This is the cheapest home in the Hamptons: ‘It’s proof that affordable Hamptons living is still possible’

New York Post - Apr 16th, 2025

A two-bedroom mobile home in Westhampton Beach is drawing attention for its affordability in a region typically associated with luxury real estate. Priced at $185,000, this 700-square-foot home is located in Suffolk Pines Mobile Home Park and offers vintage interiors from 1999. Listed by Douglas Elliman agents Viviana Smith and Richard Connelly, it is the least expensive home currently available in the area, famous as a summer retreat for the wealthy. Despite needing some updates, the home provides a rare opportunity for affordable living in the Hamptons, a place where nearby trailer homes can cost up to a million dollars.

Westhampton Beach, located west of the Shinnecock Canal, is considered less prestigious than other Hamptons communities like Sagaponack or East Hampton. However, real estate prices in the area have been climbing. The home, situated off Montauk Highway, is conveniently located just under two hours from Midtown Manhattan and a short drive from Rogers Beach. The property was previously listed in April 2024 for $300,000 but was quickly delisted, indicating a volatile market. This listing underscores the potential for finding cost-effective housing solutions even in high-demand areas like the Hamptons.

Affordable Housing Real Estate Trends Douglas Elliman Westhampton Beach Viviana Smith Richard Connelly Suffolk Pines Mobile Home Park

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and engaging account of an affordable housing option in the typically expensive Hamptons area. It effectively highlights the unique aspects of the property and its market context, appealing to readers interested in real estate. However, the story would benefit from a more balanced perspective, incorporating diverse viewpoints and independent sources to enhance credibility. Transparency regarding the basis of claims and potential conflicts of interest is limited, which could affect reader trust. Despite these limitations, the article is timely and relevant, addressing broader themes of housing affordability and market trends. Its potential impact is moderate, with room for greater exploration of systemic issues to drive meaningful discussions or influence public opinion.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the property as a mobile home located in Westhampton Beach, priced at $185,000. It provides specific details about the home's size, condition, and market context. However, some claims, such as the assertion that it is the least expensive home in the Hamptons and the previous listing price of $300,000, require verification through real estate listings and historical data. The comparison with Montauk Shores homes is plausible but needs precise market data to confirm. Agent statements are correctly attributed but should be cross-verified for context.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly positive perspective on the affordability of the home, emphasizing its potential as a rare affordable option in the Hamptons. It lacks opposing viewpoints or critical perspectives, such as potential downsides of living in a mobile home park or market volatility risks. Including more varied perspectives, such as local residents' views or real estate experts' opinions on market trends, would provide a more balanced narrative.

Clarity

The article is clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative about the property and its market context. The language is straightforward, and the flow of information is logical, making it easy for readers to follow. However, further clarification on specific terms like 'single-wide' or 'prefab interiors' could enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with real estate jargon.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from Douglas Elliman agents, which could introduce bias given their vested interest in selling the property. The lack of diverse sources, such as independent real estate analysts or market reports, limits the depth of information. Providing data from reputable real estate platforms or market research would enhance credibility and provide a more robust foundation for the claims made.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the methodology behind claims, such as how the home was determined to be the least expensive in the region. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest from the agents quoted. Offering more context about the data sources and potential influences on the reporting would improve transparency and help readers understand the basis of the claims.