Today’s society is undoubtedly experiencing one of the most intense periods in history, especially when considering events that have dramatically changed consumer behaviour. Since 2008, we have witnessed two major global economic crises. The second crisis, triggered by COVID-19, escalated into a social and sociological upheaval, compounded by daily news of conflicts thanks to the rise of social media. These events have transformed our thinking in many ways, but one undeniable consequence has been the increased value placed on life, health, and home.
Finding Good in the Bad
The adage that every cloud has a silver lining holds true, particularly in the context of home creation and appreciation. By 2020, the enforced “lockdown” period made people recognise the necessity of caring for and improving their homes, prompting them to invest significant sums depending on their financial capacity. Concurrently, we cannot ignore the stark economic polarisation among households globally, which can now be simply defined as rich or poor, with a significant gap in purchasing power between them. It’s no surprise that many business sectors are increasingly focusing on wealthier consumers, as there is little future in catering solely to the middle market. Essentially, there are those who wish to buy as cheaply as possible out of necessity, and those who don’t mind the cost if the quality and service justify it, and who often purchase out of desire rather than need. This latter category has driven new business directions in recent years, and understanding their needs can lead to business success.
The Sector Leading the Response
The real estate sector is perhaps the most sensitive to economic events, and this is no different in the period since 2020. However, a new trend has emerged: wealthier households, already owning primary residences, now also invest in additional properties not just for investment purposes but to enhance their quality of life. They increasingly ponder how to enjoy life more and increase family happiness. One prominent new trend is the significant rise in demand for mobile homes. In recent years, affluent individuals have placed less importance on travel, new clothes, and cars, and one clear winner in this shift has been the mobile home market.
Expanding Living Space, Increasing Freedom
To understand this trend, we need to recognise that the mobile home market has evolved far beyond the “trailer parks” depicted in traditional American films. It now includes ultra-premium options, with prices reaching into the tens of thousands and, in some cases, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This trend might owe some of its popularity to the mobile home buying frenzy among celebrities, highlighting that these homes can be a perfect solution for enhancing existing properties. It was only a short step for the business sector to discover the enduring benefits of this solution. An additional meeting room that can impress clients and colleagues, while being cost-effective and versatile, conveys a modern mindset for a company’s owner. The supply side has also had to advance significantly, and now there are professional solutions available not just in the USA but in Europe as well. Wealthy families can expand their living and business spaces with modern, premium, and exciting solutions.
The current real estate trends reveal a market increasingly geared towards meeting the demands of affluent households. The rise of mobile homes as luxury additions to primary residences underscores a shift in how wealthier individuals seek to enhance their lifestyle and happiness, reflecting broader changes in societal values and consumer behaviour.