These terms get used interchangeably, but they are legally and structurally different — and the differences directly affect your financing and your permits.
Park model
A park model is a compact, factory-built home (typically 200 to 400 sq ft) designed for residential use as a primary home, vacation home, or rental. It is built to its own standards and is not a mobile, manufactured, or modular home.
Manufactured home (formerly “mobile home”)
Built to the federal HUD code on a permanent chassis. These are financed with manufactured-home loans — a category park models generally do not qualify for.
Modular home
Built in sections to state and local residential building codes, then assembled on a permanent foundation. These are financed much more like a traditional site-built house.
Why the distinction matters
- Financing. Park models generally do not qualify for manufactured-home, RV, construction, or mobile-home loans — it is rare these loan types allow one — so applying for the wrong product leads to denials. See the issue with local banks →
- Permits. Local authorities may misclassify a park model; clarifying that it is not a manufactured or modular home smooths approvals. See our permits guide →
