Why would you ever relocate a house? Five good reasons people do it.

Key insights:

• Prefab houses are typically transported in large sections or in one large structure — but there are other reasons why someone might move an entire house, too.
• Whether you live in a flood zone or buy a house at auction, there are several reasons to transfer a home to a new location.
• Imagine discovering your home was built between property lines — you might consider moving your home a few yards over or to a completely new location.

Have you ever seen an entire house being moved on the back of a flatbed truck and wondered what on earth was going on? As it turns out, there are many reasons that a home could be travelling next to you on the highway.

Here, we’ll discuss five of the most common reasons why people relocate entire homes. Who knows — maybe someday you’ll do it, too.

1. Prefab houses must be delivered

A prefabricated home, which is also called a prefab or modular house, is constructed elsewhere and then transported to the final location. These homes can be transmitted whole or in large sections, then assembled in full at the desired property.

Prefab homes have many perks. They tend to be energy efficient and affordable, and they can typically be constructed or ordered with short notice.

For decades, housing experts have wondered if the rate of prefab homes will rise, as consumers value both quick service and a customized property. Yet, they haven’t quite taken hold of the housing market. Despite being cheaper and even sturdier, less than 2 percent of homes are prefabricated.

2. If your current spot has safety concerns

If your home is currently seated in a flood zone or another unsafe area, you might consider relocating to higher ground. Whether you’re moving within your current property lines or to an entirely new location that’s out of the way, your home will have to be transported somehow.

To avoid home damage, some homeowners choose to uproot their home to a new, safer spot.

3. After purchasing it at auction

Sometimes, homes go to auction, but the land where the home is located is not for sale. In these cases, a buyer may purchase a well-priced auction home or a historic property that they want to move.

Take a look at this Minnesota couple that bought a home for one dollar and moved it. Seriously, they purchased the home for the price of a candy bar but there was just one catch: they had to pay $22,000 dollars to move it.

While it may seem irrational to move an entire property, it’s very possible for homebuyers to purchase a discount auction home that’s in good shape, move it wherever they’d like — and still come out ahead.

4. If you just love your house, but hate the location

Anyone who's watched the HGTV smash hit, "Love It or List It" knows this is a common phenomenon — homeowners get attached to their property, but dislike their location. Maybe they’d prefer a shorter commute or would like to be in a different school district, but they don’t want to give up the home where they’ve invested time, finances and made memories.

For some homeowners, the "I wish our house were just three miles down" sentiment could be reason enough to move the home to a new lot.

5. To move it back within property lines

What if your garage, outhouse, shed or even your entire house were built on someone else’s property…or too close to the property line? In this case, you’d have to move the structure to avoid any trouble with it and the lot next door.

Are you interested in moving?

Whether you’re searching for the perfect plot to plant your relocated home or you’re in the market for a new house altogether, reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents. It would be our pleasure to provide additional assistance with your home purchase journey.

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