PRICES OF PREFABRICATED HOUSES IN REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA EXPECTED TO RISE NEXT YEAR

Demand for prefabricated houses across the Republic of Srpska has been growing steadily, but companies in the sector are warning future homeowners to prepare for significant price increases starting next year, driven by rising material costs and a shortage of skilled workers.

According to manufacturers, prefab homes remain popular because they are affordable, eco-friendly, energy-efficient and ready for move-in within a relatively short period. The lifespan of the materials used in construction is estimated at around 100 years.

Dragan Berić, owner of the Banja Luka–based company “Berić,” told Nezavisne novine that most of their buyers are young married couples.

“In the past, it took us around 30 days to build a prefabricated house. Now we need about 60 days because we’re facing major shortages of skilled workers,” Berić explained.

He noted that the current price is around 900 KM per square meter, but that an increase is inevitable.

“I expect the price to reach about 1,250 KM per square meter, because anything below that is simply not profitable,” he said, adding that homes between 70 and 120 square meters are the most sought after.

Berić also warned about a growing number of misleading ads circulating on social media, falsely offering prefab homes at unrealistically low prices.

The Banja Luka company “Trend” reports a similar situation, stating that business volume is rising daily and that most of their clients are young people.

“A lot of young couples choose this type of housing. Prices range from 900 to 1,100 KM per square meter, and we work across the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the company said.

They pointed out that the price does not include foundation construction, which they provide only in the Banja Luka area. From contract signing to the start of works, buyers currently wait two to two and a half months.

“It takes about 90 days to fully build the house,” they added, noting that the smallest possible size is 40 square meters, while most clients opt for 60, 65 or up to 120 square meters.

The company also expects higher prices next year due to supplier announcements of material cost increases, though the exact percentage is still unknown.

Radenko Rosić, owner of the prefab home manufacturing company “Roleks” from Omarska, told Nezavisne novine that demand is rising almost daily.

“Clients are asking for better quality, but the biggest issue is the lack of workers. When employees acquire the necessary skills, they often leave for jobs abroad,” Rosić said.

He added that demand is significantly higher compared to last year and continues to grow annually. A large portion of their clients comes from the diaspora.

“About 80 percent of our clients don’t live here permanently — they come twice a year,” he explained.

A future homeowner from Srbac shared his reasons for choosing a prefabricated house on a recently purchased plot in Banja Luka.

“My wife and I decided on a prefab home because it is more cost-effective, quicker to build and more energy-efficient than traditional construction,” he said.

He emphasized one key advantage for renters.

“Speed matters a lot for people who pay rent. With a prefab house, you avoid paying rent and mortgage installments for years at the same time. In just a few months, you get the keys in your hand. With traditional construction, you often wait several years to move in, which creates a huge financial burden,” he explained.