As property prices and rents soar, a Dundalk couple has found a niche in the market by turning 40-foot shipping containers into modern homes for under €60,000.

Their company, GTL Container Homes, which stands for Green Tardis Living, was set up during the pandemic as house prices went through the roof.

The 40-foot shipping containers are turned into modern turnkey homes and fully fitted with a sofa-bed and all kitchen appliances, including a fridge-freezer.

As property prices and rents soar, a Dundalk couple has found a niche in the market by turning 40-foot shipping containers into modern homes for almost €60,000. Pic: GTL Container Homes

A GTL container home costs €59,950 for a one-bed 40ft. There are add-on options, with some customers wanting extra bedrooms and a three-bed container would cost under €75,000.

James O'Kane and Berni Moore say orders for the new homes are already taking off in high demand and that they have been flooded with enquiries.

'You walk in, there's everything, a fridge freezer, an oven, a sofa bed. We usually say you can walk in with your suitcases and stay that night', Ms Moore told RTÉ.

The fully fitted shipping container homes cost just under €60,000 for a one-bed and €75,000 for a three-bed property. Pic: GTL Container Homes

Mr O'Kane said: 'I built my container house four years ago and I've been living in it since. When I met Berni we started discussing this project.'

The shipping containers are movable so are technically deemed as temporary but the homes are designed for the long-term, according to the company, and can be delivered anywhere.

But because of this buyers need to look into planning permission.

The living room in the container. Pic: GTL Container Homes

Ms Moore said: 'Planning laws are different all over the country. We urge people to contact their local planning office. They are moveable so they're classed as temporary dwellings, but they're built for long-term living.'

They have a showhouse container that opened last weekend for viewings and will continue into next month, but viewings are by appointment only due to demand.

Ms Moore added: 'It's normally people who are looking to downsize, who have mortgages in the past and are looking for a simpler life. We've also had contact from people who have separated and have decided to have somewhere smaller for themselves.'

GTL Container Homes, which stands for Green Tardis Living, was set up during the pandemic as house prices went through the roof. Pic: GTL Container Homes

'Most people who are looking at ordering are on rural properties, a family farm or have a big garden.'

And there is a quick turnaround with a one-bedroom 40ft normally taking just five weeks to finish.

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