Owning a Residential Park Home

It is important to note that when you buy and live in a residential park home, you are no longer covered by the Housing Act that protects owners of 'bricks and mortar' homes. Park homes are classed as 'caravans' and are therefore covered under the Mobile Homes Act 1983. Because park homes are built on a metal chassis and constructed mainly of wood, they are only considered temporary structures. Therefore, when you purchase a park home, you are only purchasing the structure - the land that the home sits on remains the property of the park owner.
As part of the Mobile Homes Act 1983, you will also have a 'Written Agreement' (or contract) with the Park Owner. If your park home was purchased new after 18th January 2005, this contract should state the plot number of your home and a plan detailing its position on the park. If your home was purchased new before this date, you can request this information for a fee of £30.
Your Written Agreement will also contain details of when the planning permission for the park ends (if not permanent) and when the park owner's estate or interest in the land will end. If these are not permanent you need to bear this in mind if you plan to spend the rest of your retirement on the park.
If you decide to sell your park home, under the Mobile Homes Act of 1983, the park owner has the right to claim 10% of the selling price. The park owner must also approve the prospective homeowners before the sale can be completed.
Any work that you wish to carry out on your park home must be approved by your park owner. For your retirement to be as relaxing and stress-free as possible, it's important to be aware of your obligations and familiarise yourself with all the terms outlined in your Written Agreement with your park owner.
Owning a park home can be the ideal way to spend your retirement, providing you do your homework and know your rights. There are many sites on the World Wide Web that cater for owners of park homes, such as residents associations and advisory services. These organisations provide help and advice on all aspects of owning a park home and all the legalities.