How to Finance a Green Abode Transportable Home in New Zealand

Sheryl Sua
Jun 27
3 min read

At Green Abode Homes, we specialise in building transportable homes that are eco-friendly, fast to construct, and incredibly comfortable to live in. But one of the most common questions we’re asked is:

“Can I get a mortgage for a transportable home?”

The good news is: yes, you can. But financing a transportable home, even one that’s a brand-new, high-performing home, can look a little different to buying an existing house.

So, we’ve put together this guide using expert advice from MoneyHub’s Construction Loans Guide by Christopher Walsh and Mortgages.co.nz ’s new-build finance guide, to help you understand your options and plan.

What Type of Home Is It?

The terms can be confusing, so let’s break them down:

Prebuilt or prefab homes = built fully or partially in a factory, then delivered to your site
Kitset homes = sent in parts and assembled onsite
Relocatable homes = usually older houses moved from one property to another

At Green Abode, our ecobode transportable homes are brand-new, prebuilt homes, built off-site using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and transported to your land for final installation. These are considered new builds, which opens the door to some great financing options.

What Will a Bank Look At?

Because your home isn’t on-site at the time of purchase, lenders need to understand:

That it’s a new build and will be permanently fixed to the land
That you have a fixed-price contract from Green Abode Homes
What site preparation, transport, and connection work is needed
How and when payments are required by Green Abode

Most banks won’t release funds until the home is on your land and connected to key services (water, sewerage, electricity, phone/internet). This is because the bank is lending against your property, not just the house.

What Kind of Loan Can You Get?

In most cases, you’ll be looking at a construction loan. This type of loan is:

Paid out in stages (foundation, frame, lock-up, completion)
Designed for new builds and eco-friendly homes
Often eligible for a lower deposit (as little as 10%)

And because you’re building a new, energy-efficient home, you may qualify for additional perks like:

KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawals
Exemptions from the Reserve Bank’s loan-to-value restrictions
Green home loans

But keep in mind, some lenders only value the land once the home is delivered and connected to the services. So it’s crucial to work with a mortgage adviser who understands how financing works for transportable and prefab homes, and be sure to let them know early that you’re building a Green Abode energy-efficient home. They may suggest combining a standard construction loan with a green top-up once your build is complete.

What to Watch For

With a high-performing ecobode home, you’ll still need to:

Budget for earthworks, transport, connections, landscaping
Provide all relevant documents to the Bank: contracts, consents, builder’s insurance, and valuations

It’s also worth knowing that while Green Abode Homes includes clear, upfront pricing and support throughout the process, some companies may not. Be sure to read the fine print!

Final Tips from Green Abode to Finance Your Transportable Home

Start early with your financial planning
Talk to a mortgage broker who’s worked with prefab or transportable homes
Make sure your contract clearly outlines each build stage
Ask whether your bank can work with progressive drawdowns
Confirm your eligibility for KiwiSaver withdrawals

Choose Green Abode for Your Next Home

Our ecobode homes aren’t just transportable, they’re thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes built to perform. Using SIP construction, we deliver airtight, well-insulated homes that are warm in winter, cool in summer, and lighter on your power bills.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, growing family, or downsizer, Green Abode Homes offers a smarter way to build without compromising on comfort, performance, or sustainability.

Download our free guide to learn more about financing your build, or contact us to talk through your options with the Green Abode team.