Transitioning to a residential park home after retirement offers numerous benefits for those aged 50 and above. This lifestyle choice provides a peaceful environment, close-knit community, and financial advantages that make it increasingly popular among retirees. Our residential park homes at Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park offer comfortable, low-maintenance living with excellent amenities and a strong sense of community – all within the picturesque Worcestershire Countryside. By downsizing to one of our residential park homes, you can release equity from your previous property, reduce monthly outgoings, and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life in a secure environment specifically designed for the over-50s.
- Residential park homes offer significant financial benefits through downsizing
- Living in an age-restricted community provides security and like-minded neighbours
- Modern park homes are spacious, well-appointed and built to British Standard BS3632
- Residential parks offer a range of amenities and facilities for an active retirement
- The transition process requires understanding specific legal protections and considerations
What are the financial benefits of moving to a residential park?
Moving to a residential park home after retirement can bring substantial financial advantages. By selling your conventional property and purchasing a park home, you can release significant equity to fund your retirement years. Our residential park homes at Broadway Park start from £215,000, while homes at Leedons Residential Park start from £250,000, often allowing you to free up capital from your previous property.
The ongoing costs are typically lower too. Monthly pitch fees (£187.21 at Broadway Park and £228.57 at Leedons Residential) are generally more affordable than maintaining a traditional house. Council tax is predominantly band A, and the smaller, more energy-efficient homes mean reduced utility bills.
Additionally, there are no mortgage options on park homes, meaning no interest payments, and you won’t need to pay stamp duty. The homes come with connections to mains, a driveway for 2 cars, groundwork including skirting, steps and path around the home, and even a garden shed – reducing additional setup costs.
How do residential park homes differ from conventional houses?
Residential park homes offer a different lifestyle experience compared to conventional houses, though they look remarkably similar. Modern park homes resemble attractively designed bungalows with pitched roofs and are built to the British Standard BS3632, specifically designed for permanent living.
The main difference lies in the construction method. Park homes are timber-framed, mounted on a robust steel frame, and built under controlled workshop conditions before being transported to the park. They’re then connected to mains services including electricity, drainage, and at Leedons Residential Park, natural gas.
Our park homes offer spacious living areas with modern interiors, separate kitchens (often with integrated appliances), two or three bedrooms, and fitted bathrooms. Central heating and double glazing come as standard. The maximum size allowed is 50ft x 22ft, providing comfortable living without excessive maintenance requirements.
Unlike conventional houses, these homes are situated within a managed community environment where you have access to excellent communal facilities at Leedons Residential Park, including an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor bowling green, community hall, and tennis court.
What is the community like in residential parks for over 50s?
The community aspect is one of the most valuable benefits of residential park living. Our parks are exclusively for those aged 50 and above, with no dependent children allowed to live on the premises. This creates a community of like-minded individuals at similar life stages.
At our residential parks, you’ll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere where neighbours often become friends. The community facilities encourage social interaction, with the indoor heated swimming pool, community hall, games room, and bowling green providing natural meeting points for residents.
Many residents organise regular social activities, clubs and events, allowing you to be as involved as you wish while still maintaining your privacy. The community atmosphere provides an added sense of security, with residents often looking out for one another.
Both Broadway Park and Leedons Residential Park offer this community spirit, with manager and resident staff available all year round, providing peace of mind for both residents and their families.
What amenities and facilities can I expect at a residential park?
Our residential parks offer extensive amenities that enhance your quality of life. Both Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park provide facilities that encourage an active, social lifestyle while ensuring comfort and convenience.
Indoor facilities include a heated swimming pool, community hall, and games room. Outdoor amenities feature a bowling green, tennis court, and dedicated dog walking areas with access to countryside walks. For practical needs, there’s also a laundrette on-site.
Beyond the park boundaries, you’ll find convenient access to local amenities including doctor surgeries, shops, and local bus services. The parks are strategically located near market towns and picturesque villages, offering the perfect balance between peaceful countryside living and accessibility to services.
Utilities are fully connected, with mains natural gas available at Leedons Residential Park. The council provides bins with recycling options, and safety barriers are installed throughout the parks for added security.
What should I consider before making the transition?
Before transitioning to a residential park home, several important considerations should be evaluated. First, understand that these homes are exclusively for those aged 50 and above, and you must use the park home as your main residence – subletting is not permitted.
Consider the timeline: it takes approximately 12 weeks for a park home to be built by the manufacturer, plus up to 16 weeks from siting the home to getting connections ready and moving in. Plan your transition accordingly, especially if you’re selling a property simultaneously.
Review the legal aspects carefully. Residential park homes come with a Written Statement Under the Mobile Home Act 1983, which provides important legal protections. These include security of tenure, rights to sell your home on the park, and controls on pitch fee reviews.
Assess your lifestyle needs. While many enjoy the community aspects of park living, ensure it aligns with your personal preferences. Visit our parks, speak with current residents, and spend time understanding the environment before committing.
If you’d like to discuss your options or have any questions about making the transition, please contact us – we’re here to help guide you through every step of the process.
How do I maintain my residential park home?
Residential park homes require less maintenance than traditional houses, but some upkeep is still necessary. For homes with a render finish, painting will be required two years after the build and then every three years thereafter to maintain the exterior condition and appearance.
Regular checks of the roof, guttering, and external cladding will help prevent any issues developing. Inside, maintaining proper ventilation helps prevent condensation and ensures a healthy living environment.
All new park homes come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year Gold Shield/Platinum Seal structure cover, giving you peace of mind regarding structural integrity. However, regular maintenance will help your home retain its value and remain competitive with the local market should you wish to sell later.
Though not managed by the park, you may install alarm systems for additional security. Modifications such as fences, hedges, or other boundary structures can be erected with written approval from the park management.
The compact nature of park homes means cleaning and general upkeep takes less time than in larger properties, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your retirement and the fantastic facilities available on our parks.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a residential park home after retirement can offer a fulfilling lifestyle with numerous benefits. From financial advantages and reduced maintenance to a welcoming community and excellent amenities, our residential parks provide an ideal environment for those looking to enjoy their retirement years.
Both Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park offer high-quality homes in beautiful settings, with a strong sense of community and security. The transition does require careful planning and consideration, but the rewards of park home living make it a worthy investment for your retirement years.
If you’re considering making the move to one of our residential parks, we invite you to visit us, explore our available homes, and experience the community atmosphere firsthand. Our team is ready to answer any questions and guide you through the process of finding your perfect retirement home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage for a residential park home?
No, traditional mortgages are not available for residential park homes. They must be purchased outright, which is often possible through the release of equity from selling a previous property. This means no mortgage payments during your retirement, though you will pay a monthly pitch fee.
What happens if I want to sell my park home in the future?
You have the right to sell your park home on the park. The value will be influenced by the property market trends, the condition of your home, and local area amenities. Maintaining your home well helps it retain value. The sale process is governed by the Mobile Homes Act, which provides important protections for sellers.
Are pets allowed in residential parks?
Pet policies can vary between parks. At our residential parks, we understand pets are part of the family. We recommend discussing your specific pet requirements with our team when considering a move to ensure our policies align with your needs.
How secure are residential parks?
Our residential parks offer excellent security through their private estate nature and close-knit community. With manager and resident staff available year-round and safety barriers installed throughout the parks, residents typically feel very safe and secure. The community aspect also means neighbours often look out for one another.
Can family members stay overnight at my residential park home?
Yes, family members can visit and stay overnight at your residential park home. While the home must be your main residence and no dependent children can live permanently on the park, having family and friends to stay is a normal part of park home living that we encourage.
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