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.

NZEB and BER A2: Energy Efficiency Requirements for Modular Garden Homes in Ireland

What Is NZEB?

Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) is the energy performance standard that applies to all new dwellings in Ireland. Introduced as part of EU climate commitments, it represents a fundamental shift in how homes are built.

Under NZEB, all new homes must:

Achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2 or better
Be 70% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2011 Building Regulations
Include a minimum 20% renewable energy ratio — meaning at least one-fifth of the building's energy must come from renewable sources

What This Means for Garden Dwellings

The new planning exemption for garden dwellings explicitly requires that all Building Regulations are met. This includes Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) — the regulation that enforces NZEB.

In practical terms, every modular home built in a back garden under the exemption must achieve the same energy standard as a brand-new house built on a greenfield site. There is no lower bar for garden homes.

How We Achieve NZEB in Our Modular Homes

At New Chapter Homes, every unit we build meets or exceeds the NZEB standard. Here's how:

High-Performance Insulation

Walls, roof, and floor are insulated to a standard far exceeding traditional builds
We use premium insulation materials with low thermal conductivity
Thermal bridging is eliminated through careful detailing

Airtight Construction

Our factory-controlled construction process allows for exceptional airtightness
This means virtually no draughts, no heat loss through gaps, and lower energy bills

Energy-Efficient Glazing

Double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings
Argon or krypton gas-filled units to minimise heat transfer

Renewable Energy Systems

Air-to-water heat pumps for space heating and hot water
Solar thermal panels for supplementary hot water
PV solar panels for electricity generation

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Continuous fresh air supply without opening windows
Recovers up to 90% of heat from outgoing stale air
Eliminates condensation and improves indoor air quality

The Result: Low Bills, High Comfort

A NZEB-compliant modular home from New Chapter Homes typically costs less than €300 per year to heat and power — compared to €1,500–€2,000+ for an older, poorly insulated property.

That's not just good for the environment. It's good for your wallet — and it's a condition of the planning exemption.

BER Certification

Every home we build comes with a BER certificate confirming its energy rating. This certificate:

Is required for the building control process
Adds value to your property
Is essential if you ever sell or rent the dwelling
Demonstrates compliance with the planning exemption conditions

Don't Accept Less

If you're considering a modular garden home, ask your provider: "Will the unit achieve a BER of A2 or better?" If they can't guarantee it in writing, the exemption doesn't apply — and you could be building an illegal, non-compliant structure.

At New Chapter Homes, every unit is NZEB-compliant, BER-certified, and fully documented.

Note: The planning exemption described here is in force from 27 July 2026 under S.I. No. 340 of 2026. NZEB and BER requirements 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.