9 January 2020
With around 250,000 people choosing to live in a park home in the UK, it’s a popular lifestyle choice that appeals to more mature residents and retired people in particular.
So, what’s the answer to the question – ‘Can you live in a park home permanently?’ Well, the simple answer is yes, it is possible! But as with all major decisions in life, it is important to do your research and seek professional advice.
If you are attracted by the financial benefits, tranquil settings, low maintenance, the sense of security and a more relaxed lifestyle a park home can offer, read on to discover how you can live permanently this way.
What is a Park Home?
Park homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are covered by the Mobile Homes Act 2013.
A park home is a timber-framed residential property built to British Standard BS 3632, the specification for residential park homes. Homes built to this standard are suitable for year-round living and can be used as your main UK residence, as long as they are located on a park or site with a residential licence rather than a holiday licence.
This is the key difference between a park home and a caravan holiday home. Caravan holiday homes are built to EN 1647, a lower standard in terms of structure and insulation, and are generally suitable for seasonal use only.
Manufacturers who are members of the NCC, the National Caravan Council, take part in a self-certification scheme to confirm compliance with BS 3632. Most park homes built to this residential standard are designed to last at least 50 years, offer good energy efficiency and include a 10-year GoldShield structural warranty.
How Does Park Home Ownership Work?
When you buy a park home, you own the building itself but rent the pitch or ground it sits on. Because park homes cannot usually be purchased with a traditional mortgage, you will need either the funds to buy outright or to explore alternative finance options.
Utility arrangements vary between parks. Some provide gas, water and electricity directly from the supplier, much like a traditional home. Others operate a landlord-owned supply system, where the park owner charges residents for services such as gas and water. Rules are in place to help prevent overcharging; for example, site owners cannot charge more for energy than they have paid.
It is also important to understand the type of site licence in place. All site owners must have planning permission and a licence from the local authority. This licence will state whether the site is for holiday use, full residential use, or a mixture of both.
Types of Park Home Sites
The main distinction to understand is whether a site is licensed for holidays or permanent residential living.
Holiday parks and static caravan sites: These are usually open for around nine to ten months of the year and are intended for holiday use only. You cannot live on these sites permanently, and there may be limits on how long you can stay at one time.
Residential parks: These are open all year round and allow permanent living in purpose-built park homes. They do not usually permit static caravans to be used as permanent residences. Residents on parks with a residential licence benefit from security of tenure under the Mobile Homes Act.
How to Find a Park Home You Can Live in Permanently
Before choosing a location, take time to research the park thoroughly and visit in person. If possible, speak to existing residents, as they can offer valuable first-hand insight into the park, its management and the surrounding area.
If you are looking for a 12-month residential park home for sale, you will need to find a suitable residential plot on a licensed park. Always confirm the site’s residential status with the owner and obtain written confirmation before making any purchase.
If the park home will be your main residence, make sure the park has a full residential licence. If you are unsure, ask the site owner to show you the licence or contact the local council that issued it.
You should also review the Written Statement, which sets out the terms under which you can keep your home on the park, including details of planning permission. By law, the park owner must provide this document at least 28 days before you commit to purchase, giving you time to understand the terms and seek advice if needed.
If you are ready to make the move, Omar Group can help you find a residential park that suits your lifestyle. All Omar Group park homes and luxury lodges are built to BS 3632, making them energy efficient and suitable for year-round living.
For more information, call 01842 810 673 or email info@omar.co.uk.
