The Cost & Time to Build: Traditional Brick & Mortar vs. Expandable Container Homes

Building a new home is a dream for many Australians, but with rising costs, long construction times, and ongoing mortgage stress, more people are considering alternatives. The housing market is constantly evolving, and with solutions like expandable container homes from Affordable Choice Homes, homeowners can now get a modern, affordable, and quick-to-build home without the financial stress of traditional construction.

This blog will break down the key differences in cost, time, and feasibility between building a traditional bricks-and-mortar home and choosing an expandable container home.

Traditional Bricks-and-Mortar Homes: The Reality

For many Australians, the process of building a traditional home can be both expensive and time-consuming. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a more rural location, the costs of materials and labour for a standard two-bedroom home (75 sqm) can vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Cost of Building a Traditional Two-Bedroom Home

City Build (Metropolitan areas like Sydney or Melbourne):

• Cost of Materials: $1,500 to $2,500 per sqm, depending on the quality of finishes.
• Labour Costs: Vary between $50 to $150 per hour for tradespeople.
• Estimated Total Build Cost: $250,000 - $350,000 (for a 75 sqm home).

Rural/Regional Build:

• Cost of Materials: Slightly lower, at around $1,200 to $2,000 per sqm.
• Labour Costs: $40 to $100 per hour (may also include accommodation costs for workers if the site is remote).
• Estimated Total Build Cost: $180,000 - $300,000.

Time to Build

Building a two-bedroom home through traditional methods can take anywhere between 9 to 12 months, depending on the availability of tradespeople, weather conditions, and delays in material supply. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances like council approval delays or issues with contractors can extend this timeframe.

In some cases, you may even need to rent temporary accommodation while waiting for your home to be completed, adding to the financial burden. Combine this with fluctuating interest rates and many Australians find themselves facing mortgage stress long before they’ve even moved into their new home.

Expandable Container Homes: A Fast & Affordable Alternative

In contrast, expandable container homes from Affordable Choice Homes offer an innovative solution to Australia’s housing challenges. These pre-manufactured, expandable homes are designed to provide all the comfort and durability of a traditional house while significantly reducing both cost and build time. Here’s how they compare:

Cost of an Expandable Container Home

• Expandable 2-Bedroom Home (75 sqm):
• Starts from $96,500 incl. GST plus additional extras and customisation.

All-Inclusive: This price covers the basic home, electrical fittings, plumbing system, double-glazed windows, and more. For city dwellers or those in rural locations, this unit price remains consistent with only minor adjustments for transportation and additional extras.

This is less than half the cost of a traditional bricks-and-mortar home, offering a substantial saving for those looking to enter the housing market or provide additional living space on their property.

Time to Build

One of the biggest advantages of an expandable container home is the speed with which it can be installed. Unlike traditional builds that can take up to a year, our homes can be installed in as little as 16-18 weeks from the time you place your order.

That means you could be in your new home in 4 to 5 months—no more lengthy waiting times, no more costly rent, and no drawn-out construction processes.

Why Expandable Container Homes Make Sense in Today’s Economy: Addressing Australia’s Mortgage Stress

As mortgage stress continues to rise across the country, many Australians are finding it harder to keep up with the repayments on traditional home loans. According to recent data, nearly 40% of mortgage holders are experiencing financial difficulty due to rising interest rates. This stress is even more pronounced for first-home buyers who struggle to secure affordable housing.

Many Australians are turning to more cost-effective housing alternatives—and that’s where expandable homes offer a lifeline. By investing in an expandable home, you can avoid the burden of a large mortgage, making homeownership more accessible and manageable.

Low Maintenance and Durability

In addition to cost savings, expandable homes are also incredibly low maintenance. Built with steel frames and 75mm cool room panels for the walls and roof, these homes are designed to withstand Australia’s often harsh climate while maintaining energy efficiency. This means fewer repairs and lower ongoing maintenance costs, which translates to even more long-term savings.

A Sustainable Investment

Expandable homes also offer flexibility. If you're considering adding a granny flat or Airbnb rental to your property, an expandable home is a fantastic, affordable option. Not only can it provide additional living space for family members, but it can also generate rental income to help cover household expenses.

Why Choose Affordable Choice Homes?

At Affordable Choice Homes, we’re committed to providing cost-effective, durable, and fast solutions to meet your housing needs. Whether you’re looking to build a two-bedroom home for your family, create an income-generating rental space, or simply add more living space to your property, we have a solution that fits your budget and timeline.

If you’re ready to break free from the traditional building constraints and want to explore how an expandable container home can work for you, contact us today.

Article prepared: 12 October 2024

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