Thinking about selling your residential park home? You’re probably wondering how to transfer ownership smoothly and what the process actually involves. The park home ownership transfer can feel different from selling a traditional house, but once you understand the steps, it becomes straightforward. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about selling a park home and transferring ownership to your buyer.
Key takeaways:
- You own the park home itself, but lease the pitch from the park owner
- The transfer process requires park owner approval and specific legal documentation
- The Mobile Homes Act protects both you and your buyer throughout the sale
- Clear communication and proper paperwork help you avoid common delays
- A park home sale agreement follows a structured process with set timelines
Understanding park home ownership and what you’re actually selling
When you sell your residential park home, you’re selling the physical structure itself, not the land it sits on. This is one of the most important things to grasp about park home ownership transfer. You own your home, but you lease the pitch from us or another park owner through what’s called a Written Statement or pitch agreement.
Think of it like selling a car that comes with a transferable parking space agreement. The new buyer purchases your home and takes over the pitch agreement, continuing to pay the monthly pitch fee. This arrangement is protected by the Mobile Homes Act, which gives you security of tenure and the legal right to sell your home on the park.
Many people mistakenly believe they’re buying land when they purchase a park home. What actually transfers to your buyer is ownership of the home structure and the right to occupy the pitch under the terms of the agreement. This matters because the park owner needs to approve the new occupant to ensure they meet the park rules and can maintain the pitch fee payments.
At our residential parks like Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park, we make this process clear from the start. The pitch agreement sets out your rights and responsibilities, and these same terms transfer to your buyer when you complete the sale.
The step-by-step process for transferring ownership
Once you’ve found a buyer for your park home, the transfer process follows a specific sequence. Here’s how it works in practice.
You’ll need to complete a Buyer’s Information Form that provides your buyer with all the information they need to make an informed decision. This includes details about the pitch agreement, site rules, pitch fees, and any other relevant documentation. You must provide this at least 28 days before the completion date, though buyers can agree in writing to a shorter period if everyone wants to move faster.
Next, you and your buyer complete a Notice of Proposed Sale form and submit it to the park owner. This formally notifies us that you intend to sell and gives us the buyer’s details. We review the buyer’s information to ensure they meet the park rules, such as the age requirement of 50 years or older at our residential parks.
The park owner has the right to approve the new buyer. This isn’t about being difficult – it’s about maintaining the community standards and ensuring the buyer understands their obligations under the pitch agreement. We typically process these approvals promptly when all information is provided correctly.
Once approved, you complete the park home sale agreement with your buyer. This covers the purchase price and any included items like furniture or garden equipment. The pitch agreement is then assigned to the new owner, transferring their rights and responsibilities.
Finally, you settle any outstanding pitch fees and the park owner may collect a commission on the sale, typically capped at 10% of the sale price by law. Your buyer takes possession of the home and begins their new chapter in the community.
Timeline expectations
From finding a buyer to completion, the park home ownership transfer typically takes 6-12 weeks. This gives everyone time to complete paperwork, arrange finances, and ensure everything is in order. Being organised with your documentation helps you avoid unnecessary delays.
Legal requirements and paperwork you’ll need
The legal side of selling a park home is well-defined, which actually works in your favour. The Mobile Homes Act sets out clear protections for both sellers and buyers, so you know exactly what’s required.
Your most important document is the Written Statement or park home pitch agreement. This is the agreement between you and the park owner that sets out the terms of your pitch occupancy. Your buyer needs to see this before they commit to the purchase, as it becomes their agreement once the sale completes.
You’ll also need proof of ownership of the home itself. This might be your original purchase documentation or previous sale agreements. If you’ve made significant modifications to the home, having records of these can be helpful too.
The Buyer’s Information Form is a legal requirement. This standardised form ensures you provide your buyer with all the information they need, including pitch fees, site rules, utility arrangements, and any restrictions on the property. You’re legally obliged to make sure this information is accurate and up to date.
Many sellers wonder whether they need a park home solicitor. While it’s not legally required, having professional advice can give you peace of mind, especially if this is your first time selling a residential park home. A solicitor experienced in park home sales can review your documentation and ensure everything is in order.
The Mobile Homes Act provides strong protections throughout the transaction. It gives you the right to sell your home, limits the commission the park owner can charge, and ensures your buyer has time to review all information before committing. These safeguards make the process more secure for everyone involved.
Common questions and how to avoid delays
What happens if the park owner rejects your buyer? This is rare, but it can occur if the buyer doesn’t meet the park rules or can’t demonstrate they’ll be able to maintain pitch fee payments. If this happens, you simply continue marketing your home to find another suitable buyer. The park owner must have reasonable grounds for rejection and can’t refuse buyers arbitrarily.
Pricing your park home correctly is important for a smooth sale. Look at recent sales on your park and similar residential parks in the area. We can often provide guidance on realistic pricing based on current market conditions. Remember that park home values depend on factors like the home’s age, condition, location on the park, and the quality of the community amenities.
Preparing your home for viewings helps attract serious buyers. Keep it clean and well-maintained, ensure the garden is tidy, and have all your paperwork organised and ready to share. Buyers at our parks often appreciate seeing how you’ve personalised your space while maintaining it to a high standard.
Seasonal considerations can affect your sale timeline. The park home market tends to be more active in spring and summer when the parks look their best and buyers can easily visit. If you’re selling in winter, be patient and focus on presenting your home warmly and invitingly.
Commission payments are handled at completion. The park owner’s commission, typically up to 10% of the sale price, is deducted from your sale proceeds. Make sure you understand this cost when setting your asking price so you receive the amount you need from the sale.
Tips for a smooth transfer
Communication is your best tool for avoiding delays. Stay in regular contact with your buyer and the park management. Respond promptly to requests for information or documentation. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, ask us – we’re here to help make your park home ownership transfer as straightforward as possible.
Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation. This creates a clear record if any questions arise later. Being thorough with paperwork might seem tedious, but it protects everyone involved and speeds up the process.
Moving forward with your sale
Selling your residential park home and transferring ownership doesn’t need to be complicated. When you understand what you’re selling, follow the proper process, have your legal paperwork in order, and communicate clearly, the transfer proceeds smoothly.
The key points to remember:
- You’re selling the home structure while the pitch agreement transfers to the buyer
- The process requires specific forms and park owner approval
- The Mobile Homes Act protects your rights throughout the sale
- Proper preparation and clear communication prevent most delays
- Professional advice is available if you need additional support
If you’re considering selling your park home at one of our residential parks, we’re here to guide you through the process. Our experienced team understands the park home sale process inside out and can answer any questions you have about transferring ownership. Get in touch with us to discuss your plans and learn how we can support you through your sale.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my park home to anyone I choose?
You have the right to sell your park home, but the buyer must be approved by the park owner. They need to meet the park rules, such as age restrictions, and demonstrate they can maintain pitch fee payments. The park owner can’t refuse buyers without reasonable grounds, and the Mobile Homes Act protects your right to sell.
How long does the park owner have to approve or reject a buyer?
The park owner should respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically a few weeks. If they intend to refuse the buyer, they must provide clear reasons in writing. If you feel a rejection is unreasonable, you can seek advice from organisations that support park home owners or consult a solicitor familiar with park home law.
What happens to my deposit or any improvements I’ve made to the pitch?
Any deposit you paid for the pitch typically stays with the park owner, as it relates to the pitch agreement rather than the home itself. Improvements you’ve made to the home, like extensions or upgrades, add value to the property and are reflected in your sale price. Improvements to the pitch itself, like landscaping, may need to be negotiated separately or factored into your asking price.
Do I need to pay capital gains tax when selling my park home?
If your park home has been your main residence, you typically won’t pay capital gains tax on the sale, just as with a traditional house. However, if it’s been a second home or investment property, different tax rules may apply. We recommend consulting with a tax adviser or accountant to understand your specific situation.
What if I want to gift my park home to a family member instead of selling it?
You can gift your park home to a relative, and the process is similar to selling. You’ll need to complete a Notice of Proposed Gift form instead of the sale forms, and your relative still needs park owner approval. You must provide them with all the relevant information about the pitch agreement and site rules. No sale proceeds are exchanged, but the pitch agreement transfers to your relative in the same way it would to a buyer.
