I see the tiny houses as a possible solution for those with limited funds, would like a home, and are able to live in a small box. Younger folks seem more interested from my reading.
There is a retired designer in BC that is living full time in a tiny house he designed and built. He likes it and stated that he was banking money on a small pension. He is leasing the land for a pittance, has the cooperation of local Govt. officials, and has thought through many of the systems needed to run the house comfortably. I'm sorry, memory fails as to his name.