It can make owning your own home feel like a farfetched dream—but don’t despair. Alternative home models offer a more affordable option. Plus, they might simplify your life—and even allow you to semi-retire sooner than you think. With a bit of imagination and planning, you could be living in your own home in no time. We rounded up our favorite out-of-the-box home ideas below. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to build a yurt can run $11,500-$44,000 depending on the size and how luxurious you want to make it. Adding windows, French doors, and fireplaces will increase the price, but it’s still much cheaper than a traditional home. Plus yurts are eco-friendly and durable. The costs vary depending on the size of the container and which type of container you buy. If you decide to purchase a used container to start from scratch, they cost between $2,000-$4,500. Or you can buy one from a company that’s already transitioned the box into a home. This is exponentially more expensive, but still much cheaper than buying a regular home. There are fabulous container home ideas that cost less than $100k. You can find retired school buses for around $3,000-$10,000, depending on the size and age of the bus. The build-out costs of a skoolie will vary but can range from $20,000-$30,000. However, you can drastically reduce costs by finding preowned materials, appliances, and more. Plus, with this option, you don’t have to own land. You can purchase an acre or two to park your skoolie, or you can let the open road, a park, or a beach be where you hang your hat. The price of land will vary widely, depending on the size of the lot and location. Get several estimates and set aside money for repairs, maintenance, taxes, and any other additional expenses as well. The bottom line: You don’t have to live in a traditional house to be a homeowner. In fact, one of these home alternatives might bring you a lot of joy.
