Buying a manufactured home is one of the smartest moves homeowners can make, but it is a significant investment that requires extensive research. Choosing the right home in the right community is key, but knowing where to start your research and how to find answers to common questions, like “How do site fees work? What about taxes? Can I have a garden, a garage, and a dog? What happens if I want to move?” Well, that’s where we come in with today’s blog post.

These are the questions we hear every week at New Durham Estates. We compiled the questions prospective buyers ask. Whether you are downsizing from a larger home, buying your first place, or simply exploring what manufactured home living looks like, this guide, written by industry experts, is designed to help you make an informed decision.

The Basics: Land, Fees, and Taxes

In a land-lease community, you own your home and lease the land it sits on. That structure is what makes manufactured home living more affordable than traditional homeownership, and it also raises the financial questions that come up most often. New Durham Estates is structured this way to bring amenities to our homeowners. Here are a few of the most common questions we get about this topic in our community. While these answers are unique to our community, they are often similar in others as well.

How often do site fees increase?

At New Durham Estates, we do not have a fixed schedule for site fee increases. Costs across the housing industry, including utilities, maintenance, and insurance, shift over time, and we adjust thoughtfully as needed. Our priority is keeping fees as affordable as possible for our residents while continuing to invest in the community. When changes occur, residents receive clear advance notice.

Do I have to pay property taxes?

Residents are responsible for personal property taxes on their homes but do not pay taxes on the land in our community. This is one of the most significant financial differences between owning a manufactured home in a land-lease community and owning a traditional single-family home. We also encourage every eligible resident to file for the homestead credit, which can further reduce your tax burden. If you have questions about your eligibility, the LaPorte County Assessor’s Office is a helpful resource.

Is this a 55+ community?

No. New Durham Estates is an all-ages community. We have young families, working professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. That mix is part of what makes the neighborhood feel like a real neighborhood.

Can I rent my home if I decide to move?

No. Homes at New Durham Estates must be owner-occupied and cannot be rented out. This policy exists to protect the community’s long-term character and stability. When everyone living here has chosen to be a homeowner, it shows in how the neighborhood looks, feels, and functions.

Community Amenities

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how much is included beyond the home itself, and one of the major benefits of being a land-lease community. The amenities at New Durham Estates were designed to support an active, comfortable, low-maintenance lifestyle, and most are available to our residents at no additional cost.

Here is what residents have access to:

  • Fitness center. A free on-site fitness facility for residents, no gym membership required.
  • Catch-and-release fishing lake. Stocked and well-maintained, the lake is a favorite spot for quiet mornings and weekend afternoons.
  • Community center. A gathering space for events, meetings, and resident activities.
  • Basketball court. Open to residents and their guests.
  • Bike and walking trail. Our community connects directly to Bluhm County Park, giving residents easy access to additional trails and green space.

Beyond the recreational amenities, there are services that make day-to-day life easier. Our community features Flock Safety technology for added security, an on-site office for in-person support, a full-service maintenance department, bagged leaf and limb pick-up, and curbside garbage and recycling services. There is also a Do It Best Hardware Store on the property, so a forgotten light bulb or last-minute project supplies are never more than a short walk away.

Schools and Family Life

Families considering a move always want to know about local schools and how their children will get there.

What schools are available in the area? Is bus service provided?

Westville Schools are the closest school district to our community, and bus service is provided for students attending Westville and certain other local public schools. There are also additional public and private school options in the surrounding area, giving families flexibility based on their priorities. For specific school assignments, enrollment questions, and transportation details, we recommend contacting the local school district directly. They can give you the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific homesite.

Pets

For most prospective buyers, the question is not whether they can bring their pets, but what the rules look like once they do.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are welcome at New Durham Estates. We are a leash-required community, which keeps both pets and neighbors safe and comfortable. All dogs must be registered with the town, and proof of registration needs to be provided to the office. The registration process is straightforward, and our team is happy to walk new residents through it.

Outdoor Living: Grilling, Fire Pits, and Gardens

Outdoor space is one of the great pleasures of manufactured home living, and most residents take full advantage of it. Here is how we approach the most common outdoor questions.

Can I use a grill, and are fire pits allowed?

Grilling is welcome and encouraged. Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, summer evenings on the patio are part of what makes life here enjoyable.

Bonfires and open burning are not permitted in the community. That includes burning leaves, trash, yard debris, and storm debris. The reason is straightforward: in a community where homes sit relatively close together, open flames create real safety risks. Above-ground fire pits are allowed, but they must have a grate covering the top to prevent sparks from escaping. If you are not sure whether your fire pit meets the standard, stop by the office. We keep examples of approved options on hand and are glad to help.

Can I have a garden?

Yes. Gardens are a wonderful addition to any home, and they are permitted at New Durham Estates with prior management approval for placement and size. The approval process exists to make sure your garden works well with your homesite and does not create issues with utilities, drainage, or neighboring lots.

Can I install landscaping?

Landscaping is permitted with prior management approval. Many residents enjoy adding flower beds, decorative borders, and seasonal plantings to make their home feel uniquely theirs. The one restriction to note: planting trees is not permitted. Trees can interfere with underground utilities and create long-term maintenance issues, so we ask that residents stick to shrubs, perennials, annuals, and other non-tree landscaping.

Home Additions and Structures

Most buyers want to personalize their property over time, whether that means adding privacy, extra storage, or covered parking. Here is what is possible at New Durham Estates.

Can I install a fence?

Yes, most homesites can accommodate a small fence. All fences require management approval prior to installation, and the approved style is a vinyl 5′ privacy fence. Standardizing on a single fence style helps the community maintain a clean, consistent look while still giving residents the privacy they want.

Do you allow carports and storage sheds?

Yes. Carports and storage sheds are both permitted; however, management approval is required prior to purchase and installation. Approval covers placement, size, and style, which protects both your investment and the overall feel of the neighborhood. We recommend talking with management before you buy so you can be confident the structure you have your eye on will work for your homesite.

Can I have a garage?

Some homesites can accommodate a garage and others cannot, depending on the lot dimensions and existing layout. If a garage is important to you, mention it early in your conversation with our team. We can walk you through which available homesites offer the option and what your design choices might look like.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

There is only so much a blog post can answer. The best way to know whether New Durham Estates is the right fit is to come see it for yourself. Walk the trail, visit the lake, talk to a few neighbors, and ask every question you can think of. Our on-site office is open, and our team is happy to spend time with you, whether you are ready to buy this month or simply exploring what manufactured home living might look like a few years down the road.

Stop in, give us a call, or send us a message. Your next chapter might be closer than you think.