Yes, you can absolutely live in a park home long-term after age 50. In fact, residential park homes are specifically designed for permanent living and many parks cater exclusively to the over-50s community. As a resident, you’ll have legal protection under the Mobile Homes Act, which provides security of tenure and other important rights. These purpose-built communities offer a unique lifestyle with single-story living, reduced maintenance, and built-in social networks, all while typically costing less than traditional housing. Many of our residents at Arden Parks find that residential park living offers the perfect balance of independence, community, and affordability for their retirement years.
- Residential park homes are legally designated for permanent year-round living
- Most residential parks have age restrictions, typically requiring residents to be 50+
- The Mobile Homes Act provides legal protection and security of tenure
- Park homes offer significant financial advantages compared to traditional housing
- Facilities like swimming pools, community halls, and social activities enhance lifestyle
Understanding park home living for the over 50s
Residential park home living represents a growing lifestyle choice specifically designed with the over-50s in mind. These are not holiday homes or temporary accommodations, but permanent residences built to British Standard BS3632 for year-round living.
Park homes are single-story properties that resemble traditional bungalows but are constructed using modern methods in controlled factory environments. The homes are then sited on dedicated residential parks where residents own their home but rent the land it sits on through a pitch fee arrangement.
At Leedons Residential Park, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation over recent years, with large touring and camping fields converted into modern residential communities. With around 150 new park homes already in place and further development underway, our parks have become thriving communities for the over-50s seeking a change of lifestyle.
The concept has gained tremendous popularity among retirees and those approaching retirement age who want to downsize, release equity, and enjoy a more community-focused way of life in beautiful surroundings.
Can you legally live in a park home year-round after 50?
Yes, you can legally live in a residential park home year-round after the age of 50. This is entirely different from holiday parks, which have restrictions on permanent occupancy regardless of age.
For a park home to be your legal permanent residence, it must be on a site with a residential licence. At our parks, we provide a Written Statement Under the Mobile Home Act 1983, which outlines your rights as a resident. This important legal framework gives you security of tenure, meaning you can live in your park home indefinitely, as long as you comply with the site rules.
Most residential parks, including Broadway Park, have specific age restrictions that require residents to be 50 years or older, and typically don’t allow dependent children to live on the park. These age restrictions help maintain the community atmosphere that many residents value.
It’s worth noting that residential park homes must be used as your only or main residence – sub-letting is strictly forbidden under site license conditions. This rule helps preserve the community feel and security that makes park home living so appealing.
What benefits do park homes offer for long-term living?
Residential park homes offer numerous lifestyle advantages that make them particularly well-suited for long-term living for the over-50s.
Single-story living is perhaps one of the most practical benefits, eliminating the need for stairs and making homes more accessible as you age. Our park homes are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, with modern amenities and energy-efficient features.
Security is another significant advantage. Our parks feature safety barriers and have resident managers available year-round. This creates a safe environment where many residents feel more secure than they might in conventional housing.
The sense of community is often cited as the most valued aspect of park home living. You’ll find yourself among like-minded neighbours in a similar life stage, with plenty of opportunities for socialising through community facilities and organised activities. Our parks offer amenities like indoor heated swimming pools, outdoor bowling greens, community halls, games rooms, tennis courts, and beautiful countryside walks.
Maintenance is considerably reduced compared to traditional housing. The compact garden spaces are manageable, and the homes themselves require less upkeep. New homes come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year Gold Shield/Platinum Seal structure cover for peace of mind.
Perhaps most importantly, park home living offers independence combined with community support – the perfect balance for those wanting to maintain their autonomy while having friendly neighbours nearby.
How do the costs of park home living compare to traditional housing?
Park home living typically offers significant financial advantages over traditional housing, making it an attractive option for those looking to release equity or reduce living costs in retirement.
The purchase price of a residential park home is generally lower than a comparable conventional property in the same area. At our parks, prices of new park homes start from £215k on Broadway Park and £250k on Leedons Residential, with show homes available from £318k. This represents excellent value considering that they come fully connected to mains services, with a driveway for 2 cars, groundwork including skirting, steps and a path around the home, and even a garden shed.
Instead of paying a mortgage, you’ll pay a monthly pitch fee – £193.77 on Broadway Park and £246.58 on Leedons Residential. This covers your right to place your home on the plot and often includes maintenance of communal areas and use of park facilities.
Council tax is typically lower too, with most of our park homes falling into band A. You’ll still pay for utilities separately, with mains natural gas available on Leedons Residential.
Unlike traditional property purchases, there’s no stamp duty to pay on park homes, and you won’t need to involve a financial advisor or pay legal fees (unless you choose to). And while you can’t get a mortgage for a park home, park homes offer luxury at a lower cost and many buyers use the equity released from selling their previous home.
When you consider the reduced maintenance costs and potentially lower utility bills in a more energy-efficient modern park home, the overall financial picture becomes even more appealing.
Finding your perfect park home community for long-term living
Choosing the right residential park is crucial for your long-term happiness. Since this will be your permanent home, it’s worth taking time to find a community that feels right for you.
Location should be your first consideration. Our parks are situated in the beautiful Worcestershire Countryside, near market towns and picturesque villages, offering a balance of tranquility and convenience. Consider proximity to amenities like doctor surgeries, shops, and local bus services – all readily available near our parks.
Park facilities vary widely between different residential parks. At Arden Parks, we offer exceptional amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor bowling green, community hall, games room, tennis court, and launderette. Consider which facilities will enhance your lifestyle and contribute to your enjoyment of park home living.
The community atmosphere is perhaps the most important yet hardest to quantify factor. We recommend visiting potential parks multiple times, talking to existing residents, and getting a feel for the place. Is it friendly and welcoming? Do residents seem happy? Can you picture yourself as part of this community?
We welcome visitors to contact us to arrange a visit to our parks. Seeing is believing, and experiencing our communities firsthand is the best way to determine if park home living is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move into a residential park home?
It takes approximately 12 weeks for a park home to be built by the manufacturer. After siting on the plot, it typically takes up to 16 weeks to complete connections and make the park home ready for occupation. This timeframe allows for quality checks, utility connections, and finishing touches to ensure your new home is perfect.
Can I make modifications to my park home and garden?
Yes, you can make modifications to your park home and garden, though some changes may require written approval. For example, fences, hedges, or other boundary structures may be erected upon receipt of written approval from the park management. This ensures the overall aesthetic and standards of the community are maintained.
Are pets allowed in residential park homes?
Pet policies vary between residential parks. Many parks do allow pets, though there may be restrictions on number, size, or type. If you’re a pet owner, this is an important question to ask when considering a specific park. At our parks, we understand pets are family members and have reasonable pet policies in place.
What happens if I want to sell my park home in the future?
You have the legal right to sell your park home on the open market. The site owner does not have the right to approve the buyer, though the new owner will need to comply with site rules, including age restrictions. The Mobile Homes Act protects your right to sell and prevents park owners from interfering with this process.
Do residential park homes hold their value?
While park homes typically depreciate rather than appreciate like traditional property, well-maintained homes in desirable parks can hold their value reasonably well. Factors affecting resale value include the park’s location and reputation, the home’s condition and age, and demand in the area. Quality park homes in premium locations often fare better in terms of retained value.
