What are park home site fees?
Park home site fees are the regular payments you make to the park owner for the right to place your residential park home on their land. These fees are not the same as rent – when you buy a park home, you own the physical structure, but not the land it sits on. The site fee is your payment for occupying that pitch.
At Arden Parks, we charge site fees to maintain the quality and standards of our residential parks. These fees help us provide you with a well-maintained, secure, and pleasant environment to live in. They’re an essential part of the park home ownership model and allow us to continue investing in our parks.
Site fees are typically charged monthly. These fees are lower than traditional property costs like mortgages, which is one reason why many people over 50 find park home living financially appealing.
Unlike holiday parks where fees might cover shorter periods, residential park site fees apply year-round as the home is your main residence. This ongoing arrangement is protected by law through the Mobile Homes Act 1983, giving you security of tenure.
What do park home site fees typically include?
The site fees at our residential parks cover a comprehensive range of services designed to maintain the high quality of living environment we provide. The primary inclusions in your site fees are the maintenance of communal areas and the infrastructure that makes park living so appealing.
At Arden Parks, your site fees contribute to:
- Maintenance of park roads, pathways, and street lighting
- Upkeep of communal gardens, lawns, and landscaped areas
- Management of the park including resident staff who are available all year round
- Maintenance of facilities such as the indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor bowling green, community hall, games room, tennis court, and laundrette
- Security measures including safety barriers at the park
- Maintenance of the dog walk and countryside walks within the park
It’s important to note that site fees do not typically include your individual utilities. At our parks, you’ll pay separately for electricity, water, and gas. Leedons Residential Park offers the advantage of mains natural gas availability, which can be more cost-effective than alternatives.
The council provides bins to each property with recycling options, and you’ll be responsible for arranging your own home insurance, though this is typically more affordable than insurance for traditional properties due to the park’s managed environment.
How much are typical monthly costs for park home living?
The monthly costs for park home living are generally more affordable than traditional housing, which is one of the key attractions for those considering this lifestyle.
| Expense Type | Broadway Park | Leedons Residential Park | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site fees | £193.77/month | £246.58/month | Paid monthly |
| Council tax | Band A (lowest band) | Lower than many traditional homes | |
| Utilities | Varies by usage | Electricity, water, and gas paid separately | |
| Home insurance | Varies | Typically lower than traditional home insurance | |
| Maintenance fund | £30-£50/month recommended | Set aside for routine maintenance | |
| Total estimated monthly costs | £400-£600 | £400-£600 | Depending on usage and circumstances |
It’s worth noting that all of our park homes are built to BS3632 standards, which means they’re well-insulated and energy-efficient. This can help keep your heating costs lower, particularly during winter months. New homes also come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year Gold Shield/Platinum Seal structure cover, potentially reducing unexpected maintenance costs in the early years.
How do site fees differ between holiday parks and residential parks?
The difference between site fees for holiday parks and residential parks reflects the fundamental distinction in how these properties are used and regulated. At Arden Parks, we operate both types of parks, so we understand these differences well.
| Feature | Residential Parks | Holiday Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Residency status | Permanent, year-round living as main residence | Cannot be used as primary residence |
| Licensing | Residential site licences with agreements “in perpetuity” | Holiday licence with seasonal restrictions |
| Legal protections | Greater protection under Mobile Home Act 1983 | Fewer protections regarding fee increases |
| Access | Continuous access year-round | Usually seasonal with closure periods |
| Taxation | Council tax payable (usually band A) | No council tax (but often higher fees) |
| Sub-letting | Strictly forbidden | May be permitted depending on park rules |
| Fee structure | Typically lower with regulated increases | Often higher but may include more amenities |
At Arden Parks, we ensure that our residential park residents benefit from a clear, transparent fee structure and all the legal protections that come with residential park living. Our site fees represent excellent value considering the quality of our parks and the services provided.
Are park home site fees subject to increases?
Yes, park home site fees are subject to annual reviews, but these are governed by legal regulations that protect residents from unreasonable increases. The Mobile Homes Act provides a framework for how and when site fees can be reviewed.
At Arden Parks, we approach site fee reviews with fairness and transparency. Here’s what you need to know:
- Site fee reviews typically happen once a year
- Any increase must be reasonable and justified
- We provide written notice of any proposed increase
- The most common method for calculating increases is using the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- You have the right to challenge unreasonable increases through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
Factors that might influence site fee adjustments include:
- Improvements to the park’s infrastructure or facilities
- Changes in legislation affecting park operations
- Increased costs for maintaining common areas
- General inflation
The predictability of site fee reviews makes it easier for you to plan your finances long-term. Unlike some housing costs that can change unexpectedly, park home living offers relative stability in terms of monthly outgoings.
Remember that the Written Statement you receive when purchasing a park home outlines the terms for site fee reviews, so it’s important to understand these terms before making your purchase.
How can I budget effectively for park home ownership?
Budgeting effectively for park home ownership starts with understanding all the ongoing costs and planning for both regular expenses and occasional outlays. At Arden Parks, we encourage prospective owners to consider the full financial picture.
Budgeting Checklist for Park Home Living
| Budget Category | What to Include | Planning Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Monthly Costs |
| Set up direct debits to ensure timely payments |
| Variable Monthly Expenses |
| Track usage to establish patterns and identify savings |
| Maintenance Fund | £30-£50 monthly | Use a separate savings account for maintenance purposes |
| Seasonal Variations |
| Budget for these fluctuations by planning ahead |
| Long-term Expenses |
| Set aside additional funds beyond monthly maintenance |
It’s worth remembering that park home living generally offers good value compared to traditional housing. Many of our residents find that their overall living costs decrease after moving to one of our parks, particularly if they’re downsizing from a larger property.
When purchasing your park home, remember that no mortgages are granted for park homes, and there’s no stamp duty to pay. New homes at our parks start from £215k at Broadway Park and £250k at Leedons Residential, with show homes available from £318k. The purchase price includes connections to mains, a driveway for 2 cars, groundwork including skirting, steps and path around the home, and a garden shed.
Being realistic about your budget from the outset will help ensure that your park home lifestyle remains enjoyable and stress-free for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What happens to site fees if I sell my park home? | If you decide to sell your park home in the future, the new owner will take over responsibility for paying the site fees. The site owner is entitled to 10% commission of the sale price. It’s important to follow the proper legal procedures when selling, including providing the buyer with a copy of your Written Statement and park rules. |
| Can I negotiate site fees before purchasing a park home? | Site fees are generally standardised across a park for similar sized plots, but it’s always worth discussing this with us before making your purchase decision. Understanding exactly what’s included in your site fees will help you make an informed choice. |
| Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of? | At Arden Parks, we pride ourselves on transparency. Beyond the site fees and utilities, you should budget for home insurance, council tax, and general maintenance. There are no management fees beyond your site fees, and our locations near local amenities like doctor surgeries, shops, and bus services help keep transport costs reasonable. |
| How do site fees compare to traditional housing costs? | For most residents, site fees and overall park home living costs compare favourably to traditional housing expenses like mortgages or rent, especially considering the quality of life and community benefits. The combination of lower purchase prices, reduced council tax, and efficient homes often results in significant monthly savings. |
| What amenities justify the site fees at Arden Parks? | Our site fees support a range of high-quality amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor bowling green, community hall, games room, tennis court, and laundrette. We also maintain beautiful landscaped grounds and provide security features and resident staff year-round, creating a premium living environment that represents excellent value. |
