2025 Session Last amended: 2021 session

§ 168A.1412 — Manufactured Home Affixed to Real Property

Plain-Language Summary

This section establishes the process for converting a manufactured home from personal property (with a vehicle title) to real property (an improvement to land). The owner surrenders the manufacturer's certificate of title or certificate of origin for cancellation, then records an affidavit of affixation with the county recorder. Any existing loans on the home must be paid off first. Once converted, the home is taxed as real estate rather than personal property.

Practical Notes
This conversion is essential when a manufactured homeowner wants to get a traditional real estate mortgage or refinance. Once the title is surrendered and the affidavit recorded, the home becomes part of the real property and cannot be separately sold as a vehicle. This process requires coordinating with the lender, the county recorder, and the county auditor to update property tax records.