Advice for Buying a Park Home
Welcome to our FAQ page about living in a residential park home.
If you're thinking about purchasing a residential mobile home, we’d love to help you on your journey. Call us on 01547 560300, email us, or visit us at Rockbridge between 9 am and 5 pm, and we’ll help answer any questions you may have.
The information below is taken from Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazine.
In the Beginning
Q: Where do I start?
A: A good place to start is by reviewing the pages of a trade magazine like Park Home & Holiday Caravan. Then give our Ownership Team a call on 01568 708326 with any questions your research has sparked.
The Lifestyle
Q: What is a park home?
A: Park homes are specifically designed to be permanent homes and include all the essential amenities you need for easy and comfortable living. They’re often located in dedicated residential caravan sites or parks like Rockbridge. This will be your home for as long as you want it to be 24/7, 365 days of the year.
The Price is Right
Q: What will it cost?
A: Prices can vary considerably depending on size, fixtures, fittings, and location. The cost of a brand new residential mobile home will be more than the ‘ex-works’ price from the manufacturer, as the park owner will charge for transporting it, siting it on a concrete base, and connecting it to mains services. We recommend buyers use a solicitor when exploring residential static caravan sites and looking at caravans to rent permanently.
Financing the Move
Q: How do I raise the cash?
A: There are finance companies that specialize in providing loans for the purpose of purchasing residential park homes. Some park site owners can also arrange finance packages for you or offer advice on securing funding if you’re thinking of living in a static caravan.
The Legalities
Q: Do I sign a contract?
A: Under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, you must enter into a Written Agreement with the park owner to live on their residential caravan site. If you buy your home from the park owner, they must give you the agreement 28 days before purchase, unless you agree in writing to reduce the time. Residents’ rights are contained in the Implied Terms (Part III), which were strengthened in October 2006. Finally, the Written Agreement has Express Terms, agreed between the park owner and resident. These terms can include plot fee increases; an occupier’s duty to keep their home in a good state of repair; and the site owner’s duty to keep the site well.
Is There a Warranty?
Q: Is there a structural warranty?
A: New homes start with a 12-month manufacturer’s statutory guarantee, but some also have a 10-year extended structural warranty, which can provide assurance when looking at residential mobile homes for sale.
Extra Outgoings
Q: Are there any hidden costs?
A: You will have to pay council tax, usually in one of the lower bandings, either A or B. It's A at Rockbridge. You also pay ground rent to the park site owner—rents will vary depending on the park’s location and facilities—and, as with any home, there will be utility bills, insurance, etc.
Getting Insured
Q: Are they easy to insure?
A: Due to their non-standard construction, park homes are best insured by specialist park home insurers. The policy will cover the home and contents on a new-for-old basis, so the sums insured should reflect the cost of replacement as new, including allowances for site clearance, re-siting, and delivery fees. Some policies also include legal expenses cover, which can be a valuable addition for those living in a static caravan.
Surveying the Scene
Q: Should I get a survey?
A: For second-hand homes, it is important to get a survey from a specialist park home surveyor on its condition. Subject II Survey, Blue Chip Park Homes Ltd will provide independent surveys and detailed written reports describing any problems and how to resolve them. They provide this service across the UK and are also listed in Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazine.
Selling Up
Q: What if I want to sell?
A: There are important changes to the selling or gifting of your park home under the Mobile Homes Act, which came into force in 2013. As a park home owner, you can now sell your home on the open market without having the new home buyer approved by the site operator. When selling, you are required by law to pay a commission of up to 10 percent of the sale price to the park owner.
For more details, visit: www.gov.uk/park-mobile-homes.