Used Mobile Home: Is Buying Second-Hand Worth It?
By Matheus Agueda · 13 September 2026
Last updated: 18 September 2026
Used mobile homes: the most popular option
More than 60% of mobile homes sold in Europe are used units — and there are good reasons for this. An 8 to 12-year-old mobile home, from a reputable brand and well maintained, offers 80% of the comfort of a new unit for 40 to 50% of the price.
For the full second-hand market guide, see second-hand mobile homes.
Advantages of buying used
- Price: 40 to 60% less than new, with equivalent functionality
- Immediate availability: units in stock ready to deliver within a few weeks
- Depreciation already absorbed: the biggest value loss occurs in the first 3-5 years
- Proven quality: models with known track records, real user reviews
- Sustainability: reusing is better than manufacturing new
What to inspect before buying
Chassis and structure
The steel chassis is the most critical element. Look for:
- Corrosion: surface rust is normal; perforation is grounds for rejection
- Deformation: a deformed chassis indicates serious structural damage
- Galvanisation: a galvanised (bright) chassis is superior to a painted-only chassis
Damp and leaks
The biggest enemy of mobile homes. Check:
- Stains on walls and ceilings — especially in corners and around windows
- Musty smell — a reliable indicator of hidden damp
- Soft flooring — a sign of rot in the substructure
- Moisture meter reading — any reading above 20% is problematic
Insulation
- BS 3632 standard — for year-round permanent use (essential in colder climates)
- EN 1647 standard — for seasonal use (acceptable in the Algarve and southern Spain)
- Windows: double glazing is essential; single glazing indicates a very old model
Services
- Gas: check the date of the last inspection (annually required in the UK)
- Electrical: consumer unit in good condition, modern breakers, no exposed wiring
- Plumbing: turn on all taps, check pressure and leaks
Prices by age and condition
| Age | Typical condition | Single 2-bed price (EUR) | Twin 2-bed price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years | Like new | 28,000 - 45,000 | 40,000 - 65,000 |
| 4-7 years | Good condition | 18,000 - 32,000 | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| 8-12 years | Visible use, functional | 10,000 - 22,000 | 18,000 - 35,000 |
| 13-18 years | Needs updating | 6,000 - 15,000 | 12,000 - 25,000 |
| 19+ years | For refurbishment | 3,000 - 8,000 | 8,000 - 15,000 |
Where to find reliable used mobile homes
The Green Village catalogue includes hundreds of used and refurbished units, all inspected by our team before sale. Each unit comes with:
- Inspection report with detailed photographs
- Known history (park of origin, maintenance)
- Final delivered price (transport and customs clearance included; VAT shown separately)
- Chassis guarantee against perforating corrosion
When NOT to buy used
- If you want permanent housing in a cold area and the unit doesn't have BS 3632
- If the chassis is corroded beyond economical repair
- If internal moisture exceeds 25% across the board
- If the cost of repairs + transport exceeds 60% of the price of an equivalent new unit
To simulate financing for your used mobile home, use our credit simulator.
usedsecond-handinspectionpricesbuying-guide