Modular & Manufactured Homes for Sale in California (2024)

FAQs

What I wish I knew before buying a modular home? ›

Housing costs in California

According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, a single-wide mobile home on the west coast costs $91,900, while a double-wide unit costs $156,100. Extensions like patios and balconies add to the unit's price.

Manufactured and Modular Home Regulations

In California, construction of manufactured and modular homes is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. For manufactured homes, California implements standards established by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The pros of modular homes include lower costs over traditional construction methods, better quality, improved construction speed, and better resilience while the cons consist of a bit more complicated financing process, lack of customization, and the social stigma that is the consequence of the low-quality of modular ...

Is it cheaper to buy a modular home or build? In most cases, modular homes are less expensive than building a house, mainly because there's less labor involved.

Manufactured homes in California are generally subject to two taxes: Sales tax or use tax at the time of sale or resale, and. Either the annual local property tax or the annual vehicle license fee, which is also called an in-lieu fee.

The lifespan of a mobile home can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the quality of construction, climate, and how well the home has been maintained. On average, a mobile home can last around 30-55 years, however, with proper care and maintenance, they can last much longer.

At Manufactured Home Mortgage, we offer a variety of mortgage loan options whether you are buying or refinancing a manufactured house. We offer attractive terms and competitive rates. Contact one of our loan specialists to learn more about our Manufactured Home On-Land Loan Options in California.

Modular homes are assembled on a site and anchored to a foundation, whereas a manufactured home is transported in one piece to a site and can be relocated. Because they can be moved, manufactured homes are considered chattel (personal property) — like a recreational vehicle.

A recorded “Notice of Installation” aka 433A is the recognized California stamp of approval for a permanent foundation. Beyond proof of a permanent foundation, the 433A is also a title conversion document, verifying that the home and land are conjoined as real property.

Can you put a manufactured home on any land in California? ›

Yes, Manufactured Homes are allowed in any zoning district that permits the construction of a conventionally framed (also known as "stick-built", traditional, or "site-built") single-family residence.

Benefits of a Modular Home

While modular homes and stick-built homes appreciate and depreciate similarly, modular construction has several advantages that may lead to higher long-term value.

A well-built modular home should appreciate at approximately the same rate as a stick-built home, especially if it is anchored and blocked properly and set up on a concrete pad foundation.

Obstacles for the modular-housing industry

While the timeline for modular construction is consistently compressed, transportation and other costs can mean it isn't cheaper than building on-site. Investors aren't convinced there's sufficient and consistent demand for modular housing in most markets.

Without a doubt, modular homes are an excellent investment. Unlike mobile homes, modular homes hold their value and don't depreciate with time. In most cases, modular homes even gain value; the resale value of modular homes is usually higher than their initial purchase price.

These structures are made inside factories, so the materials that go into your home reside in a controlled environment with little moisture. Modular homes are built to be safe in case of a tornado or storm, and inspectors check surfaces for structural soundness before shipping.

Modular homes are assembled on a site and anchored to a foundation, whereas a manufactured home is transported in one piece to a site and can be relocated. Because they can be moved, manufactured homes are considered chattel (personal property) — like a recreational vehicle.