Under 5 m²: no formalities. From 5 to 20 m²: prior declaration. Over 20 m²: building permit (permis de construire). An inhabited 20 ft container needs a building permit.[1]
Coming soon
Contentar is coming to France
Contentar shows what a shipping container home really costs before you commit: a cost calculator with VAT, floor plans checked against the building rules, the permit process and a step-by-step guide.
It is live for Portugal and Spain. We are now preparing the version for France: rules, costs and suppliers.
Notify me when it opensWhat we already know about France
For the building permit of a single-family house, or 3 months in a protected area.[1]
A new home must offer at least 14 m² and 33 m³ per occupant, up to 4 occupants (article R156-1 of the Construction and Housing Code).[2]
Price of a container home from a builder, up to €2,100/m² with an architect. A new single-family house cost an average of €1,914/m² in 2024, excluding land.[3][4]
A summary of our research, October 2026. Rules change and can vary by region or municipality: check with your local authority before you buy or build.
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Already live
See how it works today, with the rules and costs of Portugal and Spain: