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 You Need Planning Permission for an Outdoor Kitchen in Ireland?

The Short Answer

In most cases, no — you do not need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen in Ireland.

An outdoor kitchen is typically treated as a garden structure or small ancillary works to a dwelling, and it falls within the exemption rules of the Planning and Development Act.

Why Outdoor Kitchens Are Usually Exempt

The planning exemption rules in Ireland allow certain structures and works to be carried out without a planning application, provided they meet set conditions. For an outdoor kitchen, the relevant considerations are:

Size

A modest outdoor kitchen — a run of cabinetry and appliances on a patio or against a wall — is well within the size thresholds for exempt garden structures. Even a larger modular kitchen with a pergola is usually under the exempt floor area.

Height

Freestanding outdoor kitchen cabinetry is low-level and well below the height limits for exempt structures. A pergola or louvred roof over the kitchen must stay within the height restrictions (typically 2.4m adjacent to a boundary, higher when set back).

Ancillary Use

An outdoor kitchen is ancillary to the main dwelling — it supports the enjoyment of your home, not a separate use. This is a key condition of the exemption.

Location

The kitchen should not extend forward of the front building line of the house, and it should respect boundary setbacks.

When Planning Permission May Be Required

Planning permission is more likely to be needed if:

The outdoor kitchen is part of a larger structure that exceeds the exempt floor area (for example, a substantial enclosed garden room over 30m² or 45m² depending on the exemption applied)
The kitchen is in a protected structure or an Architectural Conservation Area
The pergola or roof structure exceeds the height limits for exempt development
The site is subject to specific planning conditions or restrictive covenants

The 45m² Garden Room Exemption

Where an outdoor kitchen is combined with a garden room or garden pod, the garden room itself may qualify under the 45m² exemption for rear-garden extensions. This is the same exemption that allows many of our modular garden rooms and granny flats to be installed without planning permission.

Gas, Electrical and Water Connections

The planning exemption covers the structure. Connecting gas, electricity, water and waste to an outdoor kitchen must still be carried out by qualified installers and certified to Irish standards. At New Chapter Homes, all service connections are handled by certified professionals as part of our turnkey installation.

How We Help

During your free site survey, our team will:

Assess your garden and the proposed kitchen location
Confirm whether the exemption applies to your project
Identify any site-specific planning considerations
Advise on the most straightforward route to installation

In the rare case that planning permission is required, we can support you through the application process — just as we do for our modular homes and garden rooms.

Get It Right From the Start

Planning rules can seem complex, and whether an outdoor kitchen needs planning permission depends on its size, location and use. Book a free site survey with New Chapter Homes and we will confirm exactly where your project stands.

Explore New Chapter Homes

Outdoor Kitchens Ireland — Premium outdoor kitchen pods and BBQ huts
Granny Flats Ireland — Independent living units for family
Get in Touch — Book a free site survey today