A park home is a permanent, factory-built residential home, constructed to BS3632 residential specification and sited on a licensed residential park under a pitch agreement rather than on land you own outright. Hampshire parks offer a choice of layouts, from compact two-bedroom homes to larger detached-style models with gardens and parking.
Hampshire's residential parks are found around the New Forest, Fareham, Romsey and the Meon Valley, giving easy access to Southampton, Winchester and the Solent coast. Many buyers are drawn by the combination of countryside or coastal settings with strong transport links.
Before buying, check whether the park is age-restricted, the level of the pitch fee and how it's reviewed, and any rules on subletting or making changes to the home. Ask to see the written agreement so you understand exactly what's included and what costs run alongside it, such as rates, insurance and ground rent.
Yes, park homes on residential parks are licensed for permanent, year-round occupation, unlike holiday lodges or static caravans which usually have a closed season.
Some parks are restricted to residents aged 45 or 50 and over, while others accept all ages. Always check the site rules and park licence before buying to confirm the restrictions that apply.
Pitch fees are charged annually or monthly and typically cover ground rent, communal area upkeep and site management. Fees are usually reviewed once a year in line with the Retail Prices Index, so ask for the current fee and review history before committing to a purchase.
Standard mortgages don't apply to park homes since they're not classed as traditional bricks-and-mortar property, but many buyers use a specialist park home loan or a personal loan. Compare rates carefully, as terms vary between lenders.
Park homes must be sold privately, not through the park itself, though the site owner may occasionally buy it back. The site owner is usually entitled to a resale commission, commonly around 10% of the sale price, as set out in the written agreement.