Yorkshire airport turns surplus of modular homes into affordable housing
With the UK facing one of the most severe housing shortages in decades, a project in North Yorkshire is showing how innovative thinking can provide affordable, energy-efficient homes quickly.
A limited number of modular homes are available at Leeds East Airport, Church Fenton, providing homeowners, developers and investors the chance to purchase modern properties for a fraction of the typical cost.
These homes, which include three bedroom houses of 1,200 sq ft and two bedroom apartments of 800 sq ft, were originally part of a major modular housing initiative by Legal & General.
The company blamed "long planning delays" and the impact of the Covid pandemic for years of weak demand.
The airport, which acted as a storage provider, acquired a surplus of completely unused modules. The properties were not second-hand or defective; they were finished units that had no immediate site to occupy.
As a result, Leeds East says it is now able to sell the homes at a fraction of their original cost, passing the savings directly on to buyers.
Each unit was built using precision-engineered methods and sustainable materials, designed for longevity and energy efficiency. Following their relocation to Leeds East Airport, the homes are being repurposed to provide a practical solution to the country’s growing housing demand.
“These three-bedroom homes were originally valued at around £300,000 each completed,” said Chris Makin, owner of Leeds East Airport. “We were able to acquire the remaining stock at around £85,000 per unit, and with roofing and cladding, which can be completed for around £25,000, you can have a finished home for roughly £110,000.
"In a market where costs continue to soar, this represents incredible value and a chance to do something genuinely positive.”
The two bedroom apartments, which offer 800 sq ft of single-storey living space, come with two bathrooms, fully fitted kitchens and heating systems, and are available from £45,000.
Each modular unit combines high energy efficiency with modern interiors. They are quick to assemble, highly insulated, and designed for long-term performance.
“This is a real opportunity to turn a challenge into progress,” Chris adds. “These homes were built with innovation and purpose. Now, they’re ready to help solve a real problem - offering people high-quality, affordable housing without compromise.”
Two completed show homes, a house and an apartment, are currently open to view at Leeds East Airport.
Each house is “plug and play”: fully decorated, with central heating, bathrooms and kitchens already fitted.
The units can be assembled on site in under a week, a stark contrast to traditional construction, which often takes months or even years.
In Selby, comparable three-bedroom homes are selling for around £300,000. By repurposing high-quality modular homes that were previously in storage, the project demonstrates an innovative and practical way to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing housing challenges.
The design of the homes balances efficiency with aesthetics. They are highly insulated to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round and designed to maximise natural light while reducing energy use.
Large windows open out to outdoor spaces, creating a sense of openness, while sustainable materials ensure durability and low environmental impact. The modular construction method also allows for a flexible approach, making it easier to adapt homes to specific needs or site constraints.
Chris adds: “These homes were built with innovation and purpose. We are showing that modular construction can be a genuine solution to the housing crisis. It is possible to provide high-quality, sustainable homes at a price that ordinary people can afford.”
As the national conversation around housing affordability and sustainability intensifies, demand for new homes continues to outstrip supply.
Modular homes are considered as one approach to addressing the UK’s housing shortage. Because much of the construction takes place offsite, delays related to weather can be reduced, quality control is more easily monitored, and on-site assembly can take less time than traditional building methods.