Florida continues to be one of the top states for manufactured housing due to its affordable land, mild climate, and strong retirement and relocation demand. Whether you’re planning to settle in a coastal town, a quiet inland community, or a bustling urban center like Orlando or Tampa, buying a manufactured home can be a smart and budget-friendly move.
At Capital Home Mortgage, we specialize in helping Floridians find the best loan options to finance their manufactured or mobile homes. In this guide, we’ll explore your top financing choices, loan requirements, and tips for securing competitive rates.
Why Choose a Manufactured Home in Florida?
Before diving into loan programs, it’s worth understanding why manufactured homes are a top choice in the Sunshine State:
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Lower cost per square foot compared to site-built homes
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Faster construction and move-in times
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Flexible placement on owned land, leased land, or in mobile home communities
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Energy-efficient options for Florida’s hot climate
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Ideal for first-time homebuyers, retirees, and seasonal residents
Top Loan Options for Manufactured Homes in Florida
1. FHA Loans for Manufactured Homes
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers some of the most popular manufactured home financing in Florida. These loans are ideal for first-time buyers and those with less-than-perfect credit.
Key Benefits:
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Down payments as low as 3.5%
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Flexible credit requirements
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Available for homes placed on owned or leased land
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Must meet HUD safety and building standards (built after June 15, 1976)
Capital Home Mortgage works with buyers across Florida to secure FHA loans for both single-wide and double-wide manufactured homes.
2. VA Loans for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members
If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, the VA manufactured home loan program offers some of the most favorable terms available.
Highlights:
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$0 down payment
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No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
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Competitive interest rates
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Available for both home-only and home-plus-land purchases
At Capital Home Mortgage, we proudly serve Florida’s veteran community and can guide you through the VA loan process for manufactured homes.
3. USDA Loans for Rural Florida Areas
For homes located in rural or semi-rural areas, the USDA Rural Development Loan is another great option — and it works for many parts of Florida, not just farmland.
Loan Features:
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100% financing (no down payment)
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Lower interest rates
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Income limits apply based on location and household size
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Property must be your primary residence and located in a USDA-eligible area
USDA loans are ideal for buyers looking to settle in less crowded Florida counties while maintaining affordable living costs.
4. Conventional Loans for Manufactured Homes
Conventional mortgages, such as those backed by Fannie Mae (MH Advantage) or Freddie Mac (CHOICEHome), are increasingly available for eligible manufactured homes.
What to Know:
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Require higher credit scores (typically 620+)
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Competitive interest rates for qualified borrowers
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Ideal for buyers with larger down payments
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Some programs allow financing for energy-efficient or upgraded models
Capital Home Mortgage can help determine if your manufactured home qualifies for conventional financing, especially newer homes with permanent foundations.
5. Chattel Loans (Home-Only Financing)
If you’re placing your manufactured home on leased land or in a mobile home park, a chattel loan may be the most appropriate option. These loans treat the home as personal property rather than real estate.
Pros and Cons:
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Faster approval and closing times
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Higher interest rates than traditional mortgages
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Shorter loan terms (often 15–20 years)
While chattel loans are less common, Capital Home Mortgage partners with specialized lenders who offer competitive terms for qualified Florida buyers.
6. One-Time Close Construction Loans for Manufactured Homes
For buyers looking to customize their manufactured home and have it built and delivered, a one-time close construction-to-permanent loan may be ideal.
Advantages:
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Single closing for both construction and permanent financing
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Can be used with FHA, VA, or USDA programs
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Lock in interest rates early
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Saves on closing costs and simplifies paperwork
This is a great solution if you’re buying land and a manufactured home package or building in a new community in Florida. Capital Home Mortgage specializes in one-time close loans throughout the state.
Florida-Specific Manufactured Home Loan Requirements
In Florida, there are a few additional requirements you should be aware of:
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Homes must be HUD-compliant (post-1976 models with HUD tags)
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Permanent foundation must meet state and lender criteria (for real estate loans)
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Flood zone and wind zone regulations apply, especially in coastal counties
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Property must be your primary residence for most government-backed loans
Capital Home Mortgage helps ensure your home meets all Florida-specific requirements to avoid delays in funding.
Tips for Getting Approved for a Florida Manufactured Home Loan
Here are a few tips to increase your chances of approval and secure the best possible loan:
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Check Your Credit Score: Aim for at least 580 for FHA/VA/USDA, and 620+ for conventional.
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Save for a Down Payment: Even low-down-payment loans benefit from more money upfront.
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Work with a Specialist: Manufactured home loans are unique—work with lenders like Capital Home Mortgage who understand the process.
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Get Pre-Approved: Know how much you can borrow before shopping.
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Verify the Home’s Eligibility: Make sure the home is HUD-certified, well-maintained, and properly sited.
Why Choose Capital Home Mortgage?
With years of experience serving Florida homeowners, Capital Home Mortgage offers:
✅ Access to FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and Chattel loan programs
✅ Expertise in manufactured and mobile home financing
✅ Personalized service from licensed loan officers
✅ Fast, simple, and transparent loan process
✅ Coverage across all of Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and rural communities
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a manufactured home in Florida can be one of the smartest real estate decisions—especially when paired with the right loan. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, military veteran, retiree, or investor, Capital Home Mortgage can help you choose the best loan option for your goals.
Ready to get started? Contact Capital Home Mortgage today for a free pre-approval and let us help you make your Florida dream home a reality.
