Have you considered the land lease community option? Maybe you have heard of the term, but do you know exactly what it means? In this blog, we will touch on their pros and cons and what you can expect when joining this type of neighborhood.

What is a Land Lease Community? 

A land lease community is a type of housing solution where homeowners pay to lease the land underneath their homes instead of owning it outright. This housing concept can offer a more affordable living option for those who are looking to downsize or retire. In a land lease community, the owner of the land will typically provide basic services and amenities such as maintenance and landscaping, and residents are often able to participate in community events and activities. 

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Land lease communities can be great for tiny homeowners, but just as with any other housing concept, they are not perfect! Let’s touch points on what are the downsides of living in a land lease community with your tiny house.  

Land Lease Communities - Tiny Home’s Cons

In short, the biggest cons of living in a land lease community is that you simply do not own the land.  You are essentially renting the land your home sits on and are subject to the rules and regulations set by the landowner. These regulations vary from one community to another, but they can impact multiple aspects of your lifestyle. Here are some examples of potential restrictions:

Pet Policies

It is not uncommon for landowners to restrict the allowance of pets on their property. Common restrictions can be a number of furry friends per lot/home, breed-related, or weight-related. It is important to note that not all land lease communities even allow pets on the property, make sure to properly read the pet policy prior to signing your lease.

Parking Restrictions

Most land lease communities will have a dedicated lot and parking space for tiny homeowners. Note that they might restrict the type or number of vehicles allowed to park onsite. For example, not all communities will allow you to park your small Sprinter van in your driveway even if the space would allow it. 

Exterior Design and Land Improvements 

Keep in mind that as a renter you can not do as you wish on the piece of property your home sits on. You will most likely need approval from the landowner prior to any lot or exterior home changes. Items such as porch swings, garden beds, temporary fences, and more will most likely need approval. 

Rent Increases

Land leases can come with unexpected fees or rent increases, making it difficult to budget for the long term. When choosing your land lease community, make sure to review the terms regarding fees and increases. Often, communities will define thresholds for increases and cadences. Make sure that you can afford them long-term. We often recommend thinking five to seven years in advance. 

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While a land lease community may be the right choice for some tiny homeowners, it's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. Now that we defined the biggest downsides, let’s touch on the positive aspects of these communities. 

Land Lease Communities - Tiny Home’s Pros

Owning a tiny home can be the dream of many, however, one of the major questions tiny homeowner face is where to park their dream on wheels. This is without a doubt the biggest pro of land lease communities: A land lease allows tiny homeowners to rent a plot of land where they can park their home. 

Tigh-Knit Communities 

Unlike traditional neighborhoods, land lease communities typically offer a more communal atmosphere. Neighbors tend to be closer and more involved in each other's daily lives. Land lease communities are great for folks wanting to soak up the perks of a close-knit community from their tiny homes. Surrounded by like-minded people who share a love for tiny living, these communities often host fun events and clubs to join.

Access to Amenities

Land lease communities offer some great perks like multiple amenities. You can basically find a community that meets all your needs. Think community pool, gardens, outdoor area, dog park, laundry facility, and more. And for tiny homeowners, this is a big plus. With limited living space, outdoor activities and amenities become key.

Security 

Moreover, land leases provide a reassuring sense of security for tiny homeowners who may lack the safeguards of traditional homeowners. Whether it's gated communities equipped with security cameras, neighbors watching out for one another, or well-lit streets, land lease communities offer a fantastic solution to grant you peace of mind.

Affordable 

Land lease communities have a lot of services included, so you have to look into different locations and compare what works best for you. Usually, the landowner takes care of the land, but some communities offer extra services like water, sewer, trash pick-up, cable, internet, and more.

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Overall, land lease communities offer a distinctive and budget-friendly housing choice for individuals seeking to downsize and adopt a more straightforward lifestyle. Check out these fantastic examples of land lease communities nestled in Western North Carolina!

The Meadows for Tiny Homes on Wheels

The Meadows by Simple Life in North Carolina provides the ultimate land lease community for those looking to experience the freedom and adventure of living in a tiny home on wheels. With many inclusions such as access to community amenities and maintenance services, residents can enjoy the benefits of shared living without sacrificing their own space and privacy. In addition, living in such a unique community will give you the chance to explore all the beautiful natural landscapes that Western North Carolina has to offer. 

The Hamlet for Park Model Homes 

The Hamlet by Simple Life in North Carolina is like, a great spot! It's a land lease community offering the perfect mix of simplicity and luxury for homeowners. Their high-quality park model homes include features such as stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, sitting on fully landscaped lots.

It'll cost you around $160,000 for a move-in-ready home. Plus, the location is awesome - nature views and city life all in one. Whether you're downsizing or just going for a simpler lifestyle, The Hamlet is where it's at. 

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn to the mobility of tiny homes on wheels at The Meadows or the semi-permanent luxury at The Hamlet, land lease communities offer a unique fusion of shared living and individual space. Dive into a simpler life, prioritize experiences over possessions, and forge connections in a lively community ambiance. Opting for a land lease community means embracing the ultimate combo - cost-effective living and top-notch amenities. Transform your next move by turning one of these communities into your new home sweet home!