Upcoming Books to Cover Rental Economics, Market Analysis, and Speculative Fiction on Technology and Liberty
North Carolina, USA – Marcus Asplund has announced the upcoming publication of a three-book series examining container homes from multiple perspectives: as rental properties, as investment opportunities, and as symbols of personal autonomy in an increasingly regulated housing market.
The first book, "Zoning Laws And Their Impact On Container House Rentals" will address the financial and regulatory aspects of container house rentals. Asplund details methods for calculating rental prices, analyzing fixed and variable costs, and understanding how local zoning laws affect container home placement and profitability. The book includes case studies from Austin, Texas, and California's Bay Area, where container homes have been used as rental properties and sustainable housing solutions.
Asplund founded his first company in Estonia at age 23 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He studied at Concordia International University and Linköping University before completing a degree in digital marketing at Noroff University. He later founded Freecom, a platform focused on alternative housing solutions, and obtained agency rights for an extendable container house manufactured in China.
The second volume, "Container Homes Unlocked: A Comprehensive Guide to Pricing and Value Analysis," will examine the economics of container housing. The book covers topics including construction costs, regional price variations, financing options, insurance requirements, and design trends. Asplund presents data on container home markets in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, drawing on reports from Grand View Research and other industry sources.
The book analyzes how factors such as location, container condition, customization level, and transportation logistics affect overall costs. Asplund compares container homes to traditional housing across different markets and discusses barriers to financing and insurance coverage for these properties.
Container homes are constructed from repurposed shipping containers. A 20-foot container typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000, while modifications for residential use can add $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on design complexity and material quality. The Grand View Research report cited in the book valued the global modular homes market at approximately $40 billion in 2021, with projected growth at 6.3 percent annually through 2030.
"2034 Freedom," the third book, shifts to speculative fiction. The novel depicts a future society where technological systems control daily life and resistance fighters work to maintain human autonomy. The story follows characters including Thomas Ring, Kate Nettie, and Mike Willgert as they navigate conflicts between individual freedom and systemic control.
The narrative explores themes present in Asplund's nonfiction work, particularly the tension between regulatory structures and personal choice. The book describes a world where AI systems transition from digital networks to physical command centers, raising questions about technological dependence and human agency.
The series addresses current housing market conditions, including rising real estate prices, limited affordable housing options, and growing interest in alternative construction methods. Container homes have gained attention in areas where traditional housing costs have become prohibitive, particularly in urban centers and regions with housing shortages.
Asplund's books also examine the regulatory environment surrounding container homes. Many municipalities lack clear guidelines for these structures, creating challenges for permits and zoning approval. The books discuss strategies for working within existing regulations and advocate for policy changes to accommodate alternative housing types.
The first two books will provide technical information for real estate agents, investors, builders, and prospective homeowners. Topics include market research methods, cost analysis frameworks, profit margin calculations, and operational considerations. The books also cover DIY construction approaches, design trends, vacation rental strategies, and long-term investment implications.
The trilogy is scheduled for release in early 2026.
About Marcus Asplund
Marcus Asplund works as a real estate analyst and author focusing on sustainable housing and alternative construction methods. He founded Freecom, a platform addressing housing affordability and design innovation.