What is the difference between a Residential Park Home and a Leisure Home?
A Park Home or mobile home as it is sometimes called is built to the British Standard BS3632, which is the Specification for Residential Park Homes.
The property has a timber frame and is suitable for all year round habitation. The park home can therefore be used as your main UK residence if sited on a park or location with a residential licence. The Mobile Homes Act protects residents with security of tenure if the Park is registered with a residential licence.
A lodge is a timber framed building suitable for all year round use but typically used as a leisure or holiday home and sited on a park with a Leisure/Holiday licence. There is however lodge parks with fully residential licences, and park home sites with plots available for lodges.
Leisure Homes are built to EN.1647, which is a lower build standard in terms of the overall structure and level of insulation. Leisure Homes are only suitable for seasonal use, due to the lower level of insulation and build quality.
What is a park?
It is a privately owned development with a licence enabling the park owner to site residential park homes. Some developments are small with as few as six homes, and others much larger with between 40 to 100. The homes are laid out on spacious plots with manageable gardens, and residents enjoy an independent lifestyle with the benefits of a local community.
Most homes are connected to all mains services – electricity, water, gas, telephone and sewerage. Not all parks, though, have mains gas connections, but these usually have access to a liquefied petroleum gas supply – either piped from a central source, or through individual tanks.
How big are the homes?
The maximum size that can be sited on a licensed park is aprox 65ft long and 23ft wide, with the overall height of the living accommodation being 10ft. Park Homes are generally the equivalent size to a bungalow, and customers are always pleasantly surprised at the size and storage in the home.
Are park homes energy-efficient?
Park homes are very well insulated, and all the manufacturers are constantly looking at materials and systems to ensure maximum eco-friendliness. Park Homes are built to a very high Specification British Standard BS3632 which ensures the quality and efficiency.
How long will they last?
New Park Homes come with a 40 to 70 year life span. There are currently park homes, which were built in the 1960s still providing comfortable and secure living standards for many residents.
All Park Homes are manufactured by members of the National Parks Homes Council and can be registered for a free Goldshield Ten Year Warranty on registered parks. Pitched roofs usually have a 30-year weatherproof guarantee. With routine maintenance, as described in your manufacturer’s handbook, your Park Home will last many years beyond that.
Are they easy to look after?
Park homes are on one level with Window and doorframes in uPVC, which requires an occasional wipe-down. Some exteriors are finished in roughcast paint and this may need re-coating about every three years; others have uPVC or similar very low maintenance products on the outside.
How much do they cost?
Sited prices of new homes start at around £190,000 for a smaller basic model, £235,000 for a mid-range home, and larger high-end homes can be as much as £360,000 depending on the size, location in the country and specification. Full details are available on our website.
Are there other costs?
Rent for the land on which the home is sited is payable to the site owner, usually monthly and this is referred to as the pitch fee. The pitch fee includes the park’s basic running costs. It varies depending on the size of your home, the park and where it is.
With good insulation and double-glazing, energy costs can be lower than a conventional home. You have to pay Council Tax, although Park Homes are usually in the lowest band A. Residents pay for their own gas, electricity, water and sewerage charges.
How do I know the pitch fee won’t rise unreasonably?
Your Agreement states the fee, which is reviewed every year to reflect the current inflation rate and, possibly, any additional charges to cover park improvements or agreed amenities.
Are there legal matters I should be aware of?
Park homes come under the Mobile Homes Act legislation. Residents enter into a ‘written agreement’ with the park owner, which sets out the rights and obligations of residents, and park owners. These guarantee security of tenure for life for residents, subject to certain conditions. We always recommend you use a park home specialist solicitor to oversee the purchase of any park home, new or pre-owned.
Can I use my Park Home as a second home?
No. Your Park Home needs to be your primary residence.
Can I live in my Park Home all year round?
Only on a Fully Residential Park that is licensed for permanent residential use.
Why do Park Home prices vary from park to park?
When you buy a Park Home you buy both your home and the right to place it on the park owner’s land. The value of this varies according to location and the local property market.
What does the park’s selling price include on a new home?
Skirting, steps, paths, parking area, connection fees to utility companies, and landscaping are often included. It is important to agree details with the park owner in writing before leaving a deposit.
Can I sell my home?
You can sell your home on the open market. A Park owner may be entitled to commission on the sale of homes on their park, as they own the land.
Can a Park Home be passed on in a Will?
It can be passed to a member of the homeowner’s family. If it is left to a non-resident, they are entitled to sell the home. Alternatively if the family member is of the required age group the agreement can be assigned to them.
