Far from constructions of the future, prefabricated houses are becoming an increasingly popular housing option in Italy and across the world. Far from the clichés of the past, prefab homes in Italy now offer an increasingly wide range of customisation and originality. Whether they are made of wood, concrete or steel, prefabricated modules are attracting a lot of attention and provide a viable alternative for those in search of a second home for the holidays, but that's not all. idealista/news shows you models and construction methods for all needs and all budgets when it comes to prefab houses in Italy.
Cost of prefab homes in Italy
The prices of prefabricated houses in Italy can vary considerably depending on the material used (mainly cement, steel and wood). Not only that, among the elements that directly affect the turnkey costs are also the finishing touches and the technological equipment one opts for (such as, for example, home automation equipment).
However, in the long run, a prefabricated house guarantees savings in energy bills due to the high degree of energy efficiency that it is able to guarantee (often, in fact, a photovoltaic system is opted for at the same time). In any case, we can say that the average price per square metre of a prefabricated house in Italy can range between 1,200 and 1,800 euros per square metre.
Prefabricated house materials
As already mentioned, especially in Italy, the main materials with which prefabricated houses are built are, essentially, three: wood, steel and concrete. However, the options are not limited to these materials. Moreover, cases of modular dwellings produced through 3D printing are also becoming more common.
Prefabricated wooden houses
One of the main advantages of a prefabricated wooden house lies in the raw material itself. Wood has been used in construction for centuries because it is universally recognised as one of the best natural insulators, both thermally and acoustically, so much so that a building with a building envelope composed of wooden elements can guarantee a very high standard of energy savings.
A prefabricated wooden house, equipped with a photovoltaic system, capable of producing more energy than it consumes for its primary energy needs and using only renewable energy sources, has a basic cost of around 1,400 euro/m2 turnkey excluding foundations and statutory VAT.
Prefabricated concrete houses
The added value of a prefabricated concrete house also lies in the raw material itself, which has always played a leading role in the construction world and guarantees efficiency and durability.
Indicatively, the costs for a prefabricated concrete house do not differ too much from those for modular timber and steel structures (the construction process is also the same, with production in the factory and assembly on site), prices can vary from 1500 to 1800 per square metre, again depending on how the house is to be customised.
Prefabricated steel houses
Prefabricated steel houses, thanks to the raw material from which they are built, which at the same time manages to be resistant, light and flexible, are dwellings that guarantee the best possible response to an earthquake. This is without affecting the architectural appearance, which can be shaped as desired.
If you want to go for a prefabricated steel house with a home automation system, the price per square metre for a house of more than 200 square metres is around 1450 euro per square metre, for a house of 110 square metres we are around 1600. The most advanced models of prefabricated steel houses can be capable of consuming more energy than they consume to cut energy bill costs as well.
Permits to build a prefabricated house in Italy
The steps and permits required to build a prefabricated house do not differ too much (in fact, almost not at all) from those required for traditional construction. As with any other type of building, in fact, if the land cannot be built on, it cannot be built on. Even for prefabricated houses, there is always an obligation not to build on agricultural land or land subject to landscape constraints.
Prefab houses on Amazon
On Amazon, as we all know, you can now buy pretty much anything. Even prefabricated houses. This is, for example, a mobile structure with a lockable door and window, toilets and lockers. Made of steel, it can be used as storage space, but also as living space. Its cost varies according to size and fittings.
This prefabricated house combines functionality and elegant design. Its exterior was built to withstand strong winds and ensure durability in various weather conditions. According to the description of the structure, "its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a chic, yet practical living space".
Designer prefab houses around the world
There are many examples around the world of prefabricated houses designed to solve living problems that do not, however, leave aesthetic taste and design in the background. One example is Essential Homes, a prototype prefabricated concrete house created to respond to the climate and migration emergency. This is a prototype born from the collaboration between the Norman Foster Foundation and Holcim that idealista/news was able to visit inside.
In many cases, a prefabricated house is also the ideal solution for creating extra living space in villas, perhaps right in the garden. This is the case with the proposal of the French company Greenkub: a one- or two-storey garden studio that offers living space ranging from 11 to 30 m2, without requiring a building permit.
According to the company, 'a Greenkub is a one- or two-storey garden studio that offers living space ranging from 11 to 30 m2 without requiring building permits. A simple prior declaration of work is sufficient to make the project valid. It can be away from the house or adjacent with direct access'.
Top Italian coastal towns for buying holiday homes in 2025
The Italian coastal tourist property market continues to show strong momentum in the first half of 2025, with rising trends across various regions of the country. According to reports from the Tecnocasa Group, seaside locations—both on islands and along the central-southern coastline—are experiencing an overall increase in demand, particularly from international investors and buyers attracted by the quality of life and the income potential from short-term rentals.
The cheapest seaside towns to buy a home in Italy
Buying a second property on the Italian coast is a dream for many – and not a well-kept secret. But how much does it really cost? These are the cheapest seaside towns to buy a home in Italy in 2025.
Italy’s property market outlook 2025: sales and prices on the rise
Italy’s residential property market is showing clear signs of recovery. This is the finding of the latest Residential Quarterly Outlook – H1 2025 published by Patrigest, the research and valuation company within the Gabetti Group. The figures speak for themselves: in the first six months of the year, transactions increased by 11.2% compared with the first half of 2024, with over 172,000 sales completed. Prices have also seen an average increase of 2.5% across Italy’s ten largest cities, co
Urgent property sales in Italy
Buying a home in Italy, especially as an international buyer, can sometimes be a lengthy process. However, focusing on properties listed for urgent sale can help you secure a fantastic deal quickly and efficiently.
Piedmont attracts international property investors as market rebounds
The Italian property market in Piedmont is once again on the radar of international investors, boosting transactions and consolidating the sector’s positive trend. Leading this revival is the regional capital, Turin, where property prices have reached €2,000 per square metre, according to the Real Estate Data Hub compiled by Remax.
1 euro houses by the sea in Puglia 2025
Having the opportunity to purchase a house for the modest sum of 1 euro might seem like a dream, especially when it comes to coastal locations. However, this project, now widespread across Italy, truly offers the chance to live in some of the most picturesque settings of the peninsula, often far from the hustle and bustle of city life and completely surrounded by nature. Nevertheless, those hoping to find 1-euro houses by the sea in Puglia in 2025 might not get what they wish for: at present, no
Charles Leclerc: sticking to red, even when looking for a home
In Maranello, red isn’t just the colour of the legendary Ferrari — it’s also the shade of casa.it, the property portal for buying and renting homes owned by idealista. And who better to prove it than one of Ferrari’s brightest stars? Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc is using casa.it to find his next home close to Ferrari’s headquarters, right in the heart of Italy's Motor Valley.