Table of Contents
Introduction
Park homes usually are homes that are prefabricated (a very efficient form of house building). Typically they are single-storied buildings that are built offsite and then assembled onsite. For a house to be described as a Park Home, it must be possible to move the house to another location in one or two pieces. This move can either be done by towing or transported on a low loader. It would be usual for a Park Homeowner to own the home but rent the site. Paying the site fee can be done annually or monthly. Occasionally it is paid weekly.
A Guide to Buying & Selling Park Homes
Residential Homes for Sale Buying and selling Park Homes.
What You Need to Consider Before Buying a Park Home
There are several things to consider when you are thinking about buying a park home, Amongst the most important are: –
- Do I understand what rights a park homeowner has?
- Do I understand what obligations I would have?
- Does the site have a residents association?
- Is it possible to tour the park alone and chat to residents (an excellent idea)
- What about electricity, do i buy it direct or through the Park owner?
- Are all the charges, including pitch fees clearly shown on the agreement?
- What rules does site residents abide by?
Can the Site Owner Move Your Home?
It is permissible for the site owner to move your home to another pitch if they need to make repairs to your existing pitch. If the site owner does move you, you are legally entitled to insist on your home is returned to its original pitch as soon as the work is done. If the site owner wants to move you for any other reason, they have to first apply to a tribunal and get their agreement. If they do agree, then the new pitch must be similar to the one you are moving from, and the site owner has to pay all costs.
Selling Your Home
Now, this is a crucial thing to consider before you buy it. You do not want to leave it until you need to sell before checking this out.
You certainly have the right to sell your home, but laws changed recently, and the actual situation varies depending on when your pitch agreement was last assigned. If your site agreement was made before 26th May 2013 in England or 1st October 2014 in Wales, then you are required to send a notice of proposed sale to the site owner. The site owner then has 21 days to apply to the tribunal to refuse permission. If the proposed new owner would be infringing site rules, for example: If they are young and site rules state a minimum age limit.
If you signed just one-day after those dates, then you do not need the site owner to approve the buyer. The site owner might try and convince you that they do, but get the legal advice, and you will win. Whatever date, then you must still provide the new owner with a “Buyers Information Form,” together with some other documents. It is best to get legal advice on this. The government also provides several information sheets on selling your Park Home.
Inheritance
If you die while living in a Park Home, a member of your family who lives with you will inherit all your rights. A husband or wife or civil partner has preference over other family members. If no family member lives with you. Whoever inherits the home is legally able to sell it.