Dream homes ready to move into in no time. idealista/news spoke to four Portuguese companies specialising in prefabricated and modular homes
Credits: above Discovercasa (left) and Fábrica das Casas (right)/below Kitur (left) and Cosquel (right)
Credits: above Discovercasa (left) and Fábrica das Casas (right)/below Kitur (left) and Cosquel (right)

Prefabricated and modular homes are an alternative to traditional construction and can be the right choice for those looking for a comfortable, flexible and adaptable property in Portugal. With a shorter construction time and, as a general rule, at a lower cost, they are increasingly popular and present themselves as a new construction solution which offers good living conditions. From the most rustic and conventional to the modern and minimalist, the offer is very varied, with very different models, prices and characteristics. idealista/news has prepared a guide that can help you choose the prefabricated or modular home of your dreams in Portugal.

In the past, prefab homes were mainly associated with temporary or "disposable" constructions, but everything has changed, namely due to the innovation and constant developments that already permeate this sector, with more and more people looking for these solutions, including for their first home. It should be remembered that prefabricated houses are complete houses, energy efficient, and of even better quality than traditional buildings. And they are not only a trend in the Nordic countries of Europe or North America, also in Portugal the supply and demand is evolving, representing less and less a niche and establishing itself as a real estate reality, with various models, ready to respond to the new contemporary reality.

In order to evaluate the prices, models and characteristics of prefabricated and modular houses in Portugal, we contacted four Portuguese companies that specialise in this type of construction. What types and models of prefabricated or modular houses are there? What are the price ranges? What types of materials do they use? What are the construction times? What are the advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional construction?

idealista/news presents you - in alphabetical order - the testimonies of these four Portuguese companies which specialise in prefab and modular homes.

Prefab homes by Cosquel

Created in the 1970s, Cosquel has a wide range of model plans, although in most cases it produces a plan from scratch for each client, i.e. "the ideal house for each family", suited to their habits and needs. The geography of each plot of land is unique, so they also try to personalise each house according to each family unit. Their portfolio includes some minimalist models, "in which space is made more profitable/ efficient, with solutions that are different from the usual", they explain. The prices of the homes vary according to the materials used, ranging from 18,600 euros to 467,000 euros

Cosquel combines from LSF (light steel - EN1090 standard), structural timber or lining, to traditional masonry, reinforced concrete, metallic structures, etc., to better optimise projects, which are executed on the final installation site.

Cosquel
Cosquel

The assembly time depends on several factors, from the area to be built, the morphology of the land, the type of foundation, desired finishes and the geometry of the house. Depending on the size of the project, its complexity and customisation, the construction time can vary between 2 and 8 months.

Prefab homes by Discovercasa

Discovercasa has over 10 years' experience in the manufacture and construction of timber and modular homes and explains that demand has evolved in a positive and growing way. "It is remarkable that clients recognise the advantages of this type of construction for its speed, quality of construction and thermal and acoustic performance," they say. They work with all kinds of clients and in any part of Portugal.

The company offers several typologies, from studios to five bedrooms. Each house can be adapted to the client's demands, with tailor-made plans being developed. "We can consider our houses modern and very functional. All our projects are adjusted for all kinds of purposes, such as housing, tourism and commercial spaces," they stress.

Discovercasa
Discovercasa

The price range can vary depending on the typology and the materials chosen, and can therefore be between 800 to 1200 euros/m2. The assembly time between manufacturing on the premises and completion on site can vary between 2 and 6 months, depending on the typology.

Regarding the materials, the basic structure is in wood and the exterior and interior coatings can be adapted to the taste of each client. The exterior finishings are composed of a façade in wooden lining (standard option) doubly ventilated with waterproof fabric. For the exterior cladding the client can also choose: cork (thermally treated), ETICS system ("capoto") or stone. The interior coverings, just like the exterior, are varied, and the company also emphasises the high thermal and acoustic performance and the certified special installations.

Prefab homes by Fábrica das Casas

At Fábrica das Casas you can find from studio models to complete homes. Besides the basic models that the company presents on its website, it also develops commercial spaces - bars, kiosks, offices, etc. "We execute what the client wants to build", they declare.

The basic models range from 32,000 euros for a one-bedroom apartment to 220,000 euros for a five-bedroom apartment, but they also develop according to the desired budget, working on the design and production in the factory according to specific requests. After the approval of the architectural project, it takes an estimated 3-6 months to complete the execution of the house in factory, plus transport and assembly period on site which varies, but on average 30 days for the basic models.

Fábrica das Casas
Fábrica das Casas

"As our constructive modular method, we use a structure in welded galvanized steel, exterior in ETICS or commonly called 60mm capoto, interior in waterproofed plasterboard, porcelain tiles/wood derivatives, PVC canvas coverings, 72 mm thermal break frames, basically a configuration very similar to the characteristics of traditional construction in terms of thermal, acoustic and visual comfort", they further detail.

Prefab homes by Kitur

Kitur has several models available for mobile modular houses and fixed modular houses, all of them customisable. They can also do a design from scratch according to customer needs and land characteristics. Prices vary between 27.000 euros and 200.000 euros - other values can be applied according to the type of house and the desired personalisation.

Among other materials, Kitur's houses are built using a galvanised steel chassis, sandwich panel, rock wool and MDF wood, allowing for good thermal and acoustic insulation, strength and durability. The delivery time for the modular mobile homes is 6 months from the date of signing the contract and the installation on the ground requires an average of 2 days. The delivery time for the fixed modular houses is 3 months after the building permit has been issued and the installation requires an average of 4 days.

Kitur
Kitur

When it comes to advantages compared to traditional homes, the company highlights the excellent quality/price relation, the reduced construction time, the use of more sustainable materials and the flexibility to adapt each model to the demands of each client.