Buying a Manufactured Home on Land in Oregon: What Coastal Buyers Need to Know
- Alexandra Starrett
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
Affordable housing along the Oregon Coast is still possible, especially if you are open to buying a manufactured home on land or placing a new one on acreage. Manufactured homes can offer excellent value without sacrificing financing options or long-term equity. However, there is a lot of confusion, especially when it comes to financing, land requirements, and the legal difference between homes in parks and homes on real property.
As a REALTOR® experienced in both land sales and manufactured home transactions on the Oregon Coast, I help buyers navigate this process. Here is what you need to know before you get started.
Manufactured Home on Land vs. Mobile Home Park: Big Difference
Many buyers do not realize there are two completely separate types of manufactured home ownership.
A manufactured home on its own land is treated as real property, which means it can be financed and insured like a traditional home—giving you more long-term security and equity potential.
Built After 1976? Then It Meets HUD Standards
Manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976 meet national HUD construction and safety standards. These homes qualify for:
FHA loans (low down payment)
VA loans (for qualified veterans)
USDA rural development loans (often 0% down)
Conventional loans
You’ll find these homes throughout Tillamook County, Astoria, Nehalem, Bay City, Seaside, and most of Oregon. As long as the home has HUD tags and a permanent foundation, it can be financed just like a stick-built home.
Do Manufactured Homes Lose Value?
That is one of the biggest myths in real estate. While older homes in mobile home parks may depreciate, manufactured homes on land appreciate similarly to stick-built homes. Why? Because land appreciates, and the home is taxed and treated as real property. Appreciation depends on:
Location (coastal land remains in high demand)
Condition and maintenance
Site improvements (shop, garage, deck, utilities)
Foundation type
Market trends
In short: if you own the land and treat the home as real estate, it can be a strong long-term investment.
Manufactured Home Financing Options
How you finance a manufactured home depends on whether you are buying land and home together or adding a manufactured home to land you already own.
✅ Option 1: Buying Land + New Manufactured Home Together
This requires a construction loan (also called a land/home package loan). This is a special type of conventional loan that finances:✔ The land✔ The home✔ Site prep (utilities, foundation, permits, delivery). You can buy raw land or a manufactured home on land that needs to be replaced.
✅ Option 2: Already Own Land?
If you already own land, you can:
Use a chattel loan to finance just the manufactured home (as low as 5% down), or
Convert it to real property later by placing it on a permanent foundation
✅ Option 3: Buy an Existing Manufactured Home on Land
This is the simplest. If the home already sits on land and is attached to a permanent foundation, it can be financed with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans.
Benefits of Manufactured Homes on Land
Lower purchase price than stick-built homes
Quick timeline to move-in
FHA, VA, USDA loan options available
Rural and coastal zoning often allows them
Large lots and acreage opportunities
Can build a garage, shop, or barn
Excellent housing option for multi-generational families
For Oregon Coast buyers in Tillamook, Nehalem, Astoria, and beyond, manufactured homes make country living much more affordable.
Important Things to Check Before You Buy Land
Whether you plan to buy land or already own it, make sure you confirm:
✅ Zoning allows manufactured homes
✅ Septic and well feasibility (or city services)
✅ Utility access and cost to connect
✅ Foundation type and permits
✅ Floodplain or coastal erosion hazards
✅ Title status (to make sure it can be financed)
This is where working with a real estate professional who understands land AND manufactured homes (me!) really matters.
Ready to Explore Manufactured Home Options on the Oregon Coast?
If you want to:
Buy land and add a manufactured home
Buy a manufactured home already on acreage
Replace an older manufactured home with a new one
Get clear on financing options
Learn about Tillamook County zoning and land feasibility
I can guide you through it step-by-step.
Start Here, Free Strategy Call
I help buyers plan smart manufactured home purchases from land to keys. Want help creating a plan for your situation?
About the Author
Alexandra Starrett (she/her)
Licensed Real Estate Broker – Oregon & Washington
Starrett Realty Group Brokered by Keller Williams Sunset Corridor
Experienced in Land + Manufactured Home Sales | Oregon Coast and Statewide
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