Compare Your Options
Not all secondary dwellings, granny flats, or transportable homes are the same. The differences in compliance, finance, and long-term value are significant.
Side-by-Side Comparison
How Aluxria compares to the most common alternatives for backyard income, first-home, and tourism projects.
| Aluxria Cabin | Traditional Granny Flat | Tiny Home on Wheels | Shipping Container | Kit Home (DIY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCC Class 1a | Yes | Yes | No — classified as caravan | Sometimes — depends on conversion | Yes — when completed by licensed builder |
| Mortgage eligible | Yes — when sited on owned land | Yes | No — personal loan or chattel only | Depends on compliance | Yes — once construction complete |
| Insurance | Standard home insurance | Standard home insurance | Caravan / specialty insurance | Specialty insurance | Standard home insurance |
| Structural warranty | 7 years (structural) | 6 years (NSW statutory) | Typically 12 months | Varies widely | Varies by builder |
| Time to move in | ~10 weeks (deposit to delivery) | 4–8 months (incl. approvals) | 4–12 weeks | 8–20 weeks | 6–12 months |
| Site disruption | Minimal — 2 days, no slab | Significant — excavation, slab, months of work | Minimal | Moderate — crane + foundations | Significant — full building site |
| Relocatable | Yes — fully reversible | No — permanent structure | Yes | Technically possible but expensive | No — permanent |
| Council approvals | We handle everything | Builder handles (usually) | Often exempted (but legally constrained) | Complex — classification varies | Owner-builder manages |
| Asset type | Dwelling (appreciating when sited) | Dwelling (appreciating) | Vehicle (depreciating) | Depends on compliance | Dwelling (appreciating) |
| Construction | Galvanised steel + 2.5mm aluminium | Timber frame + brick/clad | Varies (timber/steel trailer) | Corten steel (retrofitted) | Steel or timber frame |
| Insulation | Closed-cell polyurethane + triple glazing | Standard batts + double glazing | Varies (often basic) | Spray foam or batts (retrofitted) | Standard batts |
| Price range (installed) | $123K – $180K | $180K – $300K+ (realistic turnkey in NSW) | $79K – $165K | $50K – $150K | $150K – $300K+ (total build cost) |
Comparison based on publicly available information as at April 2026. Competitor specifications vary by model and supplier. Aluxria figures are standard pricing.
Why These Differences Matter
NCC Class 1a Changes Everything
Under the National Construction Code, a Class 1a building is a dwelling — the same classification as a house. This means it can be a primary or secondary dwelling, it's mortgage-eligible, and it qualifies for standard home insurance.
A tiny home on wheels is classified as a caravan under AS/NZS 5539. It cannot legally be a permanent dwelling in most council areas, can only be financed with personal loans, and depreciates like a vehicle. This single distinction affects your borrowing power, insurance premiums, council approval pathway, and long-term asset value.
Finance: Mortgage vs Personal Loan
A cabin designed to meet NCC standards, when permanently sited on your land, can be eligible for home loan rates (currently ~6–7%) over 25–30 years. A non-compliant structure can only be financed via personal loan (~10–15%) over 5–7 years.
On a $130,000 purchase, that's the difference between ~$800/month (mortgage) and ~$2,500/month (personal loan). Rental income from the cabin can also be used to support your mortgage application.
Finance example is indicative only. Actual rates depend on lender, LVR, and applicant profile. Speak to Mortgage Supply for personalised guidance.
Speed: Weeks vs Months
A traditional granny flat build takes 4–8 months including approvals, excavation, slab, and construction. An Aluxria cabin is manufactured in parallel with your approval process, then crane-delivered and installed in approximately 2 days. Total time from deposit to occupancy is around 10 weeks.
Fewer weeks of construction means fewer weeks without rental income, less disruption to your household, and less exposure to weather delays or cost blowouts.
Relocatable: A Real Asset Advantage
A granny flat on a slab cannot be moved. If you sell the property, it stays. An Aluxria cabin sits on adjustable piers — it can be craned off and relocated to a new property, sold independently, or repositioned on the same site.
This means you keep your investment even if your circumstances change. Sell the property and take the cabin with you, or sell the cabin independently while it's still under its 7-year warranty.
Who Chooses Aluxria
Homeowners
Adding a compliant secondary dwelling for rental income ($400–500/week) without subdivision, excavation, or months of building work.
First-Home Buyers
Using the 5–7 year ownership pathway: live in the cabin, build equity, sell while under warranty, use proceeds as a house deposit.
Tourism Operators
Premium short-stay accommodation at $200+ per night in tourism areas. Turnkey delivery means faster time to revenue.
Multi-Gen Families
A self-contained dwelling for aging parents or adult children — on the same property, with full independence and privacy.
Farmers & Regional
Essential worker accommodation, seasonal staff housing, or farm-stay tourism. Off-grid capable, cyclone rated (C1–C4), BAL rated.
Downsizers
Right-sizing without leaving the property. Place the cabin in the backyard, rent out the main house, live comfortably with lower outgoings.
Ready to Compare on Your Property?
Use the visualiser to place a cabin on your block, or talk to the team about which option fits your situation.