This guide sets out the 10 questions to ask before buying a residential park home. We wrote it for anyone exploring residential park home living as a smarter way to enjoy life and wanting to make a well-informed choice.
1. Is the park licensed for residential use?
This question matters most of all. A residential park holds a site licence from the local council that permits permanent occupation, so you can live there 12 months a year and register it as your only home. Ask to see the licence and confirm it states residential use. Our guide on residential park homes and holiday homes explains why the licence decides everything.
2. Does the home meet the BS 3632 standard?
BS 3632 is the British Standard for residential park homes. It governs insulation, heating, glazing, and structural performance so the home stays warm and dry all year. Confirm the home carries BS 3632 certification, and read our breakdown of what BS 3632 means for your residential park home.
3. What does the pitch fee cover, and how often does it change?
You own the home and pay a monthly pitch fee for the land it sits on. Ask what the fee includes, such as the upkeep of communal areas and park maintenance. Pitch fees are reviewed once a year, usually in line with a published inflation index, so ask how recent reviews have looked.
4. What are the terms of the written statement?
The written statement is the legal agreement issued under the Mobile Homes Act 1983. It sets out your rights as an occupier, the pitch fee, and the park rules. Read it carefully before you commit, and ask for a copy in good time so you can take advice if you want it.
5. Is there an age requirement on the park?
Many residential parks set a minimum age, often 45 or 50, which helps create a quiet and settled community. Policies vary by location, so confirm the age criteria for any park you like before you fall for a particular home.
6. What are the running costs and utilities like?
A well-built park home holds heat well, which keeps energy use manageable through winter. Ask how gas, electricity, and water are supplied and metered on the park. Our breakdown of the cost of living for over 50s in park homes shows where the everyday savings come from.
7. Can I sell the home later, and what commission applies?
You can sell your park home whenever you choose. Under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, the site owner may charge a commission of up to 10% of the sale price when you sell. Ask about the resale process so you understand it before you buy.
8. Who owns and manages the park?
A well-run park makes daily life easier, so find out who owns it and how the site is managed. Ask whether a resident manager looks after the grounds and how the operator handles maintenance. You can see how an established operator works on our page about why people choose a Wyldecrest residential park.
9. What is included with the home, and is there a warranty?
Ask what comes with the home, such as fitted appliances, flooring, and any furniture. A new park home usually carries a manufacturer’s warranty, so confirm the length of cover and what it protects. Get the details in writing as part of your purchase.
10. How will I fund the purchase?
Plan your budget before you view homes. Many buyers free up funds by selling a larger property and downsizing, and some use a part exchange to make the move simpler. Look at our finance options and our part exchange scheme to see what suits you.
Your Next Step
Ask these 10 questions and you will buy a residential park home with clear eyes and real confidence. Take your time, read the written statement, and choose a park that fits the life you want. When you are ready, browse park homes for sale or explore our residential parks across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before buying a park home?
Check that the park holds a residential site licence, that the home meets BS 3632, and that you understand the pitch fee and the written statement. These points confirm you can live there permanently and know your costs.
Do you own the land a park home sits on?
No. You own the home itself and pay a monthly pitch fee to the park owner for the land it sits on. Your rights as an occupier are set out in the written statement under the Mobile Homes Act 1983.
Is there commission to pay when selling a park home?
Yes. Under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, the site owner may charge a commission of up to 10% of the sale price when you sell your park home.
Can anyone buy a residential park home?
Many residential parks set a minimum age, often 45 or 50, so the buyer needs to meet the park’s criteria. Confirm the age policy for the specific park before you proceed.
