How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a Mobile Home?
Typical down payments for new, pre-owned and land-and-home loans, how your down payment changes your rate and payment, and ways to cover it.
Short answer: most home-only (chattel) loans for new manufactured homes need about 5% to 10% down, and pre-owned homes often need 10% or more. Some land-and-home mortgages allow 3% to 3.5% down, and VA and USDA loans can allow 0% down for eligible borrowers and homes. If you own your land, its equity may count toward your down payment.
Typical down payments by loan type
| Loan type | Typical minimum down payment |
|---|---|
| New home, home-only (chattel) | About 5%–10% |
| Pre-owned home, home-only (chattel) | About 10%–20% |
| FHA Title II (land and home) | 3.5% with a 580+ credit score |
| Fannie Mae MH Advantage / Freddie Mac CHOICEHome | As low as 3% for eligible homes |
| VA or USDA (land and home) | As low as 0% for eligible borrowers |
Ranges are typical across the industry and vary by lender, credit, the home and location. Our own minimums are shown on each loan program page.
What different down payments look like
The U.S. Census Bureau's Manufactured Housing Survey put the average sales price of a new single-section home at about $88,800 and a new double-section home at about $162,100 in October 2025. On those prices:
| Down payment | Single-section ($88,800) | Double-section ($162,100) |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $4,440 | $8,105 |
| 10% | $8,880 | $16,210 |
| 20% | $17,760 | $32,420 |
Why a bigger down payment helps
- Lower monthly payment: you borrow less.
- Less total interest: interest is charged on a smaller balance for the whole term.
- Better approval odds and rates: more equity reduces the lender's risk, especially if your credit is still building.
Ways to cover your down payment
- Savings, including tax refunds set aside for the purpose
- Equity in land you already own (land-in-lieu)
- A trade-in of your current manufactured home, if the seller accepts it
- Gift funds from a family member, where the program allows and with a signed gift letter
- State or local down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers
Try different amounts in the calculator to see how your down payment changes your payment and total cost.
Representative examples
"As low as" rates and the examples below assume the Excellent credit tier (720+), the program's default down payment and default term. Your rate depends on your credit, the home and your down payment.
- New Manufactured Home Loans: Example: a $85,000 purchase price with $8,500 down (10%) is a loan amount of $76,500, repaid in 240 monthly payments of $628.03 (final payment $625.43) at a 7.75% fixed interest rate, 7.884% APR. The APR includes $765.00 in prepaid finance charges. Payment shown is principal and interest only and does not include taxes, insurance or lot rent.
- Pre-Owned Mobile Home Loans: Example: a $85,000 purchase price with $12,750 down (15%) is a loan amount of $72,250, repaid in 180 monthly payments of $743.59 (final payment $744.26) at a 9.25% fixed interest rate, 9.423% APR. The APR includes $722.50 in prepaid finance charges. Payment shown is principal and interest only and does not include taxes, insurance or lot rent.
- Mobile Home Park & Community Loans: Example: a $85,000 purchase price with $8,500 down (10%) is a loan amount of $76,500, repaid in 240 monthly payments of $663.40 (final payment $663.81) at a 8.49% fixed interest rate, 8.628% APR. The APR includes $765.00 in prepaid finance charges. Payment shown is principal and interest only and does not include taxes, insurance or lot rent.
- Land & Home Loans: Example: a $85,000 purchase price with $8,500 down (10%) is a loan amount of $76,500, repaid in 360 monthly payments of $496.18 (final payment $493.13) at a 6.75% fixed interest rate, 6.848% APR. The APR includes $765.00 in prepaid finance charges. Payment shown is principal and interest only and does not include taxes, insurance or lot rent.
- Mobile Home Refinance: Example: a $85,000 purchase price with $21,250 down (25%) is a loan amount of $63,750, repaid in 180 monthly payments of $609.23 (final payment $608.52) at a 8.00% fixed interest rate, 8.167% APR. The APR includes $637.50 in prepaid finance charges. Payment shown is principal and interest only and does not include taxes, insurance or lot rent.
Rates, APRs and terms are subject to change without notice and are subject to credit approval, home eligibility and verification. Payments shown are estimates of principal and interest only and do not include property taxes, insurance, lot rent or other fees, so your actual payment will be higher. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are fixed-rate.
This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Loan programs, requirements and rates change; contact us for terms that apply to you.