How To Choose The Right Relocatable Home

Relocatable homes have become an increasingly popular housing choice in New Zealand, offering flexibility, cost savings, and the opportunity to create a home that truly fits your lifestyle. Sometimes called transportable or movable homes, they come in many forms — from compact, modern one-bedroom designs to larger, character-filled family houses — and can be moved to a new location by truck and trailer.

One of the biggest advantages of a relocatable home is versatility. With the right site conditions, they can be placed almost anywhere, making them ideal for:

  • Property owners who want to add a second dwelling without going through a lengthy build

  • Families building on shared or inherited land

  • Developers looking for an affordable housing solution

Choosing the right relocatable home is more than just picking something that looks good.
You’ll need to think about size, budget, whether you are wanting to do much renovation work, which company to choose, site conditions, and council requirements.
This guide will walk you through the key steps so you can make an informed, confident decision.

1. Define Your Needs and Lifestyle

Start by thinking about how you’ll live in the home now and in the future. Or what your tenants needs will be.

  • Size: How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? Will your household grow?

  • Layout: Do you prefer an open-plan living space or separate rooms for privacy and work?

  • Special features: Will you need an office, extra storage, accessibility features, or an ensuite?

  • Condition: Another key consideration is whether you’re looking for a project house or something more low-maintenance. 

A project house can be a fantastic choice if you enjoy renovating, want to customise the home’s style, or are working to a smaller budget. It can also be a way to add significant value over time. On the other hand, a newer or well-maintained home will require less work, making it ideal if you want to move in quickly, keep upkeep to a minimum, and focus on enjoying the space from day one.

When inspecting a home, look for:

  • Water damage or leaks

  • Structural soundness in the roof, framing, and underfloor

  • Maintenance history and any previous alterations

A clear list of your must-haves will make it much easier to shortlist suitable homes and work effectively with suppliers.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

A relocatable home can be more affordable than a new build, but there are still multiple costs to consider:

  • Purchase price

  • Transport and relocation costs

  • Foundations and site preparation

  • Council consents and inspections

  • Utility connections

  • Renovations or upgrades

Used relocatable homes can be an excellent option if you’re working with a smaller budget. They are usually:

  • More affordable than new builds

  • Faster to install since the structure is already complete

  • Full of character, often with features like native timber and traditional joinery

  • Sustainable, reducing waste by reusing existing materials

However, factor in potential repairs or upgrades when buying second-hand.

3. Choose a Reputable Company in the Industry

Your home is a long-term investment, so selecting the right supplier is crucial. Look for:

  • A solid track record in buying, selling and transporting relocatable homes

  • Positive reviews and references from past clients

  • Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP)

  • Transparency about the home’s condition and compliance

4. Check Site Suitability

Even the best relocatable home may not work if your site isn’t prepared. Consider:

  • Access for trucks and cranes

  • Ground stability and drainage

  • Boundary requirements and setbacks

  • Space for outdoor living areas or extensions

Houses On The Move offers on-site assessments to check access and highlight potential issues before relocation begins.

5. Finalise your purchase & customisation

Before signing:

  • Review the purchase agreement in detail

  • Keep copies of inspection reports and consent documents

  • Consider layout changes, extra rooms, or building underneath the home before relocation

Customisations like decking or open-plan conversions are often easiest to plan before your home is moved. Including future changes in your initial consent application can save you money and time later.

Why Relocatable Homes Work So Well in New Zealand

  • Cost savings compared to building from scratch

  • Faster setup, especially when using pre-loved homes

  • Unique charm, with many older homes built from strong native timber

  • Sustainability, by reusing existing structures rather than starting new builds

New Zealand’s strong stock of quality timber homes — from early 1900s villas to 1970s weatherboards — means relocatable houses here are often solid, character-filled, and ideal for a second life on a new site.

The Houses On The Move Difference

At Houses On The Move, we guide you through every stage:

  1. Assessing your needs and helping you choose the right home

  2. Viewing your site to check access and identify challenges

  3. Managing your consent application with council

  4. Transporting and piling your new home safely and efficiently

Our goal is to make your relocation project smooth, cost-effective, and stress-free — from the first planning conversation to the day you step into your new home.

We have a strong reputation in our industry and pride ourselves in all aspects of the relocation process from purchase, to consents to delivery.

Houses On The Move