55+ Land Lease Communities: What Seniors Should Know

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get Weekly Updates

I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

A senior couple sits on the porch of their condo in a 55+ land lease community.
What is a land lease community? We have the answers for you.
vv
While land-lease communities can offer financial benefits, some homebuyers prefer the stability of owning their own lot. When leasing the land, the lease will need to be renewed on a yearly, or monthly basis.

When searching for their ideal retirement homes, active adults can choose from many different home styles. Some popular options include condos, townhomes, attached villas and single-family homes. Retirees who decide to relocate to a community with manufactured homes may also have the option of leasing the land instead of buying their own lot.

What Is a Land-Lease Community?

In a land-lease community, homebuyers can save money by leasing the land that their home sits on, even though they own their home. There are benefits to land-lease communities, but there are also some drawbacks. As with other home buying options, the decision often comes down to the homebuyers’ individual needs and personal preferences.

Benefits

The largest benefits to land-lease arrangements are usually financial. First, buyers do not have to invest their savings upfront in a large down payment or cash land purchase. (Not including the cost of the manufactured home itself). The amount of money that would have been used to buy the land could be invested, letting it earn interest which can then be used to pay the monthly lease fee. Homeowners who lease their land will also be spared the cost of expensive real estate taxes.

Older adults who are strapped for cash and living on a fixed income may find that their options for buying a new home are limited. This is especially true if they were unable to make as much of a profit as they had expected on the sale of their previous home. A land-lease community may offer an unexpected opportunity to purchase a home without breaking the bank.

Drawbacks

While land-lease communities can offer financial benefits, some homebuyers prefer the stability of owning their own lot. When leasing the land, the lease will need to be renewed on a yearly, or monthly basis. If the landowner were ever to decide not to continue the lease, the homeowner would be forced to move off of the land. The lease rate will also rise over time, which may make a good deal less lucrative as the years go by.

One other point to consider is that land-lease communities are typically run by a professional management company instead of a Homeowners’ Association (HOA). Some homeowners may prefer the idea of a professional management company, instead of the neighborhood politics which can arise with an HOA. However, an HOA board is often made up of elected residents, which gives the homeowners more say in how the community is run.

Whether buying a home and lot in an active adult development or choosing a manufactured home in a land-lease community, a new home is a major investment. Examining all of the options will let retirees make the best choice for their personal needs.

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

We're here to help! (800) 928-2055

Call us to speak with a customer service representative.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get Weekly Updates

I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

A 55+ woman playing on the beach with her dog in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Dog-Friendly Retirement Near Myrtle Beach: Top 55+ Communities With Dog Parks

We rounded up the active adult communities with dog parks in the Myrtle Beach-Wilmington area to help start your search for the best neighborhood to call home. Keep reading to discover more of the best pet-friendly communities, attractions, and activities near Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington, NC.

55places News banner over a smiling 55+ couple shaking hands with a real estate agent.

Real Estate Commission Changes: What It Means for 55+ Homebuyers and Sellers

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently wrapped up some big lawsuits accusing them and brokerages of keeping real estate commissions sky-high. But how (if at all) will it change the process for 55+ homebuyers and sellers? 55places is here to give you a complete picture of the changes on the horizon.

About 55places

We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

Scroll to Top