Luxury living in a container? It may sound ridiculous at first, but it is possible. Rising housing prices are motivating people to find cheaper alternatives. And one such alternative that is gaining in popularity is shipping container homes. These can not only be cheap, but also luxurious, spacious and environmentally friendly.
A container house is a type of building created by converting large shipping containers into residential or commercial space. Container homes offer sustainability, affordability and design flexibility. They can be built quickly and adapted to different architectural styles. However, it must be taken into account that even container homes are subject to building regulations.
Container houses are mainly subject to the rules of the Building Act. The first thing you will need is abuilding notice or permit. The exception in this case is for buildings smaller than 25 square metres and less than 5 metres in height and three metres in depth placed on a building plot where a house for living or recreation is already standing. However, this is not possible in areas considered to be listed or in areas of archaeological importance.
In other cases, a building notice or building permit must be obtained. The notification will be sufficient in the case of a container house intended for housing or recreation. In this case, the maximum size is limited to 150 m2, the height to two storeys and an attic and the depth of the underground floor to three metres. In other cases, you will need to obtain a building permit (you will also need a building permit if you are unable to get your neighbours to agree to the building).
Tip: If you are looking to buy land to place a container house, it pays to get the help of an attorney. We will provide you with a complete contractual and legal service related to the purchase of the property. We will handle it within 48 hours, flawlessly and professionally.
Tip: Applying for a building permit can be a nightmare. Find out what you need to do and where, and what you can expect if you don’t get the right permit and decide to build in the dark.
The main difference between a building notice and a building permit is that a building notice is easier and faster to process. Unfortunately, it is not available in all cases, and especially in situations where your neighbours and other affected persons do not give you written consent.
When building a container house, you must also take into account its energy performance. All new buildings must have a building energy performance certificate or PENB. This shows how much energy the house uses to run and therefore determines its energy performance and the associated environmental burden. You need to pay particular attention to the thermal performance of the house, heating, water heating and cooling. Newly built houses must not have an energy performance higher than class B (i.e. they must have almost zero energy consumption).
Tip: If your container house has an energy reference area (= external floor area) of up to 50 m2, you do not need an energy label.
But with a container house, there is no need to worry about energy consumption. It can easily be converted to low-energy or even passive. The overall result depends primarily on the design of the façade. But other factors that also play a role are: orientation to the cardinal points, the use of renewable energy (e.g. in the form of solar panels) and the simple shape of the building (which is guaranteed for containers)
Tip: Are you planning to rent out your container house? Learn how to rent a house with energy labels.
We can help you solve the problems you have
Whether you need help with buying the land on which to place the container house, registering it with the Land Registry or anything else, we are here for you. We can provide you with a full contractual and legal service related to the purchase of the sale of the property. We can do it within 48 hours, flawlessly and professionally.
Some companies offer ready-made container homes, including wiring and insulation. However, if you want maximum freedom in design and the lowest possible price, building a container house yourself is worthwhile.
You can purchase shipping containers from a variety of sources, including
Tip: Even with a container house, you cannot avoid a proposal for entry into the Land Registry. We will help you with the drafting so that everything is in order the first time and you do not miss important deadlines or lose money.
When buying a shipping container, consider the following factors:
Don’t rush into the purchase, think things through properly first, or even get a professional to help you. After all, you are buying your future home.
We provide a complete package of legal services related to real estate sales and purchases, including reservation contracts and escrow services. We will also help you with all tax and land registry issues. Our work is fast and accurate, ensuring a worry-free transaction. You’re also welcome to pay after services are provided.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
In person and online. Just choose the appropriate service or opt for an independent consultation when you are unsure.
