Park home life can be incredibly rewarding, particularly for those who want to retain a community feel when they move to somewhere new, but also want the physical convenience a park home provides. There are around 2,500 residential parks in the UK, and this is becoming an increasingly popular way for people to live, especially when looking to enjoy a quiet retirement.
What do I need to know when buying a park home?
The process of buying a park home differs from the process you go through to buy a traditional property (in other words, a house). In this edition of our blog, we present the definitive guide to buying a park home – from the definition of a park home to the rules on residential sites, providing answers to any of the common questions you might have.
What is a park home?
For those who are unaware of, or unsure of, what a park home actually is, a brief explanation may prove valuable. A park home is a detached prefabricated home which is permanently located on a private site. Typically, park homes are manufactured and then placed in configuration on plots of land owned by a private company or local authority, forming a village environment. Buying a park home means you own the building, though the land it sits on will be owned by the operator of the park and you will pay site fees to them, which will cover things general maintenance.
There are specific maximum dimensions which must be adhered to for a property to be classed as a park home. They are:
- Length: 65 feet (approx. 20 metres)
- Width: 22 feet (approx. 8 metres)
- Height: 10 feet (internal floor to ceiling)
Is a park home right for me?
This is a very important question to ask yourself. Buying a park home and relocating will have a massive impact on your life, so you should not make any decision lightly. Buying a residential home represents a commitment of significant finances. Park homes for over 50s are very popular – though, while some individuals find joy in park living, others may discover that it does not align with their requirements. However, for the vast majority it is a quality way of life which exceeds initial expectations. The unique features of park homes – such as their affordability, ease of maintenance, integration into natural surroundings, and reduced size – make them a significantly attractive option. Before committing to purchasing a residential park home, it’s crucial to evaluate personal motivations and determine whether they justify the decision to move.
Choosing the right location
Some buyers may already have a preferred area to which they would prefer to relocate, and others may be attracted to the idea of park living but not have a specific location in mind. The first step is to identify a park you like and that you feel you could live at. This could be partially determined by the geography of the park – say, closeness to family, familiar towns it is near, or proximity to the seaside etc.
It’s essential to make a physical visit to any potential park
Your choice of park may be informed by what is on offer or even just the feeling you get when viewing for the first time. Factors such as the number of homes on site, the facilities available and the quality of the local environment will all help you to decide on a ‘winner’ from your list of possible parks. It’s also good to strike up conversations with current residents when you visit, as they will fill you in on the very best things about living on the park. They may even offer useful information about the facilities, as well as tips about things you can do in the nearby towns.
Other considerations
Also essential will be other considerations which will play a role in the decision-making process:
- Size and space
If you’re looking to free yourself up from your possessions and downsize your living environment to something which is more manageable, then a park home can be a great alternative to the more traditional move of buying a bungalow or retirement flat. This reduction in square footage of living space makes park homes easier to maintain – as well as easier to clean and cheaper to heat.
- Cost
Some buyers will be happy to spend more money to get a totally new property, whereas others will work to a lower budget or prefer to conserve some of their cash by moving into an existing home. In the vast number of cases, the cost of a park home is the biggest factor in deciding whether to go new or pre-owned.
- Speed of acquisition
Buying a park home can be a relatively speedy process – certainly much quicker than the purchase of a bricks and mortar home. The only real exception to this is if you are buying pre-owned and the existing owner requires a lengthier moving-out period.
- Ease of moving
Using Laird’s exceptional Easy Move scheme, you can be out of your bricks and mortar house and into your park home in super-quick time. Easy Move streamlines the whole process and removes much of the hassle. It involves choosing one of our park homes, commissioning a valuation of your bricks and mortar house, us making an offer based on it, agreeing an exchange and completion, and you moving in to one of the park homes located on one of our eight sites. We also offer a personalised removal service, in partnership, and you can book yours for a discounted rate. The whole process is incredibly simple.
- Running costs
Owning a park home is similar to any other home, in that regular upkeep is required – including cleaning and utilities checks. It’s a good idea to check out how these costs compare to those on your current home before you decide to make the move.
- Site rules and regulations
When considering a potential purchase, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations on the park you have in mind. Adhering to them helps create a smooth and happy living experience for all. Likely rules and regulations on a park include things like residency period allowances, park owner responsibilities and obligations – and these should be thoroughly examined in advance so that you know what you are signing up for.
If you’re thinking about making the move into beautiful scenery and a community vibe, we look forward to hearing from you to arrange an appointment to view any one of our eight parks and the available homes on it. As we mentioned earlier in this blog, we also operate the Easy Move scheme, making the whole process of selling your house and buying a park home incredibly simple and fuss free. If you have any further queries don’t hesitate to contact us – as ever we’ll be more than happy to assist. In no time, you can be living the dream!
