TAKING THAT LEAP OF FAITH
If you’re thinking of buying a park home for the first time it may feel like a whole new world to you.
There are quite a few things that are a bit different with a park home, but as long as you know what they are, it’s well worth taking that leap of faith to enjoy an easier lifestyle. The vast majority of park homeowners say they have never regretted their move and that wish they’d done it earlier!
Walking into your new park home will probably feel more like owning a cross between a bungalow and a penthouse apartment, complete with modern furnishings, up-to-date technology and eco-friendly values. There are also a lot of practical plus points such as easy maintenance, lower overheads and a secure and peaceful environment.
Park homes don’t feel much different from brick-built homes nowadays and that’s because they are very solidly built. In the early days of park homes, you could feel the difference underfoot and perhaps things might have sounded a bit different, but all that has changed now.
Park homes feel (and sound!) like modern bungalows including furnishings, window dressing, all mod-cons and a range of hi-tech add-ons available if you love your gadgets. It's the easiest move you could make if your days of wanting to do DIY are well and truly behind you too!
So, what are the main differences you need to know about?
Ownership:
When you buy a park home you own the home but not the land it sits on, you lease that from the site owner, typically for a monthly fee and leased for a fixed period. The price will reflect both the type of home and land values in the area.
Maintenance:
Residential Park homes are single-storey homes in a private community, and the park rules will often specify that residents are over 50 or 55, so you will be surrounded with like-minded people. You can interact as much or as little as possible with everyone around you. Your neighbours and the park owner will be there if you ever need an extra hand, and the park will maintain the communal areas for you – once less thing to worry about! Low level maintenance levels can reassure many buyers, especially if you live alone. Most parks are also secure and gated giving you that peace of mind, yet another reason to take the leap.
New Lifestyle:
Due to the target age group many buying a park home will be downsizing, so moving to a park home can be a good opportunity to clear out your clutter while you’re still fit and well enough to do it. It may also release enough equity to help you live the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Many we’ve spoken to say that they find both of those points quite liberating! You can’t get a mortgage on a park home though, although some finance companies do offer specialised options to help you buy if you’re not downsizing.
You can have family members to stay with you for short periods, and some parks allow for household pets. All this will be in the park rules, which you need to read thoroughly before signing to make sure that they suit your intended lifestyle and circumstances.
Build and Construction
The other main difference is in construction. Instead of being built from the ground up they are manufactured in two halves with a timber frame on a chassis and transported ready to be sited.
When it comes to buying a home, there are options. You may find one that is already sited as a show home or previously owned, or you may be able to choose from a range of models using the park’s available build slots. There is also an option to completely bespoke a home, making a range of tweaks to make it yours. Many parks also offer part-exchange at market value, so that can really take the hassle out of moving and help you stay in your old home until your new home is ready.
They are well insulated, with double-glazing, central heating and energy-efficient boilers and appliances, so they are cheaper to run and easier to maintain than most brick-built homes and sit in the lowest council tax band. The estimated lifespan is 70-80 years but they can last much longer if well maintained.
So, from nearly every perspective they will feel just like a bungalow, and depending on those park rules you’ll probably have your own drive, garden, shed and the option of a garage. The home will be slightly raised to allow for the chassis, so the bottom may have skirting with access for piped-in services, and ramps are usually an option if your mobility is an issue. If you decide to move, the home usually stays where it is, although it is possible to have your home transported to another site if you really want.
Key Points to Check
There are two very key points you need to check to live in a park home. The first is that the home is built to residential standards BS:3632 – all of our homes are built to this standard and come with an extensive warranty. The second is they are sited on a park with a residential licence for the plot. That last point is really important as they are technically classed as mobile homes and are covered by the Mobile Homes Act 1983 which offers owners an amount of protection.
You’ll usually pay for your utilities differently too – things like your electricity, gas and water may be sold back to you by the park owner, although there are rules in place to make sure they don’t charge too much.
While all of this may sound like a lot to think about, they are really bungalows with a few differences. The benefits are clear though – a brand-new home you can just open the door to and it’s ready to go. Many say it’s like being on holiday permanently, and they would never look back.
Having followed the stories of many of our customers well after they’ve moved in, we know how exciting buying a park home can be. We always build our homes with interior designs we’d love to live in ourselves, and that’s how we know our customers will love them too, so we’re passionate about the lifestyle. We have a design and interior for everyone – traditional and contemporary to unique and chic!
If you’re unsure of anything at all you’re very welcome to join us for a factory visit so we can show you how they are built and answer any questions you might have. It may be a leap of faith but armed with all the knowledge you need to make sure it’s right for you, it might be the best leap you’ve ever made!
Get in touch today to see how Prestige can help you take that leap of faith and start your journey today!