Installing a mobile home: terrain, utilities, permits and what to expect
Buying the mobile home is half the story. The other half is getting it properly installed on your land — level, connected to water and electricity, and compliant with local rules. Done well, installation takes a few days and the unit is ready to live in; done poorly, you end up with damp, subsidence or a council enforcement notice.
This guide covers the practical steps from plot to move-in: what the ground needs, which utilities to arrange, whether you need planning permission, how crane delivery works and a realistic timeline for the whole process.
Preparing the terrain
A mobile home sits on a chassis and needs a firm, level base — not a traditional foundation. The most common options are a compacted gravel pad (the cheapest), concrete pads under each support point, or a full concrete slab (the most durable, but rarely necessary). The ground must drain well; standing water under the unit causes corrosion and damp.
Green Village inspects the plot before delivery and advises on the base type. On most rural plots in Portugal, Spain or France, a compacted gravel pad with perimeter drainage is sufficient. Sloped land may need cut-and-fill earthworks first.
Utility connections
Three services need to reach the unit: water, electricity and drainage (sewage or septic). If the plot already has mains connections, the plumber and electrician connect the unit's external hookups — typically a half-day job. Off-grid plots may need a borehole or rainwater tank, a septic system and solar panels.
- Water — mains supply or borehole; the unit's internal plumbing terminates at an external inlet.
- Electricity — mains connection (single-phase 230V is standard) or solar+battery; the unit has an external consumer unit.
- Drainage — mains sewer, septic tank or biodigester; greywater and blackwater pipes exit under the chassis.
- Gas (optional) — bottled LPG for heating/cooking, or electric alternatives.
Do I need planning permission?
It depends on the country and municipality. In Portugal, a mobile home on private rural land generally does not require a building licence (licença de construção) because it is not a permanent structure — but you may need a prior communication (comunicação prévia) or a use permit for tourism (AL). In Spain, the rules vary by autonomous community; in France, units under 20 m² may only need a déclaration préalable.
The safest step is to ask the local council (Câmara Municipal / Mairie / Ayuntamiento) before buying. Green Village provides a checklist of questions to ask, adapted to the destination country.
Crane delivery and positioning
The unit arrives on a low-loader trailer and is lifted onto the prepared base by a mobile crane. The crane operator needs clear access — a track wide enough for the trailer and overhead clearance (watch for power lines and trees). Positioning and levelling take a few hours; the unit is set on adjustable support legs or concrete pads.
Green Village coordinates the crane, low-loader and on-site positioning as part of the delivery service.
Timeline: purchase to move-in
A realistic timeline for the full process:
| Phase | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Choose and reserve the unit | 1–2 weeks |
| Terrain preparation (base, drainage) | 1–3 weeks |
| Transport (RoRo or road) | 1–3 weeks |
| Delivery, crane and positioning | 1 day |
| Utility connections and finishing | 2–5 days |
| Total (purchase to move-in) | 4–10 weeks |
In sintesi
- A compacted gravel pad is enough for most plots — a full slab is rarely needed.
- Water, electricity and drainage must reach the unit; off-grid is possible with borehole + solar + septic.
- Planning rules vary by country and municipality — always check with the local council before buying.
- Crane delivery and positioning typically take one day; Green Village coordinates everything.
- Purchase to move-in: 4–10 weeks including terrain prep, transport and connections.
Domande frequenti
Do I need a concrete foundation for a mobile home?
Not usually. A mobile home sits on a chassis and needs a level, well-drained base. A compacted gravel pad is the most common and affordable option; concrete pads under each support point add durability. A full concrete slab is rarely necessary unless the ground is very soft.
Do I need planning permission to install a mobile home?
It depends on the country and municipality. In Portugal, a mobile home on private rural land generally does not require a building licence, but a prior communication may be needed. In Spain and France, the rules vary by region. Always check with the local council before purchasing.
How long does it take to install a mobile home from start to finish?
From purchase to move-in, the process typically takes 4 to 10 weeks. This includes choosing the unit, preparing the terrain, transporting the unit, crane delivery and utility connections. The on-site work (crane + connections) is usually done within a week.
Can I install a mobile home off-grid?
Yes. Off-grid installations use a borehole or rainwater tank for water, solar panels with battery storage for electricity, and a septic tank or biodigester for drainage. Green Village advises on the best setup for your plot.