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Manufactured homes

Manufactured homes are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, not only within land lease communities but also as a real option for residential housing – particularly in regional areas.

These architecturally designed houses can be manufactured to suit any site and any budget and are in high demand because of their innovative and appealing designs, sustainable features, use of quality materials, durability and ease of onsite installation.

The Australian manufactured housing industry is now very advanced with major improvements in prefabrication processes and materials, a strong emphasis on homes which maximise light, space and energy efficiency, and the incorporation of many hi-tech features.

The homes are also larger and more luxurious than earlier manufactured homes. Design and fittings can include marble bathrooms, wood flooring, insulated roofs and walls, spacious rooms, decks, verandas, garages, solar heating and even vertical gardens.

How to buy a manufactured home

Those considering a move into a land lease community as a retirement option should first consider which community they would like to live in. Some communities have a mix of new and older style manufactured housing.

However, there are also many new communities springing up which closely resemble up-market housing estates or resorts.

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Buying a New Home

New or recently refurbished land lease communities offer prospective residents the opportunity to buy a ‘package’ that includes the purchase of a new house and the site rental.

Residents are able to customise a new home to fit their selected site which means they can choose from a range of designs and specify everything from the number rooms, the floor plan, exteriors, wall finishes, colour scheme, floor coverings, bathroom fittings and appliances.

Many land lease communities also have new homes that have already been erected on site. It’s just a matter of choosing the one you like and making the purchase either through the operator, the existing home owner or direct from the home manufacturer.
Buying a ‘Pre-Loved’ Home

Usually operators also coordinate the sales and site inspections of ‘pre-loved’ homes. These can be latest designs or sometimes older, cottage style dwellings. They are usually cheaper than similar sized and equipped new homes in a similar locality and are often in demand because of their established gardens and desirable locations within the community. Many communities promote pre-loved homes for sale on their websites on behalf of home owners It is advisable to book an inspection in advance. Some home owners also promote and sell their homes via local real estate agents, in which case buyer contact will be through the agent.

Standard Inclusions*
- A wide range of designs and floor plans which buyers can choose from
- Delivery to an accessible site (within 100kms)
- Installation, including steel piers or concrete blocks up to 600m
- Colorbond roof and outside wall cladding
- Insulation to walls and ceiling and painted gyprock walls to all rooms
- Bathroom tiles and gloss vanity with porcelain basin, dual flush toilet suite and exhaust fan, age appropriate handrails and fixtures
- Stainless steel double bowl kitchen sink with mixer taps
- Electric stove with range hood & gas hot water heater
- Built in robes with shelving
*Example only there may be some variations offered by manufacturers
Optional Inclusions*
- Preparation of plans and certificates for Council application
- Customised design plans
- Decks other than shown on plan
- Insurances and levies
- Skirting around perimeter of house to conceal foundations/crawl spaces
- On site connections (plumbing and electrical)
- Site preparation fee
- Council fees (if applicable)
- Crane (if required for installation)
*Example only there may be some variations offered by manufacturers

Things to consider

New home owners moving to a land lease community are generally looking to downsize so that they don’t have to clean or maintain a large house and property. So the size of the house and whether it is single or multi-storey needs to be considered.
The look of the home is also important – weatherboard is popular but many new homes are also moving to rendered outside finishes.
In terms of budget it’s a good idea to review the appliance packages offered by home manufacturers and to make provision for any additional items you may have to purchase after construction – such as televisions, washing machines; other appliances and fittings.

Financing a manufactured home

Most people who buy a manufactured home pay for them from funds released by downsizing from a traditional bricks and mortar family home.

The advantage for home owners is that they can buy a new manufactured home and move to a land lease community at a lower price than if they were to downsize and buy another ‘bricks and mortar’ property.

The difference is that with a manufactured home you are only buying the home, and do not have to also pay for the land. This means that if all your capital is tied up in the family home you can sell, move to new house in a desirable community and still have funds you realised from selling your home, to fund your retirement.

If you require assistance to purchase your home, you may be able to obtain finance through a bank or another lender. It is important to remember that since there is no conveyance in the land (the legal process of transferring property from one owner to another) you will not have access to a traditional mortgage. Instead you will have the option of a secured or unsecured personal loan.