Where Can I Put a Manufactured Home?

Manufactured homes are ideal for anyone looking for durable, cost-effective home. They’re built in a high quality factory setting, then shipped to your final property for installation. 

Providing a more attainable path to homeownership, manufactured homes are often available at more affordable prices than site-built homes. They can also be built faster than site-built homes, so you can move into your new home faster.

Whether you’re looking to build a home in a rural, suburban, or urban setting, finding the right property to place your home is an important part of the process.

When considering where you want to build your manufactured home, you’ll have two main choices: privately owned land or a land-lease community. Let’s dive into the main factors to consider when choosing property for your future manufactured home! 

Key Takeaways: Where to Put a Manufactured Home

• If you want to place a manufactured home on private property and you don’t already own land, you’ll need to purchase your own property for your manufactured home.

• In a community, you pay a set amount each month to lease land for your home, so you don’t have to buy property yourself.

READ MORE: What Should I Research Before Buying a Manufactured Home?

Option 1: Placing Your Manufactured Home on Private Land

If you’re considering buying private land to place your prefab home on, you might prefer the privacy and personalization Homeowners who want to own their own land will need to purchase a parcel of land. A local real estate agent or independent manufactured retailer in your area can help you identify land for sale. There are several important factors to think about when you’re looking at buying property.

Key considerations when buying land for a manufactured home

• Lot size. You’ll want to make sure the lot you plan to purchase will have enough room to place your manufactured home. This might also need to include space on each side of the property line, also known as a ‘setback.’ When you purchase property, you should be given a document outlining the setbacks. This is especially important when you’re thinking of living in a subdivision. Your independent manufactured home retailer can help you evaluate if a parcel of land fits the manufactured home you’re looking for.
•  Zoning Requirements. This will likely differ from area to area. It’s a good idea for you or your independent manufactured home retailer to connect with your local municipality before purchasing a lot to make sure manufactured homes are approved in that location.
• Regulations. Your home might need to be placed in a specific location or face a specific direction on the land according to local regulations.
• HOA Covenants. You’ll also want to investigate homeowner covenants that may apply if you choose a subdivision with a homeowner’s association. A few HOA requirements include, “must at least have a 2-car garage,” “side-entry garage required,” or “needs a covered front entry.” The HOA board will be able to answer these questions. 
• Permits. After you’ve confirmed any zoning requirements and local regulations, it’s important to secure any necessary permits for placing your home. This could include permits for additional construction services. Your local retailer will help guide you through this process. 
• Environmental considerations. It is recommended to perform a perc and soils test of the land before you place a home there. This ensures adequate soil drainage and without it, you could face lots of problems down the line. The local retailer you purchase your home from can connect you with a general contractor to guide you through this process.
• Utilities. Are utilities available on the property? These include natural gas, water or well, electricity, sewer, or septic. If not, it’s time to figure out the costs for getting them on your property. The retailer you work with will be able to help with this too! 
• Required preparation. Is the lot hilly? Are there lots of trees? Are there overhead wires that need to be removed? These are just a couple of factors you’ll need to consider when getting the land prepared for a manufactured home to be safely placed.  

Your independent manufactured home retailer is a key resource throughout the process. They will be able to help you find the home of your dreams – then guide you through the process of preparing your land. Find an independent manufactured home retailer in your area.

READ MORE: How Do I Buy Land for a Manufactured Home?

Important elements of manufactured home land-lease communities

• Age requirements. Manufactured home communities cater to a wide array of lifestyles, offering everything from age-restricted 55+ communities to all-age locations. This range of options ensures that you can find a community that fits your needs.
• Amenities. Manufactured home communities often offer a range of amenities from pristine pools and clubhouses to walking trails and fitness centers. These features make everyday living convenient and enjoyable, fostering a community-centric environment. For families, all-age manufactured home communities can provide kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, and organized activities.
• Home maintenance services. One of the significant advantages of living in a manufactured home park is the lower-maintenance lifestyle. With services like lawn care and common area upkeep often included, you can spend more time enjoying life. 
• Social events. An appealing aspect of manufactured home communities is the sense of belonging they can provide. Residents enjoy built-in social activities with organized events, communal spaces, and opportunities to connect with neighbors, creating a supportive community.
• Pet friendly living. Many manufactured home communities are pet friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along. Parks often have designated pet areas and may even offer pet friendly events and services, making it a great environment for pet owners.

Get started and find a manufactured home community in your area.

Find Your Dream Manufactured Home

As you continue your manufactured homebuying journey, Champion Homes would love to be a resource for you. Find the best Champion home for you, or contact a Champion retailer in your area.

You can also contact our Homebuyer & Homeowner Assistance line Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm EST at 877-201-3870, or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you.