Transportable Home Costs NZ 2026: Prices from $195,000

How Much Does a Transportable Home Cost in NZ? (2026 Price Guide)

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Overview

Price is almost always the first question, and it should be. Buying a home, even a transportable one, is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, so going in with realistic numbers matters.

The good news is that transportable homes are generally more affordable than a conventional build.

The better news is that Exeter Homes pricing is transparent, with no hidden extras behind a from price. Here is a clear breakdown of transportable home prices in New Zealand for 2026.

What's the starting price for a transportable home in NZ?

At Exeter Homes, our entry level transportable home starts at $195,000. That is the Aggie, a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home of 68 square metres in our Exeter Essentials range.

For context, a comparable new on site build in New Zealand currently costs anywhere from $3,500 to more than $5,000 per square metre, depending on region and specification.

At 68 square metres, a site built equivalent often lands 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.

What Do These Prices Actually Include?

This is where it pays to ask carefully, because not all transportable home pricing is equal.

At Exeter Homes, our prices include:

  • Full construction of the home in our Rotorua yard
  • Complete kitchen and bathroom installation
  • BOSCH kitchen appliances
  • Aluminium, double-glazed joinery
  • Carpet and vinyl flooring
  • Fully insulated walls and ceiling
  • Interior and exterior painting
  • Coloured steel roof and quality exterior cladding
  • All electrical wiring to the meter box (ready for site connection)
  • Plumbing (ready for site connection)

What is not included in the base price is delivery to your site, plus site preparation and connection work: foundations, civil works, and connection of power, water and drainage. Delivery is quoted separately based on distance. We cover all of this during the concept design stage, so you have a clear picture of your full project cost before you sign.

See our full pricing across every range and bedroom size

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing from $195,000. Compare designs side by side and find the right fit for your budget.

Compare All Designs
  • Essentials from $195,000 our most affordable
  • Essence from $233,000 balanced value
  • Executive from $475,000 premium mid-range
  • Estate from $530,000 flagship luxury

What About the Cost of Site Works?

This is the variable part of any transportable home build, and it’s one that deserves honest conversation.

Site works typically include:

  • Foundations: The type and cost depend on your geotechnical report. Standard timber foundations are the most common and affordable option. In some cases, where ground conditions require it, engineered foundations may be needed.
  • Civil works: Trenching and connection of power, water, drainage, and telecommunications.
  • Draughtsman and consents: Your local building consent requires a licensed draughtsman to prepare drawings and lodge with your council. Most consent applications in NZ also require a geotechnical assessment (and sometimes a stormwater assessment).
  • Finishing touches: Baseboards, steps, decking, and any landscaping are typically handled after handover.

Site works are the variable part of any transportable home project, and they deserve an honest conversation. As a rough guide, many customers budget an extra $80,000 to $100,000 for site works, although this varies a lot by section. A simple, flat section with easy service connections sits at the lower end, while a remote rural site with tricky access can be higher.

Is a Transportable Home Cheaper Than Building On-Site?

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 to 20 percent are not uncommon. With a transportable home from Exeter, you know what you’re committing to.

What's the Difference Between the Ranges, and Does It Affect Value?

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.

Can I Get Finance for a Transportable Home?

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.

What's the Best First Step?

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