Buying a Park Home: Essential Steps in the UK

Buying a park home is a great opportunity to embrace a relaxed lifestyle in a welcoming, well-kept community. Park homes are single-storey, fully furnished, and built to residential standards for year-round comfort. You’ll often find them available across the country and many are ideally situated in peaceful countryside, rural or coastal locations, with like-minded neighbours and a strong sense of community. Having lower maintenance and running costs than a traditional house, they offer a simpler, more manageable way to live.

At Tingdene Residential Parks, we make the process simple, clear, and enjoyable, from your first enquiry to the moment you move in. While you’ll own your home, you’ll rent the plot it sits on with a pitch fee, and we’ll guide you through every detail like the legal requirements, costs, and what to expect from life in a park home. Whether it’s the peace, the affordability, or the low-maintenance living that appeals, we’ll help you make the move with confidence.

What is a Park Home?

A park home is a single-storey, prefabricated property built to residential standards and located on a dedicated park, where you own the home but rent the plot with a monthly pitch fee. Designed for permanent living, park homes are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and offer a peaceful lifestyle, often in scenic settings. 

You can choose from brand-new models – complete with warranties and modern finishes – or opt for a pre-owned home, which may be more affordable but worth checking over for wear. Homes vary in size, from cosy single units to airy twin units, and may include custom or accessible features. 

Whether new or resale, it’s important to understand the legal protections under the Mobile Homes Act, as well as site rules around things like age restrictions or pets. Each park is unique, so it’s wise to explore your options and make sure the park is licensed for year-round living.

3 Ways to Purchase a Park Home

There are three main ways you can buy a residential park home, each with its own process depending on your preferences and circumstances:

1. Purchasing a New Home Already Sited on the Park

This is often the most straightforward option. These new homes are ready to move into and are usually available for immediate occupation, subject to completion of paperwork and payment. If you’re a cash buyer or have already exchanged contracts on your existing home, you may be asked to place a 10% non-refundable deposit. This is standard practice, but only proceed when you’re confident that the terms are clear.

Before signing anything, you should have:

• A copy of the Written Statement (under the Mobile Homes Act 2013)
  
• A breakdown of all items included in the sale, such as a shed or garage, fencing, or any other services
  
• A clear understanding of the charges payable, including pitch fees and any charges relating to utilities or site services

The park owner or manager may also ask you to sign confirmation that you’ve reviewed and understood the Written Statement and Park Rules. If you’re moving in within the 28-day cooling-off period, you may be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging this. It’s also worth agreeing a target completion date in writing.

With Tingdene Parks, buyers will receive support throughout this process with transparent documentation and friendly guidance, ensuring that from paperwork to moving in, the experience feels supportive and seamless.

2. Building a Home To Your Specification

For many buyers, designing a bespoke home is an exciting opportunity to create something tailored to their lifestyle. You may have visited manufacturer showgrounds or considered layouts and interiors that suit your needs.

Before committing, speak with the park owner to confirm they accept your chosen home design and manufacturer. A plot reservation deposit may be required to secure your pitch. Like with any traditional property, only leave a deposit you’re comfortable losing, as delays in selling your existing home can sometimes disrupt the process.

Once the specification and costs have been finalised with the park, a final price is agreed and an order placed. From this point forward, standard procedures apply, leading you to completion and the start of your new life in a residential park.

Tingdene arranges appointments directly with trusted park home manufacturers, giving you the opportunity to sit down and personalise your home to suit your lifestyle. Our team will accompany you throughout this process to ensure everything runs smoothly and your specifications are clearly understood.

3. Buying a Previously Owned Home From a Resident

If you’re buying a pre-owned park home directly from an existing resident, updated Government legislation introduced in 2013 now streamlines the process. Under the Mobile Homes (Selling and Gifting) Regulations, the seller (not the park owner) is responsible for completing the necessary paperwork.

As long as you meet any park rules, such as age limits, pet ownership, or vehicle restrictions, you do not require the park owner’s approval. This gives more flexibility and privacy when purchasing through private vendors.

It’s still important to ask the seller for copies of the Written Statement, Park Rules, and view the Site Licence – a legal document issued by the local authority confirming the land use. If the words “residential use” do not appear on the site licence, it may be a holiday park, not a residential park, meaning year-round living is not permitted, even if the park operates all 12 months.

All Tingdene Residential Parks operate under clear site licences and provide sellers and buyers with guidance and required documentation, making private sales smoother and more transparent.

Final Tips Before You Commit

• Always request written details of what’s included in the sale.
  
• Confirm how many homes are on the park and speak to current residents if possible.
  
• Check for a parking space or other amenities relevant to your lifestyle.
  
• If in doubt, consult a specialist surveyor or legal professional for guidance.
  
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on holiday parks with unclear licensing.

Costs and Budget Considerations

When planning to buy a park home, it’s essential to look beyond the headline price and consider your full financial picture. Park homes typically range from £139,500 to £319,950 or more, depending on size, location, and specification, and many come fully furnished, though in some instances, you may request certain items be removed to save on cost. 

Location plays a major role in pricing, with homes in southern England tending to be more expensive than those in the north. Don’t forget additional one-off costs such as delivery, utility connections, and pitch setup – some parks include these, but it’s always worth asking for a full breakdown. 

You’ll also need to factor in monthly ground rent, which covers site upkeep and shared amenities. Utility bills are generally lower thanks to excellent insulation, and council tax is usually Band A – around £1,000 per year. Other regular costs include home insurance, which may be slightly higher than for a bricks-and-mortar bungalow, and routine maintenance like repainting the exterior. 

Financing your purchase often involves using savings or equity from a house sale. Companies like Quickmove Properties offer part-exchange services that simplify the process, removing the need for estate agents or property chains, and giving you a guaranteed offer. Standard mortgages aren’t usually available, but specialist lenders do offer personal loans for park homes.

Legal and Regulatory Aspects

Always check the interest rates and terms, and if in doubt, seek independent financial advice to ensure your move goes smoothly and suits your lifestyle. 

Here is a quick checklist to help you:

1. Check the residential licence: To live in your park home as a permanent home, the park must hold a valid residential licence. Ask to see this before committing.
2. Understand your rights: The Mobile Homes Act gives you legal protections, including security of tenure and rules around pitch fees and sales.
3. Know the park operator’s role: Operators are legally obliged to maintain roads, shared spaces, and services supplied like water and waste.
4. Read your agreement carefully: This outlines your duties (such as paying site fees) and what the operator must provide.
5. Park rules vary between different parks: Rules may cover pets, parking, necessary repairs, and even garden decor. Make sure you get them in writing.
6. Electricity and other utilities: You’re responsible for bills like electricity, but the park operator must ensure reliable connections.
7. Moving from a mortar property?: If selling an existing property, part-exchange schemes may help simplify your move.
8. Planning permission: All park homes must meet planning regulations and be correctly sited. Check that your home sits legally within these limits.

Ownership, Insurance and Maintenance

When you buy a park home, you own the home, not the land it sits on, so having the right insurance and understanding your responsibilities is essential. Standard home insurance won’t do – you’ll need a specialist policy designed for park homes, covering things like fire, flood, theft, and public liability. 

Some homes may also come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which can sometimes be transferred to new owners. Day-to-day upkeep is your responsibility, including necessary repairs like checking for damp or resealing windows. 

While the park operator looks after communal areas, your pitch fee helps cover those services supplied. When selling, you’ll need to follow certain steps, including notifying the park and completing paperwork. The site owner is often entitled to a commission, typically 10%, and they’re legally obliged to follow the Mobile Homes Act if they wish to raise any objections.

Tingdene offers clear guidance for residents on all aspects of park home ownership, from understanding pitch fee responsibilities to navigating resale. Our parks also work closely with specialist insurers and trusted third-party providers, helping residents access tailored cover and peace of mind. Plus, our experienced park teams are on hand to offer support and advice long after you move in.

Why Buy with Tingdene Residential Parks

At Tingdene Parks, we offer more than just a home, we offer a lifestyle rooted in trust, experience, and community. With over 50 years of heritage and a strong reputation across the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering beautifully maintained parks, reliable support, and genuine peace of mind.

Our parks are carefully chosen and designed to offer the best in security, comfort and convenience. And with our Managing Director now sitting on the BH&HPA Residential Executive Committee, we’re helping shape the future of the industry for the better, giving you extra reassurance when choosing where to live.

What to Expect When Buying a Park Home with Us

From your first enquiry to moving day, Tingdene makes the process clear and stress-free:

1. Initial Enquiry & Park Visit – Our advisors help you explore your options and book viewings at suitable parks.
   
2. Home Selection or Bespoke Design – Choose a home already sited, or design one with your preferred manufacturer.
   
3. Pitch Reservation & Paperwork – We guide you through reservation, contracts, and legal requirements.
   
4. Completion & Handover – Once everything’s in place, we’ll walk you through your new home and welcome you to the community.
   
5. Aftercare & Support – Our team remains available for any questions or ongoing assistance you may need.

A Heritage You Can Trust

We’ve been building residential communities for decades. As a family-owned business, our focus is long-term satisfaction, not short-term sales. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, from site visits to answering questions about residential licences, planning permission, or services supplied.

We believe park home living should be simple, secure and fulfilling, and we make that our mission every day.

Community Living, the Tingdene Way

Our parks are designed for those seeking a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle in a friendly and respectful setting. Residents often say it’s the sense of community that makes life here so rewarding.

Whether you’re joining a gardening group or simply enjoying your morning walk, our parks offer a calm environment. Spend time with like-minded neighbours in thoughtfully planned spaces with reliable onsite management.

Making the Move with Tingdene

Park home living offers a refreshing balance of comfort, community, and simplicity, and buying the right park home, on the perfect park, lays the foundation for a rewarding lifestyle.

At Tingdene Residential Parks, we don’t just guide you through the process, we walk it with you. Our experienced advisors are here to help you ask the right questions, explore your options, and make confident, informed choices at every step. From site visits to final paperwork, you’ll have the support you need without pressure.

Take your time. Visit our parks. Discover the place that feels like home. Ready to start your journey? We’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in a Tingdene park all year round?

Yes. All Tingdene residential parks operate with full residential licences for year-round living.

Can I bring pets?

This depends on the individual park rules. Many Tingdene parks are pet-friendly, but we advise you to check in advance.

Is there an age restriction?

Most parks are designed for the over-45s community, however we do have a few that are limited to over 50s and 55s. Be sure to confirm eligibility for your chosen park.

Can family and friends visit or stay?

Absolutely. Visitors are welcome, although long-term stays are not permitted.