The Park Home lifestyle is increasingly popular as a way to downsize in retirement, improving living standards and freeing up cash. It can also offer peace of mind and a community of like-minded people to spend time with. But before you make the move, it’s important to understand what you can expect from this type of living.
Those not familiar with the concept may be tempted by park homes’ glossy brochures promising “idyllic surroundings”, a sense of community and even luxury in some cases. But what are these modern single-storey dwellings really like? Read on to find out.
Parkhomes are built in a factory and then transported to a residential park. This means they aren’t sited on their own plot of land like a traditional house, nor are they regulated in the same way as a normal building.
This can lead to some confusion over what rules apply. As a result, those looking to buy should seek legal advice before they make their purchase to ensure that they are getting what they bargained for.
Most park homes are gated communities, allowing access to residents only, which gives peace of mind. They are also usually single-storey, which makes it easier to manage the security procedures in place. Many sites also offer round-the-clock security, giving you peace of mind while you are out and about or sleeping.
A number of new park homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, making them more eco-friendly than their traditional counterparts. This is largely thanks to their insulated timber frame construction and low-emission windows and doors. This can also help save you money on your energy bills, so if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, then this is definitely worth considering.
Park homes typically come fully furnished, with fitted furniture in the kitchen and bathrooms and loose furniture in the lounge. They can also be purchased unfurnished if you prefer to bring your own furnishings. Most of the furniture is high-quality and of a very good standard, including sofas, beds and dining tables. Flooring is often linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms and carpet in the living areas.
As with any property, park homes require maintenance to keep them in good condition. This can be done either by yourself or with the help of a professional service. If you choose to use a company, it’s best to find out what fees are charged and the park’s policy on annual increases.
One of the main benefits of moving into a park home is that you can typically own it outright, with no need for mortgages or loans. However, you should be aware that this isn’t always possible and specialist finance is available.
There are some unscrupulous operators within the sector who exploit residents, and this is something that the government is addressing by introducing new laws to protect them. These include a ‘fit and proper person test’ for site owners, which should help protect residents from bad practice.
