Across Australia, more people are choosing to build a prefab home instead of going down the traditional path — and it’s easy to see why. Faster build times, less site disruption, high-quality finishes, and many offering architecturally-designed results. But the big question remains: how much does a prefab home cost, and what should you know before you build?
Let’s dive in! ...
Traditionally built homes are constructed entirely on-site, a process that can be slow, weather-dependent, and prone to delays. Prefab homes, on the other hand, are partially or fully constructed off-site in a controlled factory environment, then transported to your block for final installation.
The benefits are clear:
Faster Build Times: Controlled factory building means no weather delays.
Higher Quality Control: Every component is built to strict standards and checked at every stage.
Less Site Disruption: Your neighbours (and you) will thank you for a quicker, cleaner build process.
Prefab homes — especially modular — are leading the way in modern Australian home building.
Prefab is a broad term that covers different styles of off-site construction. Here's a quick rundown:
These homes are built in sections (modules) in a factory, nearing 90%-95% completion, then transported to site for final assembly and handed over as a fully finished, turn-key home. Modular homes are perfect for those seeking a high-quality, spacious home built quickly, that allows for customisation options.
At Anchor Homes, we’re proud to be one of Australia’s top modular home builders, delivering exceptional results in both design and construction. We handle every step of the process, from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.. View our modular home building process here.
Best for experienced builders or hands-on owners, kit home suppliers provide the 'kit' of materials but leave the building to you. Without skilled management, coordinating trades can be time-consuming and costly. Many also underestimate the workload, making the process more stressful than expected.
This type of build involves upcycled shipping containers turned into living spaces. While unique, they can have limitations. Modifications can weaken the structure, requiring costly reinforcement. With less room to modify, the space can be cramped, making them less suitable for long-term living.
The good news is — it’s easy to get an idea. At Anchor Homes, we believe in transparency. You can download our current price list to see where your new home journey could begin.
Our price list includes:
Base prices for all of our standard designs (2-bedroom, 3-bedroom & 4-bedroom)
A full list of our quality standard inclusions
Included delivery costs based on your postcode
Delivery Day - Modular Home - Anchor Homes
When comparing prefab modular home prices, there’s more to it than just the base price. Here’s what you need to factor in:
The standard inclusions vary significantly between modular home companies, so it’s always worth comparing them side-by-side. This way, you can identify any differences where one company offers more value than another. Some companies include high-end appliances and finishes in all their homes while with others, you will need to spend more on them.
For tips on how to compare modular home quotes, click here.
Each modular home project is unique, and a range of project-specific factors can influence the final cost. These costs sit outside of the standard inclusions, as they can vary depending on things like site conditions, access, and design choices. To get an accurate picture of your total investment, it’s essential to request a detailed sales estimate tailored to the specific project.
Here are 3 quick examples of factors that can affect costs:
Block type: A flat block is the most cost-effective option, typically requiring minimal site works. A sloping block may need additional work, such as a site cut or retaining walls, which will add to the cost of your project.
BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating: A low BAL rating is more cost-effective, typically requiring only standard building materials. A high BAL rating will require investment in specialised, compliant building materials, which will increase the overall build cost.
Access for delivery: Sites with easy access, where trucks can drive directly onto the block, are the most cost-effective, usually requiring no additional equipment. However, if access is restricted—such as on steep sites or narrow driveways—a crane may be necessary to install the home, adding to the overall cost. Additionally, all two-storey homes will require a crane to lift the second-storey modules. Click here to see examples of our modular home deliveries.
Utilities can vary depending on your site. Some examples include:
Limited Utility Access: On larger or more remote sites, power and water connections may need to run longer distances, which leads to additional connection costs.
Septic Systems: On sites without access to mains sewage — often in rural areas — installing a septic system is required. It’s a key consideration to include in your budget planning.
Off-grid Homes: Building an off-grid home typically requires adding valuable systems like septic tanks, water tanks, and solar. While they add to your initial costs, they offer greater independence and sustainability in the long run.
It’s important to clarify whether the cost of delivery is included in your quoted price.
At Anchor Homes, we include delivery in our base pricing from the outset because we believe it’s an integral part of your project. Some companies may present lower upfront costs, but delivery charges can be added later, making the overall price higher than initially quoted.
Trentham Project- Modular Home - Anchor Homes
Not everything can be measured in dollars and cents — but these factors are just as important:
When choosing a builder, it's essential to consider how long they've been in business and the type of projects they showcase.
Anchor Homes has been building quality modular homes for over 20 years, and we proudly display real completed projects — not just renders alone. This transparency ensures you’re working with a company that has a proven track record and is confident in the homes they build.
Some builders who advertise lower pricing may not showcase real examples of their work, instead relying heavily on promotional renders that can be misleading. Choosing a reputable builder provides peace of mind, ensuring you're investing in a high-quality, proven product.
When choosing a prefab home, design flexibility can vary significantly. Some builders offer limited customisation, sticking to pre-set designs, while others allow more freedom in adjusting floor plans and finishes.
At Anchor Homes, we offer standard, modified, or completely customised options, giving you a wide range of choices to achieve your dream home design.
Experience and support vary across the industry, but not all builders offer the same level of expertise. With over 20 years in the industry, Anchor Homes ensures a smooth process with expert guidance from our team from start to finish, delivering a reliable, high-quality home.
At the end of the day, a home is a major investment — and it pays to choose a builder you can trust.
If you're curious about costs, a great first step is to download our base price list here. It's packed with useful information to help you plan your new home.
If you’d prefer a detailed sales estimate tailored specifically to your block, your needs, and your vision, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out today — we’d love to work with you to create your dream home.