If you’re thinking about moving on from your residential park home, you might be wondering whether selling park home privately is an option. The short answer is yes, you can sell your park home privately, and you have more rights than you might think. The Mobile Homes Act protects your ability to sell your home on the open market, giving you control over one of your most important assets.
Understanding the park home selling process helps you make informed decisions about whether to handle the sale yourself or work with specialists. We’ll walk you through your legal rights, the practical steps involved in a private park home sale, and what to expect when selling at our communities.
Key takeaways:
- You have the legal right to sell your park home privately without needing approval from the park owner
- The Mobile Homes Act 1983 protects your rights as a seller and sets out clear commission structures
- Selling park home without agent involvement saves on fees but requires more time and effort on your part
- You’ll need to inform the park owner about your buyer and pay a 10% commission on the sale price
- Understanding the difference between private sales and using specialist agents helps you choose the right approach
Understanding your rights when selling a park home
The Mobile Homes Act 1983 gives you important protections when it comes to selling your residential park home. This legislation was specifically designed to safeguard homeowners’ rights and provides you with security of tenure and the freedom to sell your home on the park.
You don’t need to seek approval from us or any park owner before selling your home. If you bought or were gifted your home after 26 May 2013, you simply need to inform the park owner who your buyer is. This change came about through the Mobile Homes Act 2013, which made it easier for residents to sell their homes on the open market without interference.
When you complete a private park home sale, the park owner is entitled to a 10% commission on the sale price. This applies whether you sell privately or through an agent. Your pitch agreement, which is protected by the Mobile Homes Act, sets out the rights and obligations between you and the park owner.
It’s worth noting that any site rules that interfere with the sale or gift of a home are banned. This means you have genuine freedom when it comes to park home selling options, though buyers will still need to comply with the park’s standard rules about age restrictions and home usage.
The step-by-step process of selling your park home privately
Selling your park home privately involves several important steps. You’ll need to start with a realistic valuation of your property. Remember that most park homes fall in value over time, so it’s important to research recent sales of similar homes on your park and nearby residential parks.
Once you’ve set your price, you’ll need to market your home. This might include creating online listings, placing advertisements in park home publications, and using social media. Good quality photographs and a detailed description of your home’s features will help attract potential buyers.
When arranging viewings, you’ll be responsible for showing prospective buyers around your home and answering their questions about the park home resale process. Be prepared to provide information about monthly pitch fees, park amenities, and community life.
After accepting an offer, you’ll need to work through the completion process. We strongly recommend using a solicitor or professional adviser to help with the paperwork. The park home pitch agreement and associated documentation need to be transferred correctly, and there are statutory procedures to follow.
You’ll need to inform us about your buyer so we can provide them with the necessary information about their pitch agreement and obligations. The 10% commission is typically paid at completion, and you’ll need to ensure all relevant warranties and documentation are passed to the new owner.
Weighing your options: private sale vs. using a specialist agent
When considering your park home selling options, you’ll want to think about what matters most to you. A private park home sale saves you agent fees, which typically range from 3-5% of the sale price on top of the 10% park owner commission. This can represent a significant saving.
However, selling park home without agent support means you’ll handle all the marketing, viewings, and negotiations yourself. This requires time, energy, and confidence in managing the sales process. You’ll need to be available for viewings at times that suit potential buyers, which might be weekends or evenings.
Using a specialist park home agent brings expertise and wider marketing reach. They understand the residential park home sale market and have established networks of potential buyers. They’ll handle the viewings, qualify buyers, and negotiate on your behalf, which can reduce stress considerably.
Agents can often achieve a quicker sale because of their marketing channels and buyer databases. If you’re looking to move within a specific timeframe, this might be worth the additional cost. They also understand the legal requirements and can guide you through the process smoothly.
Your decision might depend on your personal circumstances. If you have the time and feel comfortable managing a sale, going private can work well. If you’d prefer professional support and want to minimise your involvement, an agent might be the better choice.
What to expect when selling at our parks
We’re here to support you throughout the park home selling process, whether you choose to sell privately or use an agent. At Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park, we understand that selling your home is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.
When you decide to sell, we ask that you inform us so we can provide accurate information about pitch fees and park facilities to potential buyers. We’ll ensure prospective buyers understand what makes our communities special, from our heated swimming pool and bowling green to our active social club with activities like tai chi, book club, and dance classes.
We maintain high standards across our parks, and part of our approval process involves ensuring new buyers understand their responsibilities as part of our community. This includes the requirement that residents must be 50 years or older, and that homes must be used as their main residence.
Our team can provide information about current pitch fees and answer questions about park facilities and community life. We work with both sellers and buyers to facilitate smooth transitions, helping maintain the welcoming atmosphere that makes our parks such pleasant places to live.
As a family business with roots dating back to the 1930s, we’ve built our reputation on transparency and customer satisfaction. We respect your autonomy as a homeowner while ensuring our communities continue to thrive for all residents.
Key points to remember:
- You have the legal right to sell your residential park home privately under the Mobile Homes Act
- The park owner is entitled to 10% commission regardless of how you sell
- Private sales save agent fees but require more personal time and effort
- We support all our residents through the selling process at Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park
- Professional advice from a solicitor is recommended to ensure all paperwork is completed correctly
Whether you choose to handle your park home resale privately or work with a specialist, understanding your rights and options helps you make the best decision for your circumstances. If you have questions about selling your home at one of our parks, our team is always happy to have a conversation and provide the information you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the park owner’s permission to sell my park home?
No, you don’t need permission to sell your residential park home. The Mobile Homes Act gives you the right to sell on the open market. If you acquired your home after 26 May 2013, you simply need to inform the park owner who your buyer is, but you don’t need their approval. This legal protection ensures you maintain control over your property sale.
How long does it typically take to sell a park home privately?
The timeframe for selling park home privately varies considerably depending on factors like your asking price, the condition of your home, the desirability of your park location, and current market conditions. Some homes sell within weeks, whilst others may take several months. Private sales sometimes take longer than agent-assisted sales because you have less marketing reach, though pricing your home realistically and marketing it effectively can speed up the process.
What happens to my pitch agreement when I sell?
Your pitch agreement transfers to the new buyer when you complete the sale. The agreement, which is protected by the Mobile Homes Act 1983, sets out the ongoing relationship between the homeowner and the park owner. The new buyer steps into your position and takes on the same rights and responsibilities, including paying the monthly pitch fee and complying with park rules. Proper legal advice ensures this transfer is handled correctly.
Can I sell my park home if I still owe money on it?
If you have any outstanding finance or loans secured against your park home, you’ll need to settle these from the sale proceeds before transferring ownership. You should inform any lender early in the process and work with them to arrange the payoff. A solicitor can help coordinate the payment of any outstanding debts at completion, ensuring a clean transfer to the buyer.
What information do I need to provide to potential buyers?
Buyers will want to know about monthly pitch fees, what’s included in those fees, park rules and age restrictions, details of your pitch agreement, any warranties on the home, and information about community amenities and facilities. You should also be prepared to discuss the condition of your home, any recent improvements or repairs, and provide copies of utility bills so buyers can estimate ongoing costs. Being transparent and well-prepared helps build trust and can speed up the sale.
