Industry Veteran Reflects on Progress

In this video from UMH Properties Inc., Eugene Landy, Founder and Chairman of UMH Properties Inc. reflects on the evolution of manufactured housing during his more than 55 years in the business.

“Today’s manufactured housing is not the manufactured housing of the past,” he said. “We’ve had enormous breakthroughs … Manufactured housing is the housing of now and the future.”

Landy noted that the original homes were not built to the HUD Code standard, and the homes today that comply with the standard are far superior, not only in appearance and quality, but also in the efficiencies that come with using a national standard: manufacturers save on economies of scale.

Landy also noted that economies of scale benefit people who live in land-lease communities as well: they experience a higher level of living at a lower cost, and access amenities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, dog parks and concierge services that they would pay much more for or not have access to if they built on their own lot.

Landy has seen problems drive innovation during his career, most recently with the development of the manufactured home duplex. Since there is a shortage of available land, putting two units instead of one on a lot provides housing for two families. The duplex reduces the cost of housing dramatically and with the square footage comparable to an apartment, but without sacrificing single-family living.

View the video here.

The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 established federal standards for the construction and safety of manufactured homes in the United States, known as the “HUD Code.” When the first version of the HUD Code was implemented in 1976, it marked the beginning of a new era for manufactured housing. As we celebrate 50 years of progress, we’ll explore insights from industry veterans on the advancements that have shaped the industry and their outlook for the next 50 years. To share your story, email mhigov@mfghome.org.