An inhabited container home must fit the municipal environment plan; otherwise it needs an out-of-plan permit (BOPA). On the technical side, a simple ground-level home falls in consequence class 1: a construction notice and an independent quality assurer.[1][2]
Coming soon
Contentar is coming to the Netherlands
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 the Netherlands: rules, costs and suppliers.
Notify me when it opensWhat we already know about the Netherlands
A temporary building can stay in the same place for up to 15 years, set in advance, and meets lighter technical requirements during that time.[3]
A home needs at least 18 m² of usable floor area. Living areas need a clear height of at least 2.6 m.[4]
Median price of an existing home in the second quarter of 2026. A 21 m² container home is on a public price list at €26,450 excluding VAT.[5][6]
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: