Kathryn is in a predicament. Her recently purchased tiny home is now threatened with removal after a neighbor lodged a complaint. The compact home includes a bathroom with shower and sleeping loft. It was designed to provide Kathryn with the independence she craved while allowing her to live near her family where they could provide support after her epilepsy diagnosis. Despite the public outcry, the City of Wanneroo is requiring that the structure be removed.
Kathryn and her father, Gerald Payne, have never shied away from an unconventional business investment — they built a tiny home. In 2023, they bought it for $130,000. Gerald used the money he saved into his superannuation to co-fund the project and relax his mortgage. Their goal was to create a solid base from which Kathryn could then begin to build her career in a more meaningful way. Sadly, because of the complaint she has left them hanging in limbo.
The Nightmare Unfolds
The nightmare began when a neighbor complained about the small home. This was enough for the City of Wanneroo to act. The council’s stance reflects its commitment to maintaining community safety and protecting residents’ rights.
“The City applies these laws consistently and fairly to maintain community safety and protect the rights of all residents,” – City of Wanneroo.
Gerald had fought tooth and nail to save the tiny home. Yet this uncertainty has produced deep emotional trauma for Kathryn and her father. Gerald has spoken to the media about his anger about the fact that things have gone nowhere in settling the issue.
“We’ve spent money on surveyors and engineers and it’s not progressed anywhere … I drew back on my mortgage to help with that,” – Gerald Payne.
Kathryn is shocked and surprised at how things have turned out. She dreamed of a day when she could help provide for herself and her fiancé. Now, she is dealing with one costly surprise that threatens to make that dream impossible.
“I feel like my life has just been pulled right out from underneath me,” – Ms. Payne.
Tiny Home Policies Evolving in Australia
The experience highlights the various and sometimes contradictory complexities about tiny homes across Australia. In 2023, the Shire of Esperance took a brave step by accepting tiny houses as permanent homes. This decision built on other councils to have the courage to try similar policies. Here’s where it gets really interesting. A 2024 law enabled local councils to permit camping on private land. This measure extends to caravans and tiny homes on wheels, with permits of up to two years. This turn has led to exciting conversations across the country about how tiny homes can help address housing crises at all levels.
Paul Burton, an expert in housing policy, commented on the current landscape:
“Across the country as a whole, it’s a picture of great variation, complication and confusion.”
He stresses that tiny homes aren’t going to suddenly fix the entire housing crisis. If communities and local governments welcome them with open arms, these homes can be a big part of the answer.
“My feeling is that at present, there isn’t enough political momentum to drive this forward,” – Paul Burton.
The Impact on Lives
For Kathryn and Gerald the emotional cost of this experience has been immense. One day, Kathryn dreams of being more independent and financially secure. She believes she has no other choice given the reality of her very small abode.
“I’ve just been going in circles … I wish my dad could retire. I wish I was the one supporting him at this stage, and I was hoping that’s where we would be,” – Ms. Payne.
The father-daughter team has not lost hope that the situation can somehow be resolved, but both know of the long road they face. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties individuals face when attempting to navigate regulatory frameworks surrounding alternative housing options.
