No cheaper, at this stage. You save in one part spend more on others. They are quite narrow as well which can make rooms tight. Good design would be essential initially to make the most of the narrow spaces. Fit out is an issue as they need framing inside and insulating to comply with building codes which makes them even narrower, even having two together is ok but they then need the openings cut, joined probably by welding then finishing off. Steelwork is a lot more difficult to work with than timber from drilling or cutting a hole to sticking it together. Unless you're a boilermaker or have other metal trades up your sleeve..... As time goes on more and more will be used as housing so a builder will then know whats required. In the meantime, they and the trades would bump up estimates to cover the unknown drama's. Council may or may not look upon the dwellings favourably either..... Australia's construction codes and planning laws are in many cases quite stringent when compared to overseas (some, not all...). Almost everything we do has an Australian Standard attached to it and these must be identified before construction. As container houses are relatively 'new' the council may require professional clarification on the methods used through the works such as complete construction drawings and documentation. These aren't usually needed in full detail on bog standard housing projects.

Hi Susan, My husband and I have just completed a tiny house build, and I can definitely recommend it. The price works out much cheaper than a shipping container house according to my research ($60,000 as compared to close to $100,000 fully finished) and you can easily enough rent a parcel of land to live on rather than buying to build on, at least initially. Obviously you need to carefully research council restrictions for wherever you decide to live, but this could be a much easier and cheaper option for you. Depending on the size, setup and local zoning, tiny houses generally don't need DA approval. Instead you register it as a caravan and if you rent a parcel on someone else's land where there already is a permanent dwelling, you're generally fine to live there (though I'm certainly not an expert on the legalities). Then if, in the future, you're able to buy your own block, you can hitch it up to a ute or 4WD and move it with you. Something to consider anyway, and starting from scratch with a tiny house on wheels can actually work out a lot easier than retrofitting a shipping container with internal framing and walls, insulation, windows, doors, etc. But as everyone else has suggested, make sure you do your research properly and do what will work best for you in the long run.

You will need to get quotes from your end . Then weigh up diff in cost if you have to sell and rebuy here. Including emotionL cost as those products may not be available here. Also consider the fact that furniture may not suit or fit new house. Will it also mean getting temp furniture or staying in furnished accommodation whilst you wait for delivery or shaving it shipped well in advance of your departure. But remember when you buy furniture here some is imported and there may be a shipping delay too. Best of luck

I’ve found the dining table of my dreams, but of course it’s not available locally here in Australia. Does anyone have any experience/advice with shipping Jonathan Adler furniture to Australia?