Who it is for
- Buyers placing a mobile home on their own land
- Park-lot buyers who need chattel financing
- Borrowers using FHA Title I for a home not permanently affixed
- First-time buyers prioritizing the lowest monthly payment
Typical Mobile Home Loans requirements
| Affixed to owned land | Often eligible for conventional/FHA/VA mortgages, like a manufactured home |
|---|---|
| In a park (not affixed) | Typically chattel loan: 10–25 year terms, higher rates |
| FHA Title I | Finances the home alone (or home + lot) without permanent foundation; loan limits apply |
| Down payment | Often 5–10% for real-property loans; 10–20%+ for chattel |
| Minimum credit | Typically 620+ for mortgage programs; chattel lenders vary widely |
| Age and condition rules | Many lenders limit the model year and require the home to be in good condition |
Figures are typical market ranges as of October 2026. Actual terms depend on the lender, your credit, the property and the program, and are confirmed on your Loan Estimate or term sheet.
How it works
- Determine how the home will sit: affixed to your land, or in a park on a leased lot.
- If affixed, we check manufactured-home mortgage eligibility: permanent foundation, no wheels/axles, HUD data plate.
- If not affixed, we route to chattel or FHA Title I programs that finance the home as personal property.
- The lender verifies the home’s age, condition and titling (real property vs vehicle title).
- Close, timelines are often faster than traditional mortgages for chattel loans.
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Pros and cons
Advantages
- Lowest-cost path to homeownership in many markets
- Faster closings than traditional mortgages for chattel
- Affixed homes on owned land get real mortgage terms
Trade-offs
- Chattel loans carry higher rates and shorter terms
- Mobile homes generally depreciate, unlike site-built homes
- Fewer lenders; some will not finance older units or park lots
Documents you’ll need
- Proof of land ownership or park lease
- HUD data plate / manufacturer certificate
- Title or certificate of origin
- Standard income, asset and ID documentation
- Foundation certification if permanently affixed
Mobile Home Loans FAQ
Can I get a regular mortgage on a mobile home?
Yes, if it is permanently affixed to land you own, with the wheels and axles removed, a permanent foundation, and a HUD data plate. Then it is treated as a manufactured home for lending.
What is a chattel loan?
A loan secured by the home itself as personal property, like a car loan, rather than by real estate. Terms are shorter (often 10–25 years) and rates are higher than mortgages.
What is FHA Title I?
An FHA program that insures loans for manufactured and mobile homes, including homes not permanently affixed. It opens financing to buyers the conventional market often skips.
Can I finance a mobile home in a park?
Yes, usually with a chattel loan, as long as you have a lease for the lot. The lot lease term matters: many lenders want several years remaining.
Do mobile homes appreciate?
Generally they depreciate like vehicles unless the land underneath appreciates. Buy for the affordable housing payment, not the investment.
How is this different from a manufactured home loan?
“Manufactured home” is the post-1976 HUD-code standard. A mobile home that meets those standards and is permanently affixed usually qualifies as a manufactured home for mortgage purposes, our manufactured home page covers that path.
What are typical chattel loan terms?
Usually 10-25 years with rates several points above mortgages. A $80,000 chattel loan at 9% over 20 years runs about $720 per month.
Can I move a mobile home after financing it?
Moving a financed home is complicated and often restricted by the loan terms. Most lenders require the home to stay where the loan was underwritten.
What lot rent should I expect in a park?
Varies wildly by market, $300-$1,000+ per month is common in Florida. Lot rent is on top of your loan payment, so factor both into your budget.
Official sources
How Mobile Home Loans compare
| Mobile Home Loans | Manufactured & Mobile Home Loans | FHA Loans | First-Time Homebuyer Loans | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Buyers placing a mobile home on their own land | Buyers purchasing a manufactured home with land as real property | First-time buyers | Renters ready to buy |
| Down payment | Often 5–10% for real-property loans; 10–20%+ for chattel | FHA from 3.5%; conventional from 5%; VA 0% where eligible; chattel varies | , | 0% VA, 3% conventional, 3.5% FHA |
| Credit | Typically 620+ for mortgage programs; chattel lenders vary widely | , | 580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 with 10% down | , |
| Income docs | , | , | , | , |
Typical ranges, your Loan Estimate or term sheet confirms actual terms.
Coming soon: a 2-minute walkthrough from our loan team.
Related programs
Manufactured & Mobile Home Loans
Manufactured homes can be financed like site-built homes when they meet agency standards, or with chattel and personal-property loans when they do not.
FHA Loans
An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that allows 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579.
First-Time Homebuyer Loans
First-time homebuyer loans are mortgage options with low down payments, typically 3% conventional, 3.5% FHA or $0 VA, often paired with state or local down payment assistance.