How Much Is a 5 Bedroom Mobile Home?

Manufactured homes, often referred to as mobile homes, are a popular housing option across the United States. These factory-built residences are more accessible than traditional site-built homes, especially in a dynamic housing market. While often budget-friendly, the comprehensive financial commitment extends beyond the initial purchase price. A 5-bedroom configuration represents a larger and less common size within this housing segment.

Average Cost of a 5-Bedroom Mobile Home

The direct cost of a 5-bedroom manufactured home varies significantly based on whether it is new or pre-owned. A new 5-bedroom model is a multi-section home, such as a double-wide or triple-wide. The national average cost for a new double-wide manufactured home is approximately $150,300. This price includes the home structure and basic kitchen appliances like a dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven.

The advertised price for a new manufactured home excludes several significant expenses. These do not cover the cost of land, transportation from the factory to the site, or setup and installation services. For pre-owned 5-bedroom manufactured homes, prices fluctuate widely, influenced by factors such as the home’s age, condition, and location. These used homes may be situated within a manufactured home community or on private land, each presenting different cost implications. Due to their substantial size, 5-bedroom manufactured homes are positioned at the higher end of the manufactured housing market.

Key Factors Influencing Price

The final price of a 5-bedroom manufactured home is shaped by factors beyond its base cost. The distinction between a new and a used home affects pricing, with new construction commanding a premium while pre-owned homes experience depreciation. The manufacturer’s reputation and model line also play a role, as different builders offer varying levels of construction quality and standard features. Models boasting luxury finishes or enhanced energy efficiency packages carry a higher price tag.

Optional features and custom upgrades increase the home’s base price. These additions include premium flooring materials, custom-designed cabinetry, advanced smart home technology, or upgraded appliances. Even within the 5-bedroom category, total square footage and layout configurations, such as the number of sections or an open-concept design, directly influence material and labor costs. Geographic location also introduces price variations. Regional differences in material costs, local labor rates, and the distance the home must be transported from the factory contribute to the final price, alongside local market demand.

Associated Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

Acquiring a 5-bedroom manufactured home involves several expenses beyond its initial purchase price. Land is a primary cost, whether through monthly lot rent in a manufactured home community or the outright purchase of private land, and entails ongoing property taxes. Transportation and installation range from $15,000 to $25,000, covering movement, foundation placement, leveling, and multi-section connections. Setup costs alone can range from $1,500 to over $20,000 depending on job complexity.

Permits and inspections are mandatory before installation, with fees varying by locality but falling between $800 and $2,800. Utility hookups represent another substantial expense, covering connections to water, electricity, and sewer or septic systems, costing $6,500 to $30,000 depending on site readiness and distance to existing lines. Installing a well adds $5,000 to $7,000, while a septic system costs $7,000 to $9,000. Site preparation involves clearing, grading, and leveling the land, ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 per acre, or $8,000 to over $50,000 for the project, including specialized foundations.

Beyond these, skirting around the home’s base costs between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the material chosen. Steps or decks for entry add to the expense, costing $30 to $60 per square foot. Sales tax applies to manufactured home purchases, with rates varying across jurisdictions. Ongoing insurance for a manufactured home ranges from $700 to $2,000 annually, influenced by the home’s value, age, and location.

Financing a 5-Bedroom Mobile Home

Financing a 5-bedroom manufactured home involves exploring different loan types. A common option is a chattel loan, which finances the home as personal property, particularly when the land is rented or not included in the purchase. These loans feature higher interest rates, ranging from 5.99% to 12.99%, and shorter repayment terms, from a few years up to 25 years, compared to traditional mortgages. Lenders look for a minimum credit score around 575, with higher scores securing better rates.

For those purchasing a manufactured home with the land, conventional or government-backed mortgage loans may be available. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans can be used for manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, provided the home is permanently affixed to a foundation and meets minimum size requirements of 400 square feet. FHA loans offer lower down payments, as low as 3.5% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher, although mortgage insurance is required.

Veterans Affairs (VA) loans also provide financing for eligible manufactured homes, requiring no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. To qualify for a VA loan, the home must also be built after June 15, 1976, permanently attached to a foundation, classified as real property with the land, and meet minimum size requirements. Borrowers should research various lenders to compare interest rates, loan terms, and credit score requirements to find the financing solution best suited for their individual circumstances.