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.

Exempt from Planning, Not from Building Regulations: What the New Rules Mean for Compliance

Planning Exemption ≠ Building Exemption

One of the most critical points about the new exempted development regulations is this: being exempt from planning permission does not mean being exempt from Building Regulations.

The regulations themselves state it plainly: "All applicable Building Regulations and Building Control requirements are met." This is not optional. It is a condition of the exemption itself.

What Building Regulations Apply?

Under the Building Control Act and the Building Control Amendment Regulations (BCAR), every modular home — whether exempt from planning or not — must comply with:

Fire Safety (Part B)

Adequate means of escape
Fire-resistant construction between the dwelling and the principal house
Smoke alarms and fire detection
Fire-rated doors where required

Structure (Part A)

The building must be structurally sound and capable of carrying all imposed loads
Foundations must be appropriate for ground conditions

Energy Performance (Part L)

All new dwellings must meet the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard
A typical Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2 is required
Minimum renewable energy ratio of 20%

Ventilation (Part F)

Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation
Background ventilators and extract fans

Drainage and Sanitary Conventions (Part H)

Proper connection to mains drainage or a compliant wastewater treatment system
Surface water management

Accessibility (Part M)

Minimum accessibility standards for the dwelling entrance and key facilities

The BCAR Process

Under BCAR, a building project requires:

A Assigned Certifier — a registered professional who inspects and certifies compliance
A Design Certifier — confirms the design complies with Building Regulations
An Ancillary Certifier — certifies specific elements (e.g., fire safety)
Commencement Notice — filed with the local building control authority before work begins
Certificates of Compliance — on completion, confirming the building meets all regulations

The Danger of Non-Compliant Builds

Building a modular home that doesn't meet Building Regulations — even if it's exempt from planning — creates serious consequences:

Enforcement action by the local authority
Inability to insure the property
Difficulty selling the property in the future
Safety risks to occupants

How New Chapter Homes Ensures Compliance

Every New Chapter Homes build is fully BCAR-compliant. Our process includes:

Full structural engineering for every unit
Fire safety certification from qualified professionals
NZEB-compliant insulation and energy design with BER assessment
Proper ventilation systems (mechanical or natural, as appropriate)
Certified electrical and plumbing installations
Completion certificates confirming full Building Regulations compliance

We don't cut corners. When you build with New Chapter Homes, you receive a home that meets every single Irish Building Regulation — documented, certified, and guaranteed.

Note: The planning exemption described in this article is in force from 27 July 2026 under S.I. No. 340 of 2026. Building Regulations apply regardless of planning status. Always verify the current position with your local authority before proceeding. See our Planning Permission Ireland: The Complete 2026 Guide for the latest information.