Finding Affordable Housing: The Single Wide Solution
Let’s talk about one of housing’s best-kept secrets. Used single wide manufactured homes offer a genuine path to homeownership that many folks overlook. If you’re watching your pennies but dreaming of a place to call your own, these homes deserve your attention.
Think of these homes as the smart shopper’s solution. They typically cost between $9,500 and $50,000 depending on their age, condition, and where they’re located—that’s 30-50% less than what you’d pay for a comparable new model. With sizes ranging from 14-16 feet wide and up to 80 feet long (giving you 728-1,216 square feet of living space), these homes offer practical layouts usually featuring 2-3 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms.
Single wides arrive at their destination in one complete section, which makes them simpler and more affordable to deliver and set up than their wider relatives. They represent the budget-friendly champion of manufactured housing, with pre-owned models offering even greater value.
Why This Guide Matters
If you’ve ever felt the housing market wasn’t built for people like you, this guide is your new best friend. While traditional home prices continue their skyward climb, used single wide manufactured homes remain a down-to-earth option for first-time buyers and budget-conscious shoppers.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Manufactured homes typically cost up to half as much per square foot as site-built homes. Choose a quality pre-owned model, and those savings grow even more impressive. For many families we work with, this difference isn’t just about saving money—it’s about changing from renters to owners, building equity instead of padding a landlord’s retirement fund, and finding stability in a housing market that often feels like it’s playing by different rules.
Here at Manufactured Housing Consultants, we’ve helped hundreds of Texas families find quality used single wides that fit both their lifestyle needs and financial realities. We believe everyone deserves a shot at homeownership—regardless of budget constraints or credit history. Sometimes the smartest path isn’t the most expensive one, and a pre-owned single wide manufactured home might just be your ticket to finally having a place to call your own.
We’ve seen the pride in our customers’ eyes when they get those keys. That moment never gets old for us—because affordable housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about dignity, security, and hope for the future.
Understanding Used Single Wide Manufactured Homes
Let’s take a closer look at what used single wide manufactured homes actually are before you start shopping. Understanding these unique dwellings will help you make a confident, informed decision about whether they’re right for your lifestyle and budget.
What Is a Single Wide Manufactured Home?
When you hear “single wide,” we’re talking about a complete home built entirely in a factory and delivered to its final location in one piece. These homes typically measure between 14 and 16 feet wide and stretch up to 80 feet long, giving you anywhere from 728 to 1,216 square feet of living space—plenty of room for comfortable, efficient living!
If you’re wondering about the difference between manufactured homes and mobile homes, it comes down to timing and standards. Manufactured homes were built after June 15, 1976, when the HUD Code revolutionized the industry with strict safety and construction standards. Anything built before that date is technically a “mobile home,” though many folks still use the terms interchangeably.
The beauty of a single wide is its flexibility. As housing pros at Clayton explain, these homes “can be built on pier and beam foundations, crawl spaces, basements or moved by specialized contractors.” This adaptability makes them perfect for various living situations and budgets.
Advantages of Buying Used Single Wides
The savings on used single wide manufactured homes can be truly life-changing. While new models start around $38,999, we’ve helped customers find well-maintained homes from the late 1990s for as little as $9,500—that’s a 30-50% discount compared to buying new!
Beyond the obvious price advantage, used single wides offer some compelling benefits. You’ll enjoy immediate availability instead of waiting months for a new home to be built and delivered. Your property taxes will likely be lower thanks to the reduced assessed value. And if life takes you in a new direction, single wides are generally easier and less expensive to relocate than larger homes.
There’s also something satisfying about making an environmentally friendly choice. By purchasing a pre-owned home, you’re essentially recycling an entire house and reducing demand for new construction materials.
Want to learn more about the benefits of pre-owned manufactured housing? Check out our detailed guide on buying used mobile homes.
Price Range & Key Cost Factors
When budgeting for used single wide manufactured homes, several factors will influence what you’ll pay. The age of the home makes a big difference—expect to pay $20,000-$35,000 for a well-maintained 10-15 year old model, while homes from the 1990s might range from $9,500-$20,000.
Condition matters tremendously. A carefully maintained older home might command a higher price than a newer one that’s been neglected. As one of our dealers often says, “Every trailer I have ever sold, the buyer has always gone in and did paint and carpet”—so factor in at least some basic cosmetic updates to make the space your own.
Size and layout affect pricing too. A spacious 16×80 three-bedroom will naturally cost more than a cozy 14×56 two-bedroom model. And don’t forget about location—the exact same home might sell for $10,000 more in an area with high housing demand.
Homes with premium features like thermal windows, upgraded insulation, and modern appliances will command higher prices, but often save you money in the long run through improved energy efficiency. And if you need to move the home, transport costs typically run $5-$10 per mile—not insignificant for longer distances.
Here’s a quick comparison of what you might expect to pay:
| Year | Size | Bedrooms/Bathrooms | Condition | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 14×76 | 2/2 | Good, needs cosmetic updates | $9,500-$15,000 |
| 2008 | 16×80 | 3/2 | Good, updated appliances | $20,000-$30,000 |
| 2014 | 16×76 | 3/2 | Excellent, modern finishes | $35,000-$50,000 |
These prices reflect just the home itself—not land, delivery, setup, or utility connections.
Buying & Owning Used Single Wide Manufactured Homes
So you’ve decided a used single wide manufactured home might be right for you – fantastic! Now comes the exciting (and yes, sometimes challenging) part of actually buying and setting up your new home. Let’s walk through this journey together, step by step.
Inspection Checklist & Common Repairs
I can’t stress this enough – never skip the inspection when buying a used home! Think of it as your protection against expensive surprises down the road.
When inspecting the exterior, pay special attention to the roof. Those seams where roof sections meet are notorious trouble spots for leaks. Check the siding for any warping or damage, and give all windows and doors a good test to make sure they open, close, and seal properly.
The chassis and frame are literally what your home sits on – look carefully for any rust or bending. As my colleague Mike always says, “A manufactured home is only as good as the frame it sits on.”
Inside, your feet are your best inspection tool! Walk slowly across every inch of flooring, feeling for soft spots that might indicate subfloor rot or damage. This is especially important in bathrooms and around exterior doors where water damage often begins.
Water stains on walls or ceilings are red flags that need investigation. Don’t forget to look under the home at the “belly wrap” – that protective layer that keeps moisture and critters out of your insulation.
Most common repairs we see include:
- Roof repairs ($300-$7,000 depending on severity)
- Subfloor replacement ($500-$2,000)
- Plumbing fixes ($150-$3,000)
- Electrical updates ($200-$3,000)
- HVAC replacement ($1,500-$3,500)
I remember helping Maria find her 2005 single wide last year. The home was perfect except for some soft spots in the kitchen floor. We negotiated $1,800 off the price – exactly what it cost her to replace that section of subfloor. Smart shopping!
For scientific research on moisture control in manufactured housing (the number one cause of problems), check out the valuable resources on the HUD website.
Financing Options for Used Single Wides
Let’s be honest – financing a used single wide manufactured home can be trickier than financing a traditional house, but don’t get discouraged! There are several paths to making your homeownership dream a reality.
Chattel loans are specifically designed for manufactured homes and treat them as personal property rather than real estate. They typically have slightly higher interest rates than conventional mortgages (usually 1-5% higher), but they’re often more accessible for folks with less-than-perfect credit. Terms usually run 15-20 years with down payments between 5-20%.
If you’ll be living in the home as your primary residence, FHA Title I loans might be your ticket. These government-backed loans can finance both the home and lot (up to $69,678 for the home alone) and offer competitive terms up to 20 years.
For those who need quick financing or have credit challenges, personal loans can be a good short-term solution. Yes, the interest rates are higher (7-36%), and terms are shorter (2-7 years), but they can be a stepping stone to homeownership while you build your credit.
Don’t overlook rent-to-own or owner financing arrangements. We’ve helped many families at Manufactured Housing Consultants who thought homeownership was years away because of credit issues. Our FICO Score Improvement Program has been a game-changer for buyers who need a little help getting mortgage-ready.
As Rosa from our financing department loves to say, “It’s not about if you can buy a home – it’s about finding the right path for your situation.”
Want to see what your monthly payments might look like? Try this handy payment calculator tool to play with different numbers. And for more detailed information about financing options, check out our comprehensive mobile home financing page.
Negotiation Tips & How Used Single Wides Hold Value
Let me share a little secret – winter is the best time to buy a used single wide manufactured home. Between November and February, seller motivation tends to increase while buyer competition decreases. I’ve seen customers save thousands simply by shopping during these months.
Before making any offer, do your homework on comparable homes in the area. What are similar homes selling for? How long have they been on the market? This information gives you negotiating power.
Your inspection findings are gold when it comes to negotiation. That leaky roof or aging water heater isn’t just a problem – it’s a negotiation tool. Get actual repair estimates from contractors and present these professionally as justification for price reductions.
One of my favorite negotiation strategies is to focus on value-adding improvements the home needs. Instead of saying “this home has problems,” try “I’ll need to invest in replacing the carpet and repainting throughout.” This approach acknowledges the home’s potential while justifying your lower offer.
Regarding value retention, location is absolutely the biggest factor affecting how well your home will hold its value. Homes in desirable areas with good schools and low crime rates typically maintain better value than identical homes in less desirable locations.
Newer homes (built after 2000) generally depreciate more slowly than older models. And here’s something important to remember – homes placed on land you own typically hold value much better than those in rental communities.
Well-maintained homes with documented service records and energy-efficient features also command higher resale values. As manufactured housing quality continues to improve, we’re seeing changing trends in depreciation. Some well-located, well-maintained manufactured homes are even appreciating in value – something almost unheard of twenty years ago!
For a deeper dive into resale value considerations, check out our guide on mobile home resale value.
Where to Find Used Single Wide Manufactured Homes
Ready to start your search? Let me point you toward the best hunting grounds for finding quality used single wide manufactured homes.
Online marketplaces have revolutionized manufactured home shopping. MHVillage is the largest specialized marketplace for these homes, while Facebook Marketplace often features great local listings with detailed photos. Craigslist can yield gems, but you need to check frequently – good deals disappear within hours. Even traditional real estate sites like Zillow and Trulia are increasingly listing manufactured homes.
Bank repossessions represent some of the best values in the market. These homes are typically priced 20-40% below market value, though they’re usually sold “as-is” and require thorough inspection. At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we regularly offer bank repo homes at substantial discounts. Learn more about these opportunities on our bank repo manufactured homes page.
Local dealers like us offer pre-screened inventory, financing assistance, delivery and setup services, warranties, and transparent pricing. We take pride in helping buyers through every step of the process, not just the sale.
Don’t overlook estate sales and auctions, which can yield significant bargains. Just be sure to research the title status carefully before bidding – you don’t want to inherit someone else’s problems!
Manufactured home communities often maintain listings of homes for sale within their parks, and some offer their own financing programs. The advantage here is that you’re buying a home that’s already set up, eliminating those costs.
Finally, the power of word-of-mouth cannot be overstated. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a manufactured home. Join local social media groups focused on housing. Talk to maintenance workers at manufactured home communities. Some of the best deals never make it to public listings!
I remember helping a young couple who found their perfect home through a chance conversation at a laundromat. They were chatting with an elderly gentleman who mentioned his sister needed to sell her late husband’s manufactured home. That conversation saved them over $8,000 on a beautiful, well-maintained home that never hit the market.
Conclusion
Here at Manufactured Housing Consultants, we don’t just sell homes—we guide you through every step of this exciting journey. Our lowest price guarantee means exactly what it says: you’ll never overpay for your home. We’re particularly proud of our specialized financing options, including our exclusive FICO Score Improvement Program that has helped countless credit-challenged buyers achieve their homeownership dreams when other doors were closed to them.
Ready to take the next step toward affordable homeownership? Our team at Manufactured Housing Consultants is standing by to help you explore our current inventory of quality used single wides available for delivery throughout Texas. From your first curious inquiry to the day you get your keys, we’ll be right there with you, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
For even more detailed information about single wide options and specifications, check out our comprehensive guide to single wide mobile homes.
With the right guidance and a thoughtful approach, your path to affordable homeownership through a used single wide manufactured home can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. We’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours turn this possibility into reality—and we’d love to help you next.