Mobile home vs prefabricated house: cost, permits and key differences
"Mobile home" and "prefabricated house" both mean "factory-built" — but the similarities largely end there. A mobile home arrives complete and ready to use within days; a prefab house may take months of on-site assembly and finishing. A mobile home rarely needs planning permission; a prefab house almost always does. And a mobile home costs a fraction of a prefab of equivalent area.
This guide compares the two side by side — along with modular homes and container homes — so you can choose the right option for your land, your budget and your timeline.
What counts as a mobile home vs a prefab
A mobile home is a complete dwelling built in a factory on a steel chassis and transported whole (or in two halves) to the site. It is not fixed to a permanent foundation — it sits on support legs or pads. This is the key legal distinction: because it is movable, it is classified as a movable good (bem móvel), not real estate (imóvel), in most jurisdictions.
A prefabricated house is also factory-built, but it is assembled on a permanent foundation on site. Once installed, it is legally classified as real estate. Modular homes (assembled from pre-built modules) and container homes (converted shipping containers) fall into this category when they are fixed to foundations.
Side-by-side comparison
The practical differences at a glance:
| Factor | Mobile home | Prefab house |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per m²) | €300–€800 | €800–€2.000+ |
| Build + delivery time | 4–10 weeks | 3–12 months |
| Planning permission | Usually not required | Almost always required |
| Permanent foundation | No (chassis on pads) | Yes (concrete) |
| Legal classification | Movable good | Real estate |
| Relocatable | Yes (can be moved) | No (fixed) |
| Financing | Consumer credit | Mortgage possible |
| Resale | Easier (it moves) | Tied to the land |
When a mobile home is the better choice
A mobile home wins on speed, cost and flexibility. It makes sense when: the budget is tight and you want to start using the space quickly; the land does not have planning permission for construction; you want the option to relocate the unit later; or the use is seasonal (holidays, tourism, glamping).
When a prefab makes more sense
A prefabricated house makes sense when: you are building a permanent main residence and want mortgage financing; the land is zoned for construction and has planning permission; you want the unit to appreciate as real estate; or you need a custom layout that exceeds mobile-home dimensions.
And container homes?
Container homes offer industrial aesthetics and structural rigidity. They can be cheaper per unit than a mobile home, but insulation, interior finishing and plumbing add up quickly. They also need planning permission when fixed to a foundation. As a tourist or glamping unit, a container can work well — as a permanent home, a park home or modular prefab is usually the more practical choice.
In sintesi
- Mobile homes cost €300–€800/m²; prefabs start at €800–€2.000+/m² — often 2–3× more.
- A mobile home is ready in 4–10 weeks; a prefab takes 3–12 months.
- A mobile home rarely needs planning permission; a prefab almost always does.
- A mobile home is relocatable and classified as movable; a prefab is fixed real estate.
- Choose mobile for speed, cost and flexibility; choose prefab for permanent residence and mortgage eligibility.
Domande frequenti
Is a mobile home cheaper than a prefab house?
Yes, significantly. A mobile home typically costs €300–€800 per square metre; a prefabricated house starts at €800–€2.000+ per square metre. For the same floor area, a mobile home can be two to three times cheaper.
Do I need planning permission for a mobile home?
In most jurisdictions, a mobile home on private land does not require a building licence because it is not a permanent structure. However, some municipalities require a prior notification or a use permit (e.g. for tourism). Always check with the local council.
Can I get a mortgage for a mobile home?
A mobile home is classified as a movable good, not real estate, so it does not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Financing is arranged through consumer credit (home purpose), typically with terms up to 120 months. Green Village handles the credit process through a registered intermediary.