Price is almost always the first question. It should be. Buying a home, even a transportable one, is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make in their lives, and going in with realistic numbers matters.
The good news is that transportable homes are generally more affordable than conventional builds. The better news is that at Exeter Homes, pricing is transparent; there are no hidden extras hiding behind a “from” price.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
At Exeter Homes, our entry-level transportable home starts at $195,000. That’s the Aggie, a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home at 68 m², part of our Exeter Essentials range.
To put that into context: a comparable new on-site build in New Zealand currently runs anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000+ per square metre, depending on the region and specification. At 68 m², a site-built equivalent would often land north of $300,000 before site works and consents.
Our 2-bedroom designs start from $233,000, our 4-bedroom range from $327,000, and our premium 5 and 6-bedroom homes from $525,000.
This is where it pays to ask carefully, because not all transportable home pricing is equal.
At Exeter Homes, our prices include:
What isn’t included in the base price is delivery to your site, site preparation and connection work foundations, civil works, connection of power, water, and drainage. Delivery costs are quoted separately and depend on distance. All of these are site-specific costs that vary depending on your section and location.
We discuss all of this during the concept design stage, so you’ll have a clear picture of your full project cost before you sign anything.
This is the variable part of any transportable home build, and it’s one that deserves honest conversation.
Site works typically include:
As a rough guide, many of our customers budget an additional $80,000 – $100,000 for site works, though this varies significantly depending on the section. Simple flat sections with easy service connections are at the lower end. Remote rural sites with complex access may be higher.
In most cases, yes, and for a few clear reasons.
First, the build happens in our Rotorua yard under consistent conditions, which eliminates transport costs and the associated cost overruns that often come with traditional construction. Second, our team builds in a consistent, repeatable process. The efficiencies of building the same designs repeatedly mean fewer surprises and less waste. Third, our fixed-price contract model means the price you agree to is the price you pay.
Conventional on-site builds have a notoriously variable track record with budget adherence. Cost overruns of 10-20% are not uncommon. With a transportable home from Exeter, you know what you’re committing to.
Exeter Homes offers four ranges, each built to the same core standard but with different levels of specification and customisation:
Exeter Essentials: Our most affordable range, starting from $195,000. Fixed designs (no customisations), streamlined finishes, fully compliant with Healthy Homes Standards and the NZ Building Code. Ideal for first-home buyers, investors, and those adding a granny flat.
Exeter Essence: The heart of the Exeter range, starting from $233,000. Thoughtfully designed for modern family living, with a wider variety of plans and a higher level of finish. Customisable to your requirements.
Exeter Executive: Our premium mid-range, starting from $475,000. Larger floor plans with refined interiors, designed for families who want more space and a higher-spec finish.
Exeter Estate: Our flagship range, starting from $530,000. Includes our largest home, the May (6 bedrooms, 173 m²). Built for those who want the full Exeter experience at scale.
Across all four ranges, every home is built to the same Exeter standard. The difference is in the size, the specification, and the level of design flexibility.
Yes. Most New Zealand banks and lenders will consider transportable homes for standard residential mortgages, provided the home is on a consented, titled section and meets building code requirements. All Exeter homes are built to full NZ Building Code compliance, which gives lenders confidence.
It’s worth speaking to your bank or mortgage broker early in the process to understand what’s available to you. As registered Master Builders with a proven track record, we’re a builder lenders are comfortable working with.
If you’re trying to get your head around the numbers, the best thing to do is browse our current plans and note the designs that appeal to you. From there, our team can walk you through a realistic project cost estimate, including site work based on your section and location.
For our most affordable entry point, the Exeter Essentials range is worth exploring first. It’s designed specifically for buyers who want genuine quality at the most accessible price point.
Ready to talk numbers? Get in touch with our team, and we’ll make sure you leave with a clear picture of what’s possible for your budget.
Call us: 0800 613 213 | Email: sales@exeterhomes.co.nz
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