Looking to buy real estate can be overwhelming in any market, but this is often especially true in Florida, depending on the economy. Arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible before purchasing land for your manufactured home allows you to feel empowered to make the right choice. When it comes to determining a home site for your manufactured home, the more you know before you shop, the happier you will be long-term.
There are many factors to consider when deciding what land works best as your manufactured home in Florida. Prestige Home Centers has helped families like yours throughout the manufactured home purchasing process for over 30 years, so we know your land options and can help you find the right choice for you and your new home.
The 3 Land Options for Manufactured Homes in Florida
One of the first things to consider when on the hunt for land for your manufactured home is whether or not you want to be part of a manufactured home community or if you’d like to own your own land. Cost can be a deciding factor here, as some communities charge fees such as homeowners’ association fees that can make your land cost a little more in the long run.
1. Owned Land
If you decide to purchase land to put your manufactured home on, you have to be knowledgeable about any relevant zoning laws, utility hookup regulations, or restrictive covenants in place. In Florida, zoning for manufactured homes is typically within single-family residential areas. However, some towns and cities may restrict manufactured homes to specific communities or areas of land. It’s important to look up the zoning ordinances of your area before shopping for land to avoid complications in this process.
If you buy a manufactured home from a reputable seller, you shouldn’t run into any issues with meeting building regulations—in fact, all manufactured homes are built to stricter standards put in place by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Plus, a reputable seller, like Prestige Home Centers, can help you determine the best land for you and help you navigate the zoning requirements for your new home.
2. Community Land
Another manufactured home land option is on a homesite in a land-lease community. This choice is more convenient, as the company that oversees the development is tasked with worrying about permitting and ordinance compliance, as well as utilities and land preparation. While you may think of these communities as retiree neighborhoods, there are many manufactured home communities in Florida that are welcoming to all ages!
3. Home and Land
The least difficult choice is to buy a manufactured home already on a site in a planned community. Buying a manufactured home already situated on land takes the responsibility of utilities and other aspects off your shoulders. See how you can enjoy a single home and land package during your homebuying journey through our guide here!
Factors to Consider When Looking for Land
Questions to ask yourself when looking for manufactured home land include the following.
- What is the topography of the land, and will there need to be a lot of fill dirt brought in?
- Are there any structures currently on the property that will need to be torn down before I can place my manufactured home on it?
- What sort of environment do I want to live in?
- What part of the county do I want to live in?
- Is the property in a flood zone?
Once you have determined these things, make sure the land you look at is also right for you in the following ways.
Size
The size of your land should be big enough for your manufactured home. Your home cannot fill your entire lot, so you have to know the size of the setbacks, front, sides, and rear. The front setback is usually the biggest. If you bought your land first, let your manufactured home seller know, and we can help you find a home that fits your space. But if you’re buying a manufactured home first, we can help you determine the minimum amount of square feet of land you’ll need to look for.
Utilities
If your land is in a remote or underdeveloped location, Florida land prep regulations require you set up your own utilities there. This will cost money, typically around $6,500 to $30,000, depending on the complexity, and requires being mindful of the time this may add to your home installation. Utilities are usually easier to install in manufactured home communities as they typically have the hookups readily accessible.
Zoning
Ensure the zoning ordinances and land use restrictions allow a manufactured home to be placed on the land before purchasing. These laws cannot only affect whether you can put a manufactured home on a site, but could also dictate how large the home can be. These restrictions can change from city to city, so make sure to find the specific zoning and land restrictions that your town has in place.
Experience the Prestige Difference for Your Manufactured Home
When it comes to finding the perfect land for your manufactured home, Prestige Home Centers is your partner for the entire process. With expert guidance and in-house financing all the way through delivery and installation, we are on your side.
We will even negotiate contractor bids for your septic, well, and electrical needs, coordinate the home inspection at move-in, and help you obtain your Certificate of Occupancy, making the experience as straightforward and enjoyable as we can for you. Whatever land you choose, you can rest assured that you will love your new manufactured home and have the Prestige team on your side at every step.