Yes, residential parks are subject to council tax. If you own a residential park home, you’ll need to pay council tax just like any other domestic property in the UK. Most residential park homes are placed in Band A, which is the lowest council tax band, making them relatively affordable compared to traditional housing. As permanent, year-round residences, park homes at our Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park are legally classified as domestic dwellings for council tax purposes.
- Residential park homes are subject to council tax as they qualify as permanent residences
- Most park homes are placed in Band A – the lowest council tax band
- Various discounts may be available, including single person discount
- Understanding your council tax obligations is an important part of park home budgeting
- At Arden Parks, we can help you understand your tax obligations when moving to our residential parks
Understanding council tax for residential parks
Council tax is a local taxation system used in England, Wales, and Scotland to help fund local services such as waste collection, police, and fire services. For residential park home owners, council tax works similarly to traditional housing, but there are some important differences to understand.
If you own a residential park home at Leedons Residential Park or Broadway Park, you’re responsible for paying council tax directly to your local authority. This is separate from your pitch fees, which you pay to us as the park operator.
When budgeting for your new lifestyle in a residential park home, it’s important to factor in this ongoing cost. The good news is that park homes often fall into lower council tax bands than traditional housing, which can make them a cost-effective option for many of our residents aged 50 and over.
Are residential parks subject to council tax?
Yes, residential parks are definitely subject to council tax. Any permanent dwelling used as a main residence in the UK must pay council tax, and residential park homes are no exception. This is because they’re legally classified as domestic dwellings under tax legislation.
It’s important to distinguish between residential park homes and holiday homes here. Our residential parks offer permanent, year-round accommodation, and homes must comply with British Standard BS3632 for residential properties. This classification is what makes them subject to council tax.
At both our Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park, all privately owned park homes are liable for council tax, with bills sent directly to the homeowner from the local council. When you purchase a residential park home with us, we’ll make sure you understand these obligations as part of the moving-in process.
How is council tax calculated for park homes?
Council tax for residential park homes is calculated based on the property’s valuation band, just like traditional housing. The Valuation Office Agency assigns each property to one of eight bands (A to H) based on its value.
The good news for most park home residents is that the majority of residential park homes are placed in Band A, which is the lowest band for council tax purposes. This means you’ll typically pay less council tax than you would for many traditional houses or flats.
The valuation takes into account:
- The size and type of the park home
- The location of the park
- The value of the home at a specific date (1 April 1991 in England and Scotland, 1 April 2003 in Wales)
For our residents at luxury residential parks, this typically means a more affordable council tax bill compared to their previous property, which adds to the financial benefits of park home living.
Do residential park residents qualify for council tax discounts?
Yes, residential park home owners qualify for the same council tax discounts and exemptions as residents of traditional housing. These include:
- Single person discount – If you live alone in your park home, you’re entitled to a 25% reduction on your council tax bill
- Disability reduction – If you or someone in your household has a disability and the home has been adapted to meet their needs
- Council Tax Reduction (formerly Council Tax Benefit) – Based on your income and savings
- Exemptions for specific situations – Such as when a property is unoccupied for certain reasons
We often find that many of our residents at Arden Parks can benefit from the single person discount, as quite a few of our park homes are occupied by individuals. If you think you might qualify for any discounts, it’s worth contacting your local council directly to apply.
What’s the difference between council tax for residential parks and standard housing?
While the basic principles of council tax apply to both residential park homes and standard housing, there are some key differences to be aware of:
- Band classification – Most park homes are in Band A (the lowest), while traditional houses can range across all bands
- Calculation basis – Park homes are valued differently from bricks and mortar properties
- Administration – The billing process is identical, but confirmation of residency may sometimes be handled differently
- Appeals process – The process for challenging a banding is the same, but the criteria considered may differ slightly
The main advantage for our park home residents is that council tax tends to be more affordable than for many standard houses. This contributes to the overall lower cost of living that many people enjoy when they move to our residential parks.
Key takeaways about residential park council tax
To summarize what you need to know about council tax for residential park homes:
- Residential park homes are legally required to pay council tax
- Most park homes are in Band A, often resulting in lower bills than traditional housing
- You’ll pay your council tax directly to the local authority, not to us as the park operator
- You’re eligible for the same discounts as traditional homeowners, including single person discount
- Council tax is separate from your monthly pitch fee (£187.21 at Broadway Park or £228.57 at Leedons Residential)
When budgeting for your new life in a residential park home, remember to account for council tax along with your pitch fees and utilities. The good news is that the overall cost of living in one of our residential parks is often more affordable than traditional housing, making it an excellent option for those aged 50+ looking for a comfortable, community-focused lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal my council tax band if I think my park home is incorrectly valued?
Yes, park home owners have the same right to appeal their council tax band as traditional homeowners. You can contact the Valuation Office Agency to challenge your band if you believe it’s incorrect.
Do I need to inform the council when I move into my new park home?
Yes, you’ll need to register with the local council for council tax purposes when you move in. We can provide guidance on this process as part of your move to one of our residential parks.
What happens if I temporarily leave my park home for an extended period?
If your park home remains furnished but unoccupied, you’ll usually still be liable for council tax. However, some councils offer discounts for temporarily empty properties, so it’s worth checking with your local authority.
Are there any circumstances where my park home would be exempt from council tax?
There are certain situations where properties can be exempt, such as when the sole occupant moves into care. These exemptions apply to park homes in the same way as traditional housing.
How does council tax work if I’m buying a new park home that hasn’t been occupied before?
New park homes will be assessed and placed in a council tax band when they become occupied. You’ll become liable for council tax from the date you move in.
