Moving to a residential park home in your 50s or 60s can be a smart financial and lifestyle decision. These purpose-built communities offer a combination of affordability, community living, and low-maintenance properties that are particularly appealing to those looking to downsize. At Arden Parks, we’ve seen many people release equity from their previous homes while gaining access to luxury facilities and like-minded communities. With council tax typically in band A and significant reductions in utility costs, park homes provide both economic benefits and an enhanced quality of life in picturesque settings.
- Residential park homes allow you to release equity from your previous property
- Purpose-built communities offer security and social connections
- Low-maintenance living with reduced utility and council tax costs
- Exclusive over-50s environment with luxury amenities
Understanding park home living: A lifestyle choice for your 50s and 60s
Residential park homes offer a unique lifestyle choice that’s increasingly popular among those in their 50s and 60s. Unlike traditional housing, these homes are specifically designed for permanent living to the British Standard BS3632, offering all the comforts of a conventional home but with additional benefits suited to this life stage.
Park homes typically resemble attractively designed bungalows with modern interiors, good-sized living areas, fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, two or three bedrooms, and fitted bathrooms. At Leedons Residential Park, our homes come with central heating, double glazing, and full carpeting as standard.
What sets park homes apart is their community atmosphere. Our residential parks are exclusively for those aged 50 and above, creating environments where you’ll be surrounded by neighbours who share similar values and interests. This age-specific setup fosters a sense of belonging that many find lacking in conventional neighbourhoods.
With our heritage dating back to the 1930s, we’ve refined the park home experience to offer the perfect balance of private living and community engagement. Our residential parks feature homes with a maximum size of 50ft x 22ft, providing comfortable living without the burden of maintaining a larger property.
What are the financial benefits of moving to a park home in later life?
Moving to a residential park home in your 50s or 60s often makes sound financial sense. The most significant advantage is the opportunity to release equity from your previous property, with new park homes at our locations starting from £215k at Broadway Park and £250k at Leedons Residential.
Park homes are considerably more affordable than traditional housing options, while still offering luxury and comfort. This price difference allows many of our residents to free up capital to enjoy their retirement or support other financial goals.
The ongoing costs are also more manageable. Monthly rent is £193.77 at Broadway Park and £246.58 at Leedons Residential, which includes your pitch. Most homes fall into council tax band A, significantly reducing your annual outgoings compared to conventional housing.
Utility bills are typically lower too, thanks to the efficient design of modern park homes. With mains natural gas available at Leedons Residential and well-insulated construction, residents often report substantial savings on heating and electricity costs.
Additionally, there are no legal fees unless chosen by the customer, no stamp duty to pay, and no need for a financial adviser. The sited price includes connections to mains, a driveway for two cars, groundwork including skirting, steps and a path around the home, plus a garden shed.
How does park home living enhance quality of life after 50?
The quality of life improvements that come with park home living are often what truly convince people in their 50s and 60s to make the move. Our residential parks offer a genuine sense of community and security that’s increasingly rare in today’s society.
At Arden Parks, we provide outstanding facilities that enhance daily living. Residents enjoy access to an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor bowling green, community hall, games room, tennis court, and laundrette. There are also dedicated dog walking areas and countryside walks right on your doorstep.
The peaceful setting of our parks in the Worcestershire Countryside offers a tranquil backdrop for this chapter of your life. Both Broadway Park and Leedons Residential Park are located near charming market towns with convenient access to doctor surgeries, shops, and local bus services.
Many of our residents particularly value the security aspects of park living. With manager and resident staff available all year round and safety barriers on the park, there’s peace of mind that simply isn’t available in many conventional housing settings.
The social connections formed in our communities often become the highlight of residents’ experiences. With shared values and similar life stages, forming meaningful friendships happens naturally, combating the isolation that can sometimes come with later life.
What should you consider before making the move to a residential park?
Before deciding to move to a residential park, there are several important considerations to ensure it’s the right choice for you. Understanding the legal framework is essential – all our park homes come with a residential site licence for permanent living all year round, protected under the Mobile Home Act 1983.
You should carefully consider the location and whether it suits your lifestyle needs. Our parks are situated near local amenities, but it’s worth visiting at different times to get a feel for the area and community. Many prospective residents find it helpful to contact us to arrange a visit and speak with current residents.
It’s also important to understand the financial aspects beyond the purchase price. While the monthly rent covers your pitch, utilities are paid separately. New homes come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year Gold Shield/Platinum Seal structure cover, but you should budget for some maintenance, such as repainting the exterior every few years.
The community rules are another crucial consideration. Our parks are exclusively for those aged 50 and above, with no dependent children allowed to live on-site. Sub-letting is strictly forbidden, and homes must be used as your main residence. While these rules help maintain the community atmosphere, they may not suit everyone’s lifestyle.
Finally, consider your long-term plans. Park homes can be sold on the park, and their value generally follows property market trends in the local area. Keeping your home well-maintained helps it retain its value should you wish to sell later on.
Key takeaways: Is a park home right for your next chapter?
Residential park home living offers a compelling option for those in their 50s and 60s looking to enhance their lifestyle while making a smart financial decision. The combination of purpose-built communities, reduced living costs, and high-quality amenities creates an attractive package for this life stage.
The financial advantages are clear – from the initial equity release to ongoing savings on bills and maintenance. For many, these savings provide the freedom to enjoy retirement more fully or support other financial goals.
The quality of life benefits, particularly the sense of community and security, are equally important. In a world where meaningful connections can be hard to find, our residential parks offer ready-made communities of like-minded individuals.
However, park home living isn’t for everyone. The age restrictions, community rules, and space limitations may not suit all lifestyles. That’s why we encourage prospective residents to visit our parks, ask questions, and carefully consider if this lifestyle aligns with their long-term plans.
If you’re considering this move, we’re here to help you through every step of the process. With over 500 homeowners across our parks and a heritage dating back generations, we understand what makes for a happy park home lifestyle and are committed to creating communities where residents truly thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move into a residential park home?
Yes, you can make internal modifications to your park home. For external changes and boundaries such as fences or hedges, written approval from the park is required. However, garages are not permitted.
Do park homes retain their value?
Most of our parks do allow pets, but there may be some restrictions. It’s best to check the specific rules for each park before making your decision.
What security features do residential parks have?
Our parks feature safety barriers and have manager and resident staff available year-round. The community aspect also provides natural surveillance, with neighbours looking out for each other, creating a secure environment.
