Downsizing with a difference! Bunnings launch new flat-pack homes

Many people choose to downsize their home in later life, whether it’s to ease financial stress or because they’re no longer able to manage the upkeep of a larger property. Now, Bunnings has created the perfect option for people wanting to scale down as the hardware store launched a series of new flat-pack homes.

The company, which is loved across Australia for its wide range of homewares, is creating a buzz with its range of easy-build houses which can be constructed in a matter of weeks and don’t break the bank.

With six designs to choose from, the Bunnings Clever Living Co. homes contain everything you need to live comfortably, ranging in size from around 60 square metres for a two bedroom house, to 106 square metres for a home with four bedrooms.

Unlike normal houses which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, these creative flat-pack homes only come in at about NZ$69,131 (AU$65,300) for the smaller option, or as much as NZ$113541 (AU$107,249) for the larger home.

The six options differ in size and style, however they all contain at least two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living/kitchen area, while the bigger ones also have a laundry and a dining room.

But the best part is, they are incredibly convenient and only take around nine weeks to be up and ready to move into.

Simon Hinds of Hinds Builder said the homes have become extremely popular with over 30 people currently on the waiting list. He told New Zealand news outlet Stuff: “We have always had two to three people making enquiries in our office every day.”

Meanwhile, Bunnings’ New Zealand commercial manager Des Bickerton described it as an “affordable option” that is particularly desirable to Baby Boomers.

“With our partners, we have developed a number of different design packages with the Angus three bedroom, two bedroom 96sqm design being the most popular, particularly among retirees and first home buyers with young children,” he told News.com.au.

“We did a lot of homework. The early result is encouraging and as we get more feedback from customers and our builder partners, we expect to make a few subtle changes over the coming years to improve the offer.”

The only downside is these homes are currently only available in New Zealand and at this stage it’s unknown whether they will be up for purchase in Australia. It is also worth noting that the flat-pack price does not include GST or earthworks, cost of the land, consenting costs by a territorial authority or connections to services including power, sewage and stormwater.

Do you think it is a good idea? Would you consider living in a flat-pack home?