How much a shipping container costs
A one-trip 40 ft High Cube costs about £3,600 including VAT. Used grade A, about £2,350.
Container prices from UK depots (2025–2026) and building work with UK factors on the Contentar engine, checked in November 2026. VAT at 20%. Excludes land, heat pump, solar panels, warranty, CIL and stamp duty.
Reference prices, VAT included
| Container | One trip | Used grade A |
|---|---|---|
| 40 ft High Cube | £3,600 | £2,350 |
| 20 ft | £2,400 | £1,800 |
These are the figures Contentar uses in its calculations: prices published by UK depots in 2025–2026, plus 20% VAT. They sit at the top of the adverts on purpose: grade A for a home costs more than the cheapest “used”. Container at the depot, without delivery.
| Market reference, without VAT (November 2026) | 20 ft used | 40 ft HC used | 40 ft HC one trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK depots and dealers | £875 to £1,925 | £1,175 to £1,950 | £2,595 to £4,000 |
Watch out for fake shops
Before you pay, check the company on Companies House, visit the depot and never pay into a personal account. Many cheap “container homes” are new-built steel cabins, not converted shipping containers, and some are “Standard” versions made for the caravan rules.
Dimensions
| Type | Outside (L × W × H) | Area | Lined ceiling height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m | 14 m² | ≈ 2.25 to 2.30 m |
| 40 ft High Cube | 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 m | 28 m² | ≈ 2.55 m |
For a home, use High Cube. A standard container ends up with a low ceiling once insulated.
Used or one-trip
A one-trip container has made a single loaded journey and is almost new. A used one has years of service. For a home, only used grade A, and only after an inspection:
- Structural rust at the corners and the base
- Timber floor (often treated with chemicals)
- Door seals and locking gear
- Readable CSC plate
In the 1×40 studio, switching to used grade A saves £1,250, about 3% of the bill. If the saving means treating rust or replacing the floor, it disappears.
Delivery and crane
The price is at the depot. Contentar allows £834 for a HIAB lorry for a 40 ft; UK prices run from about £350 to £850 plus VAT per container, depending on distance. Difficult access pushes that up. The foundations must be ready before the container arrives.
The container is only the start
In a 2×40 house, the two containers are 9% of the bill. The whole house costs £69,684 to £94,278, VAT included and without land.
Choose used or one-trip in the calculator and see what changes in the total.
Work out my cost UK guide · join the waiting listAdvert prices change often. Check the company and the delivery terms before you pay.