Public support for modular homes tempered by low personal uptake and strong demand for enforcement
Sunday Independent poll highlights cautious acceptance of backyard rental proposals amid planning concerns
5 April 2026 | đŸ“§Â editor@ipropertyradio.com
A new Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll points to qualified public support for proposed changes to planning rules that would allow homeowners to install and rent modular homes in their back gardens, but reveals a clear gap between policy acceptance and personal willingness to participate: Link to the poll in full in the Sunday Independent https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/sunday-independentireland-thinks-poll-at-a-glance-war-tightens-irish-purse-strings-the-late-late-shows-future-and-would-you-be-ok-if-your-neighbour-installed-a-modular-home/a1997942024.html
The survey examined attitudes across four key areas, including neighbour acceptance, personal uptake, rental permissions and enforcement. While the findings suggest a degree of openness to the concept, they also highlight underlying concerns about delivery, oversight and impact on existing communities.
On neighbour acceptance, 45% of respondents said they would accept a modular home being installed and rented out next door. However, 35% said they would not, with a further 11% unsure and 9% indicating the scenario was not applicable to them. This leaves a combined 55% either opposed or uncertain, suggesting that local resistance could remain a significant barrier to implementation.
Personal willingness to adopt the model is notably lower. Just 21% of respondents said they would consider installing and renting a modular unit in their own garden. In contrast, 55% said they would not, while 18% said it was not feasible for them and 6% were undecided. The data indicates a clear disconnect between passive acceptance of the policy and active participation, raising questions about the scale of delivery such measures could realistically achieve.
Public opinion is more favourable when framed as a policy question. When asked whether homeowners should be permitted to rent out self-contained modular homes, 38% supported unrestricted permission, while 26% favoured limiting rentals to family members. A combined 64% therefore support some level of flexibility, although 15% opposed the idea entirely and 7% remained unsure.
The strongest consensus emerged around enforcement. A clear majority, 58%, agreed that local authorities should have the power to demolish unauthorised structures or extensions built without planning permission. This compares with 33% who disagreed and 9% who were undecided, signalling strong public backing for planning compliance and regulatory oversight.
Taken together, the findings point to a cautious but conditional endorsement of modular housing as part of Ireland’s housing response. While there is openness to enabling policy reform, concerns around neighbour impact, feasibility and governance remain evident. The data suggests that any expansion of exempted development for modular homes will need to be accompanied by clear standards, enforcement mechanisms and public engagement to secure broader confidence and uptake.
