Prefabricated house 2026: prices, systems & providers
The Austrian and southern German term Fertigteilhaus describes factory-made elements assembled in days. We explain systems, prices from €1,900 to €3,500/m², advantages and providers.
“Fertigteilhaus” is the term commonly used in Austria and southern Germany for what is usually called a prefab house in Germany: a house made from factory-prefabricated components and assembled on site in a few days. This guide explains the construction methods (timber panels, timber frames, and precast concrete), presents 2026 prices from €1,900 to €3,500/m², compares advantages and disadvantages, and names the leading providers in Germany and Austria.
What is a component prefab house—and how does it differ from a prefab house?
In brief: A component prefab house has its walls, ceilings, and often its roof prefabricated as complete elements in a factory and assembled on site. It is effectively the same as a prefab house; “Fertigteilhaus” is simply the designation used in Austria and parts of southern Germany. It differs from a conventional masonry house built brick by brick and from a precast-concrete house, which uses solid concrete elements instead of timber panels.
In practice, buyers encounter three methods. Timber-panel construction dominates the German market (more than 80 percent of all prefab houses): insulated wall elements with a timber frame, boarded on both sides and factory-fitted with windows. Timber-frame construction is the nearly identical Austrian counterpart. And precast concrete or brick elements combine masonry construction with factory prefabrication—learn more in our solid prefab house overview.
Component prefab house prices in 2026: cost per square metre and total budget
In brief: In 2026, a turnkey component prefab house costs between €2,500 and €3,500 per square metre of living space. A 140 m² detached house therefore costs €350,000 to €490,000 excluding the plot. Shell-finish houses with owner-completed work start at around €1,900/m². Prices in Austria are about 8 to 12 percent above the German average (2026 average: around €3,150/m² turnkey, including 20% VAT).
| Living space | Shell-finish house | Turnkey | Turnkey + KfW 40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 m² | €190,000–230,000 | €250,000–310,000 | €290,000–350,000 |
| 120 m² | €225,000–270,000 | €300,000–370,000 | €345,000–420,000 |
| 140 m² | €265,000–315,000 | €350,000–430,000 | €400,000–490,000 |
| 160 m² | €300,000–360,000 | €400,000–490,000 | €455,000–560,000 |
Price note
Advantages and disadvantages: who benefits from a component prefab house?
Its strengths are speed and planning certainty; its weaknesses primarily concern later customisation:
- Short build time: shell weatherproof in 2–5 days, handover after 4–7 months
- Fixed-price guarantee for 12–18 months from most branded providers
- Consistent factory quality and weather-independent prefabrication
- Excellent energy performance: KfW 40 is standard with many providers
- Centralised specification at the factory—all decisions in one place
The disadvantages are that subsequent floor-plan changes are harder than with an architect-designed house, wall assemblies are tied to the manufacturer, and timber prefab houses achieve 5 to 10 percent lower resale prices than comparable masonry houses in some regions—though this gap has been closing for years. Those who prefer solid walls can find the full comparison in Prefab vs. masonry construction.
Component prefab house providers in Germany and Austria in 2026
In brief: WeberHaus, Bien-Zenker, FingerHaus, Schwörer Haus, and Hanse Haus lead Germany's premium and mid-market segments; Massa Haus and allkauf dominate shell-finish homes. In Austria, Hartl Haus, ELK Fertighaus, Wolf Haus, and Griffner are the best-known brands. Many German providers deliver to Austria and vice versa, but the relevant building regulations and, in Austria, OIB guidelines must be priced in.
For comparing providers, the construction and service specification matters more than the catalogue price: line by line, it determines whether “turnkey” includes painting, flooring, and landscaping. Our 2026 provider comparison compares 35 vetted manufacturers; price ranges by house type are in the house-type overviews. For Austria, also see Timber houses in Austria 2026, including funding by federal state.
From contract to handover: how component prefab construction works
After signing come specification (2–4 weeks), production planning and the building application (2–4 months depending on the municipality), factory production of the elements (4–8 weeks), and finally assembly. Once the slab or basement is ready, the shell is erected in 2 to 5 days. Interior finishing takes another 8 to 16 weeks depending on completion level. Critical points are the slab/house interface (tolerances!) and the blower-door test before handover. For permit details, see Building permits for prefab houses.
Frequently asked questions about component prefab houses
What is the difference between a Fertigteilhaus and a Fertighaus?
There is no technical difference. “Fertigteilhaus” is commonly used in Austria and southern Germany, while “Fertighaus” is standard in Germany. Both describe houses made from factory-prefabricated wall, ceiling, and roof elements.
How much does a component prefab house cost in 2026?
Turnkey prices are €2,500 to €3,500/m² of living space, making a 140 m² detached house €350,000 to €490,000 excluding the plot. Shell-finish homes with owner work start at around €1,900/m². Austrian prices are 8 to 12 percent higher.
How long does a component prefab house last?
Modern timber-panel prefab houses are designed for 80 to 100 years, provided the façade, roof, and building services are regularly maintained. In 2026, manufacturers typically provide a 30-year warranty on the load-bearing structure.
Are solid component prefab houses available?
Yes—as solid prefab houses made from concrete, brick, or aerated-concrete elements. Prices are 5 to 10 percent above timber-panel construction. See all details in the Solid prefab house 2026 overview.
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