Manufactured homes are classified as personal property unless they are permanently affixed to the land, which then may change their classification to real property. This classification is largely due to the nature of manufactured homes, which are typically movable and not fixed to the land in the same way that traditional homes are.
The distinction is important in real estate because personal property is generally treated differently than real property in terms of taxes, financing, and legal considerations. Unless a manufactured home is placed on a foundation and the owner has taken steps to convert it to real property (such as obtaining a certificate of title conversion), it remains classified as personal property. This classification also affects how manufactured homes are bought, sold, and financed, with personal property loans typically having different terms compared to real estate mortgages.
Understanding the classification helps in navigating the specifics of property law and ensuring compliance with various regulations that apply to each type of property.