Manufactured Homes Could Gain a Bigger Role in Affordable Housing
The change could cut $5,000 to $10,000 from each home and make it easier to build two-story and multifamily units, experts said.
- The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, passed this summer, removed a 1974 mandate requiring manufactured homes to be built on a nonremovable steel chassis, aiming to unlock thousands of affordable housing options nationwide.
- Mandatory steel frames historically limited design flexibility and hindered stacking of units, while restrictive zoning policies and stigma surrounding manufactured housing prevented development in many communities.
- Experts estimate removing the chassis could reduce construction costs by $5,000 to $10,000 per home. UMH Properties chairman Eugene Landy called the change "a very, very important development" for expanding affordable housing.
- States must certify by July 11, 2027, that they treat all manufactured homes equally regardless of chassis status. North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have already modernized their definitions to align with federal codes.
- More than 30 states must still update their housing definitions to comply with the federal framework, though The Pew Charitable Trusts warn that local zoning resistance remains a significant barrier to expansion.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Royal Examiner
Pharos-TribuneCheaper Manufactured Homes Could Be Having a Moment, If Only States Can Catch Up
For decades, manufactured home builders have been working to shed the old image of boxy trailer homes reserved for the outskirts of cities and suburbia. Now, a small change in federal regulations could open the door for architecture welcomed in more neighborhoods. This summer’s sweeping housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, removed
Cheaper manufactured homes could be having a moment, if only states can catch up • Washington State Standard
For decades, manufactured home builders have been working to shed the old image of boxy trailer homes reserved for the outskirts of cities and suburbia. Now, a small change in federal regulations could open the door for architecture welcomed in more neighborhoods. This summer’s sweeping housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, removed […]
Duncan Banner
Reporter.netOklahoma Voice: Cheaper manufactured homes could be having a moment, if only states can catch up
For decades, manufactured home builders have been working to shed the old image of boxy trailer homes reserved for the outskirts of cities and suburbia. Now, a small change in federal regulations could open the door for architecture welcomed in…
Manufactured homes could gain a bigger role in affordable housing
A change in federal housing regulations could expand the role of manufactured homes in addressing the nation’s affordable housing shortage, creating new opportunities for homebuilders, real estate developers and manufactured-housing operators, Stateline reports. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act eliminated a 1974 requirement that manufactured homes be built on a permanent steel frame, or […]
Cheaper manufactured homes could be having a moment, if only states can catch up • West Virginia Watch
For decades, manufactured home builders have been working to shed the old image of boxy trailer homes reserved for the outskirts of cities and suburbia. Now, a small change in federal regulations could open the door for architecture welcomed in more neighborhoods.
Cheaper manufactured homes could be having a moment, if only states can catch up • Rhode Island Current
For decades, manufactured home builders have been working to shed the old image of boxy trailer homes reserved for the outskirts of cities and suburbia. Now, a small change in federal regulations could open the door for architecture welcomed in more neighborhoods. This summer’s sweeping housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, removed […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
