How to buy a prefab house from China without losing money
Ten steps, from choosing the unit to the day the container arrives. Written by buyers, for buyers.
Updated November 12, 2026
Check what you can build first
Ask your local authority which permits and standards apply to a prefab or movable unit on your land. This decides which certificates the factory must have.
Choose the unit for the use, not the photo
Capsules sell glamping nights; expandable houses are cheap and fast; light steel villas are for living. Use the unit types page to compare.
Shortlist 3 to 5 factories
Use the Casubo Index and filters. Prefer factories that name certificates, export countries and real projects.
Ask the same questions to all of them
Exact model, materials, insulation, windows, electrical standard of your country, warranty, production time and what is not included.
Compare the landed cost, not the factory price
Add shipping, insurance, import duties, VAT, inland transport, crane, foundation and installation. Our calculator does it.
Verify the company
Business licence, factory address on a map, a live video call from the production floor, and references from buyers in your region.
Pay in stages
Usually a deposit, a payment before shipment and nothing more until documents are checked. Never pay everything up front.
Inspect before shipment
Hire an independent inspector to check the finished units against your contract and photos before the last payment.
Plan the site before the container leaves
Foundations, water, electricity and a crane ready on arrival day. Capsules of 6 to 10 tonnes need a 25-35 tonne crane.
Keep everything in writing
Specs, drawings, payment terms and penalties for delays in one signed contract. It is your only protection.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a space capsule from China cost?
Factories rarely publish prices. Ask at least three for the same model and compare the cost delivered to your land, not the price ex-works.
Do Chinese prefab houses meet European or US standards?
Some do and some do not. Ask for the certificate for your market (CE in Europe, local codes in the US or Australia) and check it with the issuing body.
How long does it take?
Factories state 30 to 45 days of production. Add 3 to 8 weeks of sea freight and the time for customs and installation.
Can I order a single unit?
Many factories accept one unit, but shipping one unit costs much more per unit than a full container.
How does Casubo make money?
Expert buying help, factory trips and, in future, inspections. Factories cannot pay for a better index.
Can a factory change its profile?
Yes, by sending documents that prove the change. We publish facts, not adverts.