Residential parks and holiday parks serve different purposes and are governed by distinct regulations. Residential parks are designed for permanent living, where residents aged 50 and over can make their park home their primary residence throughout the year. Holiday parks, by contrast, are intended for recreational use only, with restrictions on permanent occupancy and typically seasonal operation. At Arden Parks, we offer both options across our four parks in the Worcestershire Countryside, catering to different lifestyle needs and preferences.
- Residential parks offer full-time living accommodations with legal protections
- Holiday parks are designed for recreational and temporary stays
- Different cost structures and communities exist between the two types
- Legal restrictions prevent permanent living in holiday parks
- Your lifestyle needs and future plans should determine your choice
Understanding residential and holiday parks: What’s the difference?
The fundamental difference between residential parks and holiday parks lies in their intended purpose. Residential parks are designed specifically for permanent living, allowing residents to make their park home their only or main residence year-round. These parks are exclusively for those aged 50 and above, with no dependent children permitted.
Holiday parks, on the other hand, are strictly for recreational and vacation purposes. They often operate seasonally and have specific closure periods during winter months. While holiday parks offer a more vacation-like atmosphere, residential parks provide a permanent community with facilities designed for everyday living.
At Arden Parks, we operate Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park for those seeking a permanent residence, while our holiday parks cater to those looking for vacation homes. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle requirements.
What legal protections do residential park homes offer compared to holiday homes?
Residential park homes come with significant legal protections under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, which doesn’t apply to holiday homes. This legislation provides residential park homeowners with security of tenure, meaning you can live in your park home indefinitely, provided you comply with the site rules and pay your pitch fees.
When you purchase a residential park home, you’ll receive a Written Statement under the Mobile Homes Act that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner. This includes the right to sell your home on the open market and pass it on to a family member living with you.
Holiday homes, however, operate under different legal frameworks with fewer protections. They typically work on license agreements that permit only recreational use and don’t provide the same security of tenure. This fundamental legal difference makes residential parks more suitable for those seeking a permanent living solution.
How do the communities differ between residential and holiday parks?
Residential parks foster year-round communities where neighbours become friends and support networks naturally develop. With all residents being over 50, these communities often share similar interests and life stages, creating a strong sense of belonging and security.
Our residential parks feature facilities designed for everyday living and social interaction, including community halls, indoor heated swimming pools, and bowling greens. These amenities encourage regular social activities and help build lasting relationships among residents.
Holiday park communities, while friendly, tend to be more transient with people coming and going throughout the season. The atmosphere is more focused on leisure and relaxation rather than everyday living. This difference in community feel is an important consideration when choosing between residential and holiday options.
What are the cost differences between owning a home in a residential park versus a holiday park?
The financial structure of residential park living differs significantly from holiday parks. For residential parks, prices of new park homes at Arden Parks start from £215k on Broadway Park and £250k on Leedons Residential Park. These homes come with comprehensive inclusions such as connections to mains, driveways for two cars, groundwork, and garden sheds.
Monthly pitch fees (sometimes called ground rent) are £193.77 on Broadway Park and £246.58 on Leedons Residential. These fees cover the use of the land and maintenance of communal areas. Residential park homes typically fall into Council Tax Band A, the lowest band, making them cost-effective for retirees.
Additionally, utility bills tend to be lower for park homes due to their efficient size and modern construction standards (BS3632). While holiday parks may have lower initial purchase costs, they often have higher annual fees and may incur additional charges for facilities and seasonal closures.
Can I live permanently in a holiday park home?
No, you cannot legally live permanently in a holiday park home. Holiday parks operate under specific licensing conditions that prohibit full-time residency. These licenses typically include closure periods, often during winter months, when the park must be vacated.
Attempting to use a holiday home as your main residence breaches the terms of your agreement and could result in legal action. Local authorities actively monitor holiday parks to ensure compliance with planning permissions and license conditions.
If you’re looking for a permanent living solution, you should consider our residential parks instead. Both Broadway Park and Leedons Residential offer the security and legal framework for full-time living that holiday parks simply cannot provide.
Making the right choice: Is a residential or holiday park better for you?
Deciding between a residential or holiday park depends on your specific lifestyle needs and future plans. If you’re looking for a permanent home where you can establish roots in a community of like-minded people, a residential park is the right choice. This is especially true if you’re over 50 and seeking a supportive community in a secure environment.
Consider a residential park if you want:
- A permanent, year-round residence
- Legal security of tenure
- A community of similarly aged neighbours
- Lower ongoing living costs
- Access to everyday amenities
On the other hand, a holiday park might be better if you’re looking for a vacation home to use occasionally throughout the year. This option provides flexibility without the commitment of a permanent move.
We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs, whether that’s a residential park home for your retirement or a holiday home for recreational use. Our experienced team can guide you through the options available at our four beautiful parks in the Worcestershire Countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are park homes a good investment compared to traditional houses?
Park homes can maintain their value when well-maintained, though they typically appreciate differently than traditional houses. The investment value comes from the lifestyle benefits, lower living costs, and the release of equity from your previous property rather than capital growth.
What facilities are available at Arden Parks residential parks?
Our residential parks offer comprehensive facilities including indoor heated swimming pools, outdoor bowling greens, community halls, games rooms, tennis courts, and launderettes. We also provide dog walking areas and access to countryside walks directly from our parks.
How long does it take to move into a residential park home?
From ordering a new park home to moving in, the process typically takes about 28 weeks. This includes approximately 12 weeks for the manufacturer to build the home and up to 16 weeks to prepare the plot and connect utilities once the home is sited.
Can I have visitors stay overnight at my residential park home?
Yes, visitors are welcome to stay in your residential park home. While the home must be your primary residence, we understand the importance of spending time with family and friends, including having grandchildren stay over occasionally.
Are there any restrictions on modifying my residential park home or garden?
You can make internal modifications to your park home. For external changes or garden boundaries such as fences or hedges, you’ll need written approval from the park management to ensure consistency with park standards.
