--- title: "Pre-Fab vs Modular: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters" description: We break down the difference between pre-fab vs modular and how CommBank’s prefab loan makes building with Swanbuild easier than ever. image: https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hubfs/DJI_0756.jpg --- - [Follow on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/swanbuildhomes) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swanbuild_homes) - #### Leading builders of Modular Homes in NSW, VIC, & SA - - [1800 008 024 1800 008 024](tel:1800%20008%20024) - #### Leading builders of Modular Homes in NSW, VIC, & SA [![Swanbuild](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png?width=190&height=112&name=Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png) ![Swanbuild](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png?width=190&height=112&name=Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png)](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/) - Menu - [Home](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/) - [Home Designs](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/building-plans/) - [Plans](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/building-plans/) - [Dual Occupancy](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/dual-occupancy-designs/) - [Inclusions Packages](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/inclusions-packages/) - [Sustainable Homes](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/sustainable-homes-net-zero/) - [Built to Lock Up](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/built-to-lock-up/) - [Buy a Display Home](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/display-homes-for-sale/) - Building With Us - [Our Process](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-process/) - [Pricing Made Easy](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/pricing-made-easy/) - [Modular Construction](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/modular-homes/) - [Quality Guarantee](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/quality-guarantee/) - [Testimonials](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/testimonials/) - [About Us](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/why-swanbuild/) - [Why Swanbuild](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/why-swanbuild/) - [Our Team](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-team/) - [Our Vision, Mission and Values](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-vision-mission-and-values/) - [FAQs](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/faqs/) - Inspiration - [Blog](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au) - [Virtual Tours](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/virtual-tour/) - [Videos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/videos/) - [Internal Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/internal-photos/) - [External Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/external-photos/) - [Design Guide](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/design-guide/) - Commercial - [What We Build](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/what-we-build/) - [Why Build Modular](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/why-build-modular/) - [Our Projects](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-projects/) - [Contact](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/contact/) - [Book a Consultation](https://homes.swanbuild.com.au/consultation-request) - [Visit Our Display Homes](https://homes.swanbuild.com.au/display-visit) - [![Download Magazine](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2500450/interactive-375802331590.png)](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK8NwdT1rjnBdemeRcv4jn3%2BvuAdMAPCA6X%2FNKvVE7LKuyQZcmEJpy8lkWUB8sMDfL8ef4yYvnlp3PggxQUYWTZbkS3Qlz1wkMueMn176ZjfpMmexixEnVpokoSSNPjl%2FzPq0N4e%2B1Xf2r5yMFiHqxZaiovRmefpChwUXHkHBnuYTkBhm2iMcVD%2FOXM7GFM9G%2FzLHGvVwBuB%2Bd8YWcnvPg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=375802331590&portalId=2500450) - - Search for: - - Search for: \\ # Pre-Fab vs Modular: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters [Swanbuild](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/author/swanbuild) 16, December, 2025 ![](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hubfs/DJI_0756.jpg) As the lifeblood of modern life in Australia, the construction industry is constantly innovating, finding new ways to build faster and smarter. Modular and prefabricated construction is just one of many ways we have found to deliver high-quality homes to more Australians.  As a leading modular construction company, we get a lot of specific questions about modular vs. prefabricated homes, which is best, and what each one means for new home builders. Read on as we break down the elements of each construction method and how financing for these homes just got easier, thanks to Swanbuild being named an official CommBank Assessed Manufacturer for their Prefab loans. ![SwanBuild_June2025_HR-84](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/SwanBuild_June2025_HR-84.png?width=630&height=420&name=SwanBuild_June2025_HR-84.png) ### Modular Vs Prefabricated Broadly speaking, prefabricated homes are homes that include some or all elements manufactured off-site before being shipped to your site. These can consist of individual elements, such as wall panels and roofs, or entire homes. Modular homes are fully constructed, prefabricated off-site, then split into individual modules for on-site reassembly. While all modular homes are prefabricated, not all prefabricated homes are modular. At Swanbuild, we build modular homes, which we build to 95% completion in our factory before transporting them to your site for the final finishing touches and installation.   ![SBOD_130](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/SBOD_130.jpg?width=630&height=420&name=SBOD_130.jpg) ### Financing Traditionally, home loan structures have meant that funds are released only when your home reaches certain levels of on-site completion. For modular homes, this has posed challenges, as they are almost entirely constructed off-site. Recent changes in the construction industry, with the renewed push to solve the housing crisis, has resulted in CommBank being the first of the big four banks to release a [specific home loan](https://www.commbank.com.au/home-loans/prefab-homes.html) designed for Prefab and modular customers. For our clients, because Swanbuild is an official CommBank Assessed Manufacturer, they have an easier path to financing and can move into their new homes faster. Learn more about prefab loans on the [CommBank website](https://www.commbank.com.au/home-loans/prefab-homes.html), and as always, [reach out](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/contact/) to the Swanbuild team if you have any questions about the modular process. [Home Design](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/home-design) [New Home](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/new-home) [Planning](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/planning) [Before You Build](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/before-you-build) [Modular Homes](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/modular-homes) ## Related Posts ### [22, October, 2014 What Makes Prefabricated Homes a Favourable Housing Option](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/tips/what-makes-prefabricated-homes-a-favourable-housing-option) ### [5, December, 2022 What to look for in a modular home builder](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/modularbuilderinfo) ### [20, December, 2021 Modular or Kit Homes - What's the Difference?](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/modularorkit) ![Accreditation logos 2025 9001](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Accreditation%20logos%202025%209001.png?width=83&height=160&name=Accreditation%20logos%202025%209001.png) ![Accreditation logos 2025 Green 14001](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Green%2014001.png?width=80&height=160&name=Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Green%2014001.png) ![Accreditation logos 2025 Yellow 45001](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Yellow%2045001.png?width=79&height=160&name=Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Yellow%2045001.png) Accreditations ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems ISO 14001:2015: Environmental Management System ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Building License # VIC Domestic: CDB-U 49079 VIC Commercial: CCB-U 62548 NSW: 260670C SA: BLD264723 Contact Details: Swan Hill: 210-214 Karinie St Swan Hill Victoria 3585 Bendigo: 45 Fairview Rd Kangaroo Flat Victoria, 3555 Phone: [**1800 008 024**](tel:1800%20008%20024) [Follow on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/swanbuildhomes) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swanbuild_homes) [Follow on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/swanbuild) [Follow on Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmDDRMUEn1A-jsNOplgoetQ) Email: [**sales@swanbuild.com.au**](mailto:sales@swanbuild.com.au) Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am-4:30pm [FURTHER ENQUIRIES](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/contact/) Quicklinks - [Virtual Tour](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/virtual-tour/) - [Our Story](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-story/) - [Commercial Buildings](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/commercial-buildings/) - [Internal Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/internal-photos/) - [External Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/external-photos/) Copyright 2021 © Swanbuild