Cabin on wheels – and why we lift by crane instead

Our house has no wheels. It is lifted into place by crane and set on piers or a slab, and it can be lifted again to a new location if you move. Wheels do not make a house permit-free either: under the Planning and Building Act it is permanence that decides whether something counts as a building.

Updated 23 October 2026

Finished timber house, 6 × 3 m, photographed at an angle from the front on its foundation — The 18 m² house seen at an angle from the front – just as it stands after delivery.

From approx. SEK 376,000incl. VAT, delivered by crane (≈ €33,750; €1 = SEK 11.131, ECB 2026-10-23)
House 6 × 3 m, 18 m², kitchen and toilet. Foundation and connections not included.

What does the law say?

PBL defines a building as a permanent structure with a roof, or a roof and walls, that is permanently placed on the ground and intended for people to stay in. A trailer that stands in the same place and is used as a home can therefore count as a building even if it has wheels.

Moving a building to a new location counts as new construction. That applies both to a house on wheels and to our house on piers.

Advantages of a crane lift

The house stands firmly on a real foundation without loading tyres and axles.
The floor sits lower, closer to the ground, with shorter steps.
No registration, inspection or vehicle tax for a trailer.

If you often want to move

A house on wheels may be right for someone who moves several times a year. Our house suits those who want it on the same plot for many years but would like to be able to take it with them if life changes.