Running costs
CHEAPER THAN HOUSES
You can buy a permanent, two-bedroom MAC container home for under £35,000. But how much will it cost to live there? It certainly won't be any more expensive – and could cost a lot less.
The table below provides a rough comparison between buying a new-build, single storey, traditional or container home with 2 bedrooms, one bathroom and sufficient living space for two people.
| Based on a 2 bedroom single storey dwelling, with one bathroom and two occupants | Traditional home | Container home |
|---|---|---|
| Asking price | Over £150,000 | Under £40,000. Includes delivery costs, site preparation and landscaping |
| Land with PP | Included | From £10,000 - £75,000 (nothing if you're building on your own plot). |
| Buildings and contents insurance | Standard home insurance | Standard home insurance |
| Council tax band | A-G | Usually A-C |
| Dual fuel electricity/gas | £1,300 | £795 |
| Water and waste water | £300 | £300 |
| Maintenance | £500 | Under £50 |
Please note these are our best estimates based on a number of variable factors. Land and house prices vary widely across the country and energy consumption depends on how well the occupants follow energy-saving advice and guidance.
When doing your own comparison, remember that container homes
- Cost less per square metre than other base structures
- Are eco-friendly: made of 85% recycled, non-corrosive steel, and fully recyclable if demolished
- Are top-rated in energy efficiency, thanks to bonded ceramic coatings and closed cell spray insulation
- Easily accommodate energy-efficient underfloor heating via air or ground source heat pumps, solar powered roof panels and rainwater recycling systems
- Can be installed almost anywhere close to mains utilities
- Require no planning permission if you already own the land
- Are very acceptable to insurers due to their structural integrity, security systems and anti-leak roof structure
