In the current market, home prices seem to be constantly escalating, reaching unheard of highs, and that includes mobile and manufactured homes as well. Mobile homes have traditionally been more attainable housing. This makes them attractive to first-time homebuyers and seniors who have sold their site-built homes with extraordinary appreciation and are able to pay cash for a manufactured home and put money into savings or other investments.
Prices of all forms of housing always depend on the location. The same manufactured home located in a beach city will sell for more than if it was located inland. Some older mobile homes are selling for more than new manufactured homes – again, typically because of the desirable location.
Santiago Financial tracks the sales of manufactured housing. Reviewing some of the sales in the city of Corona’s mobile home parks shows some extraordinary appreciation in value. As an example, a 1990 Skyline double-wide, 33+ year old mobile home that originally sold for $70,000 sold for $125,000 in 2023. Another example is a 44 year old, 1983 Baron mobile home that originally sold for $39,393 sold for $225,000 in February 2025. That is incredible appreciation. A new manufactured home can be purchased for the same price.
Clearly in this market, buying a home for $125,000 or $225,000 is attainable and affordable. Purchasers of mobile homes have to qualify to live in the park just like qualifying to buy a stick-built home or condominium. Typically, the family income must be at least three times the total of the housing expenses including rent and mortgage, if there is one.
