Manufactured homes must meet HUD standards that cover design, durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. Some mobile home park residents face rent increases on their lot, which can impact affordability. Newer models have enhanced insulation, making them energy-efficient and comfortable.
Financing for manufactured homes can be through chattel loans, FHA loans, or even VA loans in some cases. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes can be built with multiple stories.
In San Diego, some investors buy mobile homes in parks as a source of rental income due to low initial costs. Modular homes may require specialized transport but generally incur fewer costs compared to mobile homes.
Because they’re built in sections, modular homes take about half the time to complete compared to site-built homes in areas like San Diego. All mobile homes manufactured after 1976 come with a HUD label that certifies they meet federal standards.
Flexible floor plans allow buyers to choose layouts suited to different lifestyles, from open-concept to multi-room layouts in San Diego. Common sizes are 14x70 feet for single-wides and 24x48 feet for double-wides. Many mobile home parks offer amenities like pools, community centers, and playgrounds, adding to their appeal. Once on-site, modular homes undergo local inspections to ensure compliance with local building codes. Modular home businesses often control their supply chain, reducing material shortages.
Mobile homes are particularly popular in rural or lower-cost housing markets. Some modular homes are designed to allow future upgrades easily.
They’re often built to the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) code, which includes standards for safety, energy efficiency, and construction. They’re often built to the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) code, which includes standards for safety, energy efficiency, and construction. Factory construction enables modular home manufacturers to tightly control quality and reduce errors.