So you have decided to purchase a parkhome, here are a few tips to help it go smoothly.
Visit a few parks in the area you wish to live. Most parks are in rural locations and are well landscaped and looked after. They are listed in some parkhome magazines and websites by region, county and town.
Fees
If you buy a home already sited the price should be a fixed one. If however you buy one to be sited you will need to allow for delivery charges and a fee for siting the home on a concrete base and for connection of mains services. A solicitor is not essential as a parkhome is classed as a chattel and not a permanent home. If you are moving from a brick property to a parkhome the solicitor involved in the sale of the brick home should be able to handle both for you. If it is an older parkhome a survey at around £300.00 may be a good option to make sure there are no hidden problems.
Contract
Under the mobile homes act 1983 you must enter into a written agreement with the park owner to live on their land. The agreement will also detail park rules and how much commission the park owner will charge you if you resell (they are allowed up to 10%). More details can be found in the government booklet ‘A Guide For Residents And Site Owners’ which is available from the Department for Communities and Local Government on 0870 1226 236.
Important Tip
The law regarding park homes is being updated regularly, some park owners were recently prosecuted for unfair treatment of residents. There are still some unscrupulous and greedy park owners out there. Try to visit some existing residents and find out what it is like to live on the park. Are they treated well? Is it well maintained? Is there a resident’s association?
Insurance
Easy – Lifesure! One call, instant cover. Feel secure with a specialist that over 20,000 park home residents are very happy with.
Bills
Council tax is due but most park homes fall into band A which is the lowest. The park owner will charge a ground rent, typically around £100 per month. Then you have bills for heating, water, gas and electricity. Find out if you have to buy these services from the park owner as they may be a reseller.
Gary 
