FAQs tagged with 'Purchasing / Buying'

Unfortunately, you can’t purchase a HouseMe transportable home using your KiwiSaver.

It would be great if you could, as it would help many Kiwis get into affordable homes. However, KiwiSaver first-home withdrawals are restricted to permanent house and land purchases where a legal property title is issued. Since HouseMe units are transportable and not tied to a land title in the traditional sense, they do not meet the eligibility criteria set by KiwiSaver providers.

If you're looking for financing options, we do have FinanceMe, which might be a suitable alternative. Feel free to reach out to discuss your options!

HouseMe does not offer a rent-to-own option.. However, we do provide a straightforward and flexible finance solution to help make owning a HouseMe home more accessible.

Our financing option allows you to secure a home with a fixed deposit and manageable repayments, giving you a clear and structured path to ownership. Unlike rent-to-own arrangements, which often come with hidden costs and complexities, our finance solution provides transparency, flexibility, and certainty.

If you’re interested in learning more about how HouseMe finance works and whether it’s the right fit for you, get in touch with our team—we’re happy to walk you through the process.

You can make a start on our website by clicking here.

• We don't do Rent-to-Own/Buy, we offer Finance.
• The applicant must be living in New Zealand and have a full-time job.
• Up to 3 people can form a joint application.
• No equity or property ownership is required; however, the applicant must have good credit.
• The Landowner will be required to sign a one-page document allowing the unit on the property [if the applicant doesn't own the land].
• Interest rates range from 14.95% to 19.90% and are based on your credit history, deposit amount, and risk profile.
• Term length is up to 10 years.
• Repayments start from $200 p/week
• There is no limit to the loan amount. 
• A minimum deposit is required on all Finance Deals.
• You can not use your Kiwisaver.

Yes, we do! We have show homes on display in 7 locations - Auckland, Whangarei, Cambridge, Hastings, Tauranga, Palmerston North, and Christchurch. You can view opening times for all sites by clicking here. 

All show home sites have the same three units on display: 10.4 x 3m Deluxe One Bedroom, 12.5 x 3.6m Deluxe Two Bedroom | Extra-wide, and the 12.5 x 4.4m Deluxe Three-bedroom | Super-wide.

We deliver our units Nationwide.

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward black-and-white answer to whether a unit needs consent or not. Due to the unorthodox nature of portable housing, it can be a little confusing as some councils will say you do, and others will say you don't. HouseMe is happy to offer guidance, as every situation differs. The rules and regulations vary from region to region, and it is up to the individual purchaser to open dialogue with their local council should they feel the need to. More often than not, you will be required to go through a building consent, and possibly a resource consent process. 

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) Overview:

• Every new HouseMe unit has a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), a vital document that legally affirms the unit's construction meets the New Zealand Building Code standards. It's important to note that the CCC applies explicitly to the HouseMe Unit as manufactured in the factory and does not cover site-specific work such as foundations or sewage connections.

Issuance of CCC:

• Upon delivery, each unit has already undergone and passed a final building inspection. The formal CCC documentation is then issued to HouseMe within approximately 6 to 8 weeks post-inspection. Should you need your CCC, please reach out to us directly.

Resource or On-Site Building Consent:

• Should your project require additional resource consents or on-site building approvals for aspects like foundations and sewage systems, these are considered separate endeavours. We advise consulting with a local draughtsperson and engaging with your local council to explore your project ideas further.

Coastal Zoning Considerations:

• For properties situated within roughly 1000 meters of the ocean and undergoing the comprehensive site consent process, an upgrade to coastal cladding may be necessary to comply with specific regulations. 

Regional Regulations:

Be aware that building rules and requirements can significantly differ across various regions. Familiarising yourself with the local regulations pertinent to your area is essential.

More info can be found here

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) Overview:

• Every new HouseMe unit comes with a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), a vital document that legally affirms the unit's construction meets the New Zealand Building Code standards. It's important to note that the CCC specifically applies to the HouseMe Unit as manufactured in the factory and does not cover site-specific work such as foundations or sewage connections.

Issuance of CCC:

• Upon delivery, each unit has already undergone and passed a final building inspection. The formal CCC documentation is then issued to HouseMe within approximately 6 to 8 weeks post-inspection. Should you need your CCC, please reach out to us directly.

More info can be found here

No, not as standard. We are open to making small changes to your unit if you're looking at going 100% off-grid i.e. Gas cooking. We do not supply nor install composting units or solar. You will need to organise that yourself once the unit is on-site.

Since our units are issued with a CCC, we have to install some form of toilet whether it be gravity-fed or with a macerator.

No. We install toilets with either a macerator or a gravity-fed plumbing system. Due to NZ Building Code laws, we must install an acceptable toilet for the unit to comply with and meet NZ Building Code Standards. Composting toilets do not comply with the NZ Building Code, so we do not supply them.

We do not offer solar as an option as the installation needs to be done by a proper technician and is also very site-specific - they must face the right direction etc.
We are also unable to transport solar panels with our units. We advise our customers to go to market and find the best solution once the unit is delivered. Many customers have installed solar. We do not install 12-volt cables or componentry.

All of our units are constructed on a galvanised steel chassis with skids that run the full length of the unit. We used to put wheels on our smaller units for the purpose of delivery, but no longer do.

We DO NOT build units on trailers.

Some companies will tell you that if a tiny home is built on wheels or trailers, they do not require council consent as technically it is a vehicle. This is not entirely true and we advise that you tread carefully and do your homework. 

Companies that build their units on trailers are legally registering them as vehicles (WOF and Rego) and if something is a vehicle and not a 'building' then they don't need to build it to NZ Building Code standards, as they're building a vehicle...not a house! This is why there are lots of new companies popping up and why there is such a huge DIY following. This has created a lot of cowboys in the industry. Read More Here.

You need to question any company that constructs "houses" that aren't built to a suitable standard. HouseMe has decided to distance itself from this as we are proud to say all of our new builds are built to NZ Building Code standards, and we issue all new units with a CCC.
 

HouseMe homes come with commercial-grade carpet in the main living areas and commercial-grade vinyl flooring in wet areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. The specific flooring type and style may vary by unit, with a mix of different carpet and vinyl options used.

We cannot supply a home without suitable floor coverings, as this is required to meet NZ Building Code standards.

Yes, the tiny houses are made with NZ-made Colorsteel EPS & PIR panels. This 100mm thick 'sandwich panel' comprises pre-painted steel skins over a fire retardant-treated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core. All new homes are built to meet the latest H1 insulation standards. We tailor our new homes to meet the specific climate zone where your new home will be situated.

How do you get a WATER supply connected to the Unit?

• Connecting water to the Unit is straightforward – simply attach your garden or drinking water hose to the exterior water inlet valve. For a more durable solution, you have the option to arrange for a plumber to establish a permanent connection.
• Due to Health & Safety regulations, we no longer provide 9kg LPG gas bottles. The units are designed to accommodate gas bottles ranging from 9 to 45kg, which you will need to procure independently.
• Each Unit is supplied with a Gas Certification to ensure safety and compliance.
• Should your water supply come from a tank or bore, we recommend the addition of a water filter for enhanced purity. We no longer install these during the build process.
• The Unit's gas-powered systems require 'Mains Pressure' to operate efficiently.
• A pressure-reducing valve is installed in the Unit to mitigate any issues arising from excessively high water pressure.

How do we power the units?

HouseMe units are designed for easy and safe electrical connection, but you will need a qualified electrician to set up the power supply on-site.

Power Connection Requirements:

• You’ll need an outdoor caravan round-pin power point installed by an electrician, with the choice of either 16-amp or 32-amp capacity.
• Each unit comes with a 15-meter caravan-type extension lead for connection. If a longer lead is required, please let us know at the time of ordering.

Compliance & Certification:

• Upon delivery, your unit will come with an Electrical Certificate and a Warrant of Electrical Fitness (WoEF), ensuring it meets all safety and regulatory standards.

Important Considerations for Deluxe Units:

• Deluxe units typically require a 32-amp connection for full electrical functionality.
• If you choose a gas cooking upgrade, the power requirement drops to 16 amps, as gas appliances reduce overall electrical demand.

Our team can provide further guidance on power requirements to ensure a seamless setup at your site.

Yes! All new HouseMe builds come with a 3-year workmanship guarantee, ensuring your home is built to last and meets the highest quality standards.

Beyond our workmanship guarantee, many of the components used in our homes—such as windows, roofing, and appliances—come with extended manufacturer warranties, often exceeding HouseMe’s standard warranty period. These additional warranties provide further peace of mind, covering key elements of your home for years to come.

Additionally, as part of the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) process, all new homes in New Zealand must be built to have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. HouseMe homes are designed with durability in mind, using high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time. From the NZ-made Colorsteel Thermopanel construction to our Low-E double-glazed windows, every component is selected to ensure strength, insulation, and longevity.

When you choose a HouseMe home, you’re not just investing in an affordable and modern living solution—you’re investing in a long-term, high-quality home that will stand strong for generations.

Yes, there are customisation options available as part of the purchase process. You can choose your exterior paint colour, joinery colour, benchtop material, vinyl, and carpet to personalise your unit.

HouseMe operates with a high-volume, standardised manufacturing approach, allowing us to keep prices competitive and lead times short. Keeping core specifications consistent also ensures quality control and minimises errors.

For larger units, we offer some flexibility for minor modifications, such as:

• Altering the floor plan
• Adding an extra slider
• Installing additional power points
• Repositioning the ensuite to the other side of the unit
• Cooking upgrades

Please note that customisations beyond standard options may increase costs and extend delivery timeframes. If you have specific requests, our team can discuss what’s possible within our production model.