She Escaped Rising Rent and Retired Off-Grid in a Tiny Home

Retirement should be a time to slow down, enjoy life and focus on what matters most. But for many people, rising rent, housing insecurity and the increasing cost of living are making that dream feel much harder to reach.

For Coby, that pressure became impossible to ignore as she approached pension age. The home she was renting was facing another rent increase, and she knew that continuing to rent while living on a pension simply wasn’t going to give her the security she needed. So, she chose a different path.

Today, Coby lives in a beautiful off-grid tiny home, parked on a friend’s property and surrounded by nature, gardens and open space. With solar power, rainwater collection, a composting toilet and low overheads, her tiny house has given her a more affordable and secure way to enjoy retirement.

Her journey into tiny house living happened almost by accident. After hearing about a tiny home display village, she went to take a look and walked into the first home on display. The model was called Jackson, the same name as her son, which felt like a sign. She fell in love with the home, began the process of downsizing and soon found herself creating a peaceful new life closer to the coast.

The home itself is light, calm and beautifully personal. Inside, there’s a cosy lounge with a fireplace, a full kitchen, a surprisingly spacious bathroom, clever storage throughout and a king-size loft bedroom. Outside, the deck acts like an extra living room, complete with an awning, outdoor seating and even a hidden spa bath, which Coby enjoys on hot days with a gin and tonic.

After years of renting, one of the most meaningful things about this home is that it is truly hers. Coby describes it as a haven: a calm, safe, happy and creative space where she can wake up to beautiful views, spend time in the garden, welcome family and friends, and enjoy life without the same financial pressure.

Having worked for many years in aged care, Coby has seen how important independence, community and purpose can be in later life. Her tiny home has helped her create exactly that: a simple, resilient and joyful retirement where she can stay active, connected and open to new possibilities.

For anyone thinking about downsizing, off-grid living, tiny house retirement or finding a more affordable way to create long-term security, Coby’s story is a beautiful reminder that there can be another way.

Watch the full tour of Coby’s off-grid tiny home to see how she escaped rising rent and created a peaceful retirement haven of her own.