How Much Does a Transportable Home Cost in NZ (2026 Guide)
There’s a growing move towards transportable homes in NZ, and it’s easy to see why. Quick to build, predictable to price, and suitable to all sorts of situations, they’re used for everything from first homes to farm accommodation. But when people Google ‘transportable home cost NZ’, they’re usually looking for the realistic cost, not the optimistic one.
We like to keep things transparent for our customers. So we break down what you get for the base cost, the extra expenses you’ll want to plan for, and any factors that might influence how much you’ll pay by the time you’re move-in ready.
What the Base Price Usually Covers
When you’re comparing transportable homes, the base price can differ between companies. Some only give the cost for the shell; we include the full build, floor coverings, interior linings, cladding, roofing, kitchen, bathroom fittings, and Bosch appliances. As you can imagine, those two things are like comparing apples to oranges.
Our range includes one-bedroom transportable homes of around 50m² right through to four-bedroom transportable homes that clock in at around 120m². The best place to start is to choose the transportable house plans with the size and layout that suits you best.
Additional Costs You Need to Budget For
When considering a transportable home, it’s essential to understand the full range of costs involved. While the initial price of the home is where the majority of your budget will be spent, there are additional expenses that need to be factored in. Knowing these costs upfront ensures you’re fully prepared and avoids any unwelcome surprises down the line.
Transportable homes, especially those from Ezyline, still provide excellent value for money, even when these extra costs are included. To help you plan effectively, we’ve outlined the key expenses you’ll need to consider.
Consents
While building consent for the house is included in our pricing, you will need to organise the Site Consent. To issue a Site Consent, your council will want a Site Plan, Geotech Assessment, Sewerage Plan, Soakage Plan and Foundation Plan.
The costs for these and the Council consent and contributions vary by region, so it is best to check with your local council. Ezyline homes can refer you to our trusted network of professionals for the various other plans.
How to budget for consent costs:
- Contact your local council to understand requirements and costs.
- Get quotes for drafting and engineering work from Ezyline trusted network of professionals.
- If you’re working with us, we’ll assist you through this process.
Transport and Foundations
The cost of transporting your home will depend on the route, the size of the home, the complexity of the move, and site access. Expect to pay between $15,000 and $40,000 if your home will be placed on a standard NZS3604 foundation as the transportation cost also includes supply and placement of the foundation by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
Ezyline Homes can arrange quotes from our trusted house movers.
You will also need to organise Transit Insurance for the move and Contract Works Insurance while you are finishing off your home.
How to budget for transport costs:
- We can arrange quotes from our preferred suppliers.
- Decide on insurance options and get costs for that.
Site Works
Preparing your site could involve costs such as excavation, levelling, drainage, power and water connections, and telecommunication connections. If you’re living rurally, you’ll need to install a septic tank, water tank and pressure pump to get water into the house, and wastewater out.
How to budget for site works:
- Arrange site visits from relevant contractors.
- Get quotes or estimates for the necessary work from Ezyline Homes network of trusted professionals.
- We can assist with this process if you’re working with us.
Landscaping
Once your home is in place, you’ll need to consider landscaping costs. This will include decks, steps, base cladding, lawns, gardens, fencing, driveways, letterbox, clothesline and possibly a carport or utility sheds.
How to budget for landscaping costs:
- List all the desired landscaping projects.
- Prioritise them into ‘must do’ and ‘nice to have.’
- Gather quotes and pricing for your projects.
Interior Decor
To truly make your new house feel like home, budget for interior decor such as window coverings, and any new furniture. All Ezyline Homes come complete with floor coverings and Bosch appliances.
How to budget for interior decor:
- Create a list of interior decor needs.
- Prioritise them into ‘must do’ and ‘nice to have.’
- Gather quotes and shop for your items.
We know that’s quite a list, but don’t be daunted. Transportable homes offer excellent value for money overall, and we’re here to help and advise you every step of the way. Our goal is to make the entire process as smooth as possible.
Typical Total Cost by Home Size & Pricing Tiers
| Home Type / Size | Base Home Price | Extras (Transport, Foundation, Site Works, etc.) | Total Estimated Cost (low → high) |
| 1–2 bedroom (50–80 m²) | NZ$100-150K | NZ$50–70K | NZ$150–220K |
| 3 bedroom (84–106 m²) | NZ$170-260K | NZ$50–70K | NZ$220–330K+ |
| 4 bedroom (105–120 m²) | NZ$250-310K | NZ$50–70K | NZ$300–380K+ |
What Might Influence the Final Cost
On top of the standard extras above, there are a few things that can shift your total budget up or down. Not all transportable home companies in NZ make you aware of these, so it’s worth keeping them in mind.
- Site access: tight rural tracks, narrow driveways, steep land or long-distance delivery all increase cost
- Foundations: soft soil or sloping sections need more engineering
- Customisations: upgrades, layout tweaks, feature cladding or larger decks
- Services: rural sites often need septic systems, water tanks and pumps
Size: larger homes do cost more, but spread fixed costs more efficiently
Why Many Buyers Still Choose Transportable Homes
Even with the extras included, transportable homes remain one of the most cost-effective ways to build in New Zealand. With no wet weather delays that stretch the job out, unexpected hiccups that add to the cost, or labour shortages that stop work in its tracks, you can enjoy clear costs without the unpredictability.
And, because the build process is so quick, it’s a great option if you need farm accommodation, a rental, a bach, a second dwelling, or a low-maintenance home you can move into quickly. We even keep a few homes on hand that are finished and ready to go! View transportable homes available now.
So, How Much Does A Transportable Home Cost?
The real transportable home cost depends on your plan, site, and finishing choices, but with the right preparation and a full breakdown of costs, you can still budget pretty accurately. Most buyers allow an extra $50–$70k above the base price to cover site works, consents, transport and finishing.
If you want a clearer picture for your own land, our Transportable Homes Buyer’s Guide is a great starting point, or you can talk to us for a personalised breakdown.