Why the future is prebuilt, transportable homes

If the word ‘prefab’ conjures up images of asbestos cladding and boxy school classrooms, then we’re sorry to say you’re well and truly behind the times.

Also referred to as panel, modular or transportable homes, builds that are largely (if not completely) built offsite are becoming increasingly sophisticated… and popular.

Here at Ezyline Homes we have seen an upsurge in sales more people are switching onto the significant benefits of buying a relocatable home.

This has prompted us to open a second yard and showhome in Feilding and we already built a number of homes for customers in the Lower North Island.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the future of housing is prefabricated. Here’s why…

It’s a growing global trend.

In Sweden 84% of detached homes are prefabricated. The components are manufactured during winter, and the homes erected in summer. Which begs the question, why not here? New Zealanders have been using prefabricated homes since the early settlers.

Perceptions and capabilities are changing at pace. Beautiful, affordable, and individual homes are now easily available in New Zealand. Ezyline homes have a range of Traditional and Contemporary plans.

Technology is advancing every day.

Overseas we are seeing large-scale factories producing 100,000 prefabricated homes a year – and this is only set to grow.
Increasingly sophisticated automation technologies are resulting in greater efficiencies and cost-savings. In short, in the future expect to see higher quality homes, at cheaper prices.

Consent processes are set to change.

Prefab NZ is working hard behind the scenes to achieve a more streamlined consent process for the industry. This would create time and cost-saving efficiencies for both developers and individual homeowners. Removing some of the consent roadblocks will likely increase demand for prebuilt homes.

The banks are getting on board.

Previously, transportable homes were considered high risk by banks. But Westpac now offers a Prebuilt home loan, and other banks are likely to follow suit. Kiangaora and KiwiSaver are also onboard with the transportable home option.

There are a couple of extra requirements, including additional insurance cover during the initial stages of construction and transportation to site, but this makes prebuilt homes that much more accessible, opening up the market to more people.

The Government is getting on board.

Kainga Ora also has an OSM department dedicated to off-site manufacturing, signalling a move towards prebuilt homes to meet future housing needs. And there are also moves afoot to introduce 10-year building plans for developers and building companies, which will allow those in the prefab industry to commit to upscaling their operations.

Community housing is reaping the benefits.

Prebuilt housing is a very cost-effective solution for community housing providers and can be put in place with minimal disruption.

Kiwis are staying put.

The pandemic has meant more Kiwis both returned home, and stayed home., Disposable incomes are being redirected into projects at home. As a result, we have seen an increase in prebuilt homes being purchased as second dwellings, from granny flats for elderly parents, to accommodate adult children returning from overseas.

And with most of our building materials, including all our structures, cladding, GIB, and roofing, produced here in New Zealand, we are proud to be supporting local.

And finally… mindsets are changing.

People are learning that prebuilt doesn’t have to mean small. Where once our most popular plan was a 60sqm 2 bedroom home, we are now seeing greater demand for our larger homes, with one of our most popular plans now being the 3 bedroom, 100sqm home with an ensuite.

You might be surprised at how much prebuilt homes have changed over the past 30 years!

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening at Ezyline Homes, as well as relevant industry news.