Thinking about buying your first park home? If you’re downsizing, releasing equity, or simply after a more relaxed lifestyle, park homes can be an appealing alternative to traditional homes.
If you’re just starting your research, you may have questions about how the process works, what to look out for, and whether a park home is the right choice for you. This guide walks you through the essentials, from ownership and budgeting to choosing the right location, so you can feel confident with making the right decision for you.
Why Consider Living in a Park Home?
Park homes are a great option if you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable way of living. They usually cost less than traditional houses, so you can free up equity or make your budget go further.
They’re also low maintenance and set within community parks where neighbours often share similar lifestyles. That’s why they’re especially popular with downsizers and retirees who want to cut back on household maintenance, enjoy a supportive environment, and spend more time on the things they love.
Our Guide to Buying a Park Home
Buying your first park home comes with a few things to think about, including everything from legal rules to budgeting and finding the right community. Here’s our step-by-step guide to the key questions and considerations to keep in mind before you buy.
Understanding Ownership & Legal Essentials
When you buy a park home, you’ll own the home but not the land it sits on. The plot belongs to the park owner, and you’ll pay them site fees to keep your home there. These fees can vary, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s included.
Before you commit, make sure you read the site licence, written agreement, and park rules carefully. They’ll set out your rights as a homeowner, along with any restrictions that might affect your day-to-day life. It’s also a good idea to get independent legal advice before signing anything, so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
New vs. Pre-Owned Park Homes
One of the first choices you’ll make is whether to buy new or pre-owned. A brand-new park home can be customised to your taste and usually needs very little maintenance in the early years. The downside is they’re more expensive and you’ll often have to wait some time before moving in, while the home is built.
Pre-owned park homes are usually cheaper* and you can move in more quickly, but you may need to budget for repairs or updates, especially if it needs some modernisation. It’s also worth knowing that the average lifespan of a park home is anywhere between 40 and 70 years**, which is much shorter than a traditional house.
Location, Site & Community Considerations
Choosing the right park is just as important as choosing the home itself. Start by looking at the amenities on offer and weighing them up against the site fees. Most importantly, ask yourself if the facilities add real value for your lifestyle.
It’s also worth thinking about the atmosphere of the community. Do you prefer a quiet environment, or somewhere more social? Make sure you read the park rules too, as they may include restrictions such as whether pets are allowed.
The best way to decide is to visit a few parks in person. Walking around, chatting with residents, and getting a feel for the area will quickly show you whether it’s the right fit.
Budgeting
When planning your purchase, it’s important to look beyond the price of the home. Ongoing costs can include ground rent, utilities, council tax, transport, installation, and general maintenance.
New homes can also be more expensive than they first appear. In fact, some cost 25–30% above the recommended retail price, while lodges can be as much as 50% more . On top of that, traditional mortgages aren’t usually an option for park homes, so you may need to look into specialist finance.
Warranty & Insurance Considerations
Most new park homes come with warranties that cover parts and structure, often 12 months for general issues, with some models offering up to 5 years of structural cover. These can help to offer you added peace of mind if anything goes wrong early on.
It can also be worth considering arranging specialist park home insurance. Standard home insurance may not cover park homes, so you may want a policy designed to protect both the property and your belongings against accidents, damage, or theft.
Common Questions When Buying a Park home
If you’re buying your first park home, you’ll probably have lots of questions about how the process works. We've covered some of the most common ones below to help you prepare.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Park home?
The time it takes can vary depending on whether you’re buying new or pre-owned. With a brand-new park home, you’ll usually face a longer wait as the home may need to be built and installed on-site before you can move in. On the plus side, you’ll have a completely fresh home that’s tailored to your taste.
If you choose a pre-owned park home, the process can be quicker because the property is already in place and ready to go. That said, your timeline might be slowed down by the seller’s chain or the time it takes to finalise agreements with the park owner.
Do You Need a Survey When Buying a Park Home?
A survey isn’t legally required when buying a park home, but it’s often a smart step to take. Having a professional check over the property can give you reassurance that everything’s in good condition before you commit.
It’s worth using a surveyor who specialises in park homes, as they’ll understand the unique build and materials used. They can spot issues that a general surveyor might miss, helping you avoid unexpected repair costs down the line.
Is a Park Home Classed as a Property?
Yes, a park home can be classed as a property, even though it works a little differently to a traditional house. Under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (updated 2013) park homes are classed as dwellings in the context of tax and utility billing. The key difference between a park home and a traditional property is in the purchase of the home itself but not the land it sits on. Instead, you’ll pay site fees to the park owner for the use of the plot. This means separate legal agreements need to be made to account for this.
This setup isn’t much different from leasehold houses or flats, where you own the property but lease the ground beneath it. The key is to understand the agreement you’re entering into, so you know exactly what’s covered and what your responsibilities are.
Protect Your New Park Home with Dedicated Insurance from Lifesure
Taking the time to research and plan your park home purchase is the best way to make sure it’s the right move for you. But even with careful preparation, unexpected events can happen, which is why having suitable insurance in place can also be important.
At Lifesure, we offer specialist park home insurance designed to help protect both your home and your belongings. Our insurance can cover accidental damage, theft, unexpected repairs, and more, helping to offer you additional peace of mind while you enjoy your park home.
Fill in our online form to get an instant quote or call us on 01480 402 460.
*Source: https://www.sellmygroup.co.uk/blog-post/370439/advantage-disadvantages-buying-park-home
**Source: https://www.yourretreats.co.uk/blog/how-long-do-park-homes-last
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Lifesure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
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