1 April 2025
Owning a park home is an increasingly popular form of residential living that offers a blend of affordability, community, and a low-maintenance lifestyle.
What is a Park Home?
A park home is a form of prefabricated housing, typically designed to be sited on a dedicated residential park home site. These homes are built to high standards in factories and then transported to their final location.
The Basics of Park Home Ownership
When you purchase a park home, you’re buying the structure itself but not the land it sits on. This means that while you own your home outright, you lease the plot of land, or ‘pitch’, from the site owner. This lease normally has a monthly pitch fee, which covers the use of the land and often includes maintenance of communal areas.
The Purchase Process
- Choose a park: Research various park home sites to find one that suits your needs and preferences.
- Select a home: Pick a park home that fits your budget and lifestyle requirements.
- Arrange financing: While traditional mortgages aren’t available for park homes, finance is available from specialist finance companies.
- Complete the purchase: Once financing is secured, you can complete the purchase of your park home.
- Sign the license agreement: This agreement with the park owner allows you to place your home on their land.
Choosing a Residential Park
Park homes sites must have proper planning permission and a site license issued by the local authority. This license dictates whether the site is for holiday use, permanent residential use, or a mix of both. Be sure to check the site license carefully, as it will outline important conditions.
Park homes situated on sites with a residential license come with specific legal rights and protections for homeowners. It’s important to make sure that the site you’re considering has a full residential status if you’re indenting to live permanently.
Before committing to a purchase, it’s important to thoroughly review the pitch agreement and site rules. These documents outline your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner, as well as any restrictions on the use of your home. Some sites may have specific rules about pets, visitors, or modifications to your home.
Legal Advice
It’s highly recommended to seek legal advice when purchasing a park home. A solicitor experienced in park home buying can help guide you through the purchase and highlight any potential issues.
Ongoing Costs
Park home ownership involves several regular expenses:
- Pitch fees: A monthly or annual fee paid to the park owner for the use of the land and maintenance of communal areas.
- Utility bills: Like any home, you’ll be responsible for electricity, water, and gas bills.
- Council tax: Park homes are subject to council tax, usually at a lower band than traditional houses.
- Insurance: As with a traditional property, it’s essential to insure your park home.
Park home ownership provides a unique opportunity for affordable, community-oriented living. By understanding the process and costs involved, you can make an informed decision about whether this housing option is right for you. As with any significant purchase, it’s advisable to seek professional advice and thoroughly research your options before committing to park home ownership.
If you are looking to start your Omar journey see our current park homes for sale.
Omar Group does not offer finance or financial advice – when seeking advice, please note that financial advisers are required to be registered with the FCA.