If you’re considering relocating or investing in new living arrangements, manufactured housing should be at the top of your list. It’s estimated that nearly 22 million Americans live in manufactured houses, indicating that these homes are viable and enduring. For more information, here’s a beginner’s guide on what you should know. 

What Is Manufactured Housing? 

Also known as mobile homes, these houses are built using parts prefabricated at a factory. The materials are then transported to a plot of land for assembly. They can be built on your personal property or part of a community of similar homes. As the alternative name “mobile home” implies, they are technically movable, but it requires specialized trucks and additional fees. 

Like other types of housing, their amenities range in quality. High-end features can include hardwood floors, stone countertops, and energy-efficient appliances. A wide variety of designs are available, allowing you to choose the style you prefer. 

Since most lenders view manufactured housing as personal property rather than real estate, loans are often available in similar form as car loans. However, it’s also possible to take out a traditional home loan. The financing options are partially dependent upon the home’s quality and status; the nicer the home and more attached it is to the land, the better the options. 

What Are the Benefits? 

These homes are just as safe as traditional houses, as they’re required to meet the construction industry standards as outlined in the HUD code. Mobile homes are resistant to fire and water damage and are sturdy in all kinds of weather. Homes that are part of a community also have the benefit of neighbors, who can be alert to any hazards that may develop.

Many manufacturers also collaborate with the Energy Star program to ensure that energy efficiency is built into each home, resulting in lower bills. In addition to these benefits, these houses are large enough to comfortably accommodate a single-family while remaining small enough to offer affordability and low maintenance.