parkhome-living.co.uk

FAQ's

The only difference is the method of construction. Once inside, there’s no difference at all – they are every bit as comfortable and spacious as a modern bungalow. Park homes are built to their own British Standard 3632 and are designed for year round occupation.

Does a park home keep its value?

Values follow closely those of the conventional housing market at any time. They will usually increase in value in the same way as a well kept home of similar size in the same part of the country.

How long does a park home last?

Having worked in the industry for nearly 40 years, I know that there are still some homes going strong out there, that we sold all those years ago!!

Park homes built nowadays use greatly improved materials designed for better performance, durability and minimum maintenance. These modern homes also have the benefit of improved timber treatments, uPVC windows, better roof tiles and exterior render, so there is every reason to suppose they will last even longer that the earlier models.

Why are there fewer family parks?

Mainly for two reasons, it is not possible to get a mortgage on a park home and whilst Finance is available, it is a little more expensive than a mortgage. Coupled with the fact that there is also a ground rent to pay, the purchase of a park home is more often than not beyond the reach of most younger people, whereas the retired and semi-retired have often paid off their mortgage and can afford to purchase a park home outright.

Secondly, if the Park Owner chooses to take families with children, he must use a minimum of 6% of his usable land (this does not include roads or parking bays) for recreational purposes. The cost of land is so high and the allowable density of park homes is much lower than allowed on a ‘bricks and mortar’ development, that often the Park Owner cannot afford to opt to be a family park.

Why do prices vary so much around the country?

For the same reason traditional house prices vary around the country. Some areas are highly sought after and therefore expensive, others less so. It’s not like buying a new car, which you would expect to be the same price, more or less, wherever you buy. A substantial part of the cost of a park home is the transporting costs – how far away is the park from the factory? - together with the siting costs and these vary considerably, reflecting the housing values and the price of land prevalent in the locality.

What is ‘siting’?

It is the work undertaken by the site or park owner and includes: transporting the finished home from the factory to your chosen park and it is good to reflect here that some of the larger homes require an escort as well whilst on the road, which would be an additional cost. Preparing the base (ie. making foundations and groundwork), unloading and joining up the two halves on site. It also includes interior finishing to the carpets and walls, connecting up the mains services (water, electric and gas), building the exterior skirting and steps, possibly some landscaping, possibly a garage and possibly a hard parking space for your car.

Are park homes liable for Council Tax?

Yes. However, the majority of homes fall into the lower Council Tax bands.

Can I put a park home on my own land?

Yes, but you would need to get planning permission from the Local Authority and you would also have to arrange to provide all your own foundations and connections to the mains services.

What guarantees do I get with a park home?

All manufacturers guarantee park homes for one year. That includes fittings and furnishings as well as the structure.

What is the NCC Gold Shield Warranty?

The National Caravan Council administers a scheme with participating parks, which offer a 10 year warranty covering structural problems. Please talk to the Park Owner/Manager of your chosen park to see if they are registered to offer the Gold Shield Ten Year Warranty Scheme. For further information, click here – Gold Shield.