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.

Modular Home Foundations in Ireland: Ground Screws vs Concrete

Modular Home Foundations in Ireland

Every modular home needs a foundation — and the foundation you choose affects cost, speed, groundworks and even whether you can build on a sloping or poor-ground site. This guide explains the main foundation options for a modular home in Ireland and how to choose the right one.

Why the Foundation Matters

A modular home is only as stable as what it sits on. The foundation:

Carries the weight of the home
Resists wind and settlement
Keeps the structure level over decades
Determines how much groundworks you need

A poor foundation is the single most common cause of problems with any build — modular or traditional.

The Three Main Options

1. Ground screws

Steel screws driven into the ground, onto which the modular unit is mounted.

Speed: installed in a day
Cost: economical, minimal groundworks
Best for: most gardens, sloping sites, poor access
Pros: fast, minimal disruption, removable, reusable
Cons: needs a proper ground survey; not suitable for every soil

2. Concrete pad / plinth foundation

Concrete pads poured at set points under the unit's load-bearing positions.

Speed: 1–2 weeks (curing time)
Cost: moderate
Best for: stable ground, larger units
Pros: proven, durable, well understood by lenders
Cons: needs excavation and curing time; weather-dependent

3. Full concrete slab

A single reinforced concrete slab under the whole footprint.

Speed: 2–3 weeks
Cost: higher
Best for: large modular homes, heavy units, sites needing a full ground floor
Pros: very strong, ideal for larger homes, lender-friendly
Cons: most groundworks, longest lead time

Which Foundation Suits Your Site?

| Site condition | Likely best foundation | |---|---| | Flat garden, good access, small pod | Ground screws | | Sloping garden | Ground screws (adjustable) | | Poor ground / soft soil | Ground screws or piled foundation | | Large modular home, stable ground | Concrete pad or slab | | Site with restricted access | Ground screws (no concrete trucks) | | Lender requires traditional foundation | Concrete pad or slab |

Foundations and Mortgages

Some lenders prefer a traditional concrete foundation. If you're financing with a mortgage, confirm with your lender whether ground screws are accepted — most mainstream lenders now accept engineered ground-screw systems with the right certification, but it's worth checking early.

Get the Right Foundation for Your Build

At New Chapter Homes, we survey your site and recommend the right foundation for your ground, your unit and your budget. Book a free site survey to confirm the best foundation for your project.