We all know that Florida still has some incredibly small homes left from snowbirds and retirees during the 1920s and the mid 1950s. The Multiple Listing Service regularly shows dozens of homes for sale in Hillsborough and homes for sale in Pinellas counties under 700 square feet. That’s not what we mean when we’re talking about tiny houses though. This new trend in housing generally considers a tiny home to mean a dwelling of 400 square feet or less. Usually the tiny houses are on wheels.
Tiny Houses In St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, tiny houses are categorized as “accessory dwellings” and are often called “granny pads.” They can be constructed on the same lot as an existing house sometimes. The lot has to be at least 5,800 square feet. In St. Petersburg, a tiny houses company gets daily inquiries, but zoning rules significantly impact where they can be located.
Paying For Tiny Houses In St. Petersburg
It’s easier than ever to pay for tiny houses now that SunTrust’s LightStream division has tiny-home loans for buyers or builders with a minimum credit score of 660 and some assets like a 401(k) or stocks. Sometimes credit unions and banks will loan money for tiny houses under RV loans too. Tampa Bay Tiny Homes also has a deal with an Arizona bank. That bank offers loans of up to $100,000 for as long as 25 years for their Tiny Homes.
Developers Planning Tiny Houses In St. Petersburg
Just recently, developers planning a multi-family tiny house community won approval to build the little residential units on the site of an apartment building that will be demolished soon, because it was condemned. Earlier this year, the city approved two permanent tiny homes in Eco Village on 15th Street N right by the interstate. Ten more are planned for that urban farm.
Real Estate Agents And Tiny Houses
Though the tiny home trend is picking up, it’s not making a significant impact on real estate, but it will be interesting to see in ten years how many homes we Tampa Bay area real estate agents end up listing for sale as the next generation of retirees or young adults move in and the current generation has moved on.
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR TAMPA BAY AREA HOME?
If you’re interested in selling a Tampa Bay area home, please contact us for more information about listing your home. Check out our helpful article describing the process and how to decide if it’s the right time to sell.
ARE YOU BUYING A HOME FOR SALE IN TAMPA BAY?
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Tampa Bay, do a quick online search or check out our:
- Tampa Bay homes for sale under $100,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $100,000 and $200,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $200,000 and $300,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $300,000 and $400,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $400,000 and $500,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $500,000 and $600,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $600,000 and $700,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $700,000 and $800,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $800,000 and $900,000
Our experienced agents know the area and would love to find you the perfect home in the Tampa Bay or any of the surrounding areas. When you’re ready, call us at 813-961-6000, or contact us online. We handle real estate in Hillsborough County (the Tampa – St. Petersburg – Clearwater metropolitan area), real estate in Pasco County (Port Richey, New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio), and real estate in Pinellas County (Tampa – St. Petersburg metropolitan area.) We’ll help you find the right home for your needs!