The numbers
Manufactured homes provide one of the most affordable paths to homeownership in the United States, particularly for families with low- and moderate-incomes. As of 2024, Maine is home to 61,563 manufactured homes, which represent 8.3% of the state’s housing stock. This growing trend highlights the importance of manufactured housing in addressing the state’s housing needs.
Between 2018 and 2024, a total of 5,235 borrowers in Maine obtained either a mortgage or a personal property loan to purchase a manufactured home as their primary residence. Of these, 73% (3,833) secured a mortgage, while 27% (1,402) opted for a home-only personal property loan. This data underscores the increasing reliance on manufactured homes as a viable option for homeownership in the state.
In Maine, manufactured homes are typically titled as personal property, similar to automobiles. This classification can limit the consumer protections available to borrowers compared to those who secure traditional mortgages. For instance, personal property loan borrowers do not enjoy the same level of consumer protections as mortgage borrowers, which raises concerns about the financial security of these homeowners.
Interestingly, 98% of borrowers who owned their land directly obtained a mortgage, indicating a strong correlation between land ownership and the ability to secure favorable financing options. In contrast, in neighboring New Hampshire, manufactured homes automatically transition to real estate once they are connected to utilities, providing a different framework for homeowners.
Maine’s conversion process allows owners of manufactured homes who also own their land to convert their personal property titling to ownership as real property. However, this process requires multiple documents, including the original title certificate and a legal description of the home, which can be cumbersome for some homeowners.
Historically, manufactured homes have improved in quality over the past few decades, yet regulatory policies have not kept pace and are due for modernization. Maine’s definition of manufactured homes includes older mobile homes made before federal building standards were adopted, which could complicate the housing landscape further.
As the demand for affordable homes continues to rise, observers expect that Maine’s manufactured home titling laws may need to be improved to expand eligibility for homeowners and buyers who do not own their land. President Nygren emphasized the importance of addressing housing concerns, stating, “We want families to know we hear their concerns.” He added, “These visits remind us that housing is about more than buildings,” highlighting the broader implications of housing policies on communities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential legislative changes, but the ongoing discussions around manufactured housing and its role in the housing market indicate a significant shift in how affordable homes are perceived and financed in Maine.
