One Way Export: Prefab Capsule & Container House Solutions from China (Leasing model)

Prefab modular units from China – such as capsule rooms, container houses and outdoor toilets – are a smart way to create flexible accommodation and facilities with fast installation. These units can be shipped assembled or flat‑packed, then used for UK projects as assets you can sell or rent out for recurring income.

One Way Export helps UK clients source, customise, ship and assemble these prefab solutions so you can build a long‑term business model, not just make one‑off trades.

---

Main Product Types & UK Price Idea

The figures below are simple UK‑oriented examples to show the business logic. Real prices depend on specification, finish, UK standards and location.

Product, Profit & Rental ROI Snapshot (UK Example)

*Payback examples assume relatively steady rental and do not include finance, tax, business rates or detailed maintenance.

---

Product Types in More Detail

Prefab Modular Capsule Rooms

Compact pods or capsule rooms that can include bed, lighting, storage, power sockets, and sometimes a small bathroom.

• Use cases: capsule hotels, worker accommodation, student overflow, glamping sites.

• UK angle: can be grouped into clusters on land you control or on partner sites, rented by night or month.

High‑QC Integrated Big Container Houses

Larger container‑based units or combined modules that create proper living or working spaces.

• Use cases: small houses, offices, clinics, classrooms, co‑working, pop‑up shops.

• UK angle: suitable for temporary or semi‑permanent units where planning and building control can be satisfied.

Small 20ft Container House / Office

Single‑module units around 20ft, often including insulation, electrics, basic bathroom and kitchenette depending on spec.

• Use cases: site offices, security cabins, tiny homes, kiosks, small studios.

• UK angle: ideal for construction sites, farm buildings, yards, or small plots needing quick accommodation.

Outdoor Toilet / Shower Units

Self‑contained WC and/or shower modules with plumbing, electrics and ventilation.

• Use cases: construction sites, festivals, events, campsites, car parks.

• UK angle: can be hired out weekly or per event with delivery and maintenance packages.

---

Flat‑Pack / Knock‑Down vs Fully Assembled

You can import these units in two main formats:

• Fully assembled

  • Delivered as built modules.

  • Faster to install on UK site but higher shipping volume and sometimes higher duty category.

• Flat‑pack / knock‑down (KD)

  • Structures, wall panels, doors, windows and fittings shipped flat.

  • Local team assembles them following factory drawings.

  • Benefits:

    • More units per container → lower shipping cost per unit.

    • In some cases, can be treated more like “building materials” for import, which may affect duties and handling (always check UK rules).

One Way Export can advise which format makes most sense for your UK location, labour costs and intended use.

---

Rental & ROI: UK‑Based Examples

Below are simple illustrations using the UK as the base market.

Example 1 – Small 20ft Container House as Site Office

• Landed and installed cost in UK: ~£12,000.

• Typical monthly rent to a contractor: ~£600–£900.

If rented at £750/month:

• Annual gross rent ≈ £9,000.

• Simple payback ≈ 16 months.

• After that, the unit generates ongoing cash flow (minus maintenance, storage and marketing).

Example 2 – Prefab Capsule for Staff or Micro‑Stays

• Landed and installed cost: ~£7,000.

• Let at an average of £25/night, with ~70% occupancy (typical for busy urban or tourist areas):

  • Monthly income ≈ 0.7 × 30 × £25 ≈ £525.

  • Annual income ≈ £6,300.

• Simple payback ≈ 13–16 months.

Example 3 – Outdoor Toilet Unit for UK Events & Sites

• Landed and installed cost: ~£4,000.

• Rent at an average of £150/week across multiple clients:

  • 52 weeks × £150 = £7,800/year if heavily used.

• Even at half that utilisation, payback is under 12 months.

These are not promises, but they show why many UK operators treat prefab units as rental assets first, and a resale opportunity second.

---

Business Models for the UK Market

1. UK Resale Model

• Import units, handle UK compliance, and sell to:

  • Developers and landlords.

  • Construction and infrastructure companies.

  • Campsites, glamping operators, festival and event organisers.

• You earn from the margin between your landed cost and the UK sale price, plus any installation services you add.

2. UK Rental / Lease Model

• Build a fleet of units and rent to UK clients:

  • Site offices and toilets for construction.

  • Capsule rooms or container homes for staff or short‑stay guests.

  • Temporary offices, classrooms or storage at schools and businesses.

• Profit comes from monthly or weekly rent; assets can be moved between sites as contracts end.

3. Hybrid: Sell Some, Keep Some

• Import a batch of units.

• Sell part of them to recover cash quickly.

• Keep a core portfolio for rental to create a long‑term income stream.

One Way Export’s role is to help you get the right products at the right cost so your UK pricing and ROI numbers work.

---

Risks & How to Manage Them

Key risks you must plan for in the UK:

• Planning and building regulations

  • You need to understand when a unit is considered temporary vs permanent, and whether it must meet building regulations (insulation, fire, structure, electrics).

• Quality and specification

  • Wall thickness, insulation, windows, electrics and plumbing all need clear specs to suit the UK climate and standard.

• Transport and installation in the UK

  • Cranes, HIAB trucks, site access and groundworks all add cost and complexity.

• Maintenance and after‑sales

  • As the owner/operator in the UK, you handle repairs, servicing and customer expectations.

One Way Export helps reduce China‑side risk (factory choice, drawings, production checks, packing and shipping), but you will still need UK expertise for planning, building control and installation.

---

How One Way Export Supports UK Prefab Projects

For UK buyers, One Way Export can:

• Source and customise units

  • Prefab capsules, big integrated container houses, 20ft houses and outdoor toilets that match your UK use case.

  • Work with you on layouts, insulation, windows, electrics, digital locks and finishes.

• Check specs and documentation

  • Request drawings, material lists and available test reports from factories.

  • Align specs with your UK consultant, engineer or installer if needed.

• Organise consolidation and shipping to the UK

  • Combine multiple units or kit sets in containers.

  • Arrange sea freight, documentation and handover to your UK port/forwarder.

• Support your business model

  • If you aim to sell, we help you plan standard models that are easy to market.

  • If you aim to rent, we help you pick robust designs and finishes that can survive multiple moves and tenants.

If you share your UK region, preferred product type (capsule, container house, toilets) and budget level, One Way Export can help you design a starting plan with the right mix of cost, profit and rental ROI.