Most people buying a container home or ADU don’t pay cash for the whole thing. There are more ways to fund one than most buyers expect. Here’s how financing usually works, what lenders look at, and how Bob’s can help.
Why container homes are financed differently
A traditional mortgage is built around a permanent house on a permanent foundation. Many container homes and ADUs are delivered as finished units, set on piers or a slab you prepare, and can be moved later. That flexibility is a big part of the appeal, but it also means many conventional mortgage programs won’t fit. Most of our buyers use one of the options below instead.
Your financing options
Personal financing
For homes, ADUs, offices and custom units bought by individuals. Bob’s works with vetted lending partners that offer a range of terms, and multiple borrowers can apply together to increase buying power. Shorter terms usually come with lower rates but higher monthly payments, so compare a few term lengths before you commit.
Commercial financing
For businesses buying offices, restrooms, bars, concession stands or other commercial units. Lenders will typically ask for your EIN, annual revenue, and two to three years of business and personal credit history, and they’ll look at your debt service coverage.
Community development financing
For larger projects like workforce housing, schools and clinics. These loans can cover land, predevelopment and construction, with terms of 1 to 30 years and loan sizes from $1M to $30M.
Cash or your own bank
Some buyers pay cash or use a line of credit from their own bank. If you go that route, share the model, price and delivery schedule with your lender early so the funding lines up with your payment milestones.
What to have ready
- The model or configuration you want, and a written quote
- Where the unit will go, and whether you own the land
- A rough budget for site work: foundation, utilities and permits
- Recent pay stubs or tax returns (personal), or financial statements (business)
Budget for the whole project, not just the unit
The unit price is only part of the cost. Site prep, foundation, utility hookups, permits and delivery all need to be funded too. Standard lead time for most projects is 8-12 weeks, and payments are tied to written milestones, so you’ll know when each payment is due before work starts. Our cost comparison guide breaks down the numbers, and our guide to preparing your land covers the site work.
Next step
See current options on our financing page, or tell us about your project and we’ll walk you through what fits.