A New South Wales mother has done the unthinkable and taken a bold step that has everyone talking.
Instead of battling for custody and separate homes, Eva Bantin has moved into a small house… in her ex-husband’s backyard – and she says it’s the secret to their family’s happiness.
When recruiting specialist Eva Bantin and her husband of 22 years decided to call it quits in January 2025, she had one thing that was non-negotiable: the stability of her children.
Her solution? A radical small house of 40 square meters, strategically located just a stone’s throw from her ex-partner’s new digs.
“We are a very close family, a very social family, and therein lies the problem of the house and what we were going to do in the future, because we both wanted our own space and individuality. But of course Sydney and of course down here (house prices are) absolutely out of control,” Bantin said. The financial overview.
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She says it’s the best thing she could have done for her family. Photo: Eva Bantin/LinkedIn
Although small, the house has everything she needs. Photo: Eva Bantin/LinkedIn
After selling their family home on the NSW south coast in an amicable split and dividing the loot, Eva’s ex bought a house in a neighboring suburb. But for Eva, the thought of another crushing mortgage was a tough call.
“He bought a house with a big backyard, and I’ve always wanted to live in a small house. I just love that kind of compartmentalized living. Since I turned 50 this year, I don’t want to take care of a big house anymore, but I want to take advantage of all the modern conveniences and all the conveniences of a house, but in a very small version.”
Her custom-built retreat, designed by Casa Tiny House with help from buyer advocate Bridget Rose of Tiny House Agency, may be compact, but it’s bursting with personality.
Eva has even managed to house her beloved shoe and handbag collections, proving that a large footprint is not necessary for a fulfilling lifestyle.
The small house features a king-size bed on the main floor, a four-burner stove, an oven and plenty of work space for Bantin, who likes to cook.
The king size bedroom upstairs. Photo: Eva Bantin/LinkedIn
The bathroom has a shower and a toilet. Photo: Eva Bantin/LinkedIn
The main living area. Photo: Eva Bantin/LinkedIn
It also features a desk, wardrobe, a second floor with extra storage, a dedicated area for a washing machine, a shower and a flush toilet – all seamlessly connected to the main house systems. The entire installation cost $150,000.
This innovative approach comes as simple tiny homes can be found on platforms like Amazon Australia for as little as $11,000, reflecting the growing popularity of prefabricated homes amid a national affordability crisis as housing supply struggles to meet demand.
And the children? They are reportedly thriving with the arrangement.
“It works out incredibly well for us and the children and it is the best joint decision we could have made as a divorced couple, financially, emotionally and everything that comes with it,” Bantin shared on LinkedIn.
Practicalities aside, this move has given Bantin significant financial freedom.
“I have a fantastic working and living space in my Tiny and honestly you would be surprised how little you actually need to live smart, comfortable and above all happy.”
But now that her ex-partner has a new partner ‘who is sweet’, privacy became a consideration.
The installation cost approximately $150,000. Photo: Eva Bantin/LinkedIn
“So I’ll have my own separate entrance at the side of the house, and we’ll build a little gate so we both have our own privacy, but the kids can come and go freely,” she told The Financial Review.
While Eva acknowledges that such an arrangement is not feasible for every divorcing couple, for her family it has proven to be “an unconventional solution that has worked for everyone.”
“Especially the kids. They like having me in the back. It means I’m here for them. I’m present,” she told The Daily Mail.
“If this means living in my ex’s backyard, more power to me. I don’t have a mortgage. I don’t pay rent and I have minimal bills.”
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