Video and pictures: Ready-made Telford house costs £60,000 to build

With the cost of house-building rising, the Wrekin Housing Trust has just taken delivery of a fully-formed bungalow – right down to arriving with a TV on the wall.

The bungalow was installed and made ready for occupation within a day at the Trust's Head Office in Telford, which claims it may offer a new affordable alternative to traditionally built houses.

The idea of a factory built home conjures ideas of the post-war pre-fab houses, many of which have now been demolished.

But staff at the trust say these modern, well-finished builds offer a high-quality home at a low price that may solve the county's housing problems.

The trust's development manager, Jean Teichmann, said a full-furnished unit like the one at the Wrekin Housing Trust costs about £60,000, plus foundation costs, but other packages are available.

She said: "Another good thing about factory built housing is that it addresses the skills shortage, because it isn't bricks and mortar but is instead constructed from a timber frame.

"It takes about eight weeks to construct in the factory, much less time than traditional homes.

"There is no need to worry about the weather which can hold up the construction of homes, either.

"You can get some cracking during delivery but a man comes along when the house is delivered and repairs them. We are told it is built to building regulations."

It is predicted that 27,500 homes will be needed across the county in Shropshire before 2026, with a further 10,000 needed in Telford by 2039.

There is also a high demand for bungalows as there will be 100,000 people over 65 in Shropshire by 2030, accounting for 30 per cent of the population, and 40,000 people over 65 in Telford & Wrekin, about 23 per cent of the population.

Two-storey home versions are also available and come in three separate parts – the ground floor, first floor and roof, complete with tiles made from recycled tyres.

The fully-completed two bedroomed concept bungalow, made by Willerby's Special Projects, was delivered to site, lifted into place by crane and installed in three hours.

All of the furniture was already in the bungalow, including corner sofa, a dining table, chairs and beds.

The kitchen came fully equipped with oven, fridge and storage and the bathroom was fully stocked – even with towels ready for the first guests.

There was wi-fi access and flat screen televisions on the wall.

Mrs Teichmann did confirm that, at the moment, the trust has no final plans to roll-out the houses.

However, it has already looked at a number of potential sites that might be suitable for a development of factory-built homes.

They would still be subject to the normal planning permissions, though.

She added: "My hope is that this might be a way to address the need for more affordable housing."

Having been craned in last week, by the evening it was ready for occupation.

Trust tenant and board member Laura Hilditch and member of staff Morag Bailey were the first to try out the smart new bungalow staying over for two nights. Ms Hilditch said: "The bungalow had such a light and airy feel, it was really well fitted out and a pleasure to stay in."

The Wrekin Housing Trust's staff, board members and tenants are now being asked for their views on the bungalow.

The trust is also thinking about installing on various brownfield infill sites they own.

The concept bungalow could provide the additional much needed affordable rented homes needed across Shropshire, at the low rents people can afford.

The trust is inviting other housing associations and local authorities interested in exploring these homes to come along and view the concept bungalow.

So far it has been visited by Shropshire Council and Cannock Chase council who it says were also impressed with the home.