International catalogues feature striking capsule homes at attractive prices. Importing one may be an option, but the advertised price rarely describes a unit installed and ready to use. These are seven questions to answer before paying a deposit.
1. Define the use and the plot before choosing a model
Will it be a permanent home, office, tourist accommodation or temporary installation? Which municipality and plot? The intended use determines which documents and permissions need to be examined. A good factory quote is of little use if the proposed installation is not viable. Request a written local planning assessment.
2. Ask for a complete technical specification
Request dimensioned plans, usable floor area, weight, external shipping dimensions, materials, insulation, windows and doors, services, and assembly and maintenance instructions. Ask what documentation the manufacturer can supply for a local professional to assess the project. A catalogue photograph verifies none of these characteristics.
3. Clarify what is certified and what is not
A CE logo on a specification sheet is not planning permission, nor does it prove that the entire home automatically meets all housing requirements. Declarations and marking depend on the specific products and applicable rules. Ask for each document and its scope. The European Commission explains importers’ obligations and the construction products framework.
4. Calculate the cost delivered to your plot
Request a quote that states the currency and delivery terms. Add international and local transport, insurance, any applicable duties, import VAT, customs clearance, unloading, crane hire, site access, foundations, utility connections, technical plans and permits. There is no universal percentage for these costs: they vary by product, classification, route and location. The European Commission’s Access2Markets guide helps identify import requirements; the applicable duties require the correct product classification.
5. Ask who bears each risk
If the module arrives damaged, parts are missing or an installation fails, who responds and where? Ask for written warranty terms, exclusions, spare parts, response times and a claims process. Check references for completed installations and, where possible, speak with earlier buyers.
6. Check physical access
Dimensions that fit a factory may not fit a road, narrow track or overhead clearance. Assess the route, unloading equipment and final position before committing to the purchase. Sometimes the hardest part is not shipping from China to the port, but covering the last few metres.
7. Sign only when the scope is clear
Keep the quotation, plans, specifications, payment schedule, deliverables, inspection terms and assigned responsibilities. Any willingness to modify a model should be documented, especially if changes are needed for the destination climate or local rules.
In short: importing is neither inherently good nor bad. Compare total costs and verified performance, rather than photographs and starting prices. Read our other guides on choosing a manufacturer and understanding the real installed cost.
Editorial note: Rules for installation vary by place and use. Confirm them with the local authority and a qualified professional before purchase. Sources: European Commission pages linked above, checked 29 September 2026.