Permanent, relocatable and expandable describe different aspects of a project. They are not interchangeable building classifications, approval pathways or finance products. Start with the intended use, land and installation requirements before choosing a format.
The practical differences
| Question | Permanent | Relocatable | Expandable |
|---|---|---|---|
| What does the term describe? | An intended long-term installation | A structure designed to be relocated | A compact transport form that unfolds or expands on site |
| How is it supported? | Site-specific engineered installation | Supports and connections need an installation and relocation plan | Confirm the support requirements for the expanded structure |
| Is residential use established? | No; confirm the classification and site approvals | No; confirm intended use and applicable rules | No; an expanding format is not approval evidence |
| Is finance assured? | No; lender and project assessment required | No; lender and security assessment required | No; lender and security assessment required |
| Can it move later? | Assess disconnection, engineering and transport feasibility | Designed for relocation, subject to the actual move and destination | Check the design, condition and supplier's relocation instructions |
Permanent modular homes
A permanent modular-home project usually involves an intended long-term installation with foundations, services and approvals coordinated for the site. A proposed single dwelling may use a Class 1a pathway, but its classification must be confirmed for the actual use and design.
The ABCB classification guide explains that classification follows use. Attaching a structure to foundations does not, by itself, establish compliance or permission to occupy it.
Compare permanent modular homes when long-term residential use is your brief. Ask for the scope of drawings, engineering, certification and site works before comparing prices.
Relocatable homes
Relocatable describes the ability or intention to move a structure. It does not establish a universal exemption from planning, building, occupation or service requirements. Both the initial installation and a future destination need assessment.
Before relying on future relocation, ask about transport dimensions, weight, lifting points, structural requirements, service disconnection, access and any permits. A product being movable does not mean a move is inexpensive or possible on every site.
Expandable homes
In the ModuHaus range, expandable homes use a compact transport format that opens out to an expanded footprint. This does not mean adding rooms or another storey over time. Any later extension is a separate design and approval question.
Compare expandable homes by layout, expanded footprint, transport envelope and indicative product price. The Cove Studio, The Span 30 and The Horizon 40 retain their product names; 20ft, 30ft and 40ft describe reference transport formats, not internal floor areas.
Confirm deployment access, lifting or placement, supports, weather sealing, services and the final configuration with the supplier and project team. A rendered plan or 3D model is not a certified installation drawing.
Finance, insurance and resale
Do not infer lender acceptance or future value from a product label. Land tenure, security, approvals, supplier terms, progress payments and the completed installation can all affect a lender's assessment.
CommBank's prefab lending information describes a lender-specific offering, not approval for every modular or portable product. Discuss the actual proposal with a lender or broker before committing. Insurance and valuation also require separate assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does expandable mean I can add rooms later?
Not in this product range. Expandable describes the change from a compact transport form to an expanded footprint. A later extension needs separate design, engineering and approval assessment.
Are permanent homes always eligible for a standard home loan?
No. Eligibility depends on the lender, borrower, land, security, supplier arrangement and project documentation. Obtain advice about the actual proposal before relying on finance.
Can a relocatable or expandable home be used as a permanent residence?
The format alone does not decide this. Confirm the proposed use, building classification, site approvals, installation and occupation requirements with the responsible council or certifier.
Which format is best for my site?
Compare intended use, access, layout, installation, services, complete project cost and future relocation needs. No single format is best for every property.
Before choosing a model
Use the state approval guides and finance guide, then share your site, intended use and layout preferences through a Planning Assessment. Product prices are indicative; site, delivery, approvals and installation need a project-specific assessment.
Sources and further reading
Requirements change and can be applied differently by site and local authority. Check the current official sources and confirm your project with the relevant council, certifier or qualified professional.