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.

Do Modular Homes Need Planning Permission in Ireland? 2026 Rules Explained

Do Modular Homes Need Planning Permission in Ireland?

The answer depends on the size, location, and intended use of the structure. The short version:

Small garden rooms (up to 30m²) at the rear — generally exempt as ancillary garden structures.
Rear extensions up to 40m² — generally exempt.
Garden dwellings (32–45m²) under the Class 3A exemption (from July 2026) — exempt with conditions.
Standalone dwellings / homes — full planning permission required.

Garden Room Planning Exemptions (2026)

Under current Irish planning regulations, a garden room or garden building is generally exempt from planning permission if:

It's at the rear of the house (not visible from the road).
The floor area is 30m² or less (or 40m² for an extension).
It's not used as self-contained living accommodation (i.e., not a separate dwelling with its own kitchen and bathroom for someone to live in independently).
The height doesn't exceed limits (typically 4m for a pitched roof, 3m for a flat roof).
It doesn't reduce the remaining garden area to less than 25m².

When You DO Need Planning Permission

You'll need planning permission if:

The structure is over 30m² (or the cumulative exempt area is exceeded).
It will be used as a separate dwelling (self-contained living accommodation).
It's visible from a public road.
The site is in a protected structure or conservation area.
The property is an apartment (different rules apply).

The Class 3A Garden Dwelling Exemption (from July 2026)

S.I. No. 340 of 2026 introduced a new exemption for garden dwellings of 32–45m² intended for a family member (e.g., an older relative). Strict conditions apply — including that the dwelling must be for a member of the household, not for rent, and must be connected to the main house's services. Our team can advise on whether this applies to you.

Standalone Modular Homes

A standalone modular home (a complete house on its own plot) always requires full planning permission — just like a traditional house. This includes:

A site with its own access.
Connection to water and wastewater.
Compliance with building regulations (BCAR).
A BER certificate.

New Chapter Homes can manage the entire planning application process for you.

How We Help

Free assessment — we review your site and advise on planning requirements.
Planning application — we prepare and submit the application.
Building regulations — our homes are BCAR-compliant as standard.
BER certification — every home comes with a full energy rating.

See our full planning guide, or contact us for a free assessment of your site.

Do Modular Homes Need Planning Permission in Ireland? The 2025 Rules Explained

Do Modular Homes Need Planning Permission in Ireland?

Garden Room Planning Exemptions (2026)

When You DO Need Planning Permission

The Class 3A Garden Dwelling Exemption (from July 2026)

Standalone Modular Homes

How We Help

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Do Pergolas Need Planning Permission in Ireland?

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

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