A modular home is a permanent home built in a factory before being transported to site and installed on foundations. It is approved, certified and regulated in the same way as a traditionally built home, but most of the construction takes place offsite under controlled conditions. This makes the build faster, more consistent and less vulnerable to weather delays.
What is a modular home?
A modular home is a fully engineered dwelling constructed in sections, called modules, inside a factory. Once complete, the modules are taken to the property and installed on footings or piers. After connection to services, the home is ready to live in.
Modular homes are not temporary and not relocatable. They are treated as permanent homes for council approvals, valuation and lending.
How the modular building process works
| STAGE | WHAT HAPPENS |
|---|---|
| Design | Floorplan and engineering are finalised for your wind region and site |
| Factory construction | The home is built in our Sunshine Coast Factory |
| Quality checks | Every stage is inspected before during the build and before leaving the factory |
| Site preparation | Footings or piers are prepared onsite |
| Delivery | The completed modules are transported to the home site |
| Installation | The modules are joined and secured in place |
| Final connections | Plumbing and electrical are finished and the home is ready |
Because site works and factory construction can happen at the same time, the overall build is often significantly faster than an onsite build.
Modular vs prefab vs transportable homes
| Type | What it means | Permanent or not? |
|---|---|---|
| Modular home | Built in a factory and installed on foundations | Yes, permanent structure. |
| Prefabricated (general term) | Any building component made offsite | Sometimes |
| Relocatable/transportable | Designed to be moved repeatedly | Usually, no. |
Why modular suits Queensland and the NT
Modular performs particularly well in northern and regional conditions because it:
- Avoids weather delays during construction
- Requires fewer onsite trades
- Is engineered for cyclone wind regions
- Reduces exposure to material damage
- Supports consistent quality in remote areas
What is built offsite and what is completed onsite?
Built in the factory (offsite)
- Structure and insulation
- Walls, roof and windows
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Internal finishes and joinery
Completed on my property (onsite)
- Footings or piers
- Final connections
- Delivery and installation
- Minor finishing touches e.g. connecting veranda’s
How long does the process take?
The modular build typically follows this sequence:
- Design, engineering and council approvals
- Factory construction (usually eight to twelve weeks)
- Delivery and installation (generally one to two days)
- Final service connections
Download our price guide
If you are still in the early research stage and simply want to understand budget, you can download our modular home price guide, which shows starting prices by home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modular granny flats: keeping family close while staying independent
Yes. Granny flats in Queensland can be built as permanent secondary dwellings on residential or rural land, provided the zoning allows it and council setbacks and approval conditions are met.
Oly Homes
25 Nov 2025
Do modular homes need council approval in Queensland?
Yes. Modular homes in Queensland require council approval because they are classified as permanent dwellings.
Oly Homes
25 Nov 2025
Are modular homes cheaper than traditional homes in QLD?
The difference shows up more in certainty and time-to-move-in than in the base construction price.
Oly Homes
25 Nov 2025
