There’s a park home lifestyle waiting for you!
You’ve heard of park homes but you don’t know where to get more information. You want to escape the busy city life and move away to the countryside. You don’t have a mortgage to worry about and your children have all grown up and left the nest. It’s time to think about your retirement and you dream of a park home lifestyle, stress-free and within a community. Quick Move Properties has answered the top five asked questions… 1. What is a park home?
Most park homes look like a detached bungalow-style home. The design of them is modern and you can sometimes request to have certain things added to their layout. Many of the homes are ready to move into, with furnishings already included, such as a fully equipped kitchen, fitted bathrooms and built in wardrobes. They usually have a good sized living area and two or three bedrooms. Installed as standard in new park homes are central heating, double glazing, carpeting and flooring throughout.
2. How do costs compare to traditional homes?
Park homes cost less than a traditional house, but they come with certain obligations. You can’t get a mortgage on them, so you need the full funds available to be able to purchase them. Some park home operators provide finance schemes to help with this. Also keep in mind management fees - they depend on the location of the park and can range from £120.00 to £200.00 per month, so budget for these costs. To find more information on fees, terms and conditions and requirements, refer to the Mobile Homes Act 1983.
3. What’s not included in the price?
First, check with the park manager before you buy and find out what is included in the price. You’ll normally find that you will have to pay separately for council tax and utility bills such as gas, electricity and water. Council tax for a park home is band A, the lowest band.
Watch out: If you plan to sell your park home in the future, you will be liable to pay the park owner up to the maximum of 10% commission. This is stated in the terms of the Mobile Homes Act 1983. You are required to pay this as it is part of the park’s income. It also covers park fees, and enables it to exist as a business entity.
4. What are the advantages of park home living?
People in, or going into, retirement often feel isolated and moving away from their home town can be a daunting experience. The social benefits are the most recognisable advantage, parks are very much like communities and everyone is encouraged to get to know their neighbours - most park home residents enjoy getting involved with a range of activities, clubs and other social occasions.
Being in a semi-sheltered environment with a park manager (usually living on site) gives residents that extra peace of mind. Having additional security, and having the knowledge that there is help nearby if needed, are two more reasons why the park home lifestyle is highly sought after.
5. Where can I go to find more information?
Visit a few different home parks in an area you like and get a good feel for the life you could have there. The owner or manager should be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have. Chat to some of the residents to truly understand the benefits of living at a particular park home establishment and you’ll find out about the day to day life of living there.
You can find more information by visiting The British Holiday & Home Parks Association website or the Park Lifestyle website. Here you will find news, information on open days and events, and articles on park and holiday homes.
