Living in a residential park home (mobile home)

Residential park homes, also known as mobile homes, are single-storey houses that are installed on park home sites. 

Would a park home suit me?

Residential park homes are small and built on one level so may be suited to people who want a home that's easier to manage. Buying a residential park home can be a more affordable way of living in an area you like. Park home sites can also have more of a sense of community when compared to traditional housing.

Like any move, though, you should consider all your options carefully before making any decisions.

What should I consider before buying a park home?

It’s important to understand the legal and financial implications of buying a park home. Although you'll own the park home itself, you'll pay rent to the site owner for your pitch (known as a ‘pitch fee’). You’ll also be liable for Council Tax, and there may be resale fees if you decide to sell your park home in the future.

It's also a good idea to consider the answers to the following questions when thinking about buying a park home: 

• Does the site have a residential licence and can you live there all year round?
• What are the energy supply arrangements? Some park homes can be expensive to heat and you may have to buy your energy from the site owners.
• Are there age restrictions?
• Does the site allow pets?
• Are there parking restrictions?
• Is there a site manager who lives on-site to deal with day-to-day problems? 
• Is the site – including the roads, lighting and pathways – well maintained? 
• Is there an active residents’ association representing the site's residents’ interests and ensuring that their problems are addressed?

Find out more about park homes on the LEASE Park Homes website