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.

Common Mistakes First-Time Modular Home Buyers Make in Ireland

Buying a modular home for the first time is a big decision — and most buyers make at least one of the same handful of mistakes. This guide covers the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating Site Works and Foundations

The single most common mistake. The house price is only part of the cost — foundations, services, access and connection can add €15,000 – €50,000+ to a project.

Avoid it: get a site-specific, all-in quote that includes groundworks, services and connection — not just the house.

See: Modular Home Site Checklist Ireland and Modular Home Foundations in Ireland

2. Choosing the Wrong Size or Layout

Buyers often under-size (to save money) or over-size (because it seems like good value per m²). Both cause regret.

Avoid it: think about how you'll actually live in the space, not just the floor area. A well-designed 70m² can feel bigger than a poorly-designed 90m².

See: Modular Home Sizes in Ireland

3. Ignoring Planning Until It's Too Late

Planning permission can take 3–4 months and isn't guaranteed. Buyers who leave it until after ordering often face delays or, worst case, a unit they can't legally live in.

Avoid it: confirm the planning position before you order. If you need permission, start the application early.

See: Planning Permission Ireland and Do I Need Planning for a Modular Home?

4. Buying an Uncertified Unit

Cheap, uncertified units — log cabins, "garden rooms" sold as homes, or units without Building Regulations compliance — are not permanent, not insurable as a home, and often not legal to live in.

Avoid it: only buy a CE-marked, Building-Regulations-compliant unit from a reputable supplier, with a warranty.

See: Log Cabin Alternative Ireland

5. Not Sorting Finance Early

Mortgages on modular builds work differently — stage drawdowns, certification requirements, lender preferences on foundations. Buyers who leave finance until late often get stuck.

Avoid it: get mortgage approval in principle before you commit, and confirm the lender is comfortable with a modular build.

See: Can You Get a Mortgage on a Modular Home? and Financing a Modular Home in Ireland

6. Forgetting About Running Costs

A cheap, poorly-insulated unit costs more to run every year. Over 20 years, the running cost can exceed the purchase price.

Avoid it: check the BER rating and U-values. An A-rated home costs far less to run.

See: BER A-Rated Modular Homes in Ireland

7. Not Checking Access

A home you can't deliver is no use. Narrow lanes, weight limits and no crane access stop more builds than any other single factor.

Avoid it: check delivery access before you order — or choose a panel-built (SIP) home if access is tight.

Talk to Us About a First Modular Home

At New Chapter Homes, we walk first-time buyers through every step — site, planning, finance and build. Book a free consultation to avoid the common mistakes.

Common Mistakes First-Time Modular Home Buyers Make in Ireland