Buying a Park Home FAQs

Buying a residential park home is an exciting decision, but it’s natural to have questions before you start. Below we’ve answered the things people ask us most, covering everything from pitch fees and park rules to your legal rights as a park home resident.

Can I reserve a home or plot?

Yes. Placing a reservation holds your chosen home or plot in your name for an agreed period while you sell your existing property. If your current property has not sold within that time, the reservation is reviewed and may be extended.

Do you pay council tax on a park home?

Yes, park home owners are required to pay council tax to their local authority. The amount depends on the council tax band your home falls into. Park homes are typically placed in a lower council tax band compared to traditional bricks and mortar properties, which often means residents pay less annually. Contact your local council for specific banding information.

Do you pay stamp duty on a park home?

No. Unlike buying a traditional bricks and mortar home, park home purchases are exempt from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). This is because SDLT applies to land transactions, and when you buy a park home, you are not purchasing the land itself, but rather entering into an agreement to occupy the plot.

Can you get a mortgage on a park home?

No. Because you are buying the home itself rather than the land it sits on, most high street lenders do not offer standard mortgage products for park home purchases. Instead, buyers typically use savings, equity released from an existing property, or specialist park home finance.

Are searches required?

No, searches are not a legal requirement in the purchase procedure of a park home.

What are my options for selling my existing home?

We understand that buying a park home often depends on selling your current property first. To make that process as straightforward as possible, we offer two flexible schemes. Our Part Exchange scheme allows you to trade in your existing home as part of the purchase, removing the stress of selling on the open market. Alternatively, our Assisted Sale option means we help you market and sell your current property while you secure your new park home.

Do you need a solicitor to buy a park home?

It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly advisable to seek independent legal advice before completing your purchase. A solicitor with experience in park home transactions can review your written statement, check the park owner’s credentials, and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Are park homes freehold or leasehold?

Neither. Park homes operate under a different system governed by a Written Statement. This is a legal document between the park and the homeowner that sets out the terms on which you are entitled to keep your home on the park. It is one of the most important documents in the purchase process, so make sure you read and understand it fully before proceeding.

What rights and protection do I have?

Whether you buy a brand new park home or a pre-owned park home on one of our residential parks, you will have full security of tenure under an agreement governed by the Mobile Homes Act 1983. This gives park home residents strong legal protection. For further details, visit gov.uk/government/collections/park-homes.

Can I live in a Tingdene residential park home all year round?

Yes, provided your chosen park holds a full residential licence. A residential licence, issued by the local council, confirms that the park site is approved for permanent occupation as a main residence unlike a holiday park that isn’t suited to year-round living. You can verify this by contacting the local authority directly. All Tingdene residential parks operate on a 12-month residential basis, so you can enjoy park home living throughout the year.

Do you have park rules?

Yes. Park rules vary from park to park and are in place to ensure the quiet enjoyment of the site for all existing residents, as well as to maintain the highest standards of care and general upkeep. You will be provided with the specific rules for your chosen park as part of the purchase process.

Are pets allowed?

This varies between different parks. All of our parks are pet friendly, except one (Newton Park), with some welcoming both dogs and cats and one (Sacketts Grove Park) welcoming only cats. We recommend checking the specific rules for your chosen park before purchasing. Our team will be happy to confirm what is permitted.

What utilities are provided?

Electricity and gas are metered to each home and will be connected ready for your completion date. Water and sewerage connections are made and billed accordingly. Some parks have a direct supply from the main water company for the local area, while others operate a landlord supply, where the park is responsible for billing residents every six months. Cabling for telephone is provided, and cable TV or broadband services may also be available at certain parks. Contact our team for information about park services at your preferred location.

Do I pay a pitch fee?

Yes. A pitch fee is payable on the first of each month by Direct Debit. This is exclusive of water and sewerage charges. Pitch fees and any ground rent arrangements will be set out clearly in your written statement.

Do I need to insure my park home?

Yes. It is your responsibility to arrange park home insurance from the day of completion. Standard home insurance policies do not typically cover residential park homes, so you will need a specialist policy. We can point you in the direction of specialist companies with experience in this area.

Is planning permission required?

No planning permission is required from your side as a buyer. The park itself operates under a site licence granted by the local authority, which covers the land and its use. You do not need to apply for any separate permissions as a new park home owner.

What happens if I want to sell my park home?

You are free to sell your park home at any time. As the owner, you can market it privately or through a specialist agent. It is worth noting that under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, the park owner is entitled to a commission of up to 10% of the sale price. Your written statement will set out the full terms. As with buying, it is advisable to seek independent legal advice when selling to make sure everything is handled correctly.

Can I rent out my park home?

No. Residential park homes are intended for use as a permanent main residence, and most park rules do not permit subletting. If you are looking for a property to let out, a holiday park home on a licensed holiday park would be the more appropriate route.

Have a question that is not covered here? Get in touch with our team. We are always happy to help.