Buying A Park Home

• Thursday, 8 November 2007
• Kathleen Retourne
• 2 Comments

If you are thinking about buying a mobile home or static caravan here is all the advice you will need

Q: Where do I start?
A: Check out the residential parks advertised each month in PH&HC and order a copy of our annual Residential Parks Guide, which lists British parks by region, county and town. Order for £4 including P&P from www.aarons-mags.co.uk or call 01562 69296.

Q: What will it cost?
A: New sited homes can cost between £50,000 and £300,000 depending on size, fixtures and fittings and location. Second hand homes can cost as little as £15,000. If you go down this route, make sure you get a surveyor's opinion on its age and condition. Some specialists advertise in PH&HC. Remember, the final cost will be more than the 'ex-works' price quoted by the manufacturer. The park owner will charge a siting fee to transport the home from factory to park, siting it on its concrete base and connecting it to the mains services. Ensure you budget for this as your total bill could double. Although not essential, it is advisable to use a solicitor to help you through the buying process. Some specialist practitioners advertise in PH&HC.

Q: How do I raise the cash?
A: Finance companies like RoyScot Larch and Park Home Assist specialise in loans for the purpose of park home purchases and advertise with PH&HC. Some park owners can also arrange finance packages for you or offer advice.

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 his park home site. Ask to examine the park owner's copy prior to purchase. If you buy your home from the park owner, he must provide you with a copy 28 days before you buy the home, unless you agree in writing to reduce this period specifically. Residents' rights are contained in the Implied Terms (Part III), which were strengthened in October 2006 following a Government review. The Implied Terms include security of tenure and the resident's right to sell 'on site' to a third party. These terms must be included and cannot be altered or removed by the site owner. For a free booklet on the new Implied Terms, entitled Mobile Homes: A Guide For Residents and Site Owners, contact the Department for Communities and Local Government on 0870 1226 236. Buried in the final section of the statement are the Express Terms, which are more flexible and are agreed between the site owner and the resident. These can include how to decide a plot fee increase; a duty on the occupier to keep his home in a decent state of repair; and a duty on the site owner to keep the site in a good condition. If you buy a previously occupied home, the written statement and any park rules will be assigned to you.

Q: What if I want to sell?
A: The previous occupier is required to pay a commission of up to 10 per cent of the sale price to the park owner.

Q: Are there any hidden costs?
A: You will still have to pay council tax, although most park homes fall into the lowest tax band. Find out how much this is before you purchase. On top of this, you will also pay rent to the park owner on a weekly or monthly basis. This covers inspection of the electricity supply; street lighting, insurance; road maintenance, etc. Rents vary from £80 to around £130 per month depending on the park's location and facilities. Make sure your home and its contents are insured. Many insurers advertise in PH&HC.

Things you should ask:

Is the owner a member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association or the National Park Homes Council?

Ask about current pitch fees and the history of increases over the past five years.

Ask if you need to buy electricity and gas through the park owner.

Are pets allowed?

Are children allowed to live on site or stay over?

Is the site licence on display? All owners should display a licence from the local authority. The licence covers matters like spacing between homes, the condition of roads, fire precautions, etc.

Ensure the park has planning permission as a permanent residential park.

100's of homes for sale 

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