Choosing A Holiday Park

• Thursday, 8 November 2007
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Repton Green Driving Range

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Everything you need to know to find your ideal holiday park

Choosing a holiday park


Can I choose any holiday home?
Although most parks can, in theory, supply any make and model, many often have one or two already on site or bought by them, which they would prefer to sell you.

To which organisation does the park belong?
A site's membership of the British Holiday and Homes Parks Association should assure you of a fair deal in many aspects of park life. An award from the David Bellamy conservation scheme guarantees a level of environmental awareness and features on the park to encourage flora and fauna.

Is there a plot available?
Although it may be a bad sign if there are a lot of vacant plots, it may reflect a new development or a redevelopment of the park. Try to steer clear of being only offered one choice. You, the customer, should make the selection, assuming there is availability. It may be that the park is very keen to sell a particular model on a particular plot. If it suits you too, there may be a deal in the air. If it is not what you want, hold out until you get your wish.

What are the site fees, and are the first year's included in the initial cost?
The offer of a package price is often made. Annual site or park fees vary between about £1,000 to £3,000. This reflects as much as anything the market value, with popular parks charging more. It may or may not reflect the level of facilities, as some of the quieter parks are the more expensive ones. Then again, parks can make a lot of money from the bars, amusements etc, so you may have to pay a premium for your peace! Plot sizes vary too, of course. Typically lodges attract higher rates of pitch fees, but usually offer more security in the lease.

What are the park rules?
A switched-on park should offer you a copy of its rules. If you are not shown a copy, ask for one. Are the rules unnecessarily restrictive, or are you happy to comply? Do you get the impression an owner rules with a rod of iron? It is not always the park with the most rules which has the best atmosphere.
At the same time it is good to have spelled out at the outset what is expected of you. Rules can include: no subletting, no washing lines, no pets, no children playing in the vicinity of the holiday homes, no balconies, nothing to be left under your holiday home, no own gardens... just about everything is a no-no on some parks. One park we know allows only blood relatives to stay in an owner-occupier's holiday home. I don't know whether or not the park carries out DNA testing to be sure! Other parks have sensible rules to enhance the enjoyment of your holiday breaks. Bear in mind that a large park may have literally thousands of people staying on site at any given moment, it is amazing sometimes to see how orderly everything is.

What will the holiday home cost?
Even if you don't know yet what model to choose, work out a 'for instance'. Ask for the sited price, and compare it with the manufacturer's recommended retail price. It will be higher, but by how much? A few thousand may just be the cost of the delivery, siting and setting-up - all of which is expensive. Many parks, however, charge a premium for special pitches or the scenic location of the park, rather like buying a house, where the area determines how much you pay. Location, location, location.

How long is the lease?
Parks have different rules for the length of time you may leave your holiday home in situ without upgrading to a new one. Ten years should be the minimum, but it may take into account the age of the van you are buying.

GET A WRITTEN AGREEMENT!
We receive scores of letters from readers who have paid tens of thousands of pounds for their dream holiday home only to encounter problems down the line. Get a written agreement at the outset that outlines both your and the park owner's rights and responsibilities. Make sure it includes the circumstances under which the park owner can increase your annual site fees. Remember, holiday home owners are not covered by the Mobile Homes Act 1983. Your written agreement will be your contract with your park owner and you should be able to refer to it in times of dispute.

When can I have the key?
If you are ordering a new holiday home not already on site, you may have a long wait. Some manufacturers do have extended waiting lists, though at the time of writing waiting is not as long as it was a year or two ago, when quotes of six months to a year were talked about. Expect to wait at least a month, probably a few months. But then it may be worth it to get what you want.
If you buy an existing holiday home already on a plot there may be no waiting at all, once you have paid. Or if it is yet to be sited, the park just needs time to get the required vehicle to manoeuvre the home and the time to set it up.

What if I want to upgrade or sell on?
Many people are surprised to discover that a park takes a 10 or 15 per cent commission on resale. Park owners will argue that is how they make any money, as much of the annual fees disappear in wages, maintenance and improvements on the park. If, however, you want to upgrade your home, there are often favourable deals to be had with the site manager. Generally it is not a good idea to buy, especially new, if you are not in for the long haul. Resale prices do fluctuate from time to time, but usually aluminium-clad holiday homes depreciate rather like new cars.

How and when do I pay?
Many parks ask for a staged payment, starting with a deposit to secure the holiday home. Allow time for any loans to come through, and be clear with the sales person as to when you will be able to pay. Paying on time will put you in the manager's good books from day one!