Your questions answered
The most common questions about living the park lifestyle and buying your dream park home.
Residential park lifestyle questions
Is there an age limit for residential parks?
While there is no national age limit on buying and living in a park home, the parks themselves will have restrictions. Most are for those aged 50 and above, although some welcome the over 45s, and others the over 55s. Quickmove will always check your age complies before arranging a viewing for you.
Are there any rules on the parks?
To maintain a peaceful community ambience, all parks will have their own unique of set rules such as residents’ age limits and any restrictions regarding pets or parking. Homes must be maintained to a certain standard, however we advise requesting a copy of any park rules during your consideration process and ensure you are happy to abide by them before signing on the dotted line.
How secure are residential parks?
Many people are attracted to park home living due to the security and lack of any anti-social behaviours. Most parks are gated to ensure access is only to residents and their guests, but many park owners live on the parks themselves to provide added peace of mind to residents. Almost like a bygone era, the close community spirit on-park means residents look out for each other’s properties when away on holiday.
Are pets allowed?
Most parks do allow pets, often limited to one dog or cat. However, some allow more than this and others will restrict pets entirely. Quickmove will confirm this before you commit to any viewings.
Can guests stay?
Most park bungalows have two en-suite bedrooms making them ideal for hosting visitors. We find that many visitors love their friends’ park lifestyle so much that they go on to buy a home on the same park!
Are my grandchildren allowed to visit?
Under 16’s are allowed to visit parks but should be supervised to maintain the peaceful ambience of the location.
Where are parks located?
Parks are located all over the UK, so whether you want to be close to the city, in the countryside or beside the sea, there will be a spot to suit your needs. Quickmove has a nationwide Residential Park Network of recommended parks, many located in sought-after holiday spots, which is why many residents say that every day feels like a holiday! Read our article on choosing your park location.
Who looks after the park?
The park owner maintains the park’s grounds, which includes your pitch and the common areas. Your pitch fees are used to cover the cost of this general maintenance.
What is there to do on a residential park?
Many of Quickmove’s recommended parks have facilities onsite such as a pool, gym, or communal hall for events. While all parks are different from each other, they often having thriving communities and in rural areas allowing long walks and cycle rides to be enjoyed. Activities organised and run by residents themselves include quiz nights, live music, bingo events, golf societies, art clubs and line dancing!
Will I be lonely?
Residential parks are well known for their vibrant and close communities, where residents look out for one another. Visiting parks and speaking to current residents will help you get a feel for the atmosphere of each place, and this will help you to choose the perfect location for you.
What do residents have to pay for?
While you will own your home, you will need to pay a pitch fee to the site owner. Usually this is paid monthly, but on some parks it may be weekly or annually, so find out before you commit. You will also need to pay your own council tax (usually Band A) and utility bills which are minimised due to the highly efficient insulation and heating systems used in modern park homes.
Are there any laws that protect park home owners?
Yes, The Caravan Sites Act 1968, The Mobile Homes Act 1983 and The Mobile Homes Act 2013. The latter was quite a turning point as it gives park home owners more protection against unscrupulous park owners. There are licensing laws in place, and site owners must keep the park in good condition or they risk prosecution.
Is a residential and a holiday park the same thing?
No. While both require the site owner to have a specific licence and planning permission, each type of park requires a different types of licence. Residential parks allows residents to live there all year round, while holiday parks require owners to leave property vacant for one or two months of the year (park dependent).
Does a residential park require a special licence?
Yes, it must have a specific licence to allow residents to live on the park all year round. In addition to this, the park owner must also have adequate planning permission to allow park homes to be sited on the land.
Do I need a solicitor when I buy a park home?
Buying a park home is a much more straightforward process than buying a bricks and mortar property, especially using the Park Home Buying Service from Quickmove, where we guide you through the process and use the conveyancing services of a solicitor with specific experience in this field.
What is a pitch fee and do they increase annually?
A pitch fee is the charge you pay the park owner for having your home on the site. It is used to pay for general upkeep and maintenance of the site and common areas. Before increasing pitch fees, the park owner must complete a Pitch Fee Review Notice and provide written notice of the proposed increase.
Can I rent out a residential park home?
No, residential park licences generally do not allow sub-letting. This helps to protect the community who live on the park by preventing lots of ownership changes.
What happens if I need extra help or care in the future?
As a residential park home owner, you are still eligible to apply for local support and care as you would if you lived in a bricks and mortar home. Key benefits of park homes are the fact that they are single storey and easily adaptable to allow for ramps and other aids that may be required in the future.
Do parks have shops and amenities on site?
Each residential park will differ to another. Some will have a shop on site, while others will be situated close to local amenities. Quickmove can advise on amenities on and nearby each recommended park to help you choose.
Park home questions
Are park homes like caravans?
Definitely not! Park homes are designed to be main residences and as such they are built using timber frames and must conform to the British Standard BS3632.
Do I own the home and for how long?
Once you buy your park home it is your property for as long as you want it.
How long will the home last?
Park homes are built to an exceptionally high standard, meaning they will last a life time if properly maintained. All manufacturers will offer their own specific guarantees and warranties to cover you for a certain period of time.
What home size options are there?
Residential park homes come in a variety of sizes from 40ft in length up to 60ft, and 14ft in width up to 22ft. When choosing your perfect home configuration, you must take into consideration the available plot sizes on your chosen park, as not all sites can accomodate some of the larger homes.
Can I bespoke my home? (size, layout, fixtures and fittings)
Absolutely. This is one of the huge advantages of buying a park home because you can select your favourite features to create a truly unique and show stopping home that is completely tailored to your needs. Even if you purchase a show home on site you can usually select a furniture package that suits your tastes.
Will I have a garden, and is the upkeep my responsibility?
Most park home plots come with a small outside space and the guidelines regarding upkeep will be set out in the park’s own rules. In some cases, the site will be developed to your own wishes and requests before you move in, so if you prefer a low-maintenance area this can often be arranged.
Can I build my own patio/decking?
Many park home owners are able to enjoy a patio or decking area, and there are plenty of companies who specialise in providing these. Before you commit to your perfect location, always check if any specific rules regarding the outside area to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.
Will I have my own parking space?
The majority of parks offer residents one or two parking spaces, but as all parks are unique it is worth checking the finer details like this before you view.
Can a park home be adapted for a disabled person?
Yes. Park home manufacturers are very adept at building accessible park homes from scratch, and there are also specific refurbishment companies who would be able to help you adapt a pre-owned park home, too.
What council tax band are park homes?
Residential park homes are in council tax band A, which is the lowest cost. Many people find this to be one of the biggest savings they make on their outgoings, as well as lower utility bills due to the highly efficient and modern insulation and heating systems used.
Do park homes go up in value?
As with the sale of any form of property, this is all relative to the market at the time of sale and how desirable the location is.
How much do park homes cost to buy?
Previously owned homes can be purchased from around £50,000, while new homes vary depending on the size, specifcation, and park location that you choose. However, even with lots of extras, park bungalows are often more affordable than traditional bricks and mortar properties, especially in sought-after locations. Quickmove help home buyers purchase brand new park homes.
Are park homes expensive to run?
Many people find park home living a much more cost-efficient option. Not only will you benefit from the lowest band of council tax, but thanks to highly efficient boilers and good insulation you will also see a reduction in your utility bills, too. Add in the fact that it is often possible to free up equity from your existing home by downsizing to a residential park bungalow, and you’ll soon be enjoying a better cash flow in your new lifestyle.
How easy is to sell a park home?
Selling a park home is a relatively straightforward process. The park owner is entitled to up to 10% of the final sale price – this is because much of the value will be based on the location and the services on offer on the park.
Do I have to a buy brand new park home or are there second hand options available?
You can choose a brand new park home to the exact specification of your choice, or you can buy a pre-owned home – the choice is yours! There are plenty of refurb companies who have experience and expertise in the park home industry, and you’ll be amazed by some of the ways they can transform a second-hand home. Quickmove help home buyers purchase brand new park homes only.
Who owns the plot?
While the park home will be your property, the plot itself belongs to the park owner. This is why you have site fees to pay, and in return the owner is bound by regulations to maintain a good standard of upkeep to your site and the surrounding area on the park.
Are park homes eco-friendly?
Many modern park homes are built from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, which help give them their green credentials. On top of this, they are very energy efficient, so not only should you see a reduction in the cost of your bills but they are kinder to the environment, too. Many park home manufacturers are committed to building greener homes and there are plenty of optional extras that you can select too, such as rainwater harvesting, etc.
Can my park home be passed on in my will?
Your park home is your own property and can be left in your will as part of your estate. Those who inherit your home will be able to move in to it if they are eligible to – such as meeting the age requirements of the park – or they can sell it, with 10% of the selling price paid to the park owner.
What are park homes made from?
Park homes are built with timber frames with a steel chassis and must conform to the British Standard BS3632.
Will I need special insurance for my park home?
Due to their unique construction, it is highly recommended that you insure your park home with a provider who has specific expertise within this area. Traditional home insurance will not offer adequate cover and you could end up being out of pocket when you need it most. Our recommended specialist park home insurers are Paul Baker Insurance and Park Home Assist.
Will I be warm enough living in a park home?
Due to the level of regulation that park homes are built to, they are well insulated and many residents find them to be warmer and cosier than bricks and mortar properties. In addition, they are easier and cheaper to heat thanks to their energy-efficient boilers.
Part exchange questions
What types of property are suitable for part exchange?
Flats, bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached properties. Long leasehold and ex-local authority housing. High or low value residences.
What is the typical Quick Move Properties offer level?
We treat each property on an individual basis and always make the highest possible offer.
How is the Quick Move Properties offer presented?
A formal offer is presented to you in writing, including comparables and rationale.
What if the customer is not ready to move out at completion?
We know how stressful moving can be so we give all your customers up to two weeks free licence to occupy after completion if required.
How quickly can Quick Move Properties purchase a property?
We can buy in as little as 24 hours from formal offer if necessary, or delay purchase by up to ten weeks until the vendor’s home is ready.
Does it matter if the part exchange property is more expensive than the property they are buying from you?
No, we are happy to purchase from customers in higher value properties looking to release equity as well as purchase their future home.
Is an EPC needed?
No, if the property is not on the market, we do not require an EPC in order to purchase.
Will I be kept informed of any legal updates after acceptance of the offer?
We will always keep you fully up to date throughout the entire process.
Are you able to purchase a park home or retirement flat for PX?
We will consider most properties for part exchange although we are unable to buy retirement flats or park homes.
Park home selling questions
Do I need the site owner’s permission to sell a park home?
No, you don’t need the site owner’s permission to sell a park home or tell them you are planning to sell.
How easy is it to sell a park home?
Selling a park home is a straightforward process. With Quickmove’s resale service, you’re guaranteed a hassle-free sale, with no up-front fees to pay!
How much is my park home worth?
A valuation will depend on the location and condition of the park home. At Quickmove we provide our valuations by comparing it to the prices of park homes sold in similar locations within a period of time. We aim to be fair and accurate with our valuations.
Who pays the commission on the sale of a park home?
When a park home owner sells their home, the law requires them to pay a commission on the sale to the site owner. The maximum rate of commission is currently set at 10% of the sale price.
For example, if an owner sells their park home for £200,000, they will receive only £180,000 from the buyer, who must pay the £20,000 balance to the site owner.
Do you need a solicitor to sell a park home?
No, there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor when selling a park home.
Who can I sell a park home to?
You can sell a park home to anyone who meets a park’s requirement. These conditions will be laid out in the park’s site rules.
What paperwork do I need to sell a park home?
There are a small number of forms to complete when selling a park home such as a Buyer’s Information form and Notice of proposed sale form. The process is more streamlined than selling a brick and mortar property. For example, park homes do not need an energy performance certificate (EPC).
“Part-exchange customers tell me how easy it was for them to buy; there was no stress, there was no worry, they weren’t chased by any solicitors or buyers or anything like that, and that makes a big difference to their move.”
Gary Self, Owner of Shirmart Residential Park, Devon
Let Quickmove help answer any other questions
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Recommended by leading park home manufacturers
Recommended by leading park home manufacturers
