No matter what part of the globe you call home, housing is an issue that every adult has to consider. For some, homeownership is the way to go, and with it mortgages, taxes, maintenance, and repairs. For others however, renting is the answer to their housing questions.

While there are many benefits to owning a home, for some the benefits of apartment dwelling far outweigh them; benefits such as overall cost of living in an apartment versus a single family home. Additionally, there is enough room to live, but not so much as to be a burden in caring for it.

In many markets, apartments rent rates are at a premium due to overcrowding, but thankfully, an innovative new alternative to traditional materials and labor is now available; the shipping container.

New trends in shipping container design and ISBU construction have created amazing multi- family dwellings, some of which rival much more costly apartments.

Examples of Shipping Container Apartments

The Keetwonen student housing apartments in Amsterdam is composed of 1000 recycled shipping containers. It is the biggest container city in the world with with supermarkets, shops offices, a sports complex and more. Each container unit comes with its own bathroom, kitchen, balcony, separate sleeping and study spaces, large windows that provide daylight and a view. The project was such a success and the accommodations so gracious that it is reportedly the preferred dwelling of the local students.

In China, shipping container apartments meet a more basic need than style and comfort; they provide shelter. The rise in migrant workers in China has created a deficit of acceptable dwelling places, especially places that these low paid workers can afford. The surplus containers have provided apartments that these workers can rent by the day or the month for as little as 6 Yuan
(a little less than one dollar) per day. You would expect for so little that the apartments would be little more than walls and a floor, but the truth is that these apartments offer more than walls; they offer security and the dignity of a home even if it is a temporary one.

Perhaps the most striking example of the value of shipping container apartments is their portability and value. Not only are those mentioned above providing homes now, but they can be moved when needed. Such is the case with the New York one bedroom apartment for sale. It is a completely finished shipping container apartment for sale for a little over twenty thousand dollars. This is an amazing thing considering that a one bedroom apartment in New York consistently costs over a million dollars.

In real estate location is often the prime factor, as well as cost, style, and size. A shipping container home or apartment meets all these needs as it provides portability, style, efficiency, and affordability.