With the future of the world increasingly uncertain, a sturdy survival bunker suddenly seems like a good investment. No longer reserved for just the super-rich, there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there, whether you're looking to stockpile for a potential natural disaster or have a secure hideaway to hand in the event of a global emergency.
Click or scroll on to discover the best affordable bunkers for sale, from underground homes to modular designs and DIY shelter kits...
If you'd like to snap up a ready-made shelter, there are plenty of options on the market. This covert property in the wilds of Wann, Oklahoma is fully fitted out for the aspiring prepper – and at $140,000 (£108k), it's an affordable option for a security-minded buyer.
The fenced acreage is the perfect spot to raise livestock and grow produce, plus it includes a number of fortified structures designed to help their new owner thrive off-grid. Among them is this fiberglass Quonset hut, a robust shelter design developed by the US during the First World War.
Measuring 15 feet (4.6m) by 30 feet (9.1m), the hut features a concrete-tiled floor and plenty of space for storage or even a workshop. The structure has electricity and is connected to a septic tank, so it could even be repurposed into an off-grid living space if the new owner was feeling ambitious.
However, the property's most intriguing space is hiding in the overgrowth. Among the trees and bushes, an unassuming, circular structure is tucked away in a small clearing. Upon closer inspection, the metal lid lifts to reveal a ladder, which descends into a bunker submerged beneath the earth.
According to the listing, the subterranean retreat is a P6 bomb shelter designed by Radius Engineering. While the space looks a little worse for wear, with exposed pipework and construction debris in need of attention, the bunker could be a cosy prepper base following a small renovation.
All the essential connections are already in place – the hideout is serviced by a septic tank and a power generator, or alternatively there's a power line on the plot if you'd prefer to connect to the grid.
The snug living space utilises every inch of its compact square footage. There's a small kitchenette with a plumbed sink and counter space and a cubical containing the toilet and shower. At the back of the bunker, there's just enough room for a mattress, which is positioned on a raised wooden frame. The void beneath the bed is the ideal place to store food tins and other essential equipment.
If you're looking for a rural spot to ride out all manner of disaster, it doesn't get much better than this.
Amid swathes of rolling desert, this 40-acre (16.2ha) site blurs in with the surrounding shrublands. The property is located in Snowflake, a small rural community in Arizona that has largely rejected the facets of modern living in favour of a more isolated existence far away from the hubbub of cities, pollution and technology.
But all is not as it seems. While the lot may look vacant, it conceals hidden depths. The sandy terrain obscures a hidden metal door in the ground...
A flight of stairs leads down into a secret bunker built deep beneath the sand.
The shelter may well have been constructed as the first stage in an ambitious home build – elsewhere on the acreage, there's the brick outline of a basement foundation that never came to fruition. The site could offer the perfect starting point for a buyer wanting to bring their off-grid dream home to life.
Inside the bunker, floor-to-ceiling metal shelves provide plenty of space to stockpile enough tinned and dried produce, medical supplies and equipment for a long stay underground.
The space is relatively spartan and appears to have never been inhabited after its construction, though that will certainly make it easy for a new owner to add their own touches to the shelter.
Amid the all-white interior, there's a spotless full kitchen fitted out with top and bottom cabinetry for storage and a metal sink.
There's a well and septic tank situated on the acreage so if connections are not already in place it should be a simple task to arrange and get this subterranean retreat up and running in no time.
Two bunkbeds offer ample space for a small family to shelter and there's also an open built-in wardrobe for storing a few items of clothing. In terms of other amenities, there's a self-contained toilet cubicle and a wetroom equipped with a modern shower featuring stainless steel hardware.
Priced at a reasonable $249,593 (£192.7k), this could be the ideal purchase for a safety-conscious buyer looking to escape the rat race and start over.
Elsewhere in the US, this underground prepper retreat in Missouri offers a super-secure living space for an ardent survivalist. Listed with SpecialFinds for $284,900 (£220k), the custom-built bunker sits on 2.4 acres (1ha) of land close to the city of Mountain Grove in the Ozarks.
The outside of the bunker sits on a small hill and looks rather unassuming, but head through the secure front door and down a set of steps and you'll find a homely, 1,250-square-foot (116sqm) property that's both ultra-private and inviting. There's a spacious kitchen with a large pantry and dining area, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a laundry and storage room.
All of the interior spaces are comfortable and traditionally decorated, so the buyer may wish to undertake a minor renovation to make the rooms a little more modern. Otherwise, it's move-in ready and all you'll need to do is pack your bags.
Plus, the brilliant bunker is equipped with fresh air intake, a central heat pump, a full-size shower, a bathtub and standard toilets rather than composting models.
There are also two garden sheds, an insulated garage and a 1,250-square-foot (116sqm) shop building – all of which could be converted into bunkers and leased out to other preppers.
As for outside space, the grounds come equipped with endless fruit trees, a spring-fed creek, plenty of areas for growing produce, a 500-gallon (1,892l) liquid propane gas tank and an 80-foot (24m) antenna tower – so you can keep guard and ensure you never lose your all-important telecoms access.
The property is also fully fenced and includes a secure gate and security system so you'll be properly protected during your stay.
Constructed in 1965, this low, ranch-style home in the city of Bisbee, Arizona looks like a quintessential mid-century house in the suburbs. The three-bedroom property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a sunken living room and a primary bedroom with a spacious ensuite, as well as an acre (0.4ha) of land.
So far so normal. But there's something that separates this particular residence from the rest of the houses in the neighbourhood.
Listed for $299,000 (£230.8k) with Arizado Realty, the home has a rather unusual bonus feature that was added to its plans on account of the Cold War, a turbulent period between the US and the Soviet Union that lasted from the 1940s to 1991. With the threat of nuclear annihilation looming, properties built around this time were sometimes outfitted with precautionary measures – as was the case with this home.
A nondescript door at the end of the hallway opens to a steep flight of stairs plummeting down beneath the house to the fortified fallout shelter. Almost unchanged since its construction, the time-capsule bunker even has an original decontamination shower (pictured).
Punctuated by support columns, the main shelter is filled with vestiges of the 1960s, from the checkerboard floor to the vintage arcade machine. A little more upmarket than most utilitarian Cold War hideouts, this space would've kept its concerned occupants distracted while geopolitical tensions raged outside.
On one side of the room, there's a small kitchenette complete with a vintage 1960s fridge and cabinetry and mirrored wall panels. A number of old books that likely belonged to the home's original residents are laid out on the counter. Adjacent to the kitchen is a black vinyl dining booth – even tucked away underground, the routines of daily life would still continue here.
The bunker also contains its original bathroom, which includes a built-in sink, vanity unit, mirror and storage cabinet.
Most impressive of all, however, is the shelter's well-preserved control panel. It features an old Zenith TV screen inset into the wall, along with an intercom, radio and control switches for the ventilation system and power. Talk about a trip back in time!
If you're looking to fuse the comforts of contemporary living with the reassuring protection of a dense, concrete hideout, then this property may pique your interest. The shelter is situated on the Vivos xPoint development we mentioned earlier in South Dakota, however, it's a resale unit that was renovated to a high standard by its owners before they decided to part with it.
On the market for $339,000 (£261.6k) with Exit Realty Black Hills, the bunker offers more than 1,500 square feet (139.4sqm) of living space outfitted with all the modern conveniences you could need.
Airy and spacious thanks to its barrel-vaulted ceiling, the shelter's open-plan living area encompasses a lounge, dining zone and kitchen.
The bunker is powered by a large solar array and battery that make the most of the sunshine. There's also a backup generator for use during storms and challenging weather. Meanwhile, the insulated front wall and main door help to regulate the interior temperature and ensure the space is comfortable no matter the season.
The modern kitchen is fitted out with a full-size fridge, an induction hob, a farmhouse-style sink, a microwave, a toaster oven and plenty of cabinets for storage. The extended countertop provides a breakfast bar for grabbing quick meals on the go. Elsewhere, there's also a new washer and dryer.
The bunker home offers three spacious bedrooms, one of which includes a new king-sized bed that's included in the sale.
Pictured here, this bedroom has been repurposed as a home office, complete with a desk, printer and storage units. It may be underground, but the shelter is extremely well-connected to the outside world, allowing work to carry on as usual. The unit has been fitted out with all the hardware for Starlink's satellite internet – the buyer will simply have to move the account to their name after the sale.
There's one beautifully appointed bathroom in the property, defined by contemporary black hardware and sleek fixtures. The wash space includes a toilet, a sink, a vanity unit and a large walk-in shower with a sliding glass door. Water is supplied to the property via a 50-gallon (189l) heat pump, ensuring residents can enjoy regular hot showers. Who said survivalist shelters can't be stylish?
Looking to build your own backyard bunker? We've rounded up models to meet different needs and budgets, plus some affordable bunker communities with availability. Just read on to take a closer look...
If you're on the lookout for a shelter to add to your existing home there are lots of options available. Prices start at around $19,000 (£14.7k), like this model called BombNado. Comprising four separate parts, the shelter is designed to fit through a seven-foot-high (2.1m) garage door opening, then each section lowers into the hole for reassembly under the floor.
With multiple uses as a bomb shelter, fallout bunker, tornado shelter, storage cellar or even a den, as shown here, BombNado is fully customisable inside. Floor plans start at 64 square feet (5.9sqm) but reach up to 160 square feet (14.9sqm), which leaves room for a toilet, multiple bunk beds and a sitting area.
With prices starting at just $19,000 (£14.7k), BombNado can be concealed almost anywhere. In fact, the module's bulletproof hatch door can be located inside your bedroom closet or even behind a false wall for ultimate peace of mind.
The backyard bunker comes equipped with an NBC air filtration system that protects you from nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. Plus, the unit is so sturdy you could even park a car on top of the hatch.
As well as all this, the bunker also boasts secret storage underneath the laminated oak flooring, perfect for storing extra food and supplies. They really have thought of everything!
Another affordable bunker from Atlas Survival Shelters, this precast concrete version can be buried beneath your garden. The secure space is multifunctional – it can offer protection from the wrath of tornados and bombs and it can also be used as a root cellar to store food for times of crisis.
This heavy-duty steel hatch and ladder offer a safe and secure way to enter and exit the bunker, while also protecting guests inside from whatever danger lies above land.
For anyone worried about nuclear attacks and natural disasters, it's easy to see why this affordable shelter might appeal for extra peace of mind.
The design is impressively compact, so it'll fit in the smallest of outdoor spaces. Of course, this means the living area is particularly compact. The interior measures 11.6 feet (3.5m) by 7.6 feet (2.1m) – providing around 88 square feet (8.2sqm) of floor space, which is just about enough room to accommodate a family of four for a short stint.
The precast concrete floor is six inches (15cm) thick and the four-inch-thick (10cm) walls are curved for a stronger build, according to Atlas. With a ceiling height of over seven feet (2.1m), the bijou shelter can accommodate even the tallest of survivalists – not bad for just $20,000 (£15.4k).
The bunker is fully customisable and you can add portable lavatories, batteries and water barrels to help ensure survival over a few days. It's also kitted out with this NBC air filtration system. It comes with a manual crank, so those inside can benefit from a continuous supply of clean air even if the power goes out.
Nestled underground in the wilds of the American Midwest, Vivos Indiana is a vast subterranean shelter that can accommodate up to 80 people. Built within a converted Cold War-era bunker complex, it's strong enough to withstand a devastating nuclear explosion. That's some serious protection!
Places are still available in the 10,000-square-foot (929sqm) complex, with discounts available for applicants with key skills, such as doctors and mechanics. Each place costs just $35,000 (£27k) per person, which isn't overly expensive considering the underground bolthole is more like a comfortable hotel than a spartan military bunker.
The impressive Indiana facility can accommodate its residents for up to a year, with no need to venture up to the surface. Big on amenities, the shelter has a huge chef-style kitchen, a movie theatre, an open-plan lounge area and a whole lot more besides.
Like the other rooms in the complex, the bathrooms are full-sized, so residents don't have to compromise on their personal hygiene.
Other highlights include kennels so residents can bring their dogs, a gym area and an indoor garden for growing fresh fruit and veggies.
When it comes to sleeping quarters, residents can choose from a bunk in a shared room if they're single or a double bed in a private room if they're coupled up.
The essentials are all covered too. The bunker is stocked with vital medical supplies, enough food and fuel for a year and a well, to provide fresh water to the entire community.
If you want something a little closer to home should the unthinkable happen, installing a shelter in your garden may be the way forward.
Texas-based Rising S Bunkers offers one of the most affordable options, with their Mini Bunker coming in at just $50,900 (£39.2k), excluding delivery and installation charges, which vary depending on where in the world you are.
Unlike a simple tornado shelter, the Rising S Mini Bunker is designed to protect its occupants from bomb blasts and nuclear fallout too.
Installation is remarkably simple and the solid steel structure can be dropped into place in the ground for an instant shelter that can stand up to the worst.
Measuring just eight feet (2.4m) by 12 feet (3.7m), the bunker offers a basic survival space that can be decorated with homely touches for a more welcoming feel. The snug living area has an air filtration system, a bunk bed and a stove to keep residents toasty and warm in the colder months.
There's also a compact kitchen, a composting toilet and a shower unit, plus a TV and DVD system to keep the whole family entertained.
It's worth noting that the bunkers are made to order, so buyers can select their ideal floor plan and amenities. For those with bigger budgets, Rising S provides a range of more spacious bunkers...
Measuring 500 square feet (46.5sqm), the 'Silver Leaf' shelter (pictured) is one of the company's finest models, with the two-bedroom base model costing $145,900 (£112.5k).
Additionally, The Fortress, part of the company's Xtreme Series, will set you back a cool $1.6 million (£1.2m) but for your money, you'll get 42 bunk beds, 15 private bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and three kitchens.
In addition to Vivos Indiana and a secretive bunker for billionaires in Europe, Vivos also operates the world's largest private shelter community, Vivos xPoint. Situated in a remote corner of South Dakota on the former Black Hills Army Base, the company claims that it's one of the safest places in the world. The 18-square-mile (46.6sqkm) complex is a high-altitude, non-seismic haven, located far away from any large bodies of water and known nuclear targets.
A former army munitions depot, the community boasts 575 incredibly tough concrete military bunkers with space for 5,000 survivalists to ride out the worst. Accommodating between 10 and 24 people, each bunker was built to withstand a 500,000-pound (226,769kg) internal blast and provide total protection from nuclear fallout.
An entire bunker at Vivos xPoint is priced at $55,000 (£42.4k), with an annual ground rent of $1,091 (£842).
Surprisingly spacious at up to 2,120 square feet (197sqm), each bunker offers enough room to house residents in comfort for a year or more, with no need to go outside. There are also plenty of options to add custom touches such as a mezzanine or attic, so you can live out the end of the world in comfort.
Clients can select from several floor plans, configurations and decorative options, which can include everything from a fully fitted kitchen, pool tables and plush sofas to LED 'windows' that simulate outdoor views. Vivos has put together a show bunker to give buyers an idea of what they can expect. As you can see, it's pretty swish.
If they ever have to hunker down in their bunker, residents won't feel like they're roughing it. Vivos can install a proper bathroom in your shelter, complete with a spacious tub and stylish décor. Offering relative luxury on a shoestring budget, residents can even request a sizeable master bedroom with more than enough space for a king-size bed. We can think of worse spots to shelter during an apocalypse!
Another design by Texas-based Atlas Survival Shelters, the company's modular shelter range is a cost-effective subterranean design that can fit snugly into a backyard.
The model pictured measures 10 feet (3m) by 20 feet (6m), but unlike similar-sized designs, it contains a decontamination room – a must-have when it comes to surviving a nuclear disaster.
Each shelter has an impenetrable gas-tight door, a state-of-the-art air filtration system, a generator pod and enough solid steel to make it impervious to bomb blasts, fire, floods and disease.
The shelter can be installed in no time at all and for an additional cost, Atlas can fit out the space to the buyer's exact requirements.
Not so different from home sweet home, these well-appointed bunkers are as cosy as they come. Buyers can opt for a stunning fitted kitchen and diner, stylish sofas, an LED TV and DVD player, throws, cushions and other creature comforts.
The modular shelter is priced from a very reasonable $80,000 (£61.7k) plus delivery and installation, however, smaller models can cost as little as $40,000 (£30.8k).
One of the biggest draws of Atlas is the company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Each shelter can be fully customised to suit your needs and style. What's more, they are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and potential threats, making them highly durable and secure.
A number of potentially life-saving options can be added too for an additional charge. These include camera surveillance, short-wave radios, solar panels and, last but not least, multiple radiation detectors. There are countless models and sizes to pick from, so you're sure to find one that meets your needs.
When survival is key, this Base Model Bomb Shelter by Rising S Bunkers is the place to hunker down. Starting at just $103,900 (£80.2k), the bunker has enough room for eight people to ride out a disaster, whatever it may be.
The ideal shelter for those looking to customise their bunker, the model has everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle.
Overall, the shelter unit measures 10 feet (3m) by 40 feet (12.2m), offering more space to stretch out than in some of the company's other budget-friendly designs.
After entering through the bullet-resistant door, you'll be greeted by an open-plan layout that has plenty of space, shelving and bulk storage capacity.
In these images, which imagine what the inside of the bomb shelter could look like, the small but functional kitchen boasts plenty of counter space along with a sink.
The bunker comes with all the furniture you'll need for day-to-day living, including a small dining table, wardrobes and a fully working composting toilet. To make the space even more homely, the interior walls will be painted in your chosen colour scheme.
As secure as it is stylish, the exterior features a protective coating that will last 150 years, so you can be sure the unit will stand the test of time.
As well as comfortable bunks and superior design elements, the property is perfect for an extended stay underground due to its off-grid amenities. It comes with NBC air filtration, a water pressure pump, a greywater evacuation tank, a solar generation charging system with battery supply and a water inlet, to name just a few crucial mod-cons.
Loved this? Discover more incredible bunkers across the world