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According to a recent article, New Zealand property prices are set to increase yet again! Even though it has been said that the housing bubble in Auckland (for example) could burst, this still has not happened.  Sadly due to an influx of foreign investors purchasing properties over the last few years, many prospective first-time home buyers can no longer afford the exorbitant real estate prices on offer.

Many of these prospective buyers are now looking at alternative housing solutions which include purchasing shipping containers and converting them into homes.

Using shipping containers to build homes has become a global phenomenon in fact. Just Google “shipping container homes” – select “images”, and you’ll immediately be wowed by the breathtaking container homes which have been built globally.

In Amsterdam for example, the Keetwonen complex built solely out of containers, now houses 1000 students. Each unit within this amazing complex has separate sleeping and studying rooms, a kitchen, bathroom, balcony, and large windows.

A well designed shipping container home is bound to make heads turn, so let’s look at a few benefits which make this alternative housing option so appealing.

1. It’s Cost Effective

The affordability and cost effectiveness of a container home is definitely the number one factor that people take into consideration when exploring this option. Containers are reasonably cheap in comparison to the cost of building materials required to build a basic home.

2. Durable

The structural strength of containers enable them to withstand harsh conditions due to the fact that they are made out of Corten Steel. ( often referred to as weathering steel.) They are also able to withstand wind speeds of up to 281 km/h when anchored with pylons. Utilising these shipping containers as homes make them the perfect candidate to be used in many of the earthquake regions found in New Zealand.

 3. Modular

Yes you’ve read correctly, these shipping container units are modular and thus can be used in the same manner as Lego blocks! Containers can be added or taken away easily, allowing flexibility like never before.

 4. Short Construction Time

Once you have your design and all your building consents have been passed, the construction time is way shorter than building a home in the traditional manner.

 5. Environmentally Friendly

 If you decide on utilising second-hand containers instead of purchasing brand new ones, you’ll actually be making a valuable contribution to our environment.

Recycling the steel from a second-hand container in order to use it elsewhere requires a lot of energy.

 6. Personal Style Statement

Your container home is bound to raise eyebrows as you will not only be making a personal style statement, but you’ll also be perceived as an innovator when it comes to new home designs.

So if you’re considering buying or hiring new or used shipping containers, feel free to either fill out our online quotation form or call SEA Containers NZ at 0508 732266 and speak to one of our friendly team members.