Marcus & Millichap’s Manufactured Housing Research Report says rising home prices, improving job outlook and an expanding baby boomer population are adding to increased occupancy in manufactured home communities (MHCs), a trend the real estate investment services company reports will continue. Concurrently, investors looking for large, top quality communities with city services are running into competition (especially for age-restricted properties) from real estate investment trusts (REITs), insurance companies and equity funds. Smaller MHCs without city services but with upside potential are receiving more attention as owners move into retirement years.

The report states energy boom regions are experiencing an uptick in demand for manufactured homes. Rising demand for MH in all four regions of the country is allowing owners to increase rents, further making MHCs a desirable investment. MHProNews understands an estimated 30 percent of retirees over 65 do not have resources to maintain their current lifestyle and may seek more affordable housing in an MHC. Marcus & Millichap is a large national player in real estate investment services, with one division devoted to manufactured housing. ##

(Photo credit: Marcus & Millichap–manufactured home)