The shift from free-standing homes can also be linked to high property prices – which shows that South Africans living in the country\u2019s most populated provinces can expect to pay well over a R1 million rand for a home<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n As rates and taxes continue to climb and the cost to own remains unaffordable for a large portion of the population, many are left with no option but to turn to expensive rentals or alternative living arrangements.<\/p>\n One such option is a modular home – low maintenance, pre-designed homes which ship fully fitted and finished.<\/p>\n Speaking to BusinessTech, Tracey Dollman owner of Greenpods,<\/a><\/strong> said that\u00a0modular homes are slightly less expensive or on par with the costs of a traditional home per square metre.<\/p>\n Depending on the area, Dollmann said that you can expect to pay\u00a0R12,000-R15,000 per square metre for a brick and mortar home in the Western Cape. In comparison, you can expect to pay R10,800-R12,850 per square metre for a modular home in the same area.<\/p>\n Those in KZN can also expect to pay around R1,000 square metre more, while those in Johannesburg and the surrounds can pay around R2,000 more.<\/p>\n This does not take into account the\u00a0building time or the running cost of the house, which includes air-conditioning and heating, she said.<\/p>\n “We build from 15 square metres up to 400 square metres currently, with most of these being two bedrooms and one bathroom.<\/p>\n “Most people use them as their main home, from a starter home to retirement and everything in between. They are also popular as\u00a0holiday homes.<\/p>\n “The normal housing regulations are used for our modular system, and its timber frame based and complies with the SABS and SANS regulations,” said Dollman.<\/p>\n “The only issue is that regular brick and mortar homes don\u2019t need to insulate to as high of a specification as timber frame or modular homes,” she said<\/p>\n “Even the insurance of the house is the same as a brick and mortar house.”<\/p>\n The images below show what a typical modular home looks like. You can find a full breakdown of specifications and other models\u00a0here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n
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