New York State has started accepting applications for its “Move in NY” program, which aims to expand manufactured housing as part of the 2026 budget plan. The initiative is backed by a $50 million state investment and will allow up to 15 municipalities to obtain financing if they commit to building at least 10 manufactured homes each on land without zoning restrictions. These homes are intended for middle- and low-income residents.
According to the New York Times, homes have already been delivered in Syracuse, Schenectady, and Newcomb under this program. The state’s goal is to deliver 200 manufactured and modular homes over the next year, with construction contracts open for bidding from any company.
Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the strategy: “This is the answer to how we can get the supply quickly,” she told the Times.
Manufactured housing often gains attention during economic downturns due to its lower cost and faster assembly compared to traditional homebuilding. However, ongoing challenges include limited access to financing and persistent stereotypes linking these properties with trailer parks.
To address these issues, New York plans for all participating homes to be built on land sold together with the home itself. Additionally, federal housing design guidelines will be followed in an effort to make these properties more eligible for conventional mortgages.
Instead of penalizing communities that do not participate, the state offers incentives such as zero-point loans and partial grants for those who join the program.
Despite these efforts, even if Move in NY achieves its target of 200 new homes within a year, it represents only a small fraction of what is needed. The Regional Plan Association estimates that New York requires approximately 800,000 new units by decade’s end to adequately address its housing shortage.
