is a high-maintenance material that requires regular care to maintain protection against moisture, fire or pests, as well as its aesthetic appeal. Continuous maintenance is therefore essential.

Thermowood

A more affordable alternative to solid wood is thermowood. Nevertheless, both types of wood share some properties, such as reduced energy consumption, a pleasant indoor climate and a long lifespan of up to 30 years. Due to the thermal modification, the wood is more stable, crack and splinter-free and protected against moisture and fungi. This makes the material comparatively low-maintenance. Weather resistance is not neglected either: warping, tension or swelling is not to be expected even with strong temperature differences. Furthermore, it offers a wide range of design options due to the different types of wood available, such as spruce, pine or Douglas fir.

Disadvantages such as a change in colour or the tendency to break no longer occur in the finished product. These problems mainly occur during the manufacturing process.

Clay

Another sustainable and natural building material is clay. Due to its increased occurrence in the environment, it is easy to extract, biodegradable and recyclable. Due to its high flexibility, no design wishes remain unfulfilled. Clay is also a perfect thermal insulation material, thus contributing to the reduction of energy consumption. Clay is also inexpensive and durable. With proper care, it will last for many years.

However, this property also has a disadvantage. If the ambient humidity fluctuates too much, there is a possibility that the clay will swell or even shrink.

Steel

Steel is characterised above all by its robustness and durability. However, steel is more difficult to work with than wood, for example. This is reflected in the price.

Concrete

You can also build tiny houses out of concrete. However, this material is not particularly popular. Due to its high robustness, concrete is durable. Flexibility and thus freedom of design suffer in comparison to other building materials due to the robustness. Furthermore, concrete is comparatively heavy and more expensive.

Lightweight materials such as EPS and SIPs

One of the more cost-effective options for mini-houses are lightweight materials such as EPS panels or structural insulated panels (SIPs). They are characterised by their light weight and contribute to reducing energy consumption due to their wafer-thin insulation film. However, there are limitations in terms of robustness.

Many people who live in mini-houses love their garden. And now that spring is on its way, it's time to spruce up this natural oasis.

Step 1: the soil

Before taking any further steps, the soil needs to be prepared. Leaves are removed, the surface of the soil is lightly raked, and weeds are pulled up. Fertiliser is then applied. But be careful: the right fertiliser always depends on the nature of the soil.

Step 2: the lawn

If you have a lawn, you should start taking care of it in March. Mowing, removing moss and possibly reseeding – that's what needs to be done. Tip: in DIY stores, you can borrow lawn mowers, motorised verticutters and the like for a small fee.

Step 3: the plants

Once you have made all the preparations, you are now faced with the question of which plant is the right one. Suitable plants include, for example, primroses, hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and snowdrops, but also spring snowflakes, crocuses and squills.

If you want to plant a vegetable garden, wait for the last frost and then plant broccoli, onions, peas, leeks or spinach. Tip: If the temperatures are still too low, the plants can either be grown in advance on a warmer windowsill or protected with a cloth.

The queen of flowers

It is more demanding than most other flowers, but actually indispensable: the rose. The procedure is as follows: as soon as the thaw sets in, the winter protection is removed. Then the flowers can be planted. If there is a risk of frost, the beauties should be wrapped up overnight. Important: the soil around the roses should definitely be cleared of weeds and the soil around the roots should be lightly piled up. Only now should the roses be pruned. New roses with root balls can be planted as early as March.

Rose guide

The Allgemeine Deutsche Rosenneuheitenprüfung (ADR) has created a seal that helps you find particularly robust and floriferous varieties. The winning rose can be found HERE.

Making the church visible and tangible by bringing it directly into people's lives: this is the goal of Tiny Churches. These small, portable churches serve as a flexible and innovative way to bring faith to people, offering space for prayer, meditation and small services. This enables them to respond flexibly to the needs of the communities and reach new target groups.

Church as a replacement for the parish hall

One example is the ecumenical tiny house project in the Lyoner Viertel in Frankfurt am Main, a rapidly growing residential and office area. ‘There are no meeting places like parish houses in the neighbourhood, hardly any playgrounds and only a few restaurants in the peripheral areas,’ explains George Kurumthottikal, project officer at the Catholic parish of St. Jakobus in the centre of Frankfurt.

A wooden tiny house, recognisable as a church by its shape with a pointed roof and a cross-shaped window, is intended to change this and become a place of encounter. ‘So far, we have mainly had a culture of coming to church in the village or in the city, where the churches are very present as properties. We are now going out into a neighbourhood,’ says Kurumthottikal. This means that the project could play a pioneering role for other new development areas.

Church and café

The question of whether the €85,000 tiny house is a church or a church presence in the neighbourhood is deliberately left open. The project is not limited to an offer from the Catholic Jakobus or the Protestant Paul-Gerhart community. The Tiny House is complemented by a mobile café. ‘The primary aim here is not to create an opportunity for discussion about faith, but first of all to offer a coffee. Everything else will then follow,’ Kurumthottikal is convinced.

This text appeared in the Smaller Living magazine (issue 2024/2025). The author is editor Johannes Laible. Interested parties can find the entire article and the whole issue HERE. It contains further examples of Tiny Churches.

‘Scarce and increasingly expensive living space is causing many people to think about alternative forms of living. At the same time, the alienation of people in the big city creates the desire to live more with each other than alongside each other,’ is how the Tiny House Association Karlsruhe explains its founding.

The association is intended to be a platform for the exchange and networking of like-minded people. It wants to provide advice on construction and legal matters, educate and generally raise awareness of the topic of small-scale living.

Multifunctional cottage

The association is currently planning to build a club house to serve as a permanent meeting place. The house is six metres long and 2.55 metres wide and is designed as a multifunctional tiny house. It will be used as a presentation and advertising medium at trade fairs and other events, as a place for experimentation and as a source of ideas. But it is also intended to be a place to store materials, and the tiny clubhouse is even to be used for trial living.

Randolph Liem from the Tiny House Association says: ‘The clubhouse has a variable room layout. For the winter there is a porch, and depending on your needs, a bed, a small bathroom, a larger one – or none at all, and much more. It is a magical house.’

The windows for the house are currently being ordered, followed by the metal sheets. The trailer on which the clubhouse will stand is already in place. According to Liem, the shell of the building will be completed by the end of June, when NEW HOUSING arrives. The interior work will then take some time.

Donations are possible

Anyone who wants to can support the association in the construction – as an entrepreneur or as a private individual. This is possible through financial contributions or the donation of building materials. Tools and machines, as well as the contribution of one's own know-how and personal assistance, can also help the association with the construction. More information and the opportunity to donate can be found HERE.

Most people may know modules from their studies or training. Modules also play an important role in the tiny house sector – and the trend is rising. So-called modular houses are becoming increasingly popular and are now an integral part of the NEW HOUSING range.

What is a modular house?

A modular house is a building that consists of prefabricated modules that are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the construction site, where they are assembled into a complete building. This allows for a variety of room concepts and sizes. A modular house can be used as a residential building, office, holiday home or for many other purposes. They make sense where a living space larger than 35 square metres is desired, since smaller models can be manufactured in one piece.

The prefabrication of the modules enables a considerably shorter construction time on site, since most of the work is already completed in the factory. Industrial production under standardised conditions ensures a consistently high quality of the components.

A tiny house can also be manufactured in a factory, but it is not a modular construction as long as it exists as a single unit. Only when two or more units are combined to form a larger building can it be called modular construction. In modular construction, complete tiny house modules can be prefabricated and assembled on site using a crane. This enables a fast and efficient construction method in which entire residential units are manufactured in the factory and then assembled on the construction site. Alternatively, individual elements such as the floor, walls and roof can be prefabricated and assembled on site, which also saves time and resources but offers more flexibility for customisation and expansion.

This text is an excerpt from an article by Aurèle Haupt, managing director of Tiny GmbH. His article ‘All about modular construction’ was published in the magazine ‘Kleiner Wohnen’ (issue 2024/2025). The full article and the entire issue can be found HERE. It deals in detail with individual construction methods in modular construction, financing and costs, modular construction as a DIY method and Haupt's detailed conclusion on the topic.

Almost 55 per cent of the participants are between 50 and 69 years old. This is in line with the trend in the industry that most people interested in and living in a tiny house are already at an age where they have either been working for quite some time or are already retired. The second largest group in the survey was people between the ages of 30 and 49. Almost 60 per cent of respondents are women.

In response to the question of whether they already live in a tiny house, two-thirds of the participants answered that this is not yet the case, but that they would like to. A quarter are not currently planning to move into a tiny house. Only eight per cent of respondents have been living in a tiny house for a long time or recently.

When asked about their current living situation, the picture was largely even. A good 31 per cent of the participants live alone, a good 35 per cent live in a couple, and a good quarter live in a family constellation. Almost eight per cent said they live in a shared flat.

What is interesting is that 58 per cent prefer a life that offers them a mix of city and country living. 36 per cent want to live exclusively in the countryside and only six per cent are drawn to the city.

More than 80 per cent of those surveyed are certain or definitely planning to attend NEW HOUSING from 27 to 29 June at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. At almost 70 per cent, most are interested in permanent living solutions at Europe's largest Tiny House Festival. 30 per cent just want to ‘take a look around’. Almost a quarter are interested in tiny houses as holiday accommodation and almost 15 per cent see the mini houses as a suitable investment platform.

Living in a small space is no longer a trend. Its niche existence is over. Minimalist living has arrived in society. Many people are consciously reducing – for environmental reasons, for financial reasons, or simply to live with less baggage. At NEW HOUSING – Europe's largest tiny house festival – they have all found their home, along with many more.

From 27 to 29 June 2025, visitors to NEW HOUSING will be able to marvel at, view and examine more than 30 houses. Among the cottages are the increasingly popular modular houses. These can be individually adapted according to your wishes, style and phase of life. If your partner moves in with you, the house gets bigger. Is there a new addition to the family? It gets even bigger. Are the children moving out again? Then you can downsize. That's not possible with a conventional house. What's more, a modular house can also be transported.

In addition to modular houses, exhibitors will also be showing classic tiny houses on wheels, accommodation in timber frame or aluminium construction, micro-apartments or containers.

Visitors can expect to see everything they need to live in a tiny house, including practical accessories, space-saving furniture, clean toilet solutions, clever ideas for the garden and much more.

A wealth of information at the Tiny Talks

First-hand information is available at NEW HOUSING 2025 during the Tiny Talks. In the context of compact 30-minute keynote speeches, residents talk about life in a tiny house and share their experiences, manufacturers present practical accessories and bankers explain how to finance tiny houses. The entire forum programme can be found on the website a few weeks before the Tiny House Festival.

‘The Tiny Talks, along with the unique variety of tiny houses, are at the heart of NEW HOUSING. The opportunity to learn so much about living in such a small space in such a condensed and compact way over three days is unique in Europe. With us, visitors get information and real and tangible added value that cannot be googled,’ says Ramona Jonait, NEW HOUSING project manager.

The workshops are back again this year, having made a comeback in 2025. They are aimed at people who are interested in tiny houses, but also at those who have already taken the step towards downsizing their living space and lifestyle. The workshops offer the opportunity to explore a topic in depth and in a very personal way. In 2024, all places were booked up, but interested parties can secure places as soon as the ticket shop opens.

Tiny Giants Area

In the outdoor area of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre, very special miniature houses will be set up: the Tiny Giants. These houses are still tiny, but compared to those in the exhibition halls, they are somewhat larger spatial wonders. So if you prefer something small, but not quite as spacious and expansive, the Tiny Giants Area is the place for you. Tiny is not always just minimalist, but can be as diverse as the needs of its inhabitants.

Festival atmosphere

It is not for nothing that NEW HOUSING is also known as the Tiny House Festival. In the green atrium of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre, visitors can enjoy numerous food trucks, DJ music and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether in the comfortable hammocks or on the lush green grass, everyone will find a cosy spot here. And for those who like live music, the performances of the musicians in the atrium are highly recommended.

‘NEW HOUSING is a first mover and trendsetter when it comes to tiny houses. As Europe's number one Tiny House Festival, we offer our visitors everything they need to live in the smallest of spaces. This also includes finding and selecting the right property – anywhere in Germany,’ says René Naumann, Director Market Area 1 at Messe Karlsruhe.

Wolfgang Grupp junior had been talking about it for a long time, and in December 2024 it became a reality: tiny houses for employees. In a video posted on Instagram in mid-December, Grupp junior talks about the project.

According to the video, the first two houses were put into operation in December. They are supplied with energy on the one hand by Trigema's waste heat and PV system. At the same time, each cottage has its own small PV system on the roof. According to the manufacturer Vitolina, this provides a certain degree of self-sufficiency for the residents, and the utility costs are very low. It is planned that paths and a comprehensive grounds for the small settlement will be laid out later, especially in spring.

But why is Trigema building tiny houses at all? Grupp junior: ‘Because we are also affected by the shortage of skilled workers. We have to do everything we can to get good employees for the textile industry. This is a small step.’

Advantages of tiny houses

Grupp wants to enable new employees who come from further afield to get started quickly. From this position, employees should then quickly look for another place to live.

Grupp junior sees other advantages to tiny houses, however. They are flexible, for example, if the space on which they stand is needed for other purposes. The houses can easily be moved, reused or repurposed. ‘What's more, tiny houses fit perfectly into our sustainability strategy,’ the company boss continues.

According to the real estate industry, there is a shortage of 800,000 homes in Germany. Other studies estimate a slightly lower figure. Nevertheless, everyone agrees that more living space is needed in the Federal Republic. And it should also be affordable.

Friedrich Merz, the CDU and CSU's candidate for Chancellor, has now brought tiny houses into play as a solution to the housing shortage in the current election campaign. Merz is planning a ‘turbo construction programme’ for houses between 60 and 80 square metres – excluding the cellar, but including a small garden. Merz wants to ‘mass-produce’ the houses.

According to the CDU leader's ideas, which he revealed in the Bild am Sonntag, the residential units for two people are to be ‘modularly planned and prefabricated’. The cost of each tiny house, depending on the furnishings and size of the property, is between 100,000 and 200,000 euros.

However, it is not clear exactly how Merz intends to implement his mini-house idea. Currently, the average living space in Germany is 55.4 square metres per person. Merz's idea would therefore reduce this space per resident.

How do Merz's ideas fare with industry experts?

‘Friedrich Merz's idea of producing more small residential modules for permanent living is fundamentally sound,’ says Johannes Laible. The publisher of the magazine “Kleiner Wohnen” and board member of the Tiny House Association continues: ’Interest in tiny houses and modular houses has been very high in recent years. However, a great many projects have failed due to legal requirements at the federal and state level, as well as municipal development plans.’

The issue is not the series production now being proposed by Merz. There are a whole range of manufacturers in Germany ready to take on this work. Laible: ‘The issue is the legal basis for the erection of small residential buildings. As long as this is not changed, Merz's proposal will not remain ineffective.’

Proposals of the Tiny House Association

The Tiny House Association has long been committed to facilitating the construction of tiny houses, residential modules and other small buildings for permanent living by changing the rules. ‘For example, the requirements for thermal insulation could be reduced for houses with a living space of less than 50 square metres, second row building could be made possible and redensification could be specifically promoted. Since tiny houses and modular houses are not tied to a specific location, they could also be set up on a temporary basis.’

In conclusion, Laible says: ‘Developers and house builders in this country are not lacking in will or ideas for the construction of small buildings, but simply in legal relief to make living in them possible at all. The future federal government must introduce quick-acting changes here.’

About 30 minutes from Bayreuth, in the Fichtelgebirge, is the first tiny house village in Germany. The village in Mehlmeisel was founded in 2017, initially with one house and two residents. Just two years later, 40 residents were living on the site in more than 25 tiny houses. In addition, a tiny house hotel consisting of three tiny houses has now been built on the site.

The Tiny House Village Mehlmeisel has a total of 37 approved parking spaces for houses up to a maximum size of 50 square metres and a height of 4.50 metres. According to the provider, 16,000 square metres, or about a third of the property, is designated as private space. The remaining square metres are available to the entire community. In addition, the village includes a garage and a community house.

Moving to Hüttstadl

Since May 2021, Village Mehlmeisel has been operated by Tiny House Village GmbH. The original operators have moved to the Tiny House Village Hüttstadl, two and a half kilometres away.

This has a floor space of 2000 square metres, plus shared carports and a technical hut. There are a total of five approved parking spaces for Tiny Houses and nearby there are shops, doctors, restaurants and much more.

Including Mehlmeisel and Hüttstadl, there are now four in the Fichtelgebirge, with the villages of Unterlind (from 2023) and Sauerhof (from 2024). Further information about the projects can be found HERE.

Whenever a year comes to an end, it's time to look back. A lot has happened for the NEW HOUSING team in 2024. 2025 will be just as eventful. In this review, we would also like to take a look behind the scenes of NEW HOUSING.

Visiting HanseBau in Bremen in January

Part of the work in the trade fair sector also includes regular visits to competitors' events. In January, part of the team made the trip to Bremen to visit the HanseBau. The construction fair covers a range of aspects of building, and a small area of the site was dedicated to 2024 Tiny Houses. The team is always happy to make new contacts.

Workshop finalisation round in March

The Tiny House Festival is the most important meeting place for the community in Europe. In addition to the numerous houses, products and services that are important for living in a small space, NEW HOUSING also impresses in terms of content. The Tiny Talks have always been very well attended. They cover topics such as the separating toilet, ecological building, but also reports from tiny house residents. The fully booked workshops were back in 2024. They were last offered in 2019. And because demand has grown steadily over the years, the NEW HOUSING team finally decided in March to revive the workshops and finalise the plans with the relevant speakers – with great success. They will be part of the festival again in 2025. The advantages are obvious. The workshops are limited to 25 participants. This allows topics to be worked on together in detail. How can you use tiny houses as an investment tool? How do you start living in a tiny house? These and other questions will be answered again in 2025.

Design of the press talk in April

For the first time, the press talk took place the day before the NEW HOUSING opening. This replaced the classic press tour, which no longer fit with the festival concept. After the topic had been decided (‘Tiny House settlements – hurdles, opportunities and paths to the village of small houses’) and the participants selected, the get-together took place in April. In addition to project manager and talk show participant Ramona Jonait, moderator Christian Klerner and PR manager Matthias Jundt were also present. The other participants – Fabian Müller, Regina Schleyer and Nadine Nebel – also got to know each other in April.

Festival in June

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the fifth edition of NEW HOUSING, which took place from 28 to 30 June. For three days, everything at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre revolved around living in small and very small spaces. More than 30 houses, almost 80 exhibitors, an expert forum, workshops and much more impressed visitors and the NEW HOUSING team alike.

Strategy day in July

After the festival is before the festival. Shortly after NEW HOUSING, the team met in Karlsruhe to plan the next event in 2025. Lessons learned from the past trade fair were drawn and adapted for the coming year. New ideas were developed, old ones discarded.

Prepare documents in August

What do trade fair teams actually do when there is no on-site trade fair? The short answer: they prepare. The long answer: in August, the documents for exhibitors were prepared in such a way that a suitable package is available for every sub-sector of the industry. This includes the various price models, but also a legal review by the in-house department. An important part of the documents also concerns data protection.

Presentation of the plans in September

From the budget and where it goes to the planning of the exhibition areas and conceptual further and new developments – every edition of NEW HOUSING is planned in a complex and well-thought-out manner. At some point, the plans are presented to the management – this happened in September. Ideas and plans are critically weighed up and discussed on an equal footing. The plans are then adjusted and finalised accordingly.

Starting signal for 2025 in October

The acquisition process began in October. In concrete terms, this means that exhibition stands are planned and prepared in close consultation with the NEW HOUSING exhibitors. Exhibitors from previous years, as well as interested parties and potential new exhibitors, are contacted. This process usually continues until shortly before the trade fair.

End-of-year spurt in November and December

The last two months of the year are still fully taken up with planning for 2025. What press events will there be? Which loyal exhibitors are still on board? Who is new? What is happening on social media in the coming year?

And 2025?

Next year will be another very eventful one for NEW HOUSING. In addition to the press talk, which will take place for the first time on the opening day of the fair, numerous other projects are in the pipeline. The workshops, which were sold out in 2024, are to be further modified and, ideally, expanded. And other ideas that cannot be mentioned here yet are in the planning and preparation stages.

Anyone visiting NEW HOUSING at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre will quickly realise that there is a large community of tiny houses, modular houses and the like. Since 2018, thousands of interested people have been coming to the event to exchange ideas, gather information and find inspiration for their own miniature home.

NEW HOUSING has also continuously developed its offering for visitors over the past few years. It now includes a moderated specialist forum, workshops, a live podcast on stage and a talk on how tiny house communities can be created.

But what about outside the tiny house industry?

Tiny House Association and industry standard

The Tiny House Association, founded in Karlsruhe, has existed since 2019. NEW HOUSING is one of the founding members. The association is led by chairwoman Regina Schleyer: ‘The number of members continues to grow. However, there are always members who leave the association.’

In addition to its traditional lobbying work for those living in small spaces, the Tiny House Association was also instrumental in the creation of the first ‘industrial standard for small buildings’ last year. The standard is the first generally valid basis for finding land and building tiny houses. It is intended to help in dealing with authorities and contractors. There are currently around 40 pure tiny house settlements nationwide – and the trend is rising.

Building type E

The fact that building in Germany needs to be made easier has also been recognised by the Federal Ministry of Construction under Klara Geywitz, which is why the ‘Building Type E’ has been launched. ‘E’ stands for ‘simple, experimental and efficient’. The minister is quoted as follows: ‘With Building Type E, we are enabling simple and experimental construction. Building is too expensive in Germany. We often tend to build to a gold standard. This makes planning and construction complex, labour-intensive and expensive. We want to change that. (...) With ‘Building Type E’, project planners can deviate from building standards in a legally secure manner in order to complete a building faster and more cost-effectively. (...)’

It is difficult to say what specific impact building type E will have on tiny houses. But one thing is clear: the path to more individual living concepts is now easier to follow.

Tiny houses and architects

Andreas Grube, district chairman of the Karlsruhe/Nordbaden Chamber of Architects, likes building type E: ‘This was also the result of an initiative by the Chamber of Architects. We welcome the new building type because the energy balance can now also be improved through the materials used. This also helps our profession when it comes to arguing in favour of sustainable construction.’

And what role do tiny houses play for architects in general? ‘They are an issue for us, but not nearly as often as conventional buildings. They are particularly popular with older people,’ Grube continues.

But: ‘Ten years ago, tiny houses didn't even play a role. That has changed a lot in the meantime. People are consciously scaling back and reacting to increasingly scarce space. For example, a colleague of mine recently completed a project at Schuttersee in the Ortenau region,’ Grube continues. Architects also enjoy planning tiny houses. Grube: ‘It's about creating something wonderful in a small space.’

Amendment to the Federal Building Code

At the beginning of September 2024, the then still existing federal cabinet had approved the draft amendment to the Federal Building Code (Baugesetzbuch, BauGB). The BauGB is the central legal basis for urban development in Germany. The legislative process is to be completed in the Bundestag by the end of the year. The Bundesrat does not have to give its consent here.

The amendment is intended to ease the tense situation on the housing market. The special regulation of Section 246e BauGB means that a separate development plan will no longer have to be submitted in future. In addition, building extensions should now be allowed everywhere – even in housing markets that are not strained – without the need to amend the development plan. Until now, this option was only available in individual cases.

Previously, redensification was only possible if it corresponded to the so-called character of the neighbourhood. This should also be easier in the future.

The amendment of the Federal Building Code opens up the possibility for the construction of alternative mini-houses at least a little more.

Tiny house study

The fact that tiny houses are continuing to fight their way into the mainstream of society can also be seen from the fact that studies are being conducted on the subject – such as that by the Ministry of the Interior of Schleswig-Holstein in collaboration with the Technical University of Lübeck. The ministry wanted to shed light on the opportunities, limitations and risks of tiny houses.

The study presents mini houses as a ‘cost-effective, sustainable and pragmatic solution’. ‘The study shows the opportunities offered by tiny houses and where their limits and risks lie, and it refutes prejudices. It shows that there is no universal assessment, but that it always depends on the individual consideration,’ said Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, as quoted by the ministry itself. And further: ’Furthermore, it is questionable whether a tiny house can always meet all the different requirements.’

The study concludes that people do not live in tiny houses for economic reasons alone. Rather, the study finds that this way of life is a conscious decision to reduce living space, possessions, costs, effort and responsibility. According to the study, local authorities and investors see tiny houses as an opportunity to build on and densify sealed or small residual areas. The full study can be found HERE.

Conclusion

One thing is clear: tiny houses have long since ceased to be just a trend. Both politics and science and associations are dealing with this form of living. And with NEW HOUSING, a trade fair has been established throughout Europe that deals with mini-houses and life in and around them.

Short interview

‘The seriousness has increased’

Chris and Caro from ‘tinyon’ have been making a podcast specifically about ‘living in a tiny house’ since April 2022 and are very well connected in the scene.

How do you rate the development around mini houses?

Chris and Caro: "The general interest in the topic has clearly reached the broader sections of society, but the reasons for this are fundamentally different. Since our podcast deliberately deals with the tiny living lifestyle, we are also noticing here that people are dealing with their personal dream of it more concretely than ever.’

In addition to the podcast, the two of them also offer seminars and training. How has your customer base changed?

Chris and Caro: "The target group is the same, but the seriousness with which people approach their own journey to a tiny house has increased significantly in recent years. Interested parties still do their own research at the beginning, but then realise that they want professional support from people who live in a tiny house themselves. We know the challenges and also the shortcuts from dreaming to living in your own mini house.’

What conclusion do you draw now? Are tiny houses still a trend or already a permanent solution?

Chris and Caro: "The trend is literally taking small steps towards a permanent solution. In our view, general world events are ensuring that more and more people are dealing with the topics of deceleration, conscious consumption and independence. In addition, every project that is implemented, from a small single-family house to a tiny house settlement, creates trust on the part of the local community. Life in a tiny house is becoming more ‘adult’ and is slowly taking its place as an established form of living.’

There are currently around 40 developments in Germany specifically for tiny houses and other mini-house forms. At the first NEW HOUSING press talk in June, moderator Chris Klerner discussed an excellent overview of the industry with Regina Schleyer, chairwoman of the Tiny House Association in Karlsruhe, which was founded in 2019, Fabian Müller, founder and managing director of Vilcomo, scientist Nadine Nebel from the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, and Ramona Jonait, project manager at NEW HOUSING.

Click on the image to watch the video!

Visitors to NEW HOUSING 2024 were most interested in Fabian Müller's land exchange for tiny houses. On a large map, people offering and seeking land were able to place a pin on a map of Germany and thus connect with each other.

The land exchange has also been available in digital form since the beginning of October. In an interview with NEW HOUSING, Müller explains how the exchange works, how many pins have already been placed and how it will continue.

NEW HOUSING: What happens now with the searches and offers and how will the land exchange continue?

Fabian Müller: So far, we have been processing each entry by hand. Often, landowners are not left alone, and we want to prevent that. That's why you can only enter the region on the land exchange and not the exact address. If we see that interested parties and providers match, we suggest a video conference. There, the parties can get to know each other. After that, we withdraw. But of course we continue to offer our help. So far, we have been working on the project on a voluntary basis and for idealistic reasons.

NEW HOUSING: The next NEW HOUSING will take place from 27 to 29 June 2025. What can we expect from you then?

Fabian Müller: I don't yet know in what form and how, but I will be there.

According to the German Wind Energy Association (BWE), there are currently around 30,000 wind turbines in Germany – most of them in Lower Saxony, Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia. According to the German Environment Agency, wind turbines must be dismantled after 20 to 30 years.

But what happens to the discarded parts?

One possibility is tiny houses. The Swedish energy company Vatenfall, for example, is converting wind turbine nacelles into tiny houses. The houses are ten metres long, four metres wide and three metres high – including the kitchen and bathroom. The furniture is sustainably produced or used, and the table is made from the material of a recycled rotor blade. The tiny house is heated by a heat pump, a photovoltaic system and a solar boiler. The mini house was developed by the Dutch design firm Superuse Studios.

From feed silo to apartment

The feed silo towers of the Thomann family from Bad Säckingen have also been repurposed. Grandpa Erich and granddaughter Nina converted the former feed silos into living space. The result is 20 square metres of living space – plus a nine-square-metre terrace.

Although modular homes are becoming increasingly popular, many tiny houses still have wheels. The architecture firm Olson Kundig presents a completely new form: the tiny house on rails. The two-storey house can be disconnected from the main house and driven to the edge of the forest.

Taking home comforts with you when you move: what Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius described as utopia almost 100 years ago is now reality for the Tiny House Community. The NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre has established itself as a fixed address for the industry from all over Europe. Nowhere else is there a bigger offer for fans of tiny houses. Nowhere else can visitors experience such a wide variety of tiny houses from numerous European countries. And nowhere else can visitors meet so many like-minded people, suppliers and experts as at the Tiny House Festival at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre.

The fifth edition of Europe's largest Tiny House Festival took place from 28 to 30 June. Almost 80 exhibitors showcased everything that goes with living in a tiny house. These included over 30 small buildings - from Tiny Houses On Wheels, modular houses, mini houses, classic timber frame or lightweight aluminium constructions to micro flats. Once again, more than 8,000 visitors also found out about practical room solutions, construction planning, plots of land and financing as well as accessories.

"Tiny homes are becoming increasingly popular as a possible living concept. More and more local authorities are also promoting tiny house developments and see them as an opportunity to counteract the housing shortage and rising rents. Since its first edition six years ago, Messe Karlsruhe has developed NEW HOUSING into the central meeting point for the community. What began in 2018 with just a few houses and a small exhibition area has now become the European industry meeting point. Visitors from all German states and ten per cent from abroad can view the largest variety of small houses at Messe Karlsruhe. The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre also paved the way for the founding of the Tiny House Association. This makes Karlsruhe the centre for the tiny house movement in Germany and Europe," says Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of Messe Karlsruhe.

High willingness to buy and demand meet suitable offers

Numerous visitors have already come to Karlsruhe with concrete ideas, visions and business models - like Sandra Greiner from Offenburg. She would like to offer assisted living for senior citizens in tiny houses: "I'm looking for answers to questions about finding land, planning permission and, of course, the houses themselves. And NEW HOUSING is helping me a lot. This is my first time here and I'm impressed by the variety of houses on show."

Another trade visitor is Klaus Ruoff from Kirchheim Teck, who is also looking to invest: "I'm planning to build several tiny houses on the Cape Verde Islands. The application has been submitted, I'm still waiting for authorisation. This is my second time at NEW HOUSING. I'm hoping to find the right information here."

Three quarters of visitors consider the Tiny House Festival to be a very important investment. Overall, visitors - including 17 per cent of trade visitors - were very satisfied with NEW HOUSING. A survey peak of around 95 per cent was achieved here.

High level of satisfaction among suppliers

The exhibitors from all over Europe confirm the buying interest: "This is our second time at NEW HOUSING and we will be here again next year. Our ten employees are working at full capacity. We have many guests who have proactively signalled that they want to buy," says Vanessa Wenk from Immowenk Immobilien in Karlsruhe.

Dominika Farys exhibited at NEW HOUSING for the first time with Forward Homes from Norway. She showed her modular house in the Tiny Giants Area and wants to come back next year: "As soon as the fair opened, there was a huge rush of visitors. We have already been to trade fairs in Oslo and Warsaw, but NEW HOUSING surpasses them by far. Some of our visitors want to buy tiny houses for themselves, others are planning investments in the B2B sector. We are very satisfied."

All of this emphasises that NEW HOUSING is Europe's largest, most important and most influential trade fair for tiny houses.

New workshop programme sold out

New to the portfolio this year were the workshops on topics such as "Tiny House as Retirement Security", "Mini Houses and Building Law" and "Tiny House Room Layout", which were sold out right from the start. René Naumann, the responsible division manager, emphasises: "The workshops are an excellent addition to the programme. Mini houses are as individual as their owners. Especially when compared to conventional houses, it is extremely important to fully customise them to the needs of the occupants when there is less space. We succeeded in doing this with the workshops. And the positive feedback from the participants proves us right."

This is also confirmed by Heidi Pintschovius, who currently lives in the United Kingdom and is planning her return to Germany with and in a tiny house: "I really enjoyed the workshop. The two speakers brought lifestyle questions to their workshop, the answers to which can't be googled anywhere."

Expert forum always very well attended

Once again this year, the expert forum in the action hall in the entrance area of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre was an integral part of the trade fair. Every day from morning to evening, people from the industry gave talks on topics such as "Phytotiny, small mobile plant purification systems", "Self-build room modules or micro houses" or "Tiny house financing". Participants also took the opportunity to network with the speakers and each other after the presentations.

Festival character emphasises the idea of networking

Even more than in the past, the festival character played a role in the conception of the trade fair. In addition to the lounge atmosphere in the atrium with a bar, DJ and food trucks, musicians provided live music on all three days. "We see that, in addition to the investment decision per se, there is a great need for dialogue within the community. Buying a mini-home always involves personal dialogue. Here, people can find like-minded people, suitable suppliers and a suitable feel-good atmosphere that reflects this lifestyle. With our festival character, we offer a pleasant atmosphere that invites people to buy, but also to exchange ideas and network," says Ramona Jonait, project manager of NEW HOUSING.

Date for 2025

In 2025, Messe Karlsruhe will once again be the most important European platform for small-scale living with NEW HOUSING. The event will then take place from 27 to 29 June.

There has been a tiny house settlement in Ettlingen since 2019, people have been living in a tiny house settlement in the village of Lilleby near Hamburg since 2020 and in Unterammergau since 2022. More and more municipalities want to create tiny house settlements in response to the lack of living space and rising property prices.

At the first NEW-HOUHSING press talk, experts from the industry discussed the opportunities, hurdles and paths to the village of tiny houses.

The panel was moderated by Chris Klerner. Together with his partner Caro Werner, the pair host the "tinyon" podcast. Klerner discussed with Regina Schleyer, who is the chairwoman of the Tiny House Association in Karlsruhe, which was founded in 2019. Fabian Müller from Vilcomo is an expert in connecting people and communities. Scientist Nadine Nebel at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences wants to find out how many square metres happiness needs. And Ramona Jonait, project manager at NEW HOUSING, has an excellent overview of the industry.

Quotes

On the question of how best to proceed when planning a tiny house development, Müller said: "Developments or neighbourhoods stand or fall on political will. The best thing to do is to approach the mayor directly. You should take a structured approach. It is also important to involve the municipality if you want to create a tiny house neighbourhood."

Schleyer reported on geographical focuses: "In terms of manufacturers, it's quite well spread out geographically. There are a few associations in the north, more in the south. In Baden-Württemberg, we from the association always recommend: Take a look at the state building regulations. There is experimental living there."

Nebel replied to the question of how housing estates with mini houses can be created: "The right people have to be in the right places to make decisions. Some people try something out and see how it works. The whole thing is a process."

When asked about the visitors to the Tiny House Festival, Jonait said: "We have visitors at NEW HOUSING who are interested in short-term housing solutions. However, the majority who come to us want long-term solutions. In general, we have a very colourful mix of visitors - from young to old."

Watch the discussion on video

Interested parties can watch the entire press talk on video - on the NEW HOUSING website or on the YouTube channel of Europe's largest Tiny House Festival.

Mühlacker wants them, Ettlingen and Unterammergau already have them and residents in Florida have been living in them since the 1960s - we are talking about tiny house settlements. These communities, in which people live only in mini houses of various kinds, are increasingly becoming a real alternative to the classic single-family home.

In a panel discussion on 27 June from 10 a.m., experts will discuss the hurdles on the way to a tiny house settlement, how this can be achieved, but also the opportunities associated with it.

THE LIVE VIDEO CAN BE VIEWED HERE

The panel discussion will take place as part of the fifth NEW HOUSING at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. Europe's largest Tiny House Festival takes place from 28 to 30 June and offers over 30 different houses and almost 70 exhibitors in one place.

The discussants

Klerner, who will also be discussing the topic as an inhabitant of a tiny house, will be joined by Regina Schleyer. She is the chairwoman of the association, which was founded at the end of 2019 and last year published the industry standard for small buildings for the first time, a collective work designed to make it easier to successfully obtain small building permits.

Fabian Müller will also be part of the panel. The founder and managing director of Vilcomo works in the field of building land development and municipal consulting. He is well connected and knows how to reconcile the interests of all parties involved.

Nadine Nebel will also contribute her expertise. She is a research officer and designer at the Institute for Liveable and Environmentally Friendly Urban Development at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences (In-Lust) and wants to use her latest study to investigate whether there is a connection between living space and housing satisfaction. One of the ways she is doing this is by using a real-life laboratory in which people live and in which the living space is gradually increased. She is bringing the initial results to NEW HOUSING.

The panel will be completed by Ramona Jonait. As project manager of Europe's largest Tiny House Festival and a member of the association's board, she knows the players in the industry and is very well connected.

Houses, service providers, experts and much more - from 28 to 30 June, NEW HOUSING at Messe Karlsruhe will once again offer everything and perhaps more that fans of and those interested in all kinds of small living arrangements are interested in.

Many different house types

Almost 70 exhibitors will be presenting more than 30 houses at Europe's largest Tiny House Festival. These include Tiny Houses on Wheels, but also modular houses. These can be adapted to the respective living situation and scaled up or down accordingly. Overall, the range on show includes buildings in classic timber frame or lightweight aluminium construction, micro-apartments as well as single and mini houses. Visitors to Hall 1 will also encounter suppliers of practical furniture, banks and other service providers. Advice centres, such as the Tiny House Association, will also be on site.

The site plan

In addition to Hall 1, where most of the exhibitors will be located, NEW HOUSING will also take place in the green atrium. At the heart of the fair, visitors can view other houses up close. The Tiny Giants Area is available for those who want to see small giants.

Strong content

The workshops have been here before and are back at NEW HOUSING. These are designed for beginners as well as for Tiny House experts. Interested parties can work on various topics related to tiny houses in intensive courses. A workshop lasts about two hours, so that a relaxed visit to the festival is still possible.

An integral part of NEW HOUSING, and also taking part again this year, are the presentations by experts in the forum, which is being moderated for the first time this year. The 30-minute keynote speeches will cover topics such as ‘Building smaller in solid construction’, ‘Separate toilets in tiny houses’ and ‘Tiny house financing’. Nadine Nebel will also be present. The scientist from Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences will talk about her research project, in which she wants to find out, roughly speaking, how many square metres happiness needs.

NEW HOUSING at ‘tinyon’

Chris&Caro from the podcast ‘tinyon’ will be represented in both the workshops and the expert forum. As they did last year, they will be recording an episode live on the NEW HOUSING stage. They will talk about their first year of living in a tiny house and the 365 insights they have gained during this time.

Ramona Jonait, NEW HOUSING project manager, was a guest on the ‘tinyon’ podcast a few weeks ago. She says: ‘What I like about NEW HOUSING is that it is a unique platform for an industry that is still growing. The festival plays its part in bringing diverse players together and bringing more stability, acceptance and understanding to and for the market. I am most looking forward to a real festival feeling, to great moments of exchange, to a meeting of the most diverse people. Because we all have one thing in common: an interest in small-scale living.’

Music and culinary delights

The Tiny Concerts at NEW HOUSING will encourage people to come together and create a real festival feeling. On all three festival days from 12 noon to 2 pm - and on Saturday from 2.45 pm to 4.45 pm - young singer-songwriters will provide live music and perhaps give one or two people goosebumps.

A total of nine food trucks will be providing an unprecedented variety of culinary delights this year. From Mexican food to unusual fries and sweets, NEW HOUSING is sure to please every food lover.

Special service

Visitors on site, but also those interested at home, will receive a very special service this year. In the live blog, which will be available on the NEW HOUSING website, the trade fair team will provide regular updates on everything important about the festival.

‘Once again this year, the NEW HOUSING team has succeeded in creating a great mix of a valuable exhibition that is unique in Europe, highly interesting lectures and workshops, and a relaxed atmosphere worthy of a festival. I can hardly wait to see how visitors will take up the offer, what exciting discussions will arise and how the mini-house movement will continue to develop - also with the help of NEW HOUSING,’ says René Naumann, Head of the Own Exhibitions Division at Messe Karlsruhe.

Whether it's Mexican delicacies, unusual chips or delicious sweets - in addition to its more almost 70 exhibitors and more than 30 houses, the workshops and the expert forum, NEW HOUSING also impresses in culinary terms. Never before has the range of food and drink on offer been as extensive as this year.

A total of nine food trucks are waiting to cater for visitors to NEW HOUSING. For the first time, the food on offer is divided into several areas - the Tiny Giants Area, the Atrium and the Action Hall.

Tex-Mex, curry and more

Texicos from Wiesbaden will be represented for the first time at Europe's largest trade fair for small living spaces of all kinds. Friends of Tex-Mex cuisine and lovers of quesadillas, tacos and burritos will get their money's worth in the Atrium.

The company Fächerfritten will also be at NEW HOUSING for the first time. The Karlsruhe-based company offers special chips in chilli cheese or guacamole flavours. Fächerfritten will be located in the Atrium.

Kostbar Waldkirch from the town of the same name also operates a food truck in addition to its restaurant. The company will be in the Tiny Giants area at NEW HOUSING. Special burger variations are on offer.

If you like Italian food, Porta Pinsa Via is the place for you. Also located in the Tiny Giants Area, the mobile caterer from Karlsruhe offers savoury and sweet pinsas.

Speaking of desserts. An old acquaintance of NEW HOUSING is Popice. The Karlsruhe-based company has three stands at Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - in the Atrium, in the Action Hall and in the Tiny Giants Area. Visitors can also satisfy their caffeine cravings there.

Lovers of a good curry will find what they are looking for at two food trucks. Street Cookery's offer Indian curries. The Karlsruhe-based company has often been represented at the trade fair and will be located in the atrium this year. The Sonnenhof Currymobile is also an old favourite at NEW HOUSING. These curries are available in the Tiny Giants area.

With Leftovercocking, an old acquaintance is back at NEW HOUSING. The Karlsruhe-based company offers bowls, pitas and more - all of which are sustainable, fair and 100 per cent vegan. Their food can be purchased in the Atrium.

Chicken Dinner also offers chips, curry sausage, chicken nuggets and other fast food in the Atrium. The company from Neckarsulm was already at NEW HOUSING last year.

Fluidum is all about liquids. Whether water, soft drinks, long drinks or other beverages, visitors can find a large selection in the Tiny Giants Area in Mannheim, just like in 2023.

The text will be updated continuously.

Tiny House (On Wheels)

Modular/ Small house

Tiny House accessories

NEW HOUSING is the most important meeting place for the tiny house community and fans of small living spaces throughout Europe. In addition to the almost 70 exhibitors and more than 30 houses, visitors can expect numerous lectures, workshops and much more.

To ensure that visitors on site, as well as those interested or undecided at home, are always up to date on what is on offer, a live blog will provide information on everything important for the first time during the fifth edition of NEW HOUSING.

When is the next presentation in the expert forum? What does the Tiny Giants Area look like? What's happening in the Social Media Corner? These and other questions will be answered in the live blog, which can be found on the NEW HOUSING homepage.

Visitors also have the opportunity to ask their specific and very individual questions via the live blog - and receive answers. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in small surveys or keep up to date with how NEW HOUSING is being received on social media.

The live blog will go online on 17 June.

Participants were asked to complete a total of five questions. The results summarise the responses from Instagram and from the newsletter sent out at the beginning of April. The percentages are rounded up or down.

1. I am interested in...

a. ...single households: 52 per cent

b. ...a shared home: 15 per cent

c. ...family in a tiny house: 37 per cent

2. I prioritise living...

a. ...in the country: 40 per cent

b. ...in the city: 15 per cent

c. ...that offers me a mixture: 45 per cent

3. My living situation can be described as follows:

a. Apartment block: 54 per cent

b. Mini house: 7 per cent

c. Single-family house: 34 per cent

d. Other: 5 per cent

4. At NEW HOUSING I am most looking forward to... (multiple answers possible)

a. ...viewing the houses: 82 per cent

b. ...the specialist presentations: 13 per cent

c. ...the workshops: 3 per cent

d. ...the exchange with the community: 24 per cent

5. Which Tiny topic are you particularly interested in? (multiple answers possible)

a. Planning a tiny house: 74 per cent

b. Financing: 37 per cent

c. Land/parking spaces: 37 per cent

d. Furniture and interior design: 37 per cent

e. Tiny house community: 11 per cent

f. Building law: 53 per cent

At NEW HOUSING, all visitors' interests are catered for. Around 50 different houses - for singles, two people or families - can be viewed, the expert forum will feature exciting presentations on all important topics relating to small-scale housing, and these topics will be explored in depth in the workshops.

All information and more can be found at www.new-housing.de.

Tiny houses, modular homes and other forms of small housing - NEW HOUSING is Europe's largest festival for these topics and will open its doors this year from 28 to 30 June.

With "tinyon", Chris&Caro have one of the most successful podcasts for all people who don't need a lot of space but still have everything they need to be happy. Now NEW HOUSING project manager Ramona Jonait and Chris&Caro met up - in the 47th edition of "tinyon".

The three of them talked about the upcoming NEW HOUSING. One of the topics was the workshops, which are back at Europe's largest tiny house festival after a break. "Sharing ideas, working on topics together, practical application - that's what the workshops are all about. I'm looking forward to seeing how they are received by our participants," says Jonait.

You can find out what other topics the three of them talked about and what else visitors can look forward to HERE.

Living space is scarce, property prices are rising and the dream of home ownership is becoming increasingly distant. What applies to Germany is also a reality in Switzerland. And just like in Germany, tiny houses and the like are also a possible alternative for the Swiss.

The researchers

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts wanted to find out exactly what potential they have. An interdisciplinary research group was set up for this purpose. It consists of Stephanie Weiss, Kathrin Leitner (both from the Institute of Sociocultural Development), Yvonne Seiler Zimmermann and Ersilia Perpignano (both from the Institute of Financial Services Zug), Felix Bucher (Institute of Innovation and Technology Management) and Selina Lutz and Julian Franke (both from the Institute of Architecture). The research project was commissioned by Innosuisse - Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion ITC "Space & Society" (HSLU).

The results

The researchers came to the conclusion that there is potential in Switzerland in terms of demand for small forms of housing. Around half of those surveyed already had experience of small-scale housing or could imagine living in one. The researchers differentiated between "experts" and "interested parties". The other half could not imagine living in a tiny house ("not interested").

Study topic in the expert forum

Researchers from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts will be presenting why this is the case, what differences there are between different phases of life when it comes to preferences for the size of living space and other findings from the study at the NEW HOUSING expert forum from 28 to 30 June.

More information on the study can be found on the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts website. The programme of the expert forum and further information on NEW HOUSING can be found at www.new-housing.de.

The journey to your own tiny house, modular house or other mini home usually begins with the search for a suitable plot of land. Although the former association "einfach gemeinsam leben" from Wolfratshausen in Bavaria has disbanded, it has published a checklist for property suitability. Here it is.

Visitors to NEW HOUSING from 28 to 30 June at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre can obtain in-depth information on the subject of land. Further information on NEW HOUSING can be found at www.new-housing.de.

With more than 800 million users in over 200 countries, LinkedIn claims to be the largest professional network in the world. NEW HOUSING is now also represented there.

"After the successful growth on Instagram and the steadily increasing number of new manufacturers and suppliers, LinkedIn was the next logical step to reach both visitors and potential exhibitors and to have a target group-specific effect on the industry. The NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival has seen itself as a community event right from the start, which is why we can be found wherever the community is," says Ramona Jonait, Project Manager of NEW HOUSING.

NEW HOUSING has been active on Facebook and Instagram for some time. More information about Europe's largest Tiny House Festival can be found at www.new-housing.de.

From 28 to 30 June, Messe Karlsruhe will once again become Europe's largest tiny house festival at NEW HOUSING. Almost 70 exhibitors will be presenting, among other things, more than 30 houses with a wide variety of tiny house designs.

But tiny house fans and enthusiasts can also look forward to seeing old friends: the workshops are back! "Sharing ideas, working on topics together, practical application - that's what the workshops are all about. I'm looking forward to seeing how they are received by our participants," says Ramona Jonait, Project Manager of NEW HOUSING.

The workshop times

Three workshops will be offered on each of the three festival days Friday, Saturday and Sunday - from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, from 12.45 pm to 1.45 pm and from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

With Chris and Caro from the podcast "tinyon", interested parties can work together on the path to their own mini house. Under the title "How the dream finally becomes reality - the first step towards living in a tiny house", the two will help you take the right steps to become a safe and reliable part of the tiny house community and avoid mistakes in the process. This workshop is designed for 25 participants.

Anika Falke (Falke Design) will be offering two workshops on Saturday and Sunday - depending on the progress made on the way to your own tiny house. The workshop on Saturday is designed for beginners, the one on Sunday for advanced users. How do take the step towards small living? What do you really have to do without and where does the renunciation begin? How much luxury is still possible? These workshops have been designed for 15 to a maximum of 20 participants. you

NEW HOUSING at Messe Karlsruhe is Europe's largest tiny house festival. Almost 70 exhibitors will be showing more than 30 houses from June 28 to 30 - including Tiny Houses on Wheels, modular houses and other forms of small housing. If you want to be there, you can now purchase tickets.

A day ticket, which entitles you to entry from the opening at 10 a.m. until the exhibition closes at 6 p.m., costs 18 euros (concessions 15 euros). Children up to the age of eleven can visit NEW HOUSING free of charge. If you want to come to the festival on all three days, you can pay 45 euros (concessions 36). The happy hour ticket, which entitles you to enter from 3 pm, costs 15 euros.

VISIT THE TICKET SHOP

How to get there

There are many ways to get to Messe Karlsruhe in Rheinstetten. Those arriving by streetcar must get off at the Messe/Leichtsandstraße or Messe Nord stop. From the city center, you can take the S2 line in the direction of Rheinstetten. From the main station, take lines S1 and S11 in the direction of Neureut or Hochstetten and lines 2 in the direction of Knielingen Nord and 3 in the direction of Daxlanden or Rappenwörth.

From June 28 to 30, the Messe-Express will run between Karlsruhe Central Station and the Rheinstetten Exhibition Center. The shuttle runs every half hour from 9.40 a.m. to 6.10 p.m. and is free of charge.

If you are traveling by car from the A5 and A8 motorways, leave the freeway at the Kalsruhe-Süd exit and follow the "Messe" signs. From the A65, visitors take the B10 in the direction of "Messe".

Barrier-free

The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center is barrier-free. All halls and entrances are at ground level so that there are no access restrictions. A wheelchair can be reserved on request. Further information on how to get to the Tiny House Festival - for example, if you are visiting with a motorhome or tent - is available HERE.

How much space do people need to live and work? Do they need 150 or is 40 square meters enough? Tiny house enthusiasts have long since answered this question for themselves. And more and more people can imagine living in a smaller space. From June 28 to 30, 2024, interested parties, fans and people with expertise will meet at NEW HOUSING - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival at Messe Karlsruhe.

Visitors can expect to find everything they need to know about all kinds of tiny homes. These include classic Tiny Houses on Wheels, but also the increasingly popular modular houses. These can be adapted, enlarged or reduced in size depending on the living situation and requirements. Overall, the range on display includes buildings in classic timber frame or lightweight aluminum construction, micro apartments, single and mini houses and accessories. In addition, services and advice centers are offered for all matters relating to the topic.

More than 50 houses

Around 50 houses will be on display at the exhibition grounds. Visitors can walk through them and get an impression of how spacious tiny houses, modular houses and the like are inside and what expansion and usage options are available. In addition, more than 70 exhibitors will inform visitors about the houses as well as accessories, such as clever and space-saving furniture and other interiors. NEW HOUSING will also provide answers to the question of how a mini house can be financed - and in an ethical way.

"This year, too, we are delighted that even more exhibitors and, above all, more houses will be on show. Visitors will be able to get an even better all-round view of what is on offer on the market for small-scale housing. NEW HOUSING is therefore more compact and has more content than any other mini house trade fair in Europe and remains the most important meeting place for the community," says René Naumann, who took over the role of Director Market Area 1 at Messe Karlsruhe from Frank Thieme at the start of the year.

Moderated expert forum

Whether visitors already own a tiny house, are about to purchase one or want to find out more without obligation, at NEW HOUSING they will receive first-hand information from manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and owners. In short: visitors can expect all-round support from experts.

There will also be exciting presentations on living in a small space, how to get there and testimonials from experienced tiny house residents in the expert forum at Europe's number one community meeting point. A presentation by the Dutch company Ralston, for example, will focus on the Green Deal for the European paint market and what solutions are planned. This will be moderated by Christian Klerner. Together with his partner Carolin Werner, he runs the podcast "tinyon". Presentations from NEW HOUSING 2023 can be viewed HERE (In german). This year's program can be found HERE from April.

Old acquaintances are back

With the on-site workshops, old acquaintances are returning to NEW HOUSING. During previous editions of Europe's largest Tiny House Festival, interested parties were able to expand their knowledge of tiny houses in intensive seminars. Anyone wishing to take part in workshops can register for them in the ticket store on the NH website.

The workshops are designed both for people interested in tiny houses and for people who already live in tiny houses or modular houses and want to expand their knowledge. They deal with practical questions, such as the right interior design, but also with topics such as a living principle that is in harmony with nature. What do I need in my living environment to feel comfortable? What can I be sure of in my life and what do I definitely need?

"We are delighted to be able to offer our visitors workshops again. Sharing ideas with each other, working on topics together, practical application - that's what the workshops are all about. I'm looking forward to seeing how they are received by our participants," says Ramona Jonait, Project Manager of NEW HOUSING.

Study on housing efficiency

Small forms of housing have long since arrived in the scientific context. Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, for example, is working on the topic of housing efficiency and will be represented with a stand at NEW HOUSING. Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences already exhibited in Karlsruhe last year.

Tiny Giants Area

Following the very positive response from visitors and exhibitors, there will also be an area in 2024 where the large mini houses will be located. These include buildings that have an approximate size of 50 more than square meters. These modular houses can be enlarged and reduced in size as required.

Music and more

Food trucks, a DJ, the Tiny Bar and more in the green and sunny atrium in the heart of the exhibition grounds will ensure the right festival atmosphere on site.

Press talk on June 27

The 2024 edition of NEW HOUSING will be heralded by a press talk for the first time. This will take place on the day before the festival opens. Experts will discuss the topic of tiny house settlements and talk about the hurdles and paths, but also the opportunities associated with tiny house villages. The talk will be streamed live from 10 a.m. on the NEW HOUSING website and on the YouTube channel.

At NEW HOUSING - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival, visitors can view more than 30 tiny houses of all kinds. In addition, almost 70 exhibitors will provide information on topics such as accessories, equipment and more.

Since its first edition in 2018, NEW HOUSING has also been a meeting place for the tiny house community. At the 2024 edition, experts will also be giving talks in the forum every day from morning to evening on topics of interest to mini-home enthusiasts.

The Green Deal

A presentation by Dutch company Ralston, for example, will focus on the Green Deal for the European paint market and what solutions are planned. According to the Association of the German Paint and Printing Ink Industry, the Green Deal is intended to "lay the foundations for a sustainable European Union and promises nothing less than a comprehensive transformation of the European economy". The aim of the Green Deal is for the European economy to grow and at the same time be modern, resource-conserving and circular. Ralston will also report on the topic of "Recognizing inspection errors on wood, identifying causes and learning about solutions."

Finance ethicly correct

Another topic in the expert forum is an essential one: financing a mini house - and doing so ethically. Ethik Bank shows how this can work. After the financial company exhibited at NEW HOUSING for the first time in 2023, the bank is also part of the Expert Forum this year.

The special thing about Ethik Bank is that it claims to be an ethical-ecological direct bank. This means that customers' money is not invested in companies that are active in the fields of armaments and nuclear power or that permit child labor. Companies in which the Ethikbank invests must also be actively committed to sustainable business practices.

The entire forum program can be found on the NEW HOUSING website.

The presentations of the past NEW HOUSING were all recorded (in german). They can be watched on the Tiny YouTube channel HERE.

For the scientist, living in a small space also means a better quality of life. Conscious consumption and appreciation of the things that surround them instead of superfluous consumption are reasons for this.

But what about other people? Is it possible to draw a more general picture of satisfaction and living space? That's what Nebel wants to find out.

Single-family home most popular

According to the figures provided by the scientist, the classic detached house is currently the most popular form of housing in Germany. Due to climate change, a rethink is also becoming increasingly urgent in the housing sector, Nebel writes in her "Smaller homes" article. According to a study by the Federal Environment Agency, the 1.5-degree target can only be achieved by reducing per capita living space to 41.2 square meters by 2050. In 2021, the average living space per capita in Germany was still 47.7 square meters - and rising.

Nebel recently began her research on the topic. The results of the project will also be presented at NEW HOUSING 2024 and published on the Tiny House Festival website.

Residents live in a real laboratory

Part of the project is also a real-life laboratory in Jülich, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is gradually growing, while the residents are repeatedly questioned and interviewed. The focus here is on the question of the extent to which well-being changes - or not - with increasing living space.

Nebel part of the discussion on June 27

By the way: Nadine Nebel will also be taking part in the NEW HOUSING panel discussion on June 27, the day before the festival opens. The discussion will be streamed live and the video will also be available afterwards on the NH website.

Inflation and rising costs are increasingly presenting house builders with major challenges - and decisions. The question of whether to build a home is increasingly being answered in the negative. Tiny houses offer an alternative. Although they are smaller at around 40 square meters, they cost only a fraction of a conventional house at around 80,000 euros.

More than just a trend

The tiny house trend has therefore become a real alternative in the meantime. Lübeck University of Applied Sciences and the State Ministry of the Interior, Municipal Affairs, Housing and Sport of Schleswig-Holstein have commissioned a study on tiny houses - and have now published the results.

The study focused on the question of whether tiny houses can provide affordable housing on a mass scale. It also investigated which expectations tiny houses can and cannot meet.

The results

According to the ministry, one result is that there is no universally valid assessment. Expectations and fulfillment are as varied as tiny houses themselves.

According to the study, people don't just live in a tiny house for economic reasons. According to the ministry, the decision to choose a tiny house lifestyle is a conscious one. In addition to the costs, aspects such as the reduction in effort and responsibility, which are seen as liberating, play a decisive role. The study concludes that tiny house dwellers often lead a particularly reduced and sustainable lifestyle.

The whole study

According to the study, municipalities and investors see opportunities to use sealed areas or small spaces for building purposes. You can read the whole study HERE.(german version)

Further information on NEW HOUSING is available at:

www.new-housing.de

"Energy systems: possibilities in the TIny House", "Living a wonderful life - hedonism" or "Correct insulation and heating for a pleasant and healthy indoor climate in the Tiny House" - these and other topics were covered during the NEW HOUSING expert presentations.

All presentations were recorded on video and are available to watch free of charge on the YouTube channel of Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - in German only.

The content of the videos is divided into the categories "Building technology", "Visions for the future", "Building land mobilisation" and "Impulses". There is a new clip every Friday from 7 am.

You can find the channel HERE.

NEW HOUSING is growing! Europe's largest Tiny House Festival is becoming more and more popular. For this reason, the area of the fair, where lectures take place, Tiny Houses are presented and music is played, is larger this year than in previous years.

Atrium

The Atrium of Messe Karlsruhe is the jewel in the crown. In the green outdoor area, visitors can see more classic Tiny Houses in Wheels. The following exhibitors are represented here: Aurora Company Sp, edvanture energie, Firetube, Hemer Fensterbau, HolzHerz, Tiny House Familiy and tiny-home-deutschland. The atrium is also the place to go for all those who are hungry. They will find food trucks from Leftovercooking, Popice, Restaurant Sonnenhof Currymobild and Street Cookery's there.

Tiny Giants Area

The Tiny Giants Area is located in the outdoor area. It is adjacent to the dm Arena and the Atrium. Kodasema from Estonia and morai from Allgäu will be exhibiting in this area. With an area of around 45 square metres, these Tiny Houses are somewhat larger than most other mini houses.

You can find more information on NEW HOUSING at: www.new-housing.de

NEW HOUSING - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - offers more than 30 mini houses and accessories as well as many lectures on living in a Tiny House. On the three days of the festival, 30 June and 1 and 2 July, visitors can listen to experts in a relaxed atmosphere in the dm arena of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. Each lecture will last half an hour, after which there will be an opportunity to ask the speakers questions. The Festival Forum will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

What other lectures and topics there are in the NEW HOUSING festival forum can be found HERE.

More information on NEW HOUSING is available at: www.new-housing.de

If houses have less than 50 square metres of space, they are usually called Tiny Houses. Conventional houses usually have around 130 square metres. In between, however, there is another category: our Tiny Giants.

At NEW HOUSING from 30 June to 2 July, there will be a Tiny Giants Area for the first time. It will be located behind the dm-Arena in the direction of Hall 3 and on the long side of the Atrium at Messe Karlsruhe.

As a rule, Tiny Houses, including low-loaders, are no higher than four metres. Our Tiny Giants are a little taller and show that size is a matter of interpretation.

Tiny houses are becoming increasingly popular. However, there are still frequent problems with building laws and the associated permits for the construction of tiny houses. To counteract this and to summarise the current state of the art of Tiny Houses, the Tiny House Association has now written down the "Industry Standard for Tiny Houses" for the first time.

Basis for small residential buildings

According to the association, the standard sees itself as a basis for the production of various small buildings by regulating the most important requirements for responsible construction. First and foremost, these are safety-related, other technical and building biology requirements. However, the requirements also include socially agreed criteria for sustainability.

By summarising the state of the art, the 13 authors of the standard aim to establish the requirements for a minimum quality in construction in such a way that - if the criteria are met - a building application and building permit are more likely to be granted.

Participants in the development of the standard

Involved in the preparation of the "Industrial Standard for Small Buildings" were representatives of industry, users of the standard, the association or interest group, science and research as well as testing bodies and representatives of building law. The standard was adopted unanimously by all members of the standards committee. The committee was chaired by Martin Zeller, an external expert in standardisation. The standardisation process was financed by the membership fees and donations of the associations - such as Tinyhouses Region Stuttgart e.V., Tiny Houses Karlsruhe e.V., Tiny House Lechrain e.V., Tiny House Bielefeld e.V. and tinyhouse FREISING e.V..

The industrial standard is available here

The "Industrienorm Kleingebäude" is available from Laible Verlagsprojekte. The magazine "Kleiner Wohnen" is also published there. The standard is available as a PDF or printed for 69 euros HERE (german version).

The Tiny House Association will also be on site at NEW HOUSING from 30 June to 2 July to provide information. You can find more information about the Tiny House Festival at: www.new-housing.de

This year, NEW HOUSING offers even more festival character. In keeping with this, on the three opening days, 30 June and 1 and 2 July, outstanding musicians will provide a great atmosphere - and that's what they are.

Further information on NEW HOUSING can be found at: www.new-housing.de

Around 50 exhibitors and more than 30 Tiny Houses await visitors at NEW HOUSING this year. Anyone who was at Messe Karlsruhe last year knows that Europe's largest Tiny House Festival attracts a lot of visitors. For this reason, there will be a premiere this year: the Pre Opening Day!

Limited to 200 tickets

This will take place on 29 June, one day before the actual start of NEW HOUSING. The special thing about it: Only 200 tickets will be available for the Pre Opening Day. Holders of such tickets will be able to take a relaxed look at the latest trends in the mini house segment, talk to exhibitors and get inspired in an exclusive atmosphere before the actual start of the festival.

The ticket for the Pre Opening Day entitles you to admission from 1 pm on Thursday, 29 June, as well as on the following three festival days. It also includes a free drink at the Tiny Bar and free parking on all days of the event.

"With the Pre Opening Day, we are responding to the enormous interest in NEW HOUSING last year. We would like to give interested parties the opportunity to obtain more specific, detailed and intensive information. More personal discussions - whether private or commercial - with the exhibitors are also possible," says Ramona Jonait, Project Manager of NEW HOUSING.

The pre-opening ticket can be booked online HERE. In addition to the new offer, there is also the day ticket, the happy hour ticket and the 3-day ticket for the NEW HOUSING.

On the road throughout Germany

From then on, Dahmen travelled through North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Lower Saxony and also to the Black Forest to visit Tiny House residents. He was one of the most impressed by one particular tiny house: "The occupant is a brilliant mind and tinkerer. His house is six metres high and has a glass front. And the house can rotate. If he wants, he always turns it according to the sun. To think of something like that and build it all by himself was very impressive."

You can view some of the photos HERE. You can find more information about NEW HOUSING at: www.new-housing.de.

Around 50 exhibitors will be on site at NEW HOUSING - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - at Messe Karlsruhe from 30 June to 2 July. They will present their products and services and thus provide interested parties and mini house residents with the best possible insight into the scene.

Among the exhibitors are well-known manufacturers in the sector. One of them is Alois Kober GmbH, better known as AL-KO. Founded in 1931 in Großklötz near Günzburg in Bavaria, the company operates 25 sites worldwide and employs around 1800 people. In addition to gardening tools and components for the automotive sector, AL-KO also manufactures high-quality chassis for Tiny Houses on wheels. NEW HOUSING visitors can find out what these look like, what advantages they offer and what they cost live on site.

Wöhltjen and Schwörer Haus on site

In order to be able to use chassis, however, you first need a mini-house - for example from Tiny House by Wöhltjen. The traditional handicraft business from Lower Saxony plans and builds the tiny houses according to the individual wishes of their occupants. Wöhltjen will also be at NEW HOUSING, as will its competitor Schwörer Haus from the Swabian Alb. The prefabricated house manufacturer builds homes ranging from single-family houses and bungalows to flying spaces. This is the term Schwörer uses to describe tiny living forms of all kinds - whether a Tiny Office, a holiday home or a Tiny House as a main residence.

Just like conventional houses, their smaller counterparts also need functioning building technology. What this might look like is being shown live by the global corporation Siemens at the Karlsruhe trade fair. The Hessian company Viessmann will present how tiny houses can be heated, cooled and ventilated, what systems are available and what is most suitable for which occupants.

Ethikbank at New Housing for the first time

In addition to houses, accessories, heating systems and more, visitors to NEW HOUSING 2023 will also be able for the first time to find out about possible financing for a Tiny House directly at Messe Karlsruhe. For the first time, the Ethikbank will be on site from 30 June to 2 July. According to its own information, it is an ethical-ecological direct bank. Customers' money will not be invested in companies that are active in the fields of armaments and nuclear power or that permit child labour. In addition, companies in which the Ethikbank invests must be actively committed to sustainable business practices.

In addition to well-known manufacturers, the Tiny House Association will also provide information on the topic during the Tiny House Festival. With eleven associations, the association will represent more representatives of the industry at its stand than ever before.

You can find more information about NEW HOUSING at: www.new-housing.de

They are informative and entertaining, everyone has them in their pocket and you can consume them if you want - we are talking about podcasts. There are also some about Tiny Houses and two will be recorded live at NEW HOUSING, which will take place from 30 June to 2 July at Messe Karlsruhe.

At NEW HOUSING, they will tell how the two found their way into the Tiny House in the forum, where experts from the industry will talk about everything worth knowing about the topic. Chris Klerner and Caro Werner will explain the hurdles they encountered on their way to owning a tiny home, what interested parties should look out for and much more.

Already at NEW HOUSING 2022

The NEW HOUSING as a venue for the live podcasts is no coincidence, the two were already guests at the Karlsruhe trade fair last year: "The NEW HOUSING is the perfect opportunity to compare one's often rosy internet impressions with an actual experience of the mini houses. It offers the perfect opportunity to weigh up even better whether a consciously reduced life is an option and what the first step towards it might look like."

Michele Paldino has been living in his Tiny House in Waldbronn for three years. He has not regretted it for a single day, but he could do without the cold season. The 55-year-old will also be on site at NEW HOUSING in Karlsruhe - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - to promote his "philosophy of life".

It all began with a houseboat

"Thirty years ago, I once had an offer for a houseboat. That was always my dream, but unfortunately it didn't work out," says Paldino. But the desire for a minimalist lifestyle never left the Hamelin native. After finding his way to the Palatinate for personal reasons in 2003 and at some point living in a 70-square-metre flat, the desire for more clarity made itself felt again in 2016.

"Minimalism is like a red thread. At some point you end up with a reduced life and the Tiny House," says Paldino. The building contract for his own mini-house came in late 2018, it was delivered in May 2019 and on 1 February 2020, the 55-year-old ultimately moved into his own 17 square metres of space and 55 cubic metres of room. Before that, he had been looking for a suitable pitch for over two years.

Tiny house life as a "philosophy of life"

The new place of residence has changed a lot for Paldino: "Because life itself has become cheaper, I was able to reduce my weekly working hours from 40 to 32. I am very careful not to fill myself up. I find that the less you own, the freer you feel." Many Tiny House residents in Waldbronn are vegetarians or vegans and generally live very environmentally consciously. Many also don't have a car. Paldino, who is now still dependent on a car because of his job, also plans to do so one day, he says: "Tiny house living is a philosophy of life."

For the coming winter, he wants to install a split air-conditioning system. It works with electricity. At night he uses an infrared heater. That also runs on electricity. Nevertheless, he still saves quite a bit compared to the 80 euros per month he used to pay for gas. In any case, the lower costs for the Tiny House, Paldino says openly, were also a reason for the move to minimalist living. Incidentally, his mini house is insulated with mineral wool. Other residents use sheep's wool or wood wool. The latter consists of pressed wooden boards.

• More info about th Tiny House Festival HERE, for tickets click HERE.

Big, bigger, biggest? That was once upon a time. Today, in the face of an increasingly hot climate, it's all about minimalism, saving resources and sustainability. Tiny houses and other alternative forms of small housing are making a contribution to this. NEW HOUSING - Europe's largest Tiny House Festival - is dedicated to precisely this topic. This year, NEW HOUSING will take place from 30 June to 2 July at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre – and tickets for it can now be purchased!

Expert forum in the action hall

What is it like to live in a Tiny House? How do the sanitary facilities work? How is heating provided and what actually happens when it rains? These and many other questions will be answered at the forum. In the Action Hall. There, residents of alternative forms of small-scale housing will talk about their experiences, give in-depth insights into their lives and will also be available for further discussions afterwards. Experts in the search for land, financing and the construction of mini-houses will also be giving presentations on what future members of the Tiny House community should think about.

For more information on NEW HOUSING and to purchase tIckets, click HERE.

More about Tiny Houses

Counter-design: In a world of excess, in which resources are consumed and the climate is heating up more and more, Tiny Houses are the counter-design. The small houses of 15 to 50 square metres offer everything a person needs - but no more than is necessary.

Space miracle: Because of their smaller size, Tiny Houses and their furnishings must be well thought out. Original, individual and sophisticated furniture designs are therefore an integral part of the tiny houses. They thus become real space wonders and masters of multifunctionality.

Ecological footprint: While fewer resources are used for the construction of a Tiny House than for that of a conventional house, the ecological footprint of Tiny House residents also remains lower as a result. Also, less land needs to be sealed for Tiny Houses - if at all. In the case of tiny houses on wheels, the sealing is reduced even further. One thing is clear: less surface area means less impact on the environment. Speaking of the environment: nature is naturally part of Tiny Houses. Residents live in harmony with their environment; the garden is virtually a natural part of the Tiny House area.

Costs: While the construction of a conventional house in Germany currently costs between 320,000 and 360,000 euros on average, house builders have to spend much less on Tiny Houses. Due to the smaller surface area, land prices and maintenance costs are also lower as a result.

Mobility and flexibility: Those who own a conventional house but want to change jobs or do so have to put up with more effort or restrictions. Either the search for a new job is severely limited in terms of location, or the commute to work becomes a regular test of patience. Tiny house dwellers do not know this. Houses on wheels in particular, but also modular houses, impress with their flexibility and mobility. However, there are still legal questions to be clarified.

The question of land: As with conventional houses, Tiny House owners also need a plot of land with a connection to the public road, path, supply and waste disposal network. The prerequisite for this is a development plan. And this is where the challenge lies, because development plans are intended for conventional residential buildings. In development plans, municipalities determine how high a house may be or what the roof shape or type of windows may look like in order to fit into the locality. The minimum floor area is also usually part of a development plan. Those who live in a Tiny House for more than four months of the year must also comply with the Building Energy Act with requirements for building insulation and heating. Some federal states offer options for other ways. In Baden-Württemberg, for example, there is a paragraph 56 that allows "experimental building". In Waldbronn in the district of Karlsruher, for example, a Tiny House settlement could be built. In Mühlacker, Germany's largest settlement to date is currently being planned with 62 tiny houses. And the municipality of Au am Rhein in the district of Rastatt is also toying with such a settlement.

Association work: Since October 2019, the Tiny House Association has been taking care of informing about the topic, serving as a network, supporting research and education and providing assistance on legal issues. Messe Karlsruhe is one of the founding members of the association and has been involved ever since.

Europe's largest Tiny House Festival will take place from 01 to 03 July 2022 at Messe Karlsruhe. Tiny House fans will meet here to discover the diversity of this small form of living. The NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival will be accompanied by a varied programme of lectures. The exhibitors will show how every visitor can fulfil his or her dream of owning a tiny home.

From 1 to 3 July 2022, the Tiny House community will meet at the NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival at Messe Karlsruhe. A Tiny House village consisting of more than twenty houses, which can be visited, will be created in the green atrium, the outdoor area of Messe Karlsruhe. The exhibitors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about tiny houses. The range of exhibitors will be supplemented by a varied programme of lectures and workshops on the subject of Tiny Houses. NEW HOUSING thus offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with manufacturers, suppliers, associations and even Tiny House residents. We give you an overview of the exhibitors' offerings.

A secure foundation for living on wheels

Based on decades of experience, the experts from AL-KO have developed a chassis for Tiny Houses, which they will present to visitors at the NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival. The AL-KO chassis allows different body lengths and individual superstructures. The hot-dip galvanised chassis and the multi-stage testing process of the AL-KO Chassis is durable and brings with it the highest level of safety.

More freedom through fewer obligations

True to the vision that everyone can fulfil the dream of their own four walls, NEW HOUSING exhibitor TINY HOMELAND creates more quality of life through intelligent use of living space. Sustainable living in a small space provides time and freedom through fewer obligations. The two compact mini-homes presented at the fair are suitable as permanent homes, for holidays and for daily rentals. TINY HOMELAND's compact modular houses meet new construction standards and are also suitable for main residence permits. According to TINY HOMELAND, NEW HOUSING is ''the meeting place'' for lovers of small living."

NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival

Europe's largest Tiny House Festival shows the diversity of the alternative living trend. Those interested in Tiny Houses can visit and order more than 20 different Tiny Houses. In lectures and workshops, visitors will learn everything about living in a Tiny House. The community meeting offers manufacturers, outfitters, self-builders, associations and fans of mobile houses the opportunity to network and exchange ideas.

NEW HOUSING – Tiny House Festival

Europas größtes Tiny House Festival zeigt die Vielfalt des alternativen Wohntrends. Tiny House-Interessierte können über 20 verschiedene Tiny Houses besichtigen und bestellen. In Vorträgen und Workshops erfahren die Besucher alles rund um das Leben im Tiny House. Das Community-Treffen bietet Herstellern, Ausstattern, Selbstbauern, Vereinen sowie Fans der mobilen Häuser die Möglichkeit sich untereinander zu vernetzen und auszutauschen.

Newcomers and established exhibitors show range of Tiny Houses

The NEW HOUSING - Tiny House Festival will welcome some new exhibitors in 2020. Among others, the carpentry Stefan Giesen, carpentry Mayer and the concept carpentry Wöhltjen will participate for the first time. Stephan Wöhltjen specialises above all in the construction of small transportable guest houses ("Tiny Guest House"). AL-KO Fahrzeugtechnik is also exhibiting for the first time at the Tiny House Festival and is presenting chassis as the foundation for different variants of Tiny Houses. The chassis have a modular frame concept and thus enable different body lengths and individual superstructures. Wikkelhouse shows that living "tiny" is not only possible on wheels. The Dutch company presents a Tiny House without a mobile base: the house, which is made of 24 layers of cardboard and clad in wood, can be extended at will and thus adapted for different phases of life. The whole range of different Tiny House designs will also be presented by 2020 by well-known Tiny House manufacturers such as Tiny House Diekmann. Konstruktion und Design c. kienel will also be taking part in the event, which is unique in Europe, for the second time and will be showing Tiny Houses with road approval as well as mini houses in log construction.

Lectures and workshops for more exchange on the Tiny House

Tiny House fans can look forward to an extensive programme of lectures. In lectures and workshops, visitors will learn everything about life in a Tiny House. They can meet Tiny House residents and self-builders and benefit from their knowledge. In addition, manufacturers, suppliers and consultancies will provide insights into their work and clarify the most important questions that arise before deciding to build a Tiny House. The experts will address both the legal framework and individual ideas about life in a Tiny House.

The community meeting at Messe Karlsruhe offers manufacturers, outfitters, self-builders, associations and fans of mobile houses the opportunity to network and exchange ideas. In addition, interested parties will find everything they need to build a Tiny House themselves.

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