How Challenging Is Getting a Loan For Your Container Home?

Nov 29, 2019
Return to Blog

Investing in a container home is advantageous for several reasons including: 

  • How well they're built
  • How practical they are to use, and 
  • How budget-friendly they can be over the long-run. 


This is why more and more people are venturing down this path as they look to invest in a world-class option that is ready to go in weeks. 

Plus, it is eco-friendly and that is never a bad thing.

These shipping container homes are starting to gain traction among the masses because of these benefits and endless uses such as: 

  • Accommodation
  • Commercial spaces, or 
  • Residential homes


These homes are designed with a purpose and can look just the way you want them to be.

Sustainable living starts with container homes. You can design these structures to benefit as much of the environment as possible says roofing experts at 
CM Roofing. They claim “use the design of these structures to the best of your ability. Utilising materials such as sustainable roofing and guttering introduces water sustainability, especially when located in isolated areas. Sustainable living starts with design.”

Those setting up shipping container homes know they are easy to operate off-grid and will require nothing more than: 

  • Tank water
  • Solar power, and 
  • High-value batteries to sustain. 


This makes them easier to run over the long-term. 

When it is time to venture down this road, it is best advised to set up the container in a factory. 

The manufacturing process ensures everything is taken care of including: 

  • Plumbing
  • Wings
  • Lining
  • Insulation, and 
  • Bathrooms etc.


It is all about creating a seamless solution that is going to work well once it is put to use by the owner.

Bathroom specialist Brian Thurtell states whether you’re creating a bathroom for yourself, tenants or staff you need to give attention to safety measures. He says “a converted container can have as many or as little installations you desire, according to your budget and requirements. Plumbing is your first necessity and then you can focus on heating, ventilation and flooring.” 

Containers have become a great way to live in Australia and will offer immediate value because of how well they're designed.

It is important to note, you have to go with the right type of container to make sure it is in line with your housing needs. 

There is nothing worse than going with a container that was carrying chemicals because it will be unsafe and is not the right option for your needs.

This is why it is legally required to make sure the container home is treated like any other modern, regulated building. 

It has to be legally designed and needs to include everything a modern building requires from a legal standpoint.

Cost of a Container Home

It is often going to vary based on the container's design, size, and layout. 

This information means you are going to have an option to go with something that is priced at $10,000 but can go all the way up to $50,000 for a two-bedroom setup. 

You should take the time to see what is available before making a decision, including comparing quotes

Financing for a Container Home

The one question most people have is, "how difficult is financing for a container home?"

This is a good question and it is always going to be a challenging part of the process since there are only a few options to work with. 

Lenders don't want to offer a loan for something that isn't as simple as a traditional building or property. 

This means there is added risk and they will account for this in the eventual loan agreement if they are willing to go down this route. 

You have to make sure it is legally safe and is going to be in line with your financial position as an owner. 

Meaning you have to have a good credit rating to get the type of loan you are after for the new container home.

The first issue most people deal with has to do with the lending guidelines. 

Lenders have specific guidelines when it comes to a modular home. 

They will not want to offer funds because it is not as reliable as traditional homes, which means they are going to be rigorous with their vetting process. 

They will also want a surveyor to take a look at the modular home to ensure it is in line with their standards.

You are also going to have to deal with loan security. The container home isn't a secure asset and it is not going to be a safe investment for the bank.

Container structures in the eyes of banks and financing institutes are seen as ‘mobile’ and they tend to steer clear due to the increased risk. Finance experts at 
Max Funding say “due to their high risk and tangible use, banks can’t find a common ground with lending mobile money. There is a way around this through small/personal loans, which yes, have higher interest but are a more simple way to kickstart your sustainable home goals”.

What is Required to Finance a Container Home?

Let's assume you are focusing on getting a container home. 

If you want to go down this path, then you will have to seek out a high-grade mortgage broker to help with the borrowing process. 

They will know what to do and what lenders are on the lookout for as they determine whether or not it is the right deal for them.

You can also gain approval by speaking to experts such as a trusted lender who will offer insight into what is needed to finance a shipping container home. 

This is key and can reduce the time it takes to find a good deal.

You will also want to reach out to a specialised lender as that is a must as you look to find a good container home. 

You should think about your options and how it is all going to come together over the long-run.

Some additional ways you can boost your chances of being approved for finance include:

If possible, you should also think about offering equity, which is a great way to secure the asset and make sure it is a good loan for the lender.

The last option is to move forward with a guarantor loan, which means someone vouches for you using their credit score.

It can be challenging to qualify for finance to construct a shipping container home due to the limited options available. 

However, doing your research and finding the best possible way to achieve your goal of financing a container home is a major investment in the future. 

Are you ready to invest in 
sustainable living

More Blog Articles

19 Dec, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury living, the concept of home has transcended traditional boundaries. Enter the era of modular container homes—innovative, sustainable, and now, accessible worldwide. As the demand for unique, eco-friendly housing solutions grows, an article on A1 Auto Transport emerges as a key player in making luxury modular container homes a reality for individuals across the globe.
29 Aug, 2022
Shipping containers, that’s what they are; they are structurally built boxes that can carry tons of weight, travel the salty seas, and have a lifespan of approximately fifty years on the water. Now let’s take that box and start again...
22 Aug, 2022
When buying a container home, it needs to be known that there are companies that manufacture containers and have decided to create these types of homes purely for human habitation without all the risks, and Containerhomes.net.au is the pioneer in providing human-safe container and modular homes.
Show More
Share by: