Unsure where to start when it comes to purchasing your own park home?
Our handy FAQ should help…
So you’ve made the exciting choice to buy your very own park home or holiday lodge, but you’re unsure of what is involved in the purchasing process.
We don’t blame you – it’s a huge decision to make! And after all, it’s so easy to get caught up in the typical industry jargon, horror stories from local papers, and faded childhood memories of staying on dated “staycation” resorts (before that term was coined as trendy thanks to recent holiday trends!).
However, thanks to manufacturers – such as Prestige – which are raising the standards on what a modern park home looks like, the boom in park living is showing no signs of stopping.
With a wide offering of practical, stylish and affordable homes found across 2,000 sites in England alone*, there’s an estimated 85,000 households living in park accommodation in the country.
But before you join them, take the time to look at some of the most popular questions raised when purchasing, and decide if this is truly the lifestyle for you.
What is the difference between a residential and leisure license?
The main difference between the two is that residential parks have the license to allow residents to live in the park all year round, with their home being their main residence. They do not need to have a second address as part of their contract.
Those buying a home on a park with a leisure license however, can only use their home as a secondary residence. They will need proof of another address in order to purchase the property and will typically need to vacate their holiday home for one month of the year, although this can vary across different resorts.
Is a park home the same as a caravan?
There’s a big difference between a park home and a caravan – the former is built to the ‘Specification for Residential Park Homes’ – a BS3632.
A BS3632 is a standard of building regulations that is similar to a typical bricks and mortar home, meaning that it is safe to live in all year round.
Holiday lodges have the same regulation which ensures the homes have features such as high-quality insulation, central heating, acoustic and safety features and double glazing, so staycationers can enjoy their home at any time of year.
What is the lifespan of a park home?
Today, residential park homes are expected to last for 70-80 years if they are maintained and cared for properly! At Prestige, we pride ourselves on our second-to-none craftmanship and high-quality materials.
All of our homes are protected by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard, a 10-year Platinum Seal covering a wide range of faults relating to the structure of their property, and we also provide a 40-year roof tile weatherproof guarantee.
Are they secure?
Our park homes and lodges come with the same fixtures and fittings that you would see in a typical bricks and mortar home. This means they are just as secure as a traditional property.
Do I need to pay council tax on my park home and/or holiday lodge?
For holiday lodges you do not need to pay council tax – as long as you aren’t using it as your sole address. This is because they are not classed as a domestic property.
For those living in a park home with a year-round residential license however, you will need to pay Council Tax.
Do I need to be retired to own a park home?
Not at all! In some parks there is an age restriction, but even then, you don’t have to be “retired” to buy a home. Many developments allow families with children, and a lot of them also allow pets too. However, it is always vital to look into the park’s individual policy to see if the park suits your needs.
As a park home owner do I have rights?
All park home owners are protected under the Mobile Homes Act 2013. Their rights include such things as their right to keep the park home on its plot, the pitch fee, other charges and services, and the park rules.
Are park homes environmentally friendly?
Modern park and holiday homes are leading the way when it comes to being conscious of environmental matters. The majority are very well insulated and come with efficient boilers.
After auditing our procurement policies, we have published four policies which are now embedded into our business. These are:
1) To buy locally to reduce carbon emissions through delivery
2) Source from companies who themselves have robust sustainability credentials
3) Use renewable energy
4) Where possible, use recycled materials
If you have any other questions about park home living, or simply wish to find out more about what we have to offer here at Prestige, please call us on 01933 354000 or email [email protected]