How much does a modular home cost in Ireland?

Modular homes in Ireland from New Chapter Homes start from approximately €45,000 depending on the model and specification. Our Chapter One, Two and Three series offer different sizes and finishes to suit a range of budgets.

Do modular homes in Ireland need planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. A permanent modular home used as a dwelling generally requires planning permission. Certain developments may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional.

How long does it take to build a modular home?

Modular homes from New Chapter Homes are typically manufactured within 8–12 weeks (indicative) and installed on site within a few days, depending on groundworks, site preparation, planning, and specification.

Do you supply garden rooms in Kildare?

Yes, New Chapter Homes is based in Naas, Co. Kildare and supplies garden rooms, garden studios and modular buildings across Kildare and nationwide.

Can I finance a modular home in Ireland?

Indicative finance options may be available from €200 per week (subject to status and lender approval) through our finance partners, with deposits from 10% and indicative approval timelines of 48–72 hours. Self-employed applicants are welcome. First-time buyers may also qualify for the Help-to-Buy grant (subject to scheme eligibility). Indicative prices cover the turnkey building, delivery and installation; site-specific works are assessed after the site survey and identified separately in the written quotation.

What is the difference between a modular home and a prefab home in Ireland?

Modular homes and prefab homes are often used interchangeably in Ireland. Both are built in a factory and transported to site. New Chapter modular homes are fully fitted — including kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, and electrical fit-out — and are built to the same building regulations (BCAR, Part L, Part B) as traditional homes, with an A-rated BER certificate.

Are modular homes energy efficient in Ireland?

New Chapter modular homes are designed for A-rated BER performance, with premium insulation, heat pump heating, and airtight construction. Actual BER performance depends on final specification and is confirmed on completion. Actual energy savings depend on usage, specification and the property being compared.

Can I put a modular home in my garden in Ireland?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. A permanent modular home used as a dwelling generally requires planning permission. Certain smaller garden structures may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional.

How long does it take to install a modular home in Ireland?

A New Chapter modular home is typically manufactured in our factory in approximately 8–12 weeks (indicative), then installed on your site within 1–2 days using a crane. The total timeline from order to handover is typically 10–16 weeks (indicative), depending on site preparation, planning, and specification.

Do Irish banks give mortgages on modular homes?

Modular homes built to building regulations and appropriately certified may be mortgageable, subject to individual lender criteria. We can advise on what lenders typically require and introduce you to finance partners. Indicative finance options may also be available from €200/week (subject to status and lender approval).

Do you build modular homes in Kildare?

Yes. New Chapter Homes is based in Naas, County Kildare, and builds luxury modular homes, sustainable garden pods and affordable housing across all of Kildare — including Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Maynooth, Athy, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Johnstown, Sallins, Clane and everywhere in between. Our display village in Johnstown, Naas is coming soon — register your interest to be notified when it opens.

Do you build modular homes in Dublin?

Yes. New Chapter Homes designs, manufactures and installs luxury modular homes, sustainable garden pods and affordable housing across Dublin city and county — including Rathcoole, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Lucan, Blanchardstown, Swords, Malahide, Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Stillorgan, Dundrum, Rathfarnham, Castleknock, Clontarf and every area in between. A-rated, fully fitted homes from €45,000 (€200/week), installed in 6–10 weeks.

How much does a modular home cost in Kildare or Dublin?

Modular homes in Kildare and Dublin start from €45,000 for our Chapter Three compact home, with our two-bedroom Chapter One from €80,000 and bespoke family homes from €220,000. Indicative prices cover the fully fitted interior, delivery, installation, and certification. Indicative finance options may be available from €200/week (subject to status). Foundations, groundworks, service connections and other site-specific works are assessed after the site survey and identified separately in the written quotation.

Can I get a garden room in Kildare or Dublin without planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. Certain garden rooms and smaller modular units may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional. New Chapter Homes can advise on your specific site in Kildare or Dublin — contact us for a free assessment.

The 45m² Planning Exemption in Ireland: What It Means for Garden Modular Homes

The 45m² Planning Exemption in Ireland

Ireland's Class 3A 32–45m² planning exemption (in force from 27 July 2026 under S.I. No. 340 of 2026) can let homeowners install a detached auxiliary dwelling in their back garden without a full planning application — a change that makes ancillary garden homes dramatically easier to deliver, subject to all applicable conditions.

This guide explains what the exemption is, what it covers, what it doesn't change, and what you still need to do before you build.

What the 45m² Exemption Is

Under the Class 3A exemption (in force from 27 July 2026 — confirm the current status before you build, as conditions apply and individual circumstances vary):

A modular home up to 45m² in the rear garden of an existing house would be exempt from planning permission, subject to conditions.
The unit must be ancillary to the main dwelling.
Height, setback and boundary limits apply.
The unit must comply with Building Regulations.
A Commencement Notice must be filed before work starts.
A BER certificate is required before occupation.

What the Exemption Does NOT Cover

This is the part most people miss:

Building Regulations still apply — there is no exemption from building standards.
You still need a Commencement Notice before you start.
You still need a BER certificate before occupation.
Independent use or rental may still need planning — the exemption is built around ancillary use.
Protected areas — conservation areas, protected structures and apartments may be excluded.
Units over 45m² — anything larger needs planning permission as normal.

What This Means in Practice

If enacted, a homeowner could install a 45m² modular granny flat or ancillary unit in their back garden without a full planning application — saving months and significant fees. The process would be:

Confirm the exemption applies to your site and use.
Design within the size, height and setback limits.
File a Commencement Notice with your local authority.
Build to Building Regulations with certified construction.
Get a BER certificate before occupation.

The Rent-a-Room Opportunity

Combined with Rent-a-Room Relief (up to €14,000/year tax-free), a 45m² back-garden modular unit could let a household add a rentable ancillary dwelling without a planning application. Always confirm both the planning and tax position with a solicitor and accountant.

Full detail: Back-Garden Modular Home Rules 2026

Talk to Us About a 45m² Garden Home

At New Chapter Homes, we design modular homes in Ireland that fit within the Class 3A exemption limits. Book a free consultation to talk through your garden and what the exemption means for your project.

The 45m² Planning Exemption in Ireland: What It Means for Garden Modular Homes

The 45m² Planning Exemption in Ireland

What the 45m² Exemption Is

What the Exemption Does NOT Cover

What This Means in Practice

The Rent-a-Room Opportunity

Talk to Us About a 45m² Garden Home

Do You Need Planning Permission for an Outdoor Kitchen in Ireland?

Do Pergolas Need Planning Permission in Ireland?

Back-Garden Modular Home Rules 2026: Ireland's New Exemption Explained

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