Mobile Homes: Complete Guide 2026
Mobile homes are factory-built dwellings on a chassis, transportable and installable without permanent foundations, with prices from 14,576 EUR and a median on 2 October 2026 of around 45,400 EUR used and 133,200 EUR new. With regular maintenance they last 30 to 50 years, and financing is available up to 120 months. Green Village handles selection, reservation, international transport, customs and delivery to your plot.
Mobile homes represent one of the fastest-growing housing solutions in Europe. Factory-built on a transportable chassis, they combine the comfort of a conventional dwelling with the flexibility of being relocatable, installable without permanent foundations and purchasable at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction. In Portugal, demand has surged over the past five years — driven by the housing crisis, rural tourism and the search for sustainable alternatives.
This guide brings together everything you need to know before buying a mobile home: the different types available, the real prices being charged in 2026, the buying and importing process, the applicable legislation, financing options and maintenance care. Whether you are looking for a mobile home for permanent living, an investment in holiday rental or simply an affordable alternative to construction, you are in the right place.
What Are Mobile Homes? Definition, History and Types
A mobile home is a prefabricated dwelling structure produced in an industrial environment, assembled on a steel chassis with axles and wheels, designed to be transported whole to the installation site. Unlike a conventional prefabricated house, it does not require concrete foundations — it sits on levelling blocks or jack stands, retaining the ability to be removed and reinstalled on another plot.
The history of mobile homes dates back to the 1920s in the United States, with the first habitable trailers. In Europe, the concept evolved differently: the UK developed the static caravan industry from the 1950s, whilst the Netherlands and France created their own models adapted to the local climate and regulations. Today, British manufacturers such as Willerby, ABI and Atlas Leisure Homes, and Dutch producers such as Lark Leisure Homes, build units with advanced thermal insulation, central heating, fitted kitchens and finishes that rival traditional construction.
The term "mobile homes" actually encompasses a family of distinct typologies. Each has its own characteristics, dimensions, prices and uses. Understanding these differences is the first step towards an informed choice.
Types of Mobile Homes: From the Mobile Home to the Glamping Pod
The European market offers a considerable variety of transportable dwellings. Below, we describe each typology and its most common applications. To explore specific models in each category, browse our full catalogue with 900+ listings.
Mobile Home (Static Caravan)
The most common typology. Built on a galvanised steel chassis, with exterior cladding in aluminium, PVC or treated timber. Available in single configurations (one section, up to 13 m long) and twin (two sections joined on site, up to 20 m). British models dominate the European used market, with thousands of units available from UK parks that periodically renew their stock. See our guide to types of mobile homes for a detailed analysis of each configuration.
Luxury Lodge
The premium evolution of the mobile home, with high-end finishes: solid-wood flooring, stone-worktop kitchens, resin-tray shower rooms, double-glazed thermally broken windows and integrated verandas. Built for permanent living, with BS 3632 insulation (the British standard for year-round residential use). Typical dimensions between 40 and 65 m², with twin models exceeding 80 m². Explore the luxury lodges available in our catalogue.
Chalet
A solid or glulam timber structure, typically associated with mountain resorts and campsites in Switzerland, Austria, France and the Netherlands. Aesthetically more rustic than the mobile home, with pitched roofs and alpine verandas. It may or may not have a chassis — when it does, it is transportable; when it rests on timber posts, it is functionally closer to a prefabricated house.
Tiny House
A micro-dwelling on wheels, typically between 15 and 30 m², designed according to the principles of minimalism and spatial efficiency. Unlike the classic mobile home, many tiny houses are towable by a standard vehicle (weight up to 3,500 kg). Popular among young people, digital nomads and rural tourism projects. In Portugal, the legal framework is still ambiguous — review the planning permission by country for more detail. See our selection of tiny houses.
Container Home
A dwelling built from recycled shipping containers (20 or 40 feet), cut, reinforced, insulated and fitted out as residential or commercial space. An extremely robust structure (supports stacking of up to 8 units), but requires careful thermal and acoustic insulation. Explore the container models available.
Glamping Pod and Panoramic Bubble
Compact structures (10 to 25 m²) designed for experiential tourism: timber pods with a cylindrical or arched shape, and transparent bubbles for stargazing. No full kitchen in most models. Low initial investment (in our 2 October 2026 stock, bubbles from 11,928 EUR and pods from 16,596 EUR), rapid return under a holiday rental regime.
Garden Room
A smaller supplementary structure (15 to 30 m²), designed to be installed in the garden of an existing property — as an office, guest suite, studio or leisure space. It is exempt from prior control only if it fits the works of minor planning relevance (RJUE art. 6.º-A, e.g. annexes up to 10 m² and 2.2 m high) or the municipal regulation; above that, a licence or a prior communication. Browse the garden rooms in the catalogue.
Comparative Type Table
| Type | Typical Dimensions | Bedrooms | Price in stock, 2 October 2026 (EUR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Mobile Home | 10-13 m x 3.7-4.3 m (37-56 m²) | 1-3 | used from 15,690 (median ≈ 46,100, all sizes) | Permanent living, parks |
| Twin Mobile Home | 13-20 m x 6-6.8 m (78-130 m²) | 2-4 | on request | Families, spacious living |
| Luxury Lodge | 12-20 m x 6-6.8 m (72-130 m²) | 2-3 | 69,003 - 355,468 (median ≈ 188,400) | Premium permanent living |
| Chalet | 6-12 m x 4-6 m (24-72 m²) | 1-3 | used from 17,651 · new from 102,491 | Mountain, campsites |
| Tiny House | 6-9 m x 2.5-3 m (15-27 m²) | 1 | 11,928 - 271,461 (median 30,996) | Minimalism, nomads, tourism |
| Container Home | 6-12 m x 2.4 m (14-56 m²) | 1-2 | 20,980 - 157,164 (median ≈ 60,700) | Modular, urban, commercial |
| Glamping Pod | 3-8 m x 3-4 m (9-25 m²) | 0-1 | 16,596 - 128,264 (median ≈ 34,600) | Rural tourism, holiday rental |
| Garden Room | 3-7 m x 3-5 m (9-35 m²) | 0-1 | on request | Office, suite, studio |
How Much Does a Mobile Home Cost? Real 2026 Prices
The price of a mobile home depends on four factors: typology, condition (new, used, ex-display, refurbished), origin (country of manufacture and current location) and size. Below are the figures from our stock on 2 October 2026. For a more detailed analysis, see our price guide.
Prices by Condition
At Green Village, the delivered price includes transport, customs clearance and delivery and installation (placement, levelling and connection to the water, electricity and drainage points already on the plot); VAT is shown separately on the listing. Land preparation (access, utility supply points up to the connection point) is organised by the owner with a local contractor — indicative only. Check the catalogue for models with delivery included.
| Condition | Description | Price in stock, 2 October 2026 (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used | 5-15 years old, good overall condition | 14,576 - 235,099 (median ≈ 45,400) | Best value for money. Inspection recommended |
| Refurbished | Used with renovation (kitchen, bathroom, insulation) | on request | Partial warranty common |
| Ex-display | Manufacturer's show model, never lived in | on request | As-new condition, 10-20% discount |
| New | Made to order or manufacturer stock | from 13,327 (median ≈ 133,200) | Customisation, full warranty (up to 10 years) |
How to Buy a Mobile Home: The Green Village Process
Buying a mobile home, especially when it involves importing, can seem complex. Green Village simplifies the process into an integrated service, from choosing the model to delivery on your plot. Founded in 2023, with its main store in Maia (Porto, Portugal) and showrooms in Ribeirinha (Azores), Vigo, La Séguinière (by appointment) and Jundiaí, we deliver to 17 destinations across Europe and Brazil.
Step 1 — Choose the model. Browse the catalogue with 900+ models, filter by type, number of bedrooms, price and condition. Each listing includes photographs, floor plan, dimensions and technical specifications.
Step 2 — Reserve with a deposit. After selecting the model, a reservation is made with a deposit (between 2,000 and 5,000 EUR depending on the total value). The unit is reserved exclusively for you, preventing sale to third parties during the process.
Step 3 — Inspection and documentation. For used units, we carry out a technical inspection with a photographic report of the chassis, structure, electrics and plumbing. See our used mobile home inspection guide to learn exactly what we check.
Step 4 — International transport. Transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division, across Europe. We handle collection at the point of origin, transport to the destination, and all the paperwork.
Step 5 — Customs and import (when applicable). For units from the UK (post-Brexit), we handle the customs declaration and payment of the import duty and import VAT — the duty is already included in the final price. Within the EU, there is no customs procedure. Learn more in the UK import guide.
Step 6 — Delivery and installation. The mobile home is delivered to the specified plot, positioned, levelled, stabilised and connected to the utility points already on the plot (water, electricity, drainage) — all included in the Green Village delivered price. Preparing the plot itself (access, utility supply points, septic tank) is organised by the owner with a local contractor. For guidance on site preparation, see the installation guide.
Have questions about the process? Get in touch for a personalised, no-obligation quote.
International Transport: How It Works and Costs
Transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division, and is included in the delivered price shown on each product page; we also handle customs clearance. The exact cost depends on the dimensions of the unit and the destination and is confirmed in the written quote.
What the delivered price includes
Transport, customs clearance and delivery to the plot are included in the price shown for your destination, whatever the unit's origin. There is nothing extra to arrange or pay at the border.
What affects the lead time
Units already in stock are the fastest to deliver. An imported used unit adds the time needed for transport and customs clearance. A new unit built to order adds the manufacturing time on top. The exact delivery date is always confirmed in writing before you commit.
Legislation and Planning Permission: Portugal and Europe
The legal framework for mobile homes varies significantly between countries and, within Portugal, between municipalities. This is one of the areas where available information is most confusing and outdated. For a complete country-by-country review, see the European planning permission guide.
Portugal
In Portugal, a mobile home that is not entered in the matriz predial (property tax register) pays no IMI (Municipal Property Tax); but the CIMI (art. 2.º, n.º 3) presumes permanence after one year in the same place, so a unit lived in permanently can be registered and taxed. Planning permission depends on the type of land and the intended use:
Practical rule: before buying land to install a mobile home, always consult the municipal council and check the PDM. Green Village can guide you through this process — contact us.
Spain
A mobile home needs the municipal urban planning licence (licencia urbanística) even inside a licensed campsite: the Supreme Court ruled that the campsite's activity licence does not cover the installation and that mobile homes are assimilable to prefabricated houses for planning purposes (STS 1917/2024, de 5 de diciembre, ECLI:ES:TS:2024:6022). On private land the same licence applies, whether or not the unit keeps its chassis and wheels; the procedure is set by each municipality's planning rules.
France
French legislation distinguishes between "residence mobile de loisirs" (RML) and "habitation legere de loisirs" (HLL). RML can be installed on campsites, PRL (parcs residentiels de loisirs) or a classified holiday village without any permit. On private land it is prohibited whatever the duration unless the wheels are removed, in which case a declaration prealable (up to 20 m²) or a permis de construire (above) is required.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has a long tradition of "chaletparken" (chalet parks) with a clear legal framework. Installation on licensed parks is straightforward. On private land, the municipality's omgevingsplan (zoning plan, formerly bestemmingsplan) applies — many plots classified as "recreatief" permit mobile homes without a complex procedure.
- Licensed campsite and caravan parks (parques de campismo e de caravanismo): mobile homes are the park's complementary accommodation installations under Portaria n.º 1320/2008, art. 19.º — together at most 25% of the park's area for campers, and at most 75 m² and two storeys per unit. Confirm in writing with the park how your unit fits within its licence; the owner signs a pitch-occupation contract.
- Own land (urban): a licence or a prior communication (comunicação prévia) to the municipal council is required under the RJUE, depending on the zone; being removable does not exempt it. Feasibility depends on the Plano Director Municipal (PDM) and the land classification.
- Rural land, RAN, REN or protected areas: severe restrictions. Installation of residential structures is, in most cases, prohibited or subject to a special opinion.
Financing and Payment Methods
Because mobile homes are not registered properties, traditional bank mortgages do not apply. However, several viable alternatives exist. For simulations and full details, visit our credit and financing page or read the financing guide.
- Consumer credit: available from most Portuguese banks, with amounts up to 75,000 EUR and terms of 24 to 120 months. Rates from 10% nominal (APR 11.8%) for customers with a good profile.
- Leasing: some financial institutions offer leasing for high-value movable goods. Allows tax deductions for businesses using the mobile home as an asset (e.g. holiday rental).
- Direct instalment payment: Green Village offers instalment plans with a deposit agreed case by case and the balance in monthly payments, without bank intermediation.
- Full payment with discount: up to 5% discount on the listed price for full payment at the time of reservation.
Mobile Homes vs Traditional Construction
The comparison with conventional construction is inevitable — and, in many scenarios, favourable to the mobile home. For a detailed comparison with prefabricated houses and containers, see the comparative guide.
Cost. In our 2 October 2026 stock, used 2-bedroom units started at 14,576 EUR and the median used unit cost around 45,400 EUR. Building 45 m² in Portugal, even with modest finishes, rarely comes in below 70,000 EUR (1,500 EUR/m² as a conservative benchmark), so the median used unit costs about 35% less.
Timeframe. Units in stock are the fastest; a new one made to order also needs its manufacturing time, and the delivery date is confirmed in writing. Traditional construction typically takes 12 to 24 months. The difference is radical.
Flexibility. A mobile home can be moved to another plot. Traditional construction is permanent. For anyone who is not certain about the long-term location, mobility is an objective advantage.
Sustainability. Factory construction generates less waste (up to 50% less than on-site construction), and the possibility of reusing the structure reduces the long-term environmental impact. Modern models integrate solar panels, heat pumps and high-efficiency insulation.
Appreciation. Here, traditional construction has the advantage: registered properties tend to appreciate with the market, whilst mobile homes typically depreciate 2-3% per year in the first 10 years. However, in premium locations with high tourist demand, many mobile homes maintain or increase their value.
Maintenance, Durability and Energy Efficiency
With proper maintenance, a mobile home lasts 30 to 50 years. British and Dutch models, built for the rigorous climates of northern Europe, use corrosion-resistant galvanised steel chassis and structures designed to withstand high winds and snow. For a detailed maintenance calendar, read the annual maintenance guide.
Essential maintenance by season:
Energy efficiency: models built to the British BS 3632 (residential) standard include reinforced insulation in walls, ceiling and floor, thermally broken double-glazed windows and gas or electric central heating. Many owners install photovoltaic solar panels (2 to 4 kWp is sufficient for a typical mobile home), air-to-water heat pumps for heating and hot water, and full LED lighting. The energy consumption of a well-insulated modern mobile home is comparable to that of a conventional 2-bedroom flat.
- Spring: chassis inspection (rust, fixings), roof check (seams, gutters), general exterior cleaning.
- Summer: exterior painting or treatment every 5-7 years, air conditioning check (if applicable), adequate ventilation.
- Autumn: gutter and drainage cleaning, window and door seal check, heating system preparation.
- Winter: heating maintenance, pipe protection against frost (in cold areas), insulation and condensation check.
How to Choose the Ideal Mobile Home
The choice comes down to three fundamental questions:
1. What is the purpose? Permanent living demands residential insulation (BS 3632 or equivalent), a size suited to the household and legal compliance with the installation location. Holiday rental or tourism favours return on investment, visual appeal and ease of maintenance between guests. Read our guide to mobile homes for holiday rental for further guidance.
2. What is the total budget? Calculate not just the unit price, but also transport, site preparation, utility connections and, if applicable, import costs. Green Village provides full quotes with all these components itemised.
3. Where will you install it? The location determines the planning permission required, the feasibility of delivery access (road width, bends, gradients) and the thermal insulation requirements. A mobile home in the Algarve has different needs from one in the Azores or inland Tras-os-Montes.
To explore options by type, visit the catalogue categories: mobile homes, luxury lodges, prefabricated homes or garden rooms. For personalised guidance, contact our team — we help you find the right model for your project, budget and location.
You can also consult our frequently asked questions page, the mobile home insurance guide and the best manufacturer brands guide to complete your research. All information about Green Village, our history and our values is available on the About Us page.
How to buy a mobile home from Green Village
- Explore the catalogue. Browse the online catalogue with 900+ models, filterable by type, price, size and condition.
- Select and reserve. Choose the model and reserve with a deposit of 2,000 to 5,000 EUR. The model is held exclusively for you.
- Organise transport. Mobile Home Logistic organises international transport, according to the most efficient route.
- Handle customs. For units from outside the EU (e.g. the UK), we handle all the customs documentation and clearance.
- Delivery and installation. The mobile home is delivered to your plot, positioned and connected to utilities (water, electricity, drainage).
In summary
- Mobile homes are factory-built dwellings on a chassis, transportable and installable without permanent foundations.
- Prices start at 14,576 EUR; on 2 October 2026 the median was around 45,400 EUR used and 133,200 EUR new, with excellent value for money compared with traditional construction.
- Transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic and included in the delivered price for international distances.
- In Portugal, a mobile home installed to stay needs a licence or a prior communication under the RJUE, depending on the PDM — being removable does not exempt it.
- Green Village handles the entire process: selection, reservation, international transport, customs and delivery to your plot.
- Financing available up to 120 months at competitive rates — simulation on the website.
- Regular maintenance (roof, chassis, plumbing) ensures a lifespan of 30-50 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to install a mobile home in Portugal?
It depends on the location and duration. On a licensed campsite, the unit is one of the park's complementary accommodation installations (Portaria n.º 1320/2008, art. 19.º) — confirm with the park how your unit fits within its licence. On own urban land, a licence or a prior communication to the municipal council is required, depending on the zone and the PDM. Rural land, RAN, REN or protected areas have severe restrictions. Always check the PDM of your municipality before proceeding.
How much does a mobile home cost in 2026?
Prices start at 14,576 EUR for compact used models; new luxury lodges started at 139,851 EUR in our 2 October 2026 stock. Used 2-bedroom units started at 14,576 EUR, and the median used unit cost around 45,400 EUR. Transport and any import costs are included in the delivered price quoted for your address.
What is the difference between a mobile home and a prefabricated house?
A mobile home is built on a chassis with wheels and can be transported whole, without permanent foundations. A prefabricated house is assembled on fixed foundations, requires full planning permission and is legally a property. A mobile home offers greater flexibility and lower costs; a prefabricated house has greater asset appreciation.
Can I live permanently in a mobile home?
Yes. Thousands of people in Portugal and across Europe live permanently in mobile homes. The key is to choose a legally authorised location — a licensed residential park or a plot with the appropriate municipal authorisations. Modern models with BS 3632 insulation offer comfort equivalent to conventional housing.
How does transporting a mobile home from abroad to Portugal work?
Transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division. We handle the whole journey: collection at origin, transport, customs clearance and delivery to the final destination, all included in the delivered price.
Which documents are needed to import a mobile home from the UK?
For post-Brexit UK imports: the commercial invoice and the customs declaration, on which the import duty and import VAT are paid — Green Village handles it, and the duty is already included in the price. For imports within the EU (Netherlands, France), only the invoice and the transport documentation are needed — there is no customs procedure.
How long does a mobile home last?
With proper maintenance, a mobile home lasts 30 to 50 years. British and Dutch models use galvanised steel chassis and structures designed for rigorous climates. Regular maintenance includes chassis inspection, roof waterproofing, exterior painting every 5-7 years and plumbing checks.
Is it possible to finance the purchase of a mobile home?
Yes. Although traditional mortgages do not apply (mobile homes are not registered properties), alternatives exist: bank consumer credit up to 75,000 EUR, leasing for businesses, and staged payment plans directly with Green Village. Terms of 24 to 120 months, with rates from 10% nominal (APR 11.8%).
What are the dimensions of mobile homes?
Single mobile homes measure between 10 and 13 metres long by 3.7 to 4.3 metres wide (37 to 56 m²). Twin units reach 20 metres by 6.8 metres (up to 130 m²).
Does a mobile home depreciate over time?
Mobile homes typically depreciate 2-3% per year in the first 10 years, then stabilise. However, well-maintained models in locations with strong tourist demand (Algarve, Silver Coast) can maintain or increase their value. Growing demand and the shortage of affordable housing in Portugal have supported prices on the used market.