Transportable vs Custom Minor Dwellings

When you’re considering a minor dwelling for your property, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go transportable or custom.

Both have their place, but understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your situation.

The Big Misconception

Here’s something that catches people off guard: not all minor dwellings arrive on the back of a truck. Many people think ‘minor dwelling’ automatically means ‘transportable’, but that’s not always the case – or the best option.

Transportable Minor Dwellings

Transportable units are built off-site in a factory environment, then delivered to your property as a complete (or near-complete) package.

The Good Stuff: Speed — once manufactured, your dwelling can be on-site and ready to go in a matter of days. Cost — often a lower upfront price tag. Weather Protection — no weather delays during construction.

The Challenges: Site access is the big one — narrow driveways or tight corners can make delivery tricky. Customisation is limited, and the site needs to be relatively flat.

Custom Minor Dwellings

Custom dwellings are designed specifically for your site and built in place, just like a regular house but smaller.

The Good Stuff: Perfect fit for your site (slopes, views, access), full personalisation, no access issues, and future-proof designs.

The Trade-offs: Higher upfront cost, longer build time, and more coordination.

Making the Right Choice

Go Transportable if you have great access, a flat site, are happy with standard layouts and want speed at the lowest upfront cost. Go Custom if you have access challenges, slopes, want something tailored, or are planning for long-term use.

Next Steps

The best choice depends on your specific situation. We can look at your site, understand your goals, and talk through what makes sense for you.