The advantages of a park home lifestyle

More and more people are discovering that living in a park home can provide a genuinely affordable and comfortable lifestyle. This park home lifestyle has become increasingly popular due to efforts to improve the quality of the parks and the very high specifications park homes now have to meet. Living on a park home estate is now seriously considered as an alternative retirement choice. The social element is also of great comfort living amongst neighbours who are of a similar age and enjoy the park home lifestyle.

So what are the advantages of park home living?

FINANCIAL

Park homes tend to cost less than brick-built properties of a similar size.

MAINTENANCE

Modern park homes are virtually maintenance-free.

FULLY FURNISHED

Park homes are supplied fully furnished, fitted and equipped. Just move straight in.

OWN GARDENS

Most park homes have the benefit of a garden surrounding the home which are fairly small but manageable.

PEACE AND QUIET

As they are detached, single-storey residences, park home occupants enjoy a quiet and independent lifestyle.

SECURITY

The park is an enclosed community where strangers are recognised and may be challenged. Vandalism and break-ins are rare as the park manager is on hand to deal with any problems that may arise.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Residents are usually of similar ages and circumstances and friendships are quickly established.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is a park home?

It is a single-storey residential property of timber-frame construction, built in a factory and delivered to a park of the resident’s choice and sited on a plot. In law, a park home is classed as ‘a caravan’ although it more closely resembles a bungalow.

Park homes are supplied fully furnished and decorated: floor covering and curtains or blinds in all rooms and papered, emulsioned or tiled walls; lounge suite, fireplace, storage units; dining table and chairs; fully fitted kitchen, usually with integrated appliances; fully fitted bathroom (some homes have an en suite shower or bathroom to the master bedroom); two (sometimes three) bedrooms with bed, wardrobes and storage units.

Unfurnished homes can be supplied if preferred.

What is a park?

It is a privately-owned estate (some small with as few as six homes and others much larger with several hundred). Homes are laid out on spacious plots and residents enjoy an independent lifestyle. Rent is paid to the park owner for the land on which the home is sited. Most homes are connected to all mains services – electricity, water, gas, telephone and sewerage. Not all parks, though, have mains gas connections, but these usually have access to a liquefied petroleum gas supply – either piped from a central source, or through individual tanks or cylinders in their gardens.

How big are park homes?

The maximum size that can be sited on a licensed park is about 65ft long and 23ft wide, with the overall height of the living accommodation being 10ft. Most homes are made up of two halves joined together, and these are known as twin units. Smaller homes which can be 10ft, 12ft or 14ft wide and built as one unit are also available.

Are park homes energy-efficient?

Park homes are very well-insulated and all manufacturers are constantly looking at materials and systems to ensure maximum eco-friendliness.

How long will a park home last?

There are currently park homes which were built in the 1960s still providing comfortable and secure living standards. Materials currently used in manufactured should have a far longer life. Most homes are now offered with a 10-year insurance-backed structural warranty.

Are park homes easy to look after?

Almost all park homes are on one level. Window and door frames are in uPVC which requires an occasional wipe-down. Some exteriors are finished in roughcast paint and this may need re-coating about every three years; others have uPVC or similar very low maintenance products on the outside.

How much does a park home cost?

Sited prices of new homes start at around £89,000 on Mill House Park. Larger or bespoke homes can cost in excess of £200,000.

Are there other costs?

Rent for the land on which the home is sited is payable to the site owner, usually monthly. This charge varies depending on the location, size of plot and facilities on the park.
Residents pay their own gas, electricity, water and sewerage charges. Council tax is charged, too, with most homes falling within the two lowest bands. Homes on Mill House Park are assessed Band A.

Are there legal matters I should be aware of?

Park homes come under the Mobile Homes Act legislation. Residents enter into a ‘written agreement’ with the park owner which sets out the rights and obligations of residents and park owners. These guarantee security of tenure for life for residents, subject to certain conditions.

If you have any other questions or concerns then please contact us at Mill House Park. We will be happy to answer any questions and provide further advice about living in a park home.