Standards Australia has released SA HB 268, a handbook for prefabricated and modular construction, for public comment until 13 January 2026.

Developed by the technical committee BD-111 on Prefabricated Building, the handbook is designed to support greater consistency and provide guidance where current policy settings and international standards may not fully apply to the Australian context.

Prefabricated and modular construction can deliver several important benefits. Building components in controlled factory environments can reduce exposure to on-site hazards and improve worker safety. More efficient material use and less disturbance to building sites help reduce environmental impact.

Faster construction and lower costs can make housing more accessible, particularly in regional, remote or underserved communities. These methods also offer social flexibility, allowing buildings to be relocated or repurposed as community needs change.

SA HB 268 aims to reduce market confusion by clarifying requirements and encouraging more uniform practice among suppliers. This consistency can help support fair competition and open new opportunities across the supply chain. The release of this first edition also lays the groundwork for the development of a future Australian Standard for prefabricated modular building design and construction.

Australia’s housing sector continues to grapple with major challenges, including persistent skill shortages and declining affordability. Modern construction approaches, such as prefabricated and modular building, offer a promising way forward.

While traditional homes can take up to a year to complete, prefabricated homes can be delivered in as little as four months, providing a faster and more cost-effective pathway to increasing supply.

Despite this potential, prefabricated housing represents less than 5% of new residential builds in Australia. Growth has been hampered largely by inconsistent practices and a lack of scalable, standardised processes across the industry.