How Do I Find Land for a Modular Home?

As you explore the process of buying a modular home, one of the most important steps is finding land for your future home. So how do you go about buying property for a modular home? Let’s dive into the key aspects of finding land!

Key Takeaways: Finding Land for a Modular Home

• Before you dive into looking at land options, take some time to reflect on what you’re looking for in a modular home, including the type, size, and add-on features you want. You’ll also want to consider if you’ll need space for additional structures like a shed or garage.

• An independent modular home retailer can help you estimate the dimensions of your future home so you can narrow down land options. Many retailers can also help you look for land for sale in your area.

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for land for your modular home is to make sure the land has road access for a semi-truck and crane, which will be used during the home’s delivery and installation.

• More ways to find land for sale are working with a local real estate agent or searching for land online.

Step #1: Decide What You’re Looking for in a Modular Home

Before you start looking for land, we recommend you take a little bit of time to think about what you need in a modular home. Clarifying the aspects that are most important to you as an individual or family will streamline the process. When you’re equipped with that knowledge, you can then find a piece of land that will fit the kind of home you’re looking for.

READ MORE: How Do I Buy a Modular Home?

The Three Categories of Modular Homes

There are three main types of modular homes to consider:

• Ranch (single-story) modular homes

• Cape Cod modular homes (single- or one-and-a-half-story homes with steep, side-gabled roofs that often have an unfinished bonus area upstairs)

• Two-story modular homes  

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

Questions to Consider for Your Modular Home

When it comes to modular home size, some questions to consider are:

• How many bedrooms do you need?

• How many bathrooms do you need?

• Do you need additional spaces like a home office, playroom, or separate laundry/utility room?

• Do you want a garage added to the home?

Work with a Modular Home Retailer to Estimate the Dimensions of Your Home

It can be overwhelming to think about all the options. A local, independent modular home retailer can help you identify the home type and size that’s right for you. Contact a Champion retailer in your area.

Once you have a general idea of the kind of modular home you’re looking for, you or your independent retailer can make an informed estimate of your eventual home’s dimensions (ex. 56’ x 28’). You’ll also get a better sense of your future home’s footprint, which is the shape and size of the space that the home takes up on the ground.

You don’t need an exact figure, but having an outline of your future home’s dimensions and footprint will be helpful when you’re evaluating land options. Some specific things you might encounter are:

• Are there setback, easement, or minimum property size requirements in the local building code you’ll need to meet?

• If you find a parcel of land with an existing well or sand mound, can your home footprint accommodate that?