Choosing the perfect park home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your retirement lifestyle. At Arden Parks, we understand that selecting between a brand new build and a pre-owned park home involves careful consideration of many factors. With over 40 years of experience in the residential park industry, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners find their ideal park home in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside. Whether you’re looking for modern amenities in a new build or the established charm of a pre-owned home, this guide will help you navigate your options and make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Key Takeaways:
- New build park homes offer modern specifications, energy efficiency, and full customization options but come at a premium price
- Pre-owned park homes provide established gardens, immediate availability, and lower initial costs but may need updates
- Monthly pitch fees and utilities costs remain similar for both options
- Park homes must be BS3632 compliant and are available to residents aged 50+ only
- Both Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park offer excellent community amenities and peaceful countryside living
What are the main differences between new build and pre-owned park homes?
When comparing new build and pre-owned park homes, the differences extend far beyond just the age of the property. Understanding these distinctions will help you determine which option best aligns with your preferences and requirements.
Build Quality and Specifications
New build park homes are constructed to the latest BS3632 residential standard, incorporating modern building techniques and materials. They feature superior insulation, double glazing, and energy-efficient heating systems as standard. All new park homes we offer come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year Gold Shield/Platinum Seal structural warranty for your peace of mind.
Pre-owned park homes vary in age and specification but must still meet the BS3632 standard for residential living. While they may not have the most current energy efficiency features, many pre-owned homes have been well-maintained or upgraded by previous owners. You’re essentially buying a home with a proven track record on the park.
Design Features and Layout
With a new build park home, you’ll enjoy contemporary design elements including:
- Open-plan layouts designed for modern living
- Modern kitchens with integrated appliances
- Stylish, contemporary bathrooms
- Spacious living areas (maximum size 50ft x 22ft)
- Designs focused on comfort and accessibility
Pre-owned park homes often feature:
- More traditional layouts with separate living spaces
- Classic features that appeal to traditional tastes
- Character and charm that comes with established homes
- Potential for previous upgrades by former owners
Gardens and Outdoor Space
One significant advantage of pre-owned park homes is their established gardens. Previous owners have often invested time and care in creating mature, low-maintenance outdoor spaces with shrubs, flowers, and patio areas. You’ll be able to enjoy these immediately without waiting for plants to mature.
New build homes come with a blank canvas – typically a new lawn and basic landscaping. While this gives you the freedom to design your ideal garden from scratch, it will take time to establish. All new homes include:
- Connections to mains services
- Driveway for 2 cars
- Groundwork including skirting, steps, and path around the home
- Garden shed (6×8)
- Basic landscaping ready for your personal touch
Understanding the cost implications of both options
The financial aspects of purchasing a park home extend beyond the initial price tag. Let’s explore the various cost elements to help you make an informed decision.
Initial Purchase Price
There’s a substantial difference in initial investment between new and pre-owned park homes:
- New park homes at Broadway Park start from £215,000
- New park homes at Leedons Residential start from £250,000
- Our most affordable show home is priced from £318,000
- Pre-owned park homes typically offer a more affordable entry point
- Pre-owned pricing depends on age, size, condition, and location within the park
Ongoing Costs and Fees
Whether you choose new or pre-owned, you can expect these ongoing costs:
- Monthly pitch fees: £193.77 at Broadway Park and £246.58 at Leedons Residential
- Council tax: predominantly Band A for park homes
- Utility connections: charged separately regardless of home type
- Energy costs: typically lower in newer, more energy-efficient homes
Long-term Value Considerations
When thinking about long-term value:
- Park homes typically depreciate over time, unlike traditional property
- Well-maintained homes in desirable locations hold their value better
- New homes experience steeper initial depreciation but offer longer-term durability
- Pre-owned homes have already undergone their initial depreciation
- No mortgages are granted for park homes, and there’s no stamp duty to pay
- We don’t offer finance options through Arden Parks, so purchases must be made outright
Personalization possibilities: making your park home truly yours
Creating a home that reflects your personal style and meets your practical needs is essential for comfortable living. Both new and pre-owned park homes offer different approaches to personalization.
New Build Customization Options
One of the most exciting aspects of purchasing a new park home is the ability to customize it before construction. Depending on the stage of the build process, you can select:
- External finishes and cladding colours
- Kitchen layouts, unit styles, and worktop finishes
- Bathroom fixtures, tiling, and accessories
- Flooring throughout the home
- Built-in furniture options and configurations
From the point of ordering, it typically takes approximately 12 weeks for a park home to be built by the manufacturer, with up to an additional 16 weeks for siting and final connections before you can move in.
Renovating Pre-owned Park Homes
Pre-owned homes offer different kinds of creative opportunities. Many of our residents enjoy undertaking renovation projects to transform existing spaces:
- Updating kitchens and bathrooms
- Replacing flooring and decorating throughout
- Adding built-in storage solutions
- Improving insulation and energy efficiency
- Landscaping established gardens
With written approval from the park, you may also erect fences, hedges, or other boundary structures to enhance your outdoor space. The advantage of a pre-owned home is that you can move in quickly and make changes gradually as your budget allows.
At Leedons Residential Park, we’ve seen wonderful transformations of pre-owned homes, with residents adding their personal touch while preserving the character of these established properties.
Location and community considerations for your lifestyle
The park you choose and its location will significantly impact your day-to-day life and overall satisfaction with your new home.
Plot Availability and Position
When considering location within our parks:
- New build park homes are typically available on newly developed areas or refurbished plots
- New builds offer more choice regarding position (quiet corners or scenic views)
- Pre-owned homes come with established plots in existing areas
- Pre-owned locations are fixed, so consider privacy, sun exposure, and proximity to facilities
Community Integration
Both Broadway Park and Leedons Residential Park offer vibrant communities with excellent facilities:
- Indoor heated swimming pool
- Outdoor bowling green
- Community hall
- Games room
- Tennis court
- Laundrette
- Dog walking areas and countryside walks directly from the parks
Our parks host numerous social activities including:
- Tai Chi sessions
- Book club meetings
- Aqua aerobics classes
- Line dancing
- Games afternoons
These events create a warm community atmosphere where new residents can quickly feel at home. Both parks are located near doctor surgeries, shops, and local bus services, ensuring you have convenient access to essential amenities. The minimum age requirement for residents is 50 years, with no dependent children permitted to live on the park, creating a peaceful adult environment.
How to make your final decision with confidence
With so many factors to consider, making your final decision requires a thoughtful approach. Here’s how to ensure you choose the right park home option for your needs.
Viewing Tips and Questions to Ask
Whether viewing new or pre-owned park homes:
- Visit at different times of day to assess natural light and noise levels
- Talk to existing residents about their experiences
- Check the orientation of the plot and sun exposure
- Ask about the age and condition of key components (for pre-owned homes)
- Enquire about the specific inclusions with new builds
Don’t hesitate to ask about the monthly pitch fees, council tax band, and typical utility costs to get a complete picture of ongoing expenses.
Evaluating Your Priorities
Create a prioritised list of what matters most to you:
- Is your budget fixed, or do you have flexibility?
- How important are modern features versus established charm?
- Do you want to move in quickly or are you willing to wait for a new build?
- How much personalization do you want to undertake?
- Which community amenities are essential to your lifestyle?
Remember that park homes must be used as your only or main residence, with no subletting permitted. This means your choice needs to fully meet your long-term living requirements.
We have manager and resident staff available year-round to answer your questions and help you find the perfect park home to match your needs and preferences.
Making the Transition
Once you’ve made your decision, we’ll guide you through these steps:
- For pre-owned homes: a relatively quick purchasing process
- For new builds: design choices and approximately 28 weeks waiting period from order to move-in
- Assistance with understanding your residential site licence for permanent, year-round living
- Support throughout your transition to park home living
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial options are available for purchasing a park home?
Park homes must be purchased outright as traditional mortgages are not available for this type of property. However, many buyers use the proceeds from selling their previous home. While we don’t offer financing directly, we can provide contact details for specialized companies that offer part exchange services if you’re looking to sell your current property.
Can I make structural changes to my park home after purchase?
Any structural modifications to park homes must comply with the BS3632 standard and require written approval from park management. While internal renovations are generally permitted, significant structural changes may be limited. We’re happy to discuss your specific plans and advise on what’s possible within the guidelines.
How does the energy efficiency of new park homes compare to traditional houses?
Modern park homes built to BS3632 standards offer excellent energy efficiency, often comparable to or better than many traditional houses. They feature high-quality insulation in walls, floors and roofs, energy-efficient heating systems, and double glazing as standard, resulting in comfortable living environments and potentially lower energy bills.
What happens if I want to sell my park home in the future?
You’re free to sell your park home on the open market when you wish. While the park operator has no automatic right to buy the home, they must approve the incoming resident to ensure they meet the park’s age requirements (50+) and other criteria. The sale process is straightforward, and many residents choose to use estate agents familiar with park home sales.
Are there restrictions on keeping pets in park homes?
Pets are welcome at our parks, though we ask residents to be considerate of others in the community. There may be specific guidelines regarding the number and type of pets, particularly for new residents. We evaluate pet requests on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss your pets with us when considering a move to one of our parks.
