What’s the difference between modular homes and conventional homes?

The major difference between modular homes and conventional homes is the way they are built. While conventional homes are built 100% on site, modular homes are built in a factory environment and then delivered to site for installation and fit-off. Plus, as the name suggests, modular homes are built in ‘modules’ for ease of transportation.

Are modular homes the same as kit homes?

No. While the end result may be similar, the way that modular and kit homes are purchased is quite different. When you purchase a prefabricated modular home, you are buying a complete home, installed onto your site and ready to move in to. When you buy a kit home, you are essentially paying for the working drawings and the raw materials – the owner is then required to handle the labour aspect of the build, including project management.

Where do you deliver your homes?

Our modular homes can be transported and installed almost anywhere within our area of service, which covers Victoria and parts of southern New South Wales. Please refer to the map on our home page to see if your land falls with our service area or contact our team directly to discuss.

How much does it cost to transport the home to my site?

The cost of delivery for your home to site is included in the base price. This is based on the most common route from our facility to your site, however, occaisionally it’s not possible to take the most common route as our trucks must take the over dimensional route. In these cases there may be additional delivery fees.

Are the permits and legal requirements the same as conventional homes?

Yes – the permit process is very similar whether you’re building a modular or conventional home. Depending on your circumstances you may require a planning permit – from our experience they are required in around 70% of builds. A building permit is required for all new homes that are built – both modular and conventional.

How long does it take to build a modular home?

Modular homes are fast to build – from the time construction starts in the factory until you move in usually takes around 14-18 weeks. This timeframe includes the factory building phase (8-10 weeks in the factory) and the on-site fit-off phase (6-8 weeks on your land).

Why should I consider building a modular home?

There are many benefits to building a modular home. They are faster to build, are often more affordable and have less of an environmental impact on your site. You have flexible options when it comes to design and it’s easy to up the energy rating and create a sustainable and eco-friendly home. You also get a complete package – your home comes with many inclusions and will be ready to move in and enjoy on completion.

Will I need to hire a local builder to complete the process or do you take care of this?

You won’t need to hire a local builder – our site team will take care of everything. While the production team are constructing your home in our factory, our site team will prepare the footings and connections on your site. They’ll get your home ready for delivery and when it arrives will spend 4-6 weeks on-site finalising the installation and adding the finishing touches.

How do I go about connecting electricity and other utilities?

This will depend on your site and is an important factor when choosing your land. If the block is serviced, consider the distance from your where your home will be built to the connections. If the land has no connections in place, you’ll need to include the added expense of connecting in your budget. Our team can visit your site to offer advice, and connections to services can be included in our scope of works.

Can I get finance on a modular home?

Yes. More than half of our clients require finance when building their new home. There can however be some challenges to obtaining finance for modular homes. Lenders can find it hard to progress payments while the home is being built off site, and may not want to release funds until the house is completed. This often comes down to a lack of understanding of modular homes, and can be overcome. Our team have helped hundreds of customers in a similar situation and are happy to share our knowledge, chat to your lender or recommend a broker who has experience with financing modular homes.

Can I alter or change standard plans?

Yes. While there are certain design parameters that need to be considered with our modular homes, we have over 40 standard modular homes designs that can be modified to better suit your requirements if required.

Do you build custom design homes?

Yes. We can custom design and build your dream home or adapt your existing design to our prefab modular home building system.

Are installation and footings included in the price?

Yes. Installation onto concrete footings up to 600mm depth is included in the base price given that your site is flat +/- 300mm over the building footprint.

What permits do I need for my home?

All new homes require a building permit and some will also need a planning permit. Planning permits, which are known as development applications in NSW, are compulsory in certain situations and must be obtained before construction begins. If your property is subject to any planning overlays, is within a bushfire zone or an area that is prone to flooding, has more than one dwelling on the block or has heritage considerations, it’s likely that you’ll need a planning permit. Building permits (or Complying Development Certificates in NSW) are issued once your home is built, inspected and found to be safe and built in accordance with the building code. All new homes, whether modular, kit or conventionally built, must have a building permit.

What is a 7 Star Energy Rating?

As part of the process to obtaining a building permit, new homes must have a minimum 7-star energy rating. Energy ratings on homes range from 1 to 10 – 1 being the least energy efficient, and 10 being the best. An approved energy rating consultant calculates the rating based on a number of factors including size, building orientation, insulation, shading, windows, and energy efficient lighting. Our homes are all built to a minimum 7-star energy rating, and there are many building sustainability upgrades that you can choose to include to further increase this rating.

What is a BAL Rating?

If you’re building a new home in Australia, it’s highly likely a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating will be required. There are six BAL categories ranging from low to extreme. A BAL report can be completed by a fire assessor or engineer and they’ll base their findings on the Fire Danger Index, slope of the site, the type of vegetation surrounding the property and how close it is to your home. Your rating will impact on a number of factors when it’s time to build – if the BAL is over 12.5 there will be special requirements relating to materials used. Our standard modular homes are built to a BAL 12.5 rating – if a higher rating is required further upgrades can be added to meet the BAL rating for your site.

Can you build on BAL 40 & Flame Zone rated properties?

Yes, we can build to BAL 40. BAL 40 construction levels are achievable with modular homes, with substantial upgrades to construction materials, which are compliant with the provisions of the Australian Standard for construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas, AS 3959. No, we are not able to build to BAL FZ (Flame Zone).

What is a Bushfire Management Statement?

A Bushfire Management Statement (BMS) is a document required for building in areas at risk of bushfires. It outlines how your home and property will meet safety rules to reduce the risk of bushfire damage. This includes things like building materials, vegetation management, and access for emergency services. It’s an important part of the planning process to help protect your home and meet local council and CFA requirements.

A Land Capability Assessment (LCA) is a detailed assessment and report that is applicable if your property is located in an area that is not connected to sewerage. It identifies site features that will assist you in developing a management plan for your on-site wastewater management that will enhance long-term sustainability and minimise environmental impacts. The LCA will determine the best place for the installation of a waste water treatment system including the location of an effluent field.

How do I know if I can get a modular home onto my property?

Our friendly team are available for advice on access and location, plus, planning and reporting requirements too. We can perform a desktop assessment from our office or physically visit your property to report on its suitability. Assessment pricing is site-specific, and you can contact our team for a quote for your property.

Do you build on concrete slabs?

Unfortunately, because our homes are prefabricated in a factory, our building system requires our homes to be built on a steel floor frame therefore we cannot build a modular home in a concrete slab.

What type of warranty do your homes have?

All Anchor Homes come with a 7-year Home Owners Warranty. Plus, we also offer a 3-month building maintenance period after handover.

How do I know if I am eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?

To be eligible for the first home owners grant you must not have previously received a grant in Australia, not owned residential property before 1st July 2000, the property must be occupied as a home for a continuous period of 12 months within the first 12 months, plus, you’ll need to meet the residency requirements. If you have a partner or spouse, they must also have not received a grant or purchased property previously.

How do I choose the best facade for my project?

When choosing a façade, focus on harmonising with your home’s interior style while also complementing the surrounding environment. At Anchor Homes, our skilled team will help guide you when selecting your façade, cladding materials, and colour scheme to work with your overall vision for your dream modular home.

Can Anchor Homes create a custom facade for my project?

If you have a few creative ideas of your own, we can work with you to bring your own unique facade to life with our in-house architect.

What is the standard ceiling height for the Cubehaus facade?

The Cubehaus facade allows for 9ft ceilings throughout.

What is included in the Hamptons facade upgrade?

The Hamptons façade is an optional upgrade for the Avoca 12, Avoca 14, and Avoca 18 modular house designs. This upgrade includes: Double aluminium French doors, upgraded front door and handle, fretwork with cement sheet backing, painted timber window trim and ledges (3 sides of the home), additional area to home (1.8m2), additional gables, a portico, unlined skillion verandah, stacked stone piers, merbau decking (90mm) and linea cladding to all external walls (180mm).

Are your facades compatible with solar panel systems?

Yes, at Anchor Homes, all our standard facades are compatible with solar panel systems.

Do you design and build custom prefab modular homes?

Yes — Anchor Homes specialises in the design, construction, and delivery of fully custom prefab modular homes. With over 20 years of expertise in modular home design, we have proudly helped hundreds of clients across Australia realise their vision of a beautifully crafted, bespoke prefab modular home.

Do you have an in-house architect?

Yes — Anchor Homes is proud to have Chris Stoik as our dedicated in-house architect. With an impressive depth of experience in custom modular home design, Chris works closely and personally with each client to understand their vision and translate it into a refined design that performs beautifully within our modular building system.

Can your architect help me create a concept from scratch if I don't know what I want?

Yes — and this is where we truly excel. Many of our clients arrive with a lifestyle in mind rather than a finished design, and that is entirely welcome. Our in-house architect Chris Stoik will work closely with you through a thoughtful and collaborative design process. He will take the time to understand how you live, what you value, and what you aspire to achieve before developing a bespoke custom modular home design from the ground up, tailored entirely to your vision, your site and your budget.

How do I start the process of building a custom modular home with Anchor Homes?

The first step is to reach out to our team via the contact page on our website or give us a call on 1300 946 815. One of our experienced project consultants will be in touch to personally guide you through the custom modular home journey. To ensure we can direct you as efficiently as possible, we encourage you to share as much detail as you can. This includes your vision, block location, and any inspiration you may already have. From there, we take care of everything!

Can you work with my own architect or designer?

Anchor Homes primarily works with our in-house architect on all custom modular home projects, as designing a prefab modular home demands an intimate understanding of our construction methodology as well as transport and structural requirements. That said, we are happy to work alongside your architect or designer. Due to the nuances of modular construction, our team would still prepare the final drawings and documentation to ensure everything meets our precise building standards. The good news? Everything you need is right here under one roof.

Can you convert my architect's plans to modular construction?

Yes — if you have existing drawings, whether for a traditionally built home or a modular design, our in-house architect will carefully assess and adapt those plans to suit our modular building system. Some modifications may be required to ensure the design is fully optimised for our construction methodology, and our team will walk you through any changes with complete transparency. Throughout the process, we are committed to staying as true to your original design intent as possible.

Will my custom modular home look any different to a traditionally built home?

No — A custom prefab modular home designed and built by Anchor Homes is virtually indistinguishable from traditional site-built construction. Our homes are crafted and finished to the highest standards, with the full breadth of architectural styles, premium materials, and refined interior finishes available to you.

How much does a custom prefab modular home cost?

As every custom modular home is entirely unique, pricing is tailored to each individual project. The best way to understand costs for your project is to submit an enquiry on our website. From there, one of our project consultants will arrange a dedicated discovery call to understand your vision, design aspirations, and build location, before preparing a clear and transparent sales estimate for your review.

Back to News and Insights

Article

The Block 2026 Home Designs – Get the Look in Your Location

modular costs

August 07, 2026

Written by

Alana McNab

(The Block 2026 Home Design - Image Credit: Realestate.com.au )

The buzz has already started for The Block 2026, and this year it is all about Mt Eliza.

For the first time in the show's history, the homes come with water views, set against the blue-chip coastline of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

Early renders and aerial images point to a clear design direction: architectural, double-storey homes with clean lines, flat and low-pitched rooflines, generous glazing and a modern, minimalist palette.

It is a considered move away from the rural, barn-inspired look of last year's Daylesford season, towards something distinctly contemporary and coastal.

(The Block 2026 Site In Mount Eliza - Image Credit: Media Mode)

While these homes are still taking shape, one thing is already clear: the look is in high demand. And if you are already dreaming of building something similar, you do not have to wait for the show to air.

At Anchor Homes, we design and build homes that share many of the same principles as the homes featured on The Block 2026, from architectural form and two-storey footprints to a refined modern palette, delivered faster through off-site modular construction to your location.

Let's take a look...

After the Architectural Look? Go Modular

(Image: Custom Modular Home by Anchor Homes)

If you are searching for a two-storey home in Victoria or a double-storey modular home in NSW, you are probably picturing clean lines, a striking facade and open, light-filled living. Using premium finishes and our contemporary Cubehaus facade, we can build this architectural style as a prefab modular home.

So, what is a modular home?

A prefab modular home is built in sections (called modules) within a controlled off-site facility, then delivered and assembled on your site. The end result is a high-quality home that looks and feels just like a traditional build, meeting the same codes, standards and energy ratings. The only difference is the construction method: a smarter, faster and more efficient way to build.

View our process →

Benefits of Prefab Modular Homes

(Image: Custom Modular Home by Anchor Homes)

At Anchor Homes, we’re proud to be one of Australia’s leading modular home builders. With over 20 years’ experience and a strong reputation for quality, we specialise in premium prefab modular homes designed for modern living. There are a range of benefits to building a prefab modular home, a few include:

✔ Faster build times

A traditional build typically spends 10 to 18 months under construction, whereas a modular home is built, installed and ready for handover in roughly 4 to 5 months, depending on the scale of the project.

✔ Quality-controlled construction

A dedicated off-site manufacturing environment means consistent, high-quality results throughout.

✔ Less disturbance to your land

Most of the noise, traffic and mess happens off site, with the on-site works compressed into a much shorter window.

✔ Flexible design options

Modify an existing floor plan or develop a custom brief with our in-house architect.

✔ Sustainability

Building off site is more resource-efficient than a traditional on-site build. Materials are measured and cut precisely, offcuts can be captured and reused, and far less waste ends up in landfill.

3 Modular Home Designs That Mirror The Block 2026 Style

(The Block 2026 Home Design - Image Credit: Realestate.com.au)

If you have seen the renders for The Block 2026, you will have noticed the architectural, double-storey forms and refined modern palettes. Our two-storey designs and custom projects offer a similar look, with clean rooflines, sleek facades and a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

These homes are ideal for anyone wanting the architectural, minimalist aesthetic with all the benefits of a premium prefab modular home. Let's take a closer look...

1. Custom Rye Project

4 bed | 3 bath | 227m² | Two-storey

Set on a sloping coastal block on the Mornington Peninsula, our Custom Rye Project is a bold, architectural two-storey home that would sit comfortably alongside the homes of The Block 2026. Our in-house design team worked closely with the clients to create a bespoke home that responds to the slope and frames the coastal outlook.

The exterior pairs our Cubehaus facade with Axon Smooth cladding in Monument and spotted gum timber, a combination of tones and textures that reads as unmistakably modern. Large picture windows accentuate the sleek lines and draw natural light deep into the home. As a Mornington Peninsula build, it is proof of exactly what is achievable in the same postcode as this year's show.

View The Floorplan →

2. Anglesea Design

3 bed | 3 bath | 194.3m² | Two-storey

If you are drawn to the double-storey proportions on The Block 2026, our Anglesea design delivers. A popular two-storey design in our modular home range, it's suited to coastal and urban settings. This home design looks striking with our contemporary Cubehaus facade, taking on the sleek roofline and clean lines that define this year's look.

With three bedrooms and three bathrooms across two levels, the Anglesea is a smart fit for a family home or a coastal holiday retreat. The main suite sits on the first floor, complete with ensuite, walk-in robe, its own living room and a private deck to take in the view. Downstairs, two further bedrooms (one with ensuite and walk-in robe), the family bathroom and a spacious living zone open out to the optional deck for easy alfresco living.

View The Floorplan →

3. Apollo Bay Project (Under Construction)

3 bed | 3 bath | 194.3m² | Two-storey

Currently in progress on the Victorian coast, our Custom Apollo Bay Project is a bespoke two-storey home built for coastal living. Designed from scratch with our in-house team and crafted at our Stratford off-site facility, it was craned and installed into place on site, module by module.

It captures the same architectural ambition you will see on The Block 2026: considered proportions, a modern palette, and a home shaped entirely around its site and outlook. It is a reminder that custom and modular belong in the same sentence.

Watch the delivery day →

Real Inspiration: Two-Storey Modular Home Projects

Over the years we have delivered a range of striking two-storey modular homes across Victoria and beyond.

The selection of projects below showcase the architectural presence, clean lines and premium finishes that define our two-storey home styles, and what is possible when modular design and architectural thinking come together.

Frankston | Mornington Peninsula | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms →

And with The Block 2026 taking place in Mt Eliza, it is worth noting that the Mornington Peninsula is familiar territory for us. We have designed and delivered a number of projects across the Peninsula, and you will find several of them on our projects page. Whether your block is coastal, sloping or tucked into an established suburb, we bring genuine local build experience to every project.

Tour Our Display Homes in Victoria

Seeing a modular home in person is the best way to appreciate the quality and finish. You are welcome to visit our display homes in Bayswater, in Melbourne's east, and in Stratford, Gippsland, where you can walk through completed designs and picture how your own home could come together.

Build This Style For Your New Home

There is no need to wait for The Block 2026 to finish to start planning your own architectural home. Whether you are on the Mornington Peninsula, elsewhere in Victoria or in New South Wales, our two-storey modular designs offer the same modern, minimalist style with none of the on-site chaos.

With the Cubehaus facade, our Anglesea design and our custom two-storey projects give you the look and feel of the show's most talked-about homes, delivered in a fraction of the time.

Explore all of our modular home designs and start planning your own Block-worthy home today.