City and county officials and civic leaders are taking a second look at manufactured homes as a source of
economic growth and local government funding.
Manufactured homes have an impact on property tax collections in several ways including:
Industry and Employment
Of course industry and large commercial properties are the key to a strong property tax base for a city or county.
Ask any corporate official: Affordable “workforce housing” is now a key factor that major companies evaluate in deciding where to place factories, distribution centers and other high employment facilities. Manufactured homes are the only source of affordable workforce housing unsubsidized by government tax dollars.
Supporting the Local Economy and Businesses
Shopping centers, grocery and clothing stores, office buildings, as well as professional providers such as doctors and pharmacies are also key sources of property tax revenue and license fees. A single manufactured home subdivision or community can be a huge boost for existing businesses and drive the construction of more tax-producing properties.
Because of the affordability of their houses, manufactured home owners have more disposable dollars than other families with the same income. That is a boost for every business in the area.
Manufactured Home Communities
Most manufactured homes serve as single-family houses. But manufactured home rental communities make their own unique contribution to local government. The land itself is taxed at a higher commercial rate. That small area also is a “dense” source of personal property tax because of the concentration of automobiles and homes in a small area.
Efficient Delivery of Services
A town with less vacant lots is more efficient. Municipalities large and small are using manufactured homes as “urban infill.” Zoning policies that do not push affordable homes into outlying areas avoid expensive infrastructure expansion.
Proper Assessment Methodologies
Repeated university studies show that manufactured homes appreciate under the same circum- stances as site-built homes: when the home is properly maintained and in a good location. The Manufactured Housing Institute of SC can work with local assessors to implement modern appraisal methodology that will produce better values for property tax purposes.