Question:

“I own my own land, and I plan to install a mobile home on it for my retirement. The cost of homes in mobile home communities is much lower than it would be to purchase a new home outright. If I were to purchase a mobile home within a mobile home community, pay for the home in full, and hire a moving company, would I be able to relocate the home to my own land?”

– Michael, (52), resident, Melbourne Beach, FL

Answer:

If you purchase the home from the community and pay for it in full, then as the owner, you should be allowed to do with the home as you please, so long as you abide by the conditions set by the park. That being said, you should be aware that some communities may not give you the option to purchase the home structure from them in the first place.

Many mobile home parks are strictly residential communities and may only offer lease agreements to rent their homes. In any case, you will likely need to speak with park owners directly to see if they are open to the prospect of selling homes from the park. If you are able to negotiate a homeownership settlement, the park owners will likely have their own preconditions regarding the purchase and relocation process.

The community may require advance notice of the intention to purchase and relocate a mobile home. They may also charge transfer fees or administrative fees associated with the purchase and relocation of a mobile home. Additionally, the community may require that the buyer arrange for the disconnection of utilities and infrastructure services from the current lot within the park.

Overview:

  • Some mobile home communities may only offer homes for lease.
  • Buyers will have to comply with the purchase and relocation conditions set by the community.