Demand for property is increasing the demand for prefab homes.

But forget those memories of box-style, aluminium homes, the new modern prefabs range from £2.5 million penthouses solid timber lodges built from wood from sustainable sources and two bedroom homes assembled within three days costing £60,000.

Claimed to last 60 to 100 years before needing repairs, their benefits are proclaimed as maintenance-free, environmentally sound, flexible living spaces, with high spec fittings and the latest in consumer technology.

The prefab market is growing and is worth £1.6 billion and growing by 30% a year.

40% of people in their thirties surveyed by Standard Life Bank, said that they would buy a self built home.

According to the report, tomorrow’s prefabs will come in all shapes and sizes built from more durable versions of lightweight materials like cardboard, plywood and polystyrene.

The £60K version is more indicative of the mainstream trend to come and the access point for people considering a prefab home today; pre-cast so that 80% of the house can be completed up front, 20% can be customised to suit the individual taste – from the traditional cottage to corrugated steel finish.

Ashley Ramsay, Standard Life Bank marketing manager, said: “The new generation of prefab houses dispels the myths associated with the cheaply built post war housing solutions. They are designed to accommodate changing lifestyles and maximise building as well as living space. Their growing popularity, especially among thirtysomethings, and flexibility demonstrates that prefab could be a future alternative to bricks and mortar.”