For quite a few years now, a new real estate trend seems to be gaining more and more popularity around the world – shipping container homes. At first, they were viewed as a less expensive housing option, but it seems to be much more than that.

Predictions show the container homes market will reach $73,070.5 million by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 6.5%. This happens because container homes seem to be a much more cost and time-effective way to provide housing, being majorly adopted in developed economies where availability of construction space is more and more limited. 

If done correctly, a container home made out of used containers can have a lifespan of up to 15 years, but when you use new containers, it can increase to 25 years. But this is not the only reason container homes are becoming so popular recently. 

Versatility

Shipping containers can be used for both residential and commercial projects and can be combined to create infinite types of constructions. A 20 foot shipping container may not sound big, but multiple containers combined strategically can result in an impressive building. 

Because they are so easy to construct with, containers have started being used for many purposes. Some people have permanently moved into container homes, while others have begun building vacation homes either by the beach or in the forests. 

Virtually anything can be incorporated into the construction of a container home, including large windows, staircases, large doors, or decks.

Sustainability

Container homes are a much more green alternative to traditional housing, as they can be made out of reused containers, promoting the reduce, reuse, recycle trend. On top of that, container homes can use sustainable sources for heating and energy. 

If you come to think of it, one single container accounts for 7,700 pounds of steel, which you are giving a new purpose to. This makes for quite an impressive recycling option.  

Mobility

I know that, when you build a home, you don’t precisely imagine you can take it with you wherever you go, but container homes do provide that option. Imagine having to move to a different city and being able to just put your house on a platform and take it with you. Well, because containers are specially built for transportation, you can now do that easily. 

This makes container homes a handy option for people who are used to traveling a lot, as well as for those who prefer to leave that option open. 

Affordability

Last but not least, container homes are incredibly inexpensive compared to traditional houses. The price of one shipping container can go from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the size. Even if you were to use a few containers to build your dream home, it would still cost less than a traditional house. 

Ready-made container homes typically cost around $15,000, with the option to transform it as you want to. This provides financial freedom to those looking to buy a house, but not interested in paying a mortgage for the next 30 years.