A comprehensive residential park viewing checklist is essential for making an informed decision about park home living. Your checklist should include assessments of the park’s location, facilities, rules, management quality, and the home itself. Don’t forget to evaluate community aspects, security features, and maintenance standards. Bring a camera, notepad, and measuring tape to document everything during your visit. Thorough preparation ensures you find a residential park that truly matches your lifestyle needs and preferences.
- Always verify the park has a residential site licence for permanent living
- Inspect both community facilities and the specific park home thoroughly
- Check local amenities within reasonable distance, especially healthcare services
- Understand all costs including monthly pitch fees and utility arrangements
- Review park rules regarding age restrictions, pets, and visitors
What should be included in a residential park viewing checklist?
When viewing a residential park, your checklist should cover five essential categories: park facilities, location advantages, management practices, park rules, and the quality of the park home itself. This structured approach helps ensure you don’t overlook critical aspects that could affect your long-term happiness and investment.
Bringing the right tools makes a significant difference during your viewing. We recommend packing a camera to document features and potential concerns, a measuring tape for checking spaces, a notepad for taking detailed notes, and a list of questions prepared in advance. These tools will help you gather the information needed to compare different residential parks objectively.
It’s also helpful to visit at different times of day and in various weather conditions if possible. This gives you a more realistic picture of what living there would actually be like. Speaking with current residents can provide valuable insights into the community atmosphere and management quality that brochures won’t tell you.
What park facilities and amenities should you inspect?
When viewing a residential park, thoroughly inspect all community facilities that contribute to your quality of life. Look for a clean, well-maintained indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor bowling green in good condition, and a welcoming community hall where residents can gather for social activities.
Check if the park offers practical amenities like a games room, tennis court, and laundrette. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, verify the park has dedicated dog walks and countryside walking paths. At Leedons Residential Park, we provide these amenities to ensure our residents enjoy both comfort and recreation.
Pay special attention to:
- The maintenance standard of all communal areas
- Accessibility features for those with mobility issues
- Security measures like barriers and resident staff presence
- The overall cleanliness and upkeep of landscaped areas
- Covered patio areas for community gatherings
Remember to ask if these facilities are included in your pitch fee or require additional payments.
How should you evaluate the location and surroundings?
When evaluating a residential park’s location, consider both the immediate surroundings and the broader area accessibility. Check if there’s a doctor’s surgery, shops, and local bus service nearby, as these are essential for day-to-day living, especially as you get older. The residential parks should be situated in peaceful settings while still providing convenient access to necessary services.
Assess the natural environment around the park. Beautiful surroundings contribute significantly to your quality of life. Our Broadway Park offers stunning countryside views and peaceful settings that many of our residents find incredibly valuable for their wellbeing and enjoyment.
Pay particular attention to:
- Distance to the nearest market town or village
- Quality of nearby healthcare facilities
- Public transport reliability and frequency
- Noise levels from nearby roads or businesses
- Local recreational opportunities beyond the park boundaries
Remember that location impacts not just your daily convenience but also your long-term satisfaction with park home living.
What questions should you ask about park rules and management?
Understanding park rules and management practices is essential before making any commitment. Ask specifically about age restrictions – our residential parks require residents to be 50 years or older, with no dependent children allowed to live on the park. This creates a community of like-minded individuals at similar life stages.
Inquire about pet policies, as many people consider pets part of their family. Also, be sure to ask about visitor arrangements and whether there are any restrictions on how long guests can stay. At our luxury residential parks, we have clear policies designed to maintain the peaceful atmosphere our residents value.
Essential questions include:
- What is included in the monthly pitch fee (£193.77 at Broadway Park and £246.58 at Leedons Residential)
- Who is responsible for different maintenance tasks
- What is the management’s response time for issues
- Are there resident staff available year-round
- What are the rules regarding home modifications and garden boundaries
Request a copy of the Written Statement Under the Mobile Home Act 1983, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a park home owner.
What to look for in the park home itself?
When inspecting a potential park home, check both its structural integrity and functional features. Our park homes comply with BS3632 standards, ensuring quality construction. For new homes, we include connections to mains, a driveway for 2 cars, groundwork including skirting, steps and path around the home, and a garden shed (6×8).
Examine the insulation quality and heating system, as these affect both comfort and running costs. Natural gas is available at Leedons Residential, which many residents prefer for heating efficiency. Also verify the build quality by checking for any signs of damp, loose fittings, or uneven floors.
Focus on these specific areas:
- Kitchen and bathroom fixtures and fittings
- Storage space throughout the home
- Window quality and security features
- Energy efficiency measures and utility connections
- Garden space and boundaries
Remember that new park homes come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year Gold Shield/Platinum Seal structure cover, providing peace of mind for your investment.
Your complete residential park viewing checklist
Here’s a comprehensive checklist combining all the elements you should evaluate when viewing residential parks. Print this out or save it on your phone to ensure you don’t miss anything important during your visit.
Before committing to any residential park, make sure you thoroughly understand the financial aspects. The park homes must be used as your only or main residence, and sub-letting is strictly forbidden. Council tax is primarily band A, and utilities are paid separately from your pitch fee.
Remember that moving into a residential park home involves a different timeline than conventional housing. It takes approximately 12 weeks for a park home to be built by the manufacturer, with up to 16 weeks from siting the home on the plot to getting connections and making it ready to move in.
By using this checklist and taking your time to thoroughly research your options, you’ll be well-positioned to make an informed decision about residential park living that meets your needs for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does financing work for residential park homes?
Park home owners are protected by the Mobile Homes Act, which provides security of tenure and governs the relationship between you and the park owner. This legislation covers important aspects like pitch fee reviews, selling your home, and inheritance rights.
Can I modify my park home after purchase?
Residential parks are licensed for permanent year-round living and homes must meet BS3632 residential standard. Holiday parks, even those open 12 months of the year, don’t provide the same legal protections, and their homes are typically built to different specifications not intended for permanent occupation.
How is the community aspect of residential park living?
Many residents find the community atmosphere to be one of the greatest benefits of park living. With residents typically in the same age group (over 50), there are often social activities, clubs and community events. The communities often provide a balance of privacy and social interaction that many find ideal for their lifestyle.
