3 Things to Consider Before Buying A Manufactured Home
The average sale price for a new manufactured home is $125,000, according to September 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Prices may vary by the type of home: For example, a single-wide manufactured home averages $87,000, while a double-wide has a median cost of $153,100.
Compared to the $402,000 median sales in January 2025 for single-family homes, condominiums and co-ops, according to the National Association of Realtors, a manufactured home purchase can be an affordable way to invest in homeownership. But before you sign the paperwork, consider these key factors when buying a manufactured home.
Will You Buy a New Or Used Manufactured or Mobile Home?
New manufactured homes are often turnkey and come with new appliances, contemporary designs, energy efficient features and manufacturer warranties.
Although used mobile homes cost less than new ones, they are usually sold “as is” and require home improvements such as upgrades, maintenance, and repairs.
The Location of Your New or Used Manufactured Home or Mobile Home
Manufactured home owners have two options for the location of their manufactured/mobile homes. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and can affect the cost of what you pay for the home.
Land You Own
You can keep a manufactured home on land you own, but you will need to check with your municipality about zoning laws as some cities don’t allow manufactured or mobile homes on existing properties. When they do, the city will likely require you to get a permit and comply with certain specifications, such as the size of the home. You will also need to connect the utilities to the home.
Manufactured or Mobile Home Park Communities
You can deliver your new manufactured home to a mobile home/manufactured home park with an empty lot to rent, or buy a home already on the property. The park community charges a monthly lot rent to keep your home on their property. The upside is the community may include maintenance and amenities such as a swimming pool and clubhouse with activities.
In some cases, you can purchase a home in a land-owned manufactured home community, meaning you own the land. Manufactured home prices in these parks usually cost more, since you buy the land. Instead of a lot rent, owners pay a homeowners association fee that typically costs less than a lot fee.
