This paper examines the development and current status of prefabrication techniques and their application in building construction. An overview of the current UK house building market and its status in terms of the utilization of prefabrication techniques has been made. Investigation of past engineering practices and existing knowledge of prefabrication has allowed several low cost techniques to be summarised. These would minimise the initial investment required to adopt prefabrication and so increase its market potential for UK house construction. Finally, a summary of the review work is provided.