Your Path to Affordable Homeownership in San Antonio

For families in San Antonio and the surrounding Texas communities facing rising housing costs, the decision to buy a used mobile home and move it to your own land offers a realistic path to homeownership. This strategy can save you thousands compared to traditional housing, with used home prices in the San Antonio area being significantly lower than site-built homes.

However, the process is more complex than it seems. It involves careful budgeting, thorough inspections, navigating permits, and professional logistics. An unprepared buyer can turn a great deal into a costly mistake. This guide will walk you through the entire process to ensure your investment is a success.

The five key stages you’ll steer:

Stage 1: Budgeting – Calculate the total cost, including the home, moving, site prep, and financing.
Stage 2: Finding – Locate quality used homes through dealers, classifieds, and repo listings.
Stage 3: Inspecting – Evaluate the home’s structural integrity, systems, and legal status.
Stage 4: Moving – Hire professional movers and obtain all necessary transport permits.
Stage 5: Setting Up – Prepare your land, install utilities, and complete the final setup.

As a San Antonio-based company, this guide provides the local knowledge you need to make confident decisions. Let’s get started.

The Essential Steps to Buy a Used Mobile Home and Move It

The journey to buy a used mobile home and move it requires serious planning. We’ve broken it down into manageable steps for San Antonio families.

Understanding the Costs and Financing Your Purchase

Affordability is the main advantage of a used mobile home. On average, expect to pay around $86,400 for a used single-wide and $158,600 for a used double-wide in the San Antonio area.

Remember to budget for more than just the sticker price. Relocation and setup are significant costs:

Moving: A single-wide costs $6,000-$8,500 to move, while a double-wide runs $15,000-$20,000.
Installation: Setting the home on a foundation can range from $7,000 to $47,000.
Utilities: Connecting water, sewer, and electricity typically adds $1,000 to $9,000.

It’s important to clarify what is and isn’t included in our services. While we handle the delivery and basic setup of the home, services like land clearing, grading, and pouring a concrete foundation are tasks you will need to arrange with other contractors. Similarly, you will need to coordinate with local utility companies for final hookups, as these are not part of our company’s offerings.

Finding the Right Financing

Financing a used mobile home that needs moving is different from a traditional mortgage. Chattel loans (personal property loans) are a common option. If you’re buying the land as well, a conventional mortgage may be possible if the home meets real property criteria. Lenders typically require a 5% to 20% down payment and a credit score of 620 or higher. At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we specialize in connecting San Antonio families with workable financing solutions. Learn more in our guide on How to Finance Your Mobile Home: Loans, Grants, and More.

Texas also offers assistance programs for affordable housing. If you’re in the San Antonio area, we can discuss your specific needs. Find us on Google Maps and stop by.

Finding and Inspecting a Used Mobile Home Before You Buy

With your budget in place, it’s time to find your home. Reputable dealers like us at Manufactured Housing Consultants offer vetted, pre-owned homes in San Antonio and Von Ormy. Online classifieds and repo homes are other sources, though they require more caution. Repo homes can offer significant savings. Learn more in our guide about repo mobile homes or browse our listings for cheap used mobile homes for sale near me.

The Inspection That Protects Your Investment

A thorough inspection is non-negotiable. We strongly recommend hiring an independent inspector who specializes in mobile homes. Key areas to check include:

Structural Integrity: Look for rot or water damage. A weak floor can prevent a home from being moved safely.
Roof Condition: A bad roof can cost $10,000 to $20,000 to replace.
Floors: Check kitchens and bathrooms for soft spots indicating water damage.
Electrical and Plumbing: Inspect for outdated wiring (common in pre-1979 homes) and leaks.

We advise against buying any home with significant mold or fire damage. Be cautious with pre-HUD code homes (built before 1976), as they may not meet current safety standards and can be difficult to move or place legally in many Texas jurisdictions.

Navigating the Legal and Logistical Maze of Moving Your Home

Moving a mobile home requires professional expertise and adherence to strict regulations.

Permits and Zoning: Every Texas county and city has its own zoning laws. Research the requirements for your specific location, such as Bexar County and the City of San Antonio, before you buy.
Professional Movers: Hire a licensed, insured mover with extensive experience. A good mover can inspect a home’s moveability before you purchase it. Our mobile home relocation services page has more details.
Clear Title Verification: The title is the sole proof of ownership. Ensure the seller has a clear title that can be legally transferred via the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). If not, walk away.
Wind Zone Classifications: Texas homes, especially near the Gulf Coast, must meet specific wind zone ratings (1, 2, or 3). It is illegal to place a home in a zone with a higher wind rating than it was built for.
Location Choice: On your own land, you are responsible for all site prep. In a mobile home park, you must abide by their rules and land lease agreement.

Finalizing Your Move and Ensuring Long-Term Value

Getting your used mobile home to its new San Antonio area foundation is just the beginning. Protecting your investment means staying on top of maintenance, insurance, and upgrades.

Post-Move Essentials: Maintenance, Insurance, and Upgrades

Getting the Right Insurance Coverage

You need a specific mobile home insurance policy, not a standard homeowner’s policy. It should cover structural damage, personal belongings, liability, and—critically in Texas—wind and flood damage. Costs typically range from $50 to $100 per month.

Your Ongoing Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance is key. After the move, inspect all electrical and plumbing connections. Annually, you should:

Check the foundation for settling or shifts.
Inspect the roof for cracks or leaks and reseal as needed.
Ensure the skirting is secure and ventilated to protect plumbing and prevent pests.
Service your HVAC system and check weatherproofing to manage energy costs.

While we ensure your home is habitability certified upon delivery, please note that our company does not offer ongoing maintenance plans or repair services. These tasks are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Making Your Home Your Own: Renovations and Upgrades

Adding a deck or carport is possible but requires planning. Most significant modifications require permits in Texas, including in San Antonio. If you live in a park, check the community rules first. For structural changes, hire professionals who understand manufactured homes. For ideas, see our guide on Mobile Home Renovations: Tips and Tricks.

Common Questions When You Buy a Used Mobile Home and Move It

Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from San Antonio families.

What’s the difference between mobile, manufactured, and modular homes? Mobile homes were built before the 1976 HUD Code. Manufactured homes are built after 1976 to federal standards. Modular homes follow local site-built codes and are not meant to be moved after placement.
Is buying a used mobile home a smart investment? It provides affordable homeownership and allows you to build equity instead of paying rent.
Can you customize a used mobile home? Yes. Decks, carports, and additions are common, but they require permits and must follow any park rules.
Are older mobile homes harder to move? Yes. Homes built before 1979 can be unsafe to transport. We recommend models from 2000 or newer.
How important are reputable dealers and movers? They are critical. A good dealer helps with financing and paperwork, while a good mover ensures your home arrives safely.

For a deeper dive, read The Complete In and Out of Buying a Mobile Home in Texas.

Your Next Steps to Affordable Homeownership in the San Antonio Area

Homeownership in the San Antonio area is within reach. When you buy a used mobile home and move it, you choose an affordable, flexible path to building your future.

At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we simplify the process. Based in San Antonio, we are experts in the local market and serve families throughout the surrounding region. We handle the complexities of financing, paperwork, and delivery. We guarantee the lowest prices because we believe everyone deserves a place to call home. Every home we sell is habitability certified and ready for you.

Ready to start? Browse our inventory of quality pre-owned and repo homes on our page for Used Mobile Homes for Sale to Be Moved and let’s build your future today.