If you’re considering installing a prefabricated house on some land, you’ve likely asked yourself the key question: “How much will this really cost?” Beyond the price of the house itself, many factors can affect the budget. Here, we’ll show you how much you need to turn your project into reality.
How much does it cost to put a prefabricated house on a plot of land?
The cost of installing a prefabricated house depends not only on the house itself but also on several factors that affect the total project cost and must be considered:
Land price
The first step is to secure a plot of land for your prefabricated house. Only urban land permits construction, so if you already own some land, check its classification and the maximum buildable area.
If you need to buy land, remember you will also have to cover:
- Notary fees for the public deed
- Registration fees for the Property Registry
- Taxes such as VAT or property transfer tax (ITP)
Price of prefabricated housing
The largest portion of the budget is the house itself. Prices can vary widely depending on the type of construction, size, location, materials, level of customisation and finishes.
For guidance, the main price ranges are:
| Type of Prefabricated Home | Approximate Price per m² | Example: 80 m² Home |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Wood | €300 – €600/m² | €25,000 – €40,000 |
| Modular Concrete | €1,000 – €1,200/m² | €80,000 – €96,000 |
| High-Efficiency Steel | €900 – €1,700/m² | €75,000 – €85,000 |
Preparing the land
Calculating the cost of installing a prefabricated house involves far more than simply owning the land. Before installing the house, several tasks must be completed to prepare the site and ensure the installation is safe, stable and compliant with regulations. The most common tasks include:
- Earthmoving and land levelling: The ground must be adapted so the house can be properly supported.
- Foundation: While some models can be installed without a conventional foundation, most manufacturers recommend a solid base to ensure durability.
- Geotechnical study: Analyses the soil composition to confirm it can adequately support the structure.
- Topographic survey: Determines the geometry and specific characteristics of the plot. Prices typically range from €250 to €400, depending on the size of the land.
| Preliminary Work | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Geotechnical Study | €500 – €4,000 |
| Topographic Survey | €200 – €400 |
| Earthworks | €20 – €50/m³ |
| Foundation | €80 – €300/m² |
Transport and installation of the prefabricated house
Once manufactured, the house must be transported to the plot, a process requiring large trucks, cranes and specialised personnel. The cost of transport, assembly and installation varies by model and location, ranging from €4,000 to over €30,000, depending on factors such as:
- The distance from the factory to the plot
- The accessibility of the site
- The size and weight of the modules
In practice, transport and assembly usually represent between 10% and 15% of the total project budget.
Legalisation, licences and connections
To calculate the installation cost, you need to account for the required permits:
- Construction, Installations and Works Tax (ICIO): Paid to the local council, this is a percentage of the construction budget, usually between 3% and 5%, depending on the municipality.
- VAT: For individuals building their own property (self-promotion), VAT is 10%.
Once the construction is complete, the following expenses must be covered:
- First occupancy license fee: Typically 0.5–1% of the construction budget.
- Property Registry registration: To officially record the house.
- Tax on Documented Legal Acts (AJD): 1.5% of the declared cost of the new construction.
- Utility connections and occupancy certificate: Registration for water and electricity supplies and obtaining the certificate of occupancy.
Examples of how much it costs to install a prefabricated house
As a guide, this would be the total budget to put an 80 m² prefabricated house on a plot of land:
| Concept | 80 m² Home |
|---|---|
| Utility Connections | €1,000 |
| Permits and Technical Design | €8,000 |
| Transport and Installation | €15,000 |
| Site Preparation | €20,000 |
| Prefabricated House | €80,000 |
| Approximate Total | €124,000 |
This overall cost is especially competitive compared with current prices for new and second-hand homes in Spain.
For example, placing a 90 m² prefabricated house costing €72,000 on a plot on the outskirts of Valencia would cost, according to Prehouse:
| Concept | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Prefabricated House (90 m²) | €72,000 |
| Foundation | €8,000 |
| Technical Design and Permits | €5,000 |
| Connections and Utilities | €4,000 |
| VAT (10%) | €7,200 |
| Other Procedures / Studies | €2,000 |
| Approximate Total | €98,200 |
Factors that influence the budget for installing a prefabricated house
Although these figures offer a reliable estimate, the total cost may vary depending on:
- Location: Licences and utility connections are generally more expensive in large cities.
- Access to the land: Difficult access for cranes or trucks increases transport costs.
- Materials and energy efficiency: Higher-quality insulation raises initial costs but lowers long-term energy expenses.
- Plot status: More urbanised plots tend to have fewer unforeseen issues and cost overruns.
Which is cheaper, building or buying a prefabricated house?
It depends. Building a prefabricated house requires the necessary skills. While many companies sell the plans and materials, without construction experience, completing the build may be very difficult or even impossible.