The Complete Guide to Buying a Park Home

So I expect if you are reading this then you already know what a park home is or you wouldn't be here on this page. A park home is a factory-built single storey home usually built in two halves each on a steel chassis with wheels so it can be transported and assembled into a lovely new home sited on a pitch within a licensed residential park. Modern homes are built to BS 3632 residential standard and nowadays are usually connected to mains services, and lived in all year round but legally it is not a house. You own the home itself and rent the pitch it stands on from the park operator under an agreement governed by the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (as amended).

That distinction shapes everything else in this guide: the way the home is valued, the paperwork you sign, the survey you should commission and the commission you will pay when you eventually sell.

There is so many reasons people choose park homes this is increasingly becoming a lifestyle choice and has been for many years a path to downsizing from your home to something smaller and more manageable although these days the park homes seem to be getting bigger and more luxurious.

Quite often a park will offer a good sense of community and security for people and many people move to a park home to enjoy that lifestyle, likewise many parks have age restrictions which means that the owners are at a similar stage in their life and this creates a nice and perhaps a safer environment with people looking out for each other. What's important to remember is not all parks are equal and from my experience each park has its upside and downside and what's right for one person or couple will differ from other which is why its important to choose the right home on the right park ....... which I will explain a little more on below.

This is something I always get asked when the subject comes up and there are some differences which are important to note, these days I am seeing more people look at holiday park homes as an option but my advice would be to tread carefully with these especially if you are looking at a permanent home.

As I mentioned above a park home is something you own out right and is usually paid for cash, you own the home the park owns the pitch, pretty straight forward. A holiday park home is similar however often with these they can be financed with a third party lender which can be appealing but, and this is a big but, these style parks are not designed or given permission for to live on for 12 months of the year.

So really simply a holiday park has a license granted by its specific council which is a holiday license and this means that you will HAVE to give the park and council a permanent address which is not your holiday home address. A park home can be your actual residential address and you can live in here for 12 months of the year legally. What's I have seen in recent years and one to look out for is that park owners are now being granted a 12 month holiday license and selling residential spec homes and although this does work for some people perhaps due to location or not having an "over 50's" rule, the same rules apply.... legally this cannot be your permanent address. Park Home Passport Tip Never assume a park is residential just because someone appears to live there all year round. Always ask to see confirmation of the park's licence before making any commitments.

Which park is right for you? I would look at parks with residential licenses as a starting point , these are way more structured and secure from a living and owning point of view. Over the years I've worked on parks all over the UK, and one thing I've learnt is that no two parks are the same. Some parks offer excellent facilities, beautifully maintained grounds and a strong sense of community. Others are much quieter, with fewer facilities but lower running costs. Neither is right or wrong—it depends entirely on what you're looking for. When choosing a park, think carefully about what matters most to you. Do you want a social community? Are peace and quiet your priority? Would you like organised activities or are you simply looking for a secure place to live? I also recommend finding out who owns the park. Is it an independent family business? Or is it part of a larger company with a long track record? Take time to research the owners, read reviews where appropriate and understand how the park is managed. It's also worth asking which manufacturers they work with if you're buying a new home, as this may affect warranties and after-sales support. Finally, don't forget to ask about the park rules. Some parks have restrictions on visitor parking, pets or even how long family members can stay. These rules are there for a reason, but it's important to make sure they suit your lifestyle before you buy. Visit the park on different days and spend some time there, sit in your car or have a walk around, pop in on a week day evening and see how busy it is or a Sunday morning and see what's happening, a small amount ion your time can be very valuable in the long run.

Site fees will vary from park to park but will often vary between pitches on each park, typically these can be as low as £200 per month up to £450 per month. Site fees are inclusive and cover the upkeep of the park and general maintenance but do not cover your electric or council tax. Always ask for the fees and what they cover and when prices may be increased in the future, make sure you get this in writing when you purchase the home. I will cover more on site fess in another article shortly.

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