Park homes are a fast growing market in the UK and they are an excellent choice for people looking for affordable retirement housing. They are particularly popular with the older generation who downsize after retirement, but younger homeowners and families also choose them as a holiday retreat or permanent home.
There are many good reasons to purchase a residential park home, but every home has its pros and cons. It is up to you to decide whether they are right for you.
A mobile or park home is a detached bungalow-style property that is placed on a plot of land on a residential park and connected to mains services such as electricity, drainage and sometimes gas. They are typically manufactured offsite in specialist workshops and then transported to the site.
They are built to a standard known as the British Standard (BS3632). The timber frame of the home is then mounted on a robust steel chassis. It is then covered in a tough weatherproof exterior finish.
Some homeowners also choose to have a garden space created on their plot. There is usually a garage, too.
These homes can be bought either new or pre-owned.
A new park home will be built from scratch, so they will usually be in a better condition than a pre-owned one. They are also more energy-efficient as they are well-insulated and have low-emission windows and doors.
The materials used to build a mobile or park home also mean that they are much cheaper to run than conventionally-built properties. This is because a timber-based frame keeps the home warm in winter and cool in summer, which helps to keep the energy bills down.
These homes are also a lot more flexible than conventionally-built properties, with buyers being able to design their own layout and features. This makes them an attractive option for those who are seeking a more personal, unique experience in their new home.
Purchasing a residential park home is not as easy as buying a conventionally-built house, but the process can be made simple by using a professional agent to help you find your perfect parkhome. The agent can then help you navigate the complicated paperwork and legalities involved in purchasing a residential park home.
Once you have found a residential park home that you like, the next step is to sign an agreement with the site owner. The agreement outlines the rules of living on the park and the conditions that you have to meet. This is a legally binding document that needs to be signed and witnessed by the site owner.
The agreement can only be broken by a court order, and you need to be sure that the site owner has your best interests at heart. They should be able to explain the terms and conditions of your agreement in detail, and you should have an up-to-date copy.
You should always make sure you take out insurance for your park home. It is recommended that you use a specialist insurer who specialises in park home insurance.
