Pitch fees are regular payments park home owners make to site owners like us at Arden Parks for the use of land and maintenance of communal areas in residential parks. These fees are regulated by the Mobile Homes Act and typically cover the right to keep your home on the pitch, maintenance of roads, communal gardens, and lighting. Pitch fees are calculated based on factors like inflation (RPI), site improvements, and service provisions, with annual reviews typically following a standardized process. Understanding these fees is essential before investing in a park home on a residential site.
- Pitch fees cover the use of land and maintenance of communal areas
- Fees are regulated by the Mobile Homes Act
- Annual reviews typically follow the Retail Price Index (RPI)
- Site owners must follow a standardized process for increases
- Additional costs beyond pitch fees include utilities and council tax
Understanding pitch fees in residential parks
Pitch fees are an essential aspect of residential park living that every prospective park home owner should understand. When you purchase a park home, you’re buying the home itself but not the land it sits on. This land, known as the pitch, remains the property of the park owner.
The pitch fee is a regular payment (usually monthly) made to us as the site owner for the right to place your home on our land and for the maintenance of the communal areas of the park. This arrangement is different from traditional homeownership and is governed by specific legislation to protect both residents and park owners.
At Leedons Residential Park, we ensure total transparency about pitch fees, which are currently £246.58 per month. Similarly, our Broadway Park has monthly fees of £193.77. These fees help us maintain the high-quality environment and excellent amenities that make our parks such desirable places to live.
What exactly are pitch fees in residential parks?
Pitch fees are regular payments that cover your right to place your residential park home on a plot of land owned by the site operator. Unlike conventional property ownership, when you purchase a park home, you’re buying the structure but not the land beneath it.
These fees typically include:
- The right to occupy the pitch
- Maintenance of roads and pathways within the park
- Upkeep of communal gardens and landscaped areas
- Lighting and security for communal areas
- General park management and administration
The Mobile Homes Act provides important legal protection regarding pitch fees, establishing rules about how they’re reviewed and what can be included. This legislation gives residents security of tenure and regulates the relationship between park home owners and site operators.
At our residential parks, pitch fees contribute to maintaining the high standards of our communities, including facilities such as indoor heated swimming pools, outdoor bowling greens, and communal halls that enhance the quality of life for our residents aged 50 and above.
How are pitch fees at residential parks calculated?
Pitch fees at residential parks are calculated based on several factors, with the primary method being guided by the regulations in the Mobile Homes Act. The calculation typically considers the base fee and adjustments for inflation using the Retail Price Index (RPI).
The main components that influence pitch fee calculations include:
- The base fee established when you first occupy the pitch
- Annual adjustments in line with RPI
- Costs for maintaining communal areas and facilities
- Improvements to the park that benefit residents
- Local market conditions and comparable fees at similar parks
At Arden Parks, we calculate our pitch fees fairly and transparently. For our luxury residential parks, we ensure that fees reflect the high-quality amenities and services we provide while remaining competitive within the market.
It’s worth noting that site owners cannot include certain costs in the pitch fee calculation, such as costs related to improving the site owner’s profit margin or costs incurred in complying with the site licence requirements that were in place when the licence was issued.
When and how can pitch fees be reviewed or increased?
Pitch fees can typically be reviewed once annually, with site owners required to follow a specific process governed by the Mobile Homes Act. Site owners cannot arbitrarily increase fees; instead, they must adhere to a structured review procedure.
The review process works as follows:
- The site owner must give at least 28 days’ written notice before any review
- A standardized form must be used to notify residents of proposed changes
- The proposed increase is normally limited to the rate of RPI inflation
- Any increase above RPI must be justified by site improvements that benefit residents
- Residents have the right to challenge unreasonable increases through a tribunal
At Arden Parks, we’re committed to transparency in our fee review process. We provide clear, detailed information to all our residents about any proposed changes, explaining the rationale behind adjustments and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
It’s important to understand that the site owner cannot increase fees without either obtaining your agreement or an order from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if agreement cannot be reached.
What other costs should you consider beyond pitch fees?
While pitch fees are a significant ongoing expense for residential park living, there are several other costs that prospective residents should consider when budgeting for this lifestyle.
Additional costs typically include:
- Council tax (mostly band A at our parks)
- Utility bills including electricity, gas, and water
- Home insurance for your park home
- Maintenance and repairs of your own property
- Contents insurance for your belongings
At Arden Parks, our residents enjoy mains natural gas at Leedons Residential Park, which can be more economical than alternative heating options. While we provide connections to mains services, utilities are paid separately by residents, allowing you to maintain control over your usage and costs.
It’s also worth noting that park homes don’t typically require the same legal fees or stamp duty associated with traditional property purchases, which can represent a significant saving when you first buy. However, when you eventually sell your park home, the site owner is entitled to a 10% commission on the sale price.
Key takeaways about residential park pitch fees
Understanding pitch fees is essential for anyone considering park home living. These fees represent an ongoing commitment and form a significant part of your living expenses in a residential park.
Here are the most important points to remember:
- Pitch fees are regulated by the Mobile Homes Act, providing legal protection for residents
- Annual reviews typically follow the RPI, with strict procedures for any increases
- Fees cover land usage and maintenance of communal areas and facilities
- Site owners must use standardized forms and provide proper notice for reviews
- Residents have rights to challenge unreasonable increases
At Arden Parks, we pride ourselves on our transparent approach to pitch fees. Our current rates (£246.58 at Leedons Residential and £193.77 at Broadway Park) reflect the high standards of our parks and the extensive facilities we maintain for our residents.
Before making any decision, we recommend visiting our parks to get a full understanding of what’s included in your pitch fee and the exceptional quality of life our residential parks offer to the over-50s community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pitch fees be increased at any time?
No, pitch fees can typically only be reviewed once annually, and site owners must follow a specific legal process that includes giving at least 28 days’ written notice using a standardized form. Any increases are normally limited to the rate of RPI inflation unless site improvements justify additional increases.
What happens if I disagree with a pitch fee increase?
If you disagree with a proposed increase, you can challenge it. The site owner cannot implement the increase without either obtaining your agreement or an order from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). You have the right to apply to the tribunal to determine whether the increase is reasonable.
Are pitch fees the same at all residential parks?
No, pitch fees vary between different parks depending on factors such as location, amenities, facilities offered, and the overall quality of the park. Luxury parks with extensive facilities like swimming pools, community centres, and landscaped gardens typically command higher pitch fees than more basic sites.
Do pitch fees include utilities like electricity and water?
Typically no. While pitch fees cover the use of the land and maintenance of communal areas, utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are usually billed separately. At Arden Parks, residents are responsible for their own utility bills, giving them control over their usage and costs.
What protection do residents have regarding pitch fees?
The Mobile Homes Act provides significant protection for residents regarding pitch fees. This includes regulations on how and when fees can be reviewed, what costs can be included in calculations, requirements for proper notice of increases, and the right to challenge unreasonable increases through a tribunal.
