In 2018, we published an article outlining the growing appeal of modular buildings within the UK construction industry.
Back then, modular construction was steadily gaining attention as a faster, cleaner, and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional building methods. However, while the benefits were clear, the sector was still in its relative infancy, with widespread adoption hindered by concerns around quality, design flexibility, and long-term performance.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the picture has changed considerably. Modular construction is no longer an emerging trend – it is now firmly positioned at the heart of the UK’s strategy to build more homes, meet sustainability targets, and address longstanding inefficiencies in the sector.
In this article, we revisit the topic and explore how modular construction has evolved over the past seven years, and what it means for developers, surveyors, planners, and construction professionals today.
Modular goes mainstream
One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the UK Government’s endorsement of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including modular building.
In response to the housing crisis, labour shortages, and the urgent need to decarbonise the built environment, policymakers have turned to off-site construction as a viable solution.
The government now expects that by the end of 2025, at least 25% of new homes will be built using MMC.
To support this, planning policy and procurement frameworks have been updated to incentivise the use of modular solutions, especially for affordable housing schemes and public sector projects.
This shift is not just rhetorical. Large-scale developments such as the modular housing schemes in Leeds and Milton Keynes, and major NHS infrastructure projects, are clear indicators that the approach has matured from a niche innovation into a proven delivery method.
Addressing early concerns
In our 2018 article, we noted the lingering doubts over modular construction’s quality and longevity. At the time, sceptics questioned whether modular homes could match traditionally built properties in terms of design, durability, and performance.
Today, those concerns have largely been laid to rest. Advances in manufacturing processes, materials science, and digital design tools have enabled modular builders to produce high-specification units that meet or exceed regulatory standards.
Third-party accreditation schemes, such as BOPAS (Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme), now provide lenders, insurers, and warranty providers with the assurances they need. This has helped to unlock finance for modular projects and boosted market confidence across the board.
Speed and efficiency
One of the key advantages of modular construction remains its speed.
A modular home can be built in a factory in just a few weeks, with on-site assembly taking only a few additional days. In many cases, this can reduce overall project timelines by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.
This is particularly beneficial in urban areas, where disruption must be minimised, and in areas with limited access to skilled labour. With the industry still grappling with workforce shortages, modular construction offers a way to decouple project delivery from the constraints of on-site labour availability.
The result is faster delivery, reduced programme risk, and earlier occupation – all of which are appealing to developers, housing associations, and local authorities.
Modular’s green credentials
Environmental sustainability has become a non-negotiable requirement in construction, and modular methods are well-positioned to support this shift.
By moving much of the construction process into controlled factory environments, modular building reduces material waste by up to 50% and significantly improves energy efficiency.
Modular buildings are often designed with lower embodied carbon and superior thermal performance, helping to reduce operational energy use.
With ESG targets now central to planning applications and funding decisions, the sustainability benefits of modular construction are more relevant than ever.
The introduction of the Great British Energy Act in 2025 and the construction of large-scale renewable projects, such as the Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent, underscore the broader national push toward clean energy. Modular buildings that integrate renewable technologies, such as solar panels and battery storage, are ideally suited to align with this direction.
Integration of technology
Since 2018, the integration of technology in construction has accelerated rapidly. Today, modular construction is supported by a suite of digital tools that enhance every stage of the project lifecycle.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is now standard practice for modular projects, allowing for accurate design, clash detection, and better collaboration between stakeholders.
AI is also playing a growing role in project planning and supply chain optimisation, helping to forecast delays, reduce costs, and improve delivery precision.
Factory robotics, 3D printing, and advanced logistics management have all contributed to the increased reliability and scalability of modular building methods.
These technological advancements make it easier to replicate success across multiple sites and reduce dependency on individual site conditions.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the progress, modular construction is not without its challenges. Transporting large units from factories to sites requires careful logistical planning, and not all plots are suitable for modular installation due to access constraints.
Additionally, there is still a need for greater standardisation in design and interoperability across suppliers. Without a consistent framework, modular solutions can face integration issues, particularly on larger, mixed-use developments.
However, as the market continues to grow and mature, these challenges are being addressed through collaborative industry initiatives and updated regulatory guidance.
What does this mean for developers and surveyors?
For developers, the implications are clear: modular construction offers a faster, greener, and increasingly mainstream route to delivering housing and commercial projects. Those who embrace it can benefit from reduced risk, improved margins, and enhanced reputation.
For surveyors and land professionals, modular building introduces new considerations during the early stages of site appraisal and planning. Accurate utility mapping, access assessments, and understanding the logistical requirements of modular delivery are all essential in supporting successful outcomes.
At Cornerstone Projects, we understand the specific demands that modular construction places on pre-construction surveys and planning. Our utility mapping services are tailored to provide the clarity and confidence developers need when assessing modular feasibility.
Conclusion
The past seven years have marked a turning point for modular construction in the UK. What began as a promising alternative is now a central component of the country’s construction strategy.
Driven by technological innovation, environmental imperatives, and policy support, modular building is transforming how we think about development. As the sector continues to evolve, keeping up with these changes is essential for all construction stakeholders.
Whether you’re planning a new residential scheme, a commercial build, or a public infrastructure project, modular construction deserves serious consideration in 2025 and beyond.
But what are your thoughts? Have you felt the impact of modular construction in recent years? If you’d like to get involved in the conversation, please share this article on social media and tag our company LinkedIn page.
Brought in to help take the business to the next level! His role is to improve lead generation and customer satisfaction from over 7,000 registered clients. Jim loves interacting with potential and existing clients and has a wealth of marketing and sales experience through his previous roles at O2, the RAC and TalkTalk. Jim holds a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree majoring in Marketing. A season ticket holder at Liverpool FC and a keen golfer, Jim also loves the gym!