She Built a $20K Tiny Home in an Urban Oasis
In the heart of suburban Perth, Jodie has transformed an ordinary 728 square metre block into a thriving urban permaculture oasis, complete with a food forest, chickens, rainwater harvesting and a beautiful tiny house built from an old shed for just $20,000.
What was once a simple tin shed on a concrete slab is now a 4 metre by 3 metre tiny home tucked into lush gardens. Built mostly by Jodie herself over evenings and weekends, the total cost came in at around $20,000 AUD, roughly $13,000 USD, making it one of the more affordable tiny house builds we’ve featured.
Inside, the tiny house feels warm, grounded and surprisingly spacious. A striking cordwood feature wall made from reclaimed timber adds natural texture and colour, while a pitched roof and loft bedroom create a sense of openness. Large French doors open directly into the garden, blurring the line between indoors and out.
The compact galley kitchen was built on a tight budget using flat-pack cabinetry and simple appliances, yet it delivers everything needed for daily life. An induction cooktop, convection microwave, clever storage and ample bench space prove that a small footprint can still be highly functional. Outside, an outdoor shower and composting toilet deepen the connection to nature and support a low-impact lifestyle.
This tiny home is part of a much bigger system. Using permaculture principles, Jodie has designed a layered urban food forest that produces fruit, vegetables and herbs throughout the year. The property is noticeably cooler than neighbouring blocks, thanks to canopy cover and thoughtful planting. Water is limited in Perth, yet the gardens thrive through smart design and careful management.
By renting out the main house and downsizing into her backyard tiny home, Jodie has redesigned her life. She now works part time, spends her mornings harvesting food and feeding chickens, and shares the property with others who contribute to the permaculture systems. The result is an urban homestead that houses multiple people while still preserving space for nature.
This $20K tiny house proves that affordable housing, sustainable living and urban permaculture can work together beautifully. It’s not just a shed conversion. It’s a powerful example of how intentional design and tiny house living can create financial freedom, community and a true urban sanctuary. To find out more and to follow Jodie's journey, you can find her on Instagram.
