Kadina modular homes offer glimpse of Aussie housing future

The popularity of two modular homes in regional SA is fuelling debate that prefabricated residences could help solve the country’s housing crisis.

Both two-bedroom homes at Kadina were so well received that they went under offer before their first open inspections.

Selling agent Tim Hosking, of eXp Real Estate, said their price points made them appealing to prospective buyers, particularly retirees and those looking for their first home.

With land included, he said one had a price guide in the mid-$400,000 range and the other in the mid-$500,000 range.

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The Kadina modular home at 2 Addison St has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

It’s modern throughout and looks just like a traditional home.

The modulars are built in China and assembled in SA.

They’re much more luxurious than previous offerings.

“Certainly the price point is attractive, definitely,” he said.

“Secondly, they’re brand new, and they’re fully turnkey and ready to move into.”

Both built by BoxMod, the two-bedroom and two-bathroom homes are modern with luxury finishes and pre-installed electrical, plumbing and airconditioning systems.

Mr Hosking said while the smaller block sizes – one 374sqm and the other 401sqm – were well received, that might not always be the case, particularly for people who were downsizing but still wanted space for a shed and caravan.

“They’re on a block size that’s rare in regional SA,” he said.

“I think if you released more of them, they wouldn’t sell.”

Otherwise, Mr Hosking said they could help alleviate pressure on Australia’s property market and offering them as an alternative to traditional homes could help solve the housing crisis.

“We’ve got to look at alternative options, it’s certainly something that should be part of the mix,” he said.

“They offer something that’s entirely different to the market that people are connecting with.”

BoxMod, the company behind the two Kadina residences, specialises in modular homes built in Chinese factories that are shipped to SA for assembly – they can arrive in months, be installed within weeks and are priced under $300,000, excluding the cost of land.

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The Kadina modular at 3 Shepley St looks slightly different.

It’s still modern inside though with all the important features you’d expect of a traditional home.

Some industry experts say modulars could help alleviate pressure on Australia’s worsening housing market.

Their affordability and quick build times are among their biggest appeals.

It’s led by former SANFL legend-turned-developer Neville Roberts, who has extensive experience in the modular industry.

He said both the price and quick turnaround of the “completely compliant” homes were what made them part of the solution to the country’s worsening housing crisis.

From the moment a buyer signs the sale contract, Mr Roberts said they could be ready to move in within months.

“In 90 days you’d be living in your house,” he said.

Focusing on the retirement and aged care industry at the moment, Mr Roberts said the Kadina modulars have been “a test to see if the market would respond” – one that had shown huge success so far.

“There’s a bit of a glass ceiling that needs to be broken and I want to break it,” he said.

At least five more modulars are expected to hit the market in the same estate as the other two Kadina homes in coming months.

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