Park homes are undeniably a great option for retirement. Offering a comfortable, smartly designed space with lower maintenance costs when compared to traditional housing, it’s easy to understand why they’ve gained popularity.

Just like buying a house, the process of buying one can seem daunting, and to some, it can put them off making the move altogether. Finding the right development to choosing a park home that best suits your needs, there’s a lot to consider. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide, aimed at simplifying the journey of buying your very own park home.

Finding the Right Development

The first step is to find the right development. Each and every retiree has their own needs and wants from a development, park or village, but there are a few things you should really consider.

Location

Moving to a development that’s well-located, nearby amenities like shops, medical centres, and public transport into towns is important to consider. While it may not be of concern now, your future needs should be considered as well as your current. If you ever decided to stop driving, it’s handy to have everything you need nearby.

Facilities

While some developments may not have any on-site facilities at all, others may offer facilities such as leisure centers and communal areas. It all depends on what you want out of your retirement, but these social spaces can be important to some.

Rules

Each development has its own rules, particularly regarding pets, visitors, and property maintenance. This is always worth considering.

Licenses

A true residential park home development is regulated by the Mobile Homes Act 1983, which sets it apart from a static caravan park. Membership with the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) also marks credibility. Ensuring a development has both, especially the correct licence, is essential for making the right choice.

Reputation

It’s equally important to consider the park’s reputation. Online reviews can help, but speaking directly with residents will give the clearest insight into what life is really like. At Parklands of Lincoln, these conversations are something we encourage.

Choosing Your Park Home

Once you’ve selected the right development, focus on what you want out of a park home. Your options will be different at each development, but typically, there are a few things for you to consider.

New or Used

Decide if you’d like a new park home made to your needs or are happy with a used one. There are pros and cons to each, but going new, although it will cost a bit more, will allow you to have your new home built exactly how you like it.

Size and Layout

Consider your needs and the available plot sizes. Park homes usually come in various sizes and layouts to suit different lifestyles. Although they are low maintenance anyway, the smaller the space, the less maintenance that’ll be required.

Manufacturer

Research reputable park home manufacturers known for quality and customer satisfaction. Your options may be limited depending on the development you’ve decided on; at Parklands for example, we give our residents the choice of Omar, Tingdene, and Prestige & Homeseeker, all of which offer different designs and styles.

Finalising Your Move

Once you’ve decided on everything, the development you want to move to and your park home, it’s time for the actual buying process. Typically, this consists of:

• Deposit: Paying a deposit to secure your chosen park home or plot.
• Legal Matters: Reviewing and signing necessary legal documents, including the park’s agreement and the Mobile Homes Act documentation.
• Site Fees: Understanding the ongoing costs associated with living on the park, such as site fees and utility bills.

Before finalising your move, it’s always important to consider:

• Financial Planning: Factor in the purchase price, site fees, and potential running costs when budgeting.
• Resale Value: While park homes generally hold their value well, it’s essential to consider resale potential if you anticipate moving in the future.

Final Thoughts

Buying a park home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By following these steps and carefully considering your options, you can find the perfect park home to suit your lifestyle.

At Parklands of Lincoln, we offer a range of high-quality park homes in a peaceful setting. Our small retirement village complies with all relevant regulations and provides excellent amenities – speak to any of our residents, they’ll tell you exactly what life is like.

To learn more about us and our homes, contact us today. Open to visitors every Wednesday, why not come and see what our development has to offer? From just £190,000, you could have a new park home on our site, designed to your exact needs and wants.