A Guide to Purchasing a Mobile Home in Alabama

For many people, mobile homes provide a comfortable and budget-friendly path to homeownership. In Alabama, the appeal is even stronger—residents get to enjoy mild weather, beautiful scenery, and an overall lower cost of living. Still, buying a mobile or manufactured home is not quite the same as purchasing a traditional house. There are unique steps, rules, and costs to consider before making the leap.

With the right preparation, however, the process can be smooth and rewarding. Below, we’ll cover the essentials to help you make an informed decision about mobile home living in Alabama.

Explore the Different Styles of Mobile Homes

Not all mobile homes are built the same.

The first step is figuring out what layout and size fit your lifestyle. Alabama buyers typically choose from:

• Single-Wide Homes – A compact option, great for individuals or small families.
• Double-Wide Homes – Popular for their spacious feel and extra rooms.
• Triple-Wide Homes – The largest choice, offering space comparable to many site-built houses.

Consider the number of bedrooms you’ll need, as well as how much room you want for living and storage.

Decide Between New and Pre-Owned

You’ll also want to weigh the pros and cons of new versus used mobile homes:

• Buying New – Provides modern features, updated designs, and warranties, though usually at a higher cost.
• Buying Used – Typically much more affordable, but you’ll need to carefully inspect condition and make sure everything meets safety requirements.

Either way, do your research. Shopping around helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures you land the right home for your budget.

Understand Financing Options

Financing a mobile home isn’t always identical to financing a standard house. In Alabama, many buyers turn to:

• Personal Property Loans (Chattel Loans) – Common when the home is not permanently attached to land.
• Traditional Mortgages – Possible if the home is placed on land you own and classified as real estate.

Mobile homes generally require smaller down payments and lower overall costs, which makes them an appealing choice for first-time buyers or those on tighter budgets.

What to Expect in Terms of Price

Costs vary depending on the type and size of home. On average:

• A site-built home in Alabama can run around $180,000.
• A manufactured or modular home may cost closer to $45 per square foot.

That means a home of about 1,800 square feet might be purchased for roughly $100,000 (not including land or additional upgrades).

Registering Your Home

Once you’ve made your purchase, Alabama law requires registration of most mobile homes within 30 days if you don’t own the land where the home sits.

The process is handled through local authorities and typically involves:

• Obtaining and displaying a decal for your home.
• Confirming whether your dealer handles registration for new purchases.
• Taking responsibility for registration yourself if you buy from a previous owner.

Note: Homes over 20 years old may be exempt from registration requirements, and if you affix your mobile home to land you own, you may need to reclassify it as real estate through the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Final Thoughts

Mobile homes in Alabama must meet state housing standards, including safety and sanitation rules, just like traditional homes. Fortunately, today’s manufactured homes are modern, durable, and full of amenities—often indistinguishable from conventional housing.

If you’ve been considering this step, don’t let outdated misconceptions discourage you. With smart planning, buying a mobile home in Alabama can be an affordable and fulfilling way to secure a place you can truly call your own.