You've heard the stories. Maybe from a friend. Maybe on the news.
A family buys a manufactured home. They settle into their community. Then one day, a letter arrives. The park has been sold. Rent is going up. Way up.
It's a real concern. And you're smart to ask about it before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.
Let's talk about what's really happening with mobile home parks being bought out. More importantly, let's talk about how you can protect yourself.
Yes, Buyouts Are Really Happening
Here's the truth. Big investment companies are buying mobile home parks across the country.
This isn't just a rumor. The numbers tell the story.
Between 2017 and 2019, large investors bought about 13% of all manufactured home parks. By 2020 and 2021, that number jumped to 23%. Today, 23 private equity firms own more than 1,800 parks in the United States.
That's a big shift in a short time.
For decades, most mobile home parks were owned by local families or small businesses. They knew their residents by name. They kept rent reasonable.
Now, things are changing fast.
Why Do Investors Want These Parks?
You might wonder why big companies want to buy mobile home parks. The answer is simple. Money.
Here's why these parks are so attractive to investors:
Moving is expensive. It costs around $5,000 to move a manufactured home. That's if you can move it at all. Many older homes can't be relocated safely.
Residents stay put. Because moving is so hard, most people stay even when rent goes up. Investors know this.
Demand is high. Affordable housing is hard to find. More people need it every year. That means parks stay full.
Land is valuable. In growing areas, the land under a park can be worth millions. Some investors buy parks just to eventually close them and build something else.
When you understand these reasons, you can see why residents worry.
What Happens After a Buyout?
Not every buyout leads to trouble. Some new owners run parks well. They invest in improvements. They treat residents fairly.
But that's not always the case.
Studies show that eviction filings can increase by 40% in the months after a park is sold. Rent often rises sharply. Maintenance sometimes suffers as new owners try to cut costs.
The worst cases make headlines. Families forced out. Communities destroyed. Lifetime investments lost.
These stories are scary. But they don't have to be your story.
How to Choose a Community That Protects Your Investment
The good news? You have choices. And with the right questions, you can find a community that gives you peace of mind.
Here's what to look for:
Look at Ownership History
Find out who owns the park. How long have they owned it? Have they sold other parks recently?
A locally owned community with deep roots is often more stable. Owners who live nearby and have owned the property for years are less likely to sell suddenly.
Ask directly. Good owners are happy to share this information.
Check the Rent History
Ask about rent increases over the past five years. Small, predictable increases are normal. Big jumps or frequent changes are warning signs.
A stable community keeps rent fair. They give residents time to plan and budget.
Read the Lease Carefully
Your lease is your protection. Read every word before you sign.
Look for:
- How much notice must you receive before rent increases?
- What reasons can they use to end your lease?
- How long is your lease term?
- What are your rights if the park is sold?
A strong lease protects you even if ownership changes.
Research State Protections
Some states have laws that help manufactured home residents. Only 22 states require advance notice before a park is sold.
Other protections vary by state:
- Some states give residents the right to buy their park before outside investors can.
- Some states limit how much rent can increase each year.
- Some states restrict evictions to specific situations.
Know what protections exist where you live.
Look at the Community Itself
Visit the park. Walk around. Talk to residents if you can.
Are the roads in good shape? Are common areas clean? Do people seem happy?
A well-maintained community usually means ownership that cares. Neglect often signals problems.
Trust your gut feeling when you visit.
Why Stability Matters for Your Investment
Manufactured homes can be great investments. But that depends on where you put your home.
Your home sits on rented land. If that rent doubles, your investment suffers. If you're forced to move, you could lose everything.
That's why choosing the right community matters as much as choosing the right home.
A stable community lets your investment grow. You build equity. You build a life. You have security.
An unstable community puts all of that at risk.
What Makes Piney Woods Different
At Piney Woods Manufactured Home Community, we understand these concerns. We hear them every day from families just like yours.
Here's what we want you to know.
We're not going anywhere. Our roots run deep in this community. We're committed to providing affordable, quality housing for families who need it.
We believe in fair, predictable costs. No surprise rent hikes. No hidden fees. Just honest pricing that lets you plan your future.
We invest in our community. Clean streets. Safe neighborhoods. Friendly neighbors. These things matter to us because they matter to you.
We're here when you have questions. Buying a manufactured home is a big decision. We're happy to walk you through every step. We want you to feel confident in your choice.
Questions to Ask Any Community Before You Buy
Before you commit to any manufactured home community, ask these questions:
- Who owns this park and how long have they owned it?
- What has the rent history been over the past five years?
- Are there any plans to sell the park?
- What does the lease say about rent increases and evictions?
- What improvements have been made recently?
- Can I talk to current residents about their experience?
Good communities welcome these questions. They have nothing to hide.
If a community won't answer or seems annoyed, that tells you something important.
Your Home Should Feel Secure
Buying a manufactured home can be one of the best financial decisions you make. It's often cheaper than buying a traditional house while still giving you a real home to call your own.
But that only works if your community is stable.
The headlines about mobile home parks being bought out are real. The concerns are valid. But with careful research, you can find a community that protects your investment for years to come.
Take your time. Ask questions. Visit in person. Read everything before you sign.
Your home is worth the effort.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're considering manufactured home living, we'd love to show you around Piney Woods. Come see what a stable, caring community looks like.
Learn more about how to choose the right manufactured home community or explore our guide for first-time buyers.
Your future home is waiting. Let's make sure it's in the right place.
