What Is Manufactured Home?
A manufactured home is built entirely in a factory to federal HUD code, then transported to its site on a permanent chassis — distinct from a modular home, which is built to local building codes.
Why it matters
Financing, appraisal, and resale value for manufactured homes work differently than site-built homes, and some conventional loan programs treat them separately or restrict them.
Manufactured Home vs. Modular Home
Built entirely in a factory to federal HUD code, on a permanent chassis — financing and appraisal typically work differently than site-built homes.
Built in sections in a factory to the same local/state building codes as a site-built home, then assembled on a permanent foundation.
Because modular homes meet the same codes as traditional construction, they generally finance and appreciate more like site-built homes than manufactured homes do.
Related Terms
More Owning Terms
This definition is provided for general educational purposes and is not financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Verify important decisions with appropriately qualified professionals.
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