Once upon a time (or five years ago), developers converted an old parking lot into an energy-efficient, tiny-home development in downtown Reno. The pint-sized dwellings became known as the Tiny Ten.

Homeowners swooned over this tiny-home community, so it’s rare when units come on the market. But when they do, they disappear in a flash. That’s what happened with one particular gem that was recently listed for $400,000, then bounced right back off the market.

If a deal is now in the works, it represents a serious price appreciation in the Biggest Little City in the World.

When the community opened in 2017, this tiny home sold for $219,000. It was listed for $319,900 last May and sold for $325,000 in August. It was relisted on April 12 for $400,000, at an appreciation of 23% in eight months.

This dwelling is slightly larger than the others, at 704 square feet. The average size of the 10 homes is around 650. It has one bath and two bedrooms, including an upstairs loft that could be used as an office or studio.

It also comes with a washer and dryer, high-end appliances, and an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, so utility prices remain low.

A unique aspect of this development is that each house faces an inner courtyard with benches and a sculpture.

Each unit also has a small backyard and a single-car garage. The homeowners association fee is $125 per month, and that covers common area maintenance, the gates and fences, and the landscaping.

You likely don’t need a car in this downtown location, because restaurants, shops, and local services are all within walking distance.

Developers Pam Haberman and Kelly Rae of HabeRae designed these tiny houses to be “very modern, very upscale, just in miniature form,” Haberman is fond of saying.