A Manufactured home is a home that is built in a factory and the basic sections are then assembled on-site. A Manufactured home can range from a small trailer to a two-story structure with a basement the same size as a conventional site-built home.

Conventional site-built construction has historically predominated, but manufactured homes, built under the preemptive "HUD-code," also play a very important role in housing while saving in costs. For manufactured housing, the HUD code takes the place of the local building code. The purpose of the HUD code is to ensure proper design and safety. Homes constructed according to the HUD code each bear a red label affirming its construction meets standards.

Manufactured homes are built on assembly lines. The quality control measures employed by the manufacturers ensure that the quality of construction is of comparable to stick-built homes.

Historically found in rural and semi-rural areas, manufactured housing has seen expansion into urban markets in recent years. Many municipalities have struggled with the objectives of providing quality housing for lower-income residents. Manufactured housing has proven a successful solution in several urban housing initiatives.