Manufacturing-led construction has been used to deliver three new social homes in Shellharbour, with the NSW Government saying the modular manufacturing approach shortened delivery timelines to an average of 14-16 weeks from development approval to completion.
According to the NSW Government, the homes were delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which involve manufacturing housing modules off-site while site works are carried out in parallel.
A fourth modular home is scheduled for installation by April 2026. The government said the approach can reduce delivery times by up to 20 per cent compared with traditional construction, while meeting standard building requirements.
Homes NSW worked with Australian manufacturer Moov Modular on the Shellharbour project. The government said the homes are intended to provide safe, high-quality accommodation for people in need and form part of a broader social housing program.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the project demonstrated how manufacturing-based construction could accelerate housing delivery.
“These Shellharbour homes show what’s possible when government builds smarter. Using modular construction, we’re delivering high-quality social homes in a matter of weeks, not years, getting people into safe, secure housing sooner,” Jackson said.
She said the government maintained that manufacturing-based construction did not compromise standards.
“Modern Methods of Construction doesn’t mean cutting corners, these homes are built to the same standards as traditional housing, with precision manufacturing, durability and comfort front of mind,” Jackson said.
The Minns Labor Government has committed $6.6 billion to social housing, which it says underpins the expansion of MMC and modular manufacturing across NSW.
The government said eight modular social homes were completed in 2025, including three in Wollongong and five in Lake Macquarie.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said the use of manufacturing in a controlled factory environment was helping to speed up delivery.
“Modern methods of construction are allowing us to take housing delivery to the next level and I’m thrilled to see the results of that investment here in Shellharbour,” Park said. “By moving the building process into a controlled factory environment, we’re getting more families into homes sooner.”
Local MP Anna Watson said the Shellharbour homes demonstrated how modular manufacturing could be integrated into established communities. “I’m incredibly proud to see Shellharbour at the forefront of this housing revolution,” Watson said.
“These are high-quality, modern houses that will fit seamlessly into our community.”
The NSW Government said a total of 90 homes are expected to be delivered using MMC across Greater Sydney and regional NSW by the end of the year, providing accommodation for up to 200 people.
