Thinking about downsizing to a park home? You’re not alone. Many people over 50 are making the move from traditional houses to residential park homes, drawn by the promise of a simpler, more manageable lifestyle. But before you take the plunge into park home living, there are some important things you need to know.
Moving from house to park home is a significant decision that affects your finances, daily routine, and legal standing. This guide walks you through everything you should consider before downsizing to a park home, so you can make an informed choice that’s right for you.
Key takeaways:
- Park home purchases involve different financial considerations than traditional houses, including site fees and no stamp duty
- Your daily lifestyle will change in practical ways, from space management to community involvement
- The Mobile Homes Act 1983 provides specific legal protections for residential park home residents
- Proper planning makes your transition smooth, from decluttering to choosing the right park
- Residential park living offers low-maintenance comfort with access to community amenities
Understanding the financial side of downsizing to a park home
Let’s talk money. When you’re downsizing to a park home, the financial picture looks quite different from buying a traditional house.
The purchase price of a residential park home is typically lower than a comparable traditional property. At our parks, new homes start from £215,000 on Broadway Park and £250,000 on Leedons Residential Park. Here’s what makes the financial side attractive: you won’t pay stamp duty, and you won’t need legal fees unless you choose to use a solicitor.
However, you will pay a monthly pitch fee for renting the land your home sits on. This is £193.77 at Broadway Park and £246.58 at Leedons Residential. What does this cover? The fee includes your plot maintenance, access to all park facilities, and often represents better value than maintaining a large traditional property.
Your park home investment can free up significant capital if you’re selling a larger house. Many people use this equity to fund their retirement or support their families. Unlike traditional houses, you can’t get a mortgage on a park home, so most buyers purchase outright with the funds from downsizing.
The ongoing costs are generally lower too. Your gas, electric, and water bills will likely decrease because park homes are smaller and built to modern efficiency standards. Council tax is typically Band A, which is the lowest band. We include connections to mains services, a driveway for two cars, and a garden shed in the sited price.
Park homes follow property market trends, just like traditional houses. Keep your home well-maintained, and it will retain its value and stay competitive in the local market.
What changes in your day-to-day lifestyle when you move to a park home
The park home lifestyle brings some practical adjustments you’ll want to think about.
Space is the obvious change. Residential park homes have a maximum size of 50ft x 22ft. That’s considerably smaller than most traditional houses, but here’s the thing: modern park homes are designed brilliantly. They make the most of every inch with clever storage solutions and open-plan living areas.
You’ll need to be selective about what you bring with you. That vintage wardrobe or collection of books might not fit. But many people find this liberating rather than limiting. Less space means less to clean, less to maintain, and more time for the things you actually enjoy.
The park home benefits really shine when it comes to maintenance. Forget about clearing gutters, painting exterior walls every few years, or worrying about roof repairs. Park homes require minimal upkeep compared to traditional houses. If you have a render finish, you’ll need to paint it two years after build, then every three years after that. That’s about it.
Community living is another shift. You’ll have neighbours who share similar values and life stages. At our parks, residents enjoy activities like aqua aerobics, book club, tai chi, line dancing, and carpet bowls. There’s a proper sense of belonging here. You can join in as much or as little as you like, but the option is always there.
Your outdoor space changes too. You’ll have your own garden, but it’s more manageable than a large house garden. We provide a weatherproof shed, outside tap, and outside plug socket with every home. Many residents find they spend more time actually enjoying their garden rather than constantly maintaining it.
The single-level living is a real advantage. No stairs to navigate means your home remains comfortable and accessible as you age.
The legal and practical considerations you need to address
The legal framework for residential park living is different from traditional homeownership, and you need to understand it properly.
Your rights are protected under the Mobile Homes Act 1983. This provides you with a Written Statement that sets out the terms of your pitch agreement. The residential site licence we provide allows permanent living all year round. You’ll own your park home outright, but you’re renting the plot it sits on.
The Mobile Homes Act 2013 strengthened your rights significantly. You can sell your home on the open market without the park owner’s approval. You don’t need to seek permission, though you’ll need to inform us who the buyer is. Site owners cannot interfere with your sale, insist on approving your buyer, or prevent you from using an estate agent or solicitor.
Pitch fees can only be reviewed once a year, and we must give you 28 days’ notice using a standard form. If you disagree with a proposed increase, the matter can go to a tribunal. You continue paying your current fee until a decision is reached.
Park rules exist to maintain standards and protect everyone’s enjoyment of the community. These rules must be reasonable and cannot interfere with your right to sell your home. You can have visitors and grandchildren to stay. You’ll need to use your park home as your only or main residence – subletting is not allowed.
Insurance is your responsibility to arrange individually. Council tax applies just like any other residence, though most park homes fall into Band A. New homes come with a manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year structure cover, giving you peace of mind about your investment.
When it comes to inheritance, your park home can be passed to family members who meet the age requirements (residents must be 50 years or older, with no dependent children living on the park).
Before you commit, visit parks and ask questions. Check how long the park has been established, speak to current residents, and review the pitch agreement carefully. We’ve been in this business since the 1930s, with park ownership dating back to the 1980s, so we understand what matters to you.
How to prepare for your move and make the transition smooth
Planning your move properly makes all the difference between a stressful experience and an exciting new chapter.
Start by visiting residential parks to get a feel for the lifestyle. Walk around, talk to residents, and visit the facilities. At our parks, you’ll find indoor heated swimming pools, bowling greens, community halls, and tennis courts. See if the atmosphere suits you.
Decluttering is your next big task. Be realistic about what will fit in a park home. Start early – give yourself several months to sort through belongings. Sell, donate, or pass items to family members. Many people find this process surprisingly therapeutic. You’re not losing things; you’re simplifying your life.
The timeline for getting into a new park home is roughly 12 weeks for the manufacturer to build it, plus up to 16 weeks from siting the home on the plot to getting all connections ready. Plan your move with this in mind.
Involve your family in the decision. Visit parks together. Their support makes the transition easier, and it helps them understand your choice. Some worry about you “downsizing,” but when they see the quality of modern residential park homes and the community atmosphere, they usually understand the appeal.
When viewing homes, look at the layout carefully. Can you see yourself living there? Is there enough storage? Does the kitchen work for you? We offer show homes starting from £318,000 that you can view to get a real sense of the space and quality.
Consider what matters most to you in a park location. Do you want to be near shops and doctors’ surgeries? Our parks are strategically located near market towns and villages in the Worcestershire Countryside, giving you that balance of tranquility and accessibility.
Part exchange services are available if you want to avoid the hassle of selling your traditional house on the open market. This can speed up your move considerably and reduce stress.
Once you’ve made your decision, the actual moving day is straightforward. Professional removal companies understand park home moves. You’ll be welcomed by the park manager and resident staff who are available year-round to help you settle in.
Give yourself time to adjust. It takes a few weeks to feel truly at home. Join in with some of the community activities – whether it’s coffee mornings, quizzes, or dance classes. You’ll quickly find your place in the community.
Making your decision about park home living
Downsizing from a traditional house to a park home represents a significant lifestyle change, but for many people over 50, it’s one of the best decisions they make.
You’ve learned about the financial considerations, including lower purchase prices, no stamp duty, monthly pitch fees, and reduced ongoing costs. You understand the lifestyle adjustments around space, maintenance, and community living. You know your legal rights under the Mobile Homes Act and what protections you have. And you’ve got a clear picture of how to plan and execute your move.
The park home benefits are compelling: low-maintenance living, a supportive community, modern amenities, and the freedom to enjoy your retirement rather than spending it on house upkeep. The financial savings can provide security and flexibility for your future.
We’ve been helping people make this transition for decades across our four parks in Worcestershire. With over 500 owners who’ve chosen this lifestyle, we understand what works and what matters to you.
If you’re considering retirement downsizing, visit us. Walk around the parks, talk to residents, and see for yourself what residential park living offers. There’s no pressure – just honest conversations about whether this lifestyle suits you.
Your next chapter could be your best one yet. Why not come and see what we can offer you?
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage to buy a park home?
No, mortgages aren’t available for park homes through traditional lenders. Most people purchase park homes outright using funds from selling their previous property. This is actually one of the advantages of downsizing – you can free up capital from your traditional house sale. If you need financial assistance, you might consider equity release from your current property before moving, though we recommend speaking to an independent financial adviser about your specific situation.
What happens to my park home when I pass away?
Your park home can be inherited by family members or sold as part of your estate. If a family member wants to live in the home, they’ll need to meet the park’s age requirements (50 years or older, with no dependent children). The Mobile Homes Act protects your right to pass on or sell the home. Your executor or family can sell the home on the open market without needing the park owner’s approval, just as you could during your lifetime.
How do park homes perform in extreme weather conditions?
Modern residential park homes are built to British Standard BS 3632, which includes specific requirements for insulation, structural integrity, and weather resistance. They’re designed to withstand UK weather conditions throughout the year. The homes are well-insulated, often more so than older traditional houses, which keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer. They’re built in controlled factory environments, which actually means higher quality control than many site-built properties. The 10-year structural warranty provides additional peace of mind.
Can I make modifications to my park home after I buy it?
You can make internal modifications to your park home as you wish – it’s your property. For external changes like adding fences, hedges, or other boundary structures, you’ll need written approval from the park. This isn’t about controlling you; it’s about maintaining the overall appearance and standards of the community that benefit everyone. Most reasonable requests are approved. You cannot add structures like garages, and any modifications must comply with the park rules and relevant building regulations.
How does the resale value of park homes compare to traditional houses over time?
Park homes follow property market trends, taking into account local area values, market conditions, the condition of your home, and available amenities. They don’t typically appreciate at the same rate as traditional houses because you don’t own the land. However, well-maintained park homes in desirable locations hold their value well. The key is keeping your home in good condition. Unlike traditional houses where location alone can drive value, with park homes the quality of the park, its reputation, and the amenities available play a larger role in maintaining value. Many residents find that the lifestyle benefits and lower running costs outweigh any difference in appreciation rates.
