How Long is the Expected Lifespan of a Manufactured Home?

From first-time homebuyers to retirees, manufactured homes are excellent properties for many Americans. They’re affordable, durable, and include the same conveniences and amenities as traditional or “stick-built” houses - and they last for decades. Since manufactured homes are built in a controlled factory environment, the raw materials are not exposed to the natural elements before they’re ready, unlike site-built homes which are exposed to any rain and wind for the duration of their construction, enhancing their longevity.

But if you’re thinking about buying, you might wonder exactly how long a manufactured home lasts and how you can make it last even longer? Today, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more.

What is the Lifespan of a Manufactured Home?

All manufactured homes built after 1976 adhere to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HUD Code, which outlines construction requirements for modern manufactured houses. Thanks to these regulations, manufactured homes are built to the same quality standards as many single-family homes.

Therefore, you can expect a manufactured home to have about the same lifespan as a site-built house. They’re made with the same materials, processes, and safety considerations. Of course, there can be variations in lifespan due to factors like the weather, environmental hazards, and how well an owner treats their property.

What Factors Affect Manufactured Home Lifespan?

Like other real estate, a manufactured home’s life expectancy is impacted by several factors. These include:

• Building material and construction quality. Manufactured homes made with sturdy materials and constructed according to the HUD building codes will last longer than homes made with subpar materials or that are built without the right protocols.
• Location. The land a house is built on affects the strength and longevity of its foundation, as well as its exposure to potentially hazardous environmental effects or natural disasters.
• Owner maintenance. Once someone buys a manufactured home, it’s their responsibility to maintain it as the years go by. The better an owner maintains their manufactured house, the longer it will last for themselves or any future owners.

How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last vs. Stick-Built Homes?

Stick-built houses also last for 50 years or more, with actual lifespans varying depending on the quality of their construction, their location, and how well their owners maintain their properties.

In other words, the life expectancy of a manufactured home is about the same as a site-built property – and manufactured home lifespans may even increase as better materials and construction methods are developed in the future.

Can Manufactured Home Value Increase?

Absolutely. Like traditional houses, manufactured homes can appreciate in value, especially if their owners maintain them well and make positive additions or renovations to their properties. Property appreciation is driven by the quality of the real estate and the location, so a manufactured home in a great neighborhood is likely to increase in value just like any other home nearby.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s official data, manufactured homes appreciate a little more slowly than site-built homes. Though the FHFA’s manufactured home data sets are still experimental and only track prices up to 2018 instead of 2024, it’s clear that prices for manufactured homes do consistently rise alongside those of traditional houses.

How to Increase the Life Expectancy of a Manufactured Home

Like any other kind of property, how well you maintain a manufactured home directly impacts its life expectancy. If you already own a manufactured home or are thinking of buying one in the near future, you should keep these things in mind – they could help your home last for much longer than 50 years under the right circumstances.

Repair Minor Damage Quickly

It’s natural for wear and tear to accrue over time. Small damage, like marks on the walls, missing shingles, and other minor blemishes, will eventually accumulate no matter what. But as a manufactured homeowner, it's in your best interest to repair those small damages sooner rather than later. Minor damage often exposes a manufactured home’s understructure or insulation, which can lead to greater damage accruing as time goes on.

The roof is a good example. One missing shingle isn't a big deal. However, that missing shingle can expose the lower layers of your roof; the next time it rains, the shingle gap could allow water to damage your roof much more severely than if the shingle was already fixed..

Ultimately, take immediate steps to fix small issues with your manufactured home as soon as you can. You'll save yourself time and money in the long run.

Maintain Your Home

It’s also wise to practice regular home maintenance in general, not just when you spot signs of wear and tear. For instance:

• Clear your home’s gutters of debris and ice
• Check window frames, doors, and siding for signs of paint chipping or sealant wearing away
• Clear your HVAC vents of dust and pollen for fresher air and greater energy efficiency

Maintaining your home makes it more comfortable to live in, makes it less likely that your manufactured home will experience major damage, and will boost its value in the future – all while improving its lifespan.

Order Regular Inspections

Lastly, schedule regular inspections for your manufactured home’s major areas and systems. For example, you should hire contractors for an annual roof inspection to check for missing shingles and other damage. Biannual HVAC system inspections are also wise, especially if you run your AC or heater frequently.

Regular inspections are beneficial because trained contractors can often catch issues that the average person might miss. Even better, they’re equipped to make repairs or recommendations for solving any problems. Inspections are key to increasing the life expectancy of your manufactured home if you plan to live in it for decades to come.

Find a Manufactured Home to Last for Years to Come

All in all, manufactured home lifespans are comparable to those of traditional houses, cementing them as great choices for prospective homebuyers. If you’re ready to buy a manufactured home, you just need the right financing provider.

21st Mortgage is America’s No. 1 manufactured and mobile home lender, specializing in accessible financing offers. Our loan officers have the knowledge, expertise, and commitment to connect you to the perfect loan for your needs – get in touch with us today to get started!