Park homes are often highlighted as a beneficial alternative housing option for downsizers and retirees in the context of wider housing and cost-of-living pressures. At Sell My Group, we’ve observed sustained interest in residential park homes from buyers exploring alternatives to traditional housing, and it is easy to see why. Modern Park Homes are warm, efficient and beautifully designed; residential parks are more numerous than ever; and the idea of low-maintenance living has a real draw.

However, buying a residential park home in the UK involves different legal, financial and practical considerations compared to traditional property. Alongside the advantages sit some potential disadvantages, and these can catch people off guard. So if you’re wondering:

• What are the pitfalls of buying a park home?
• What are the disadvantages of buying a park home?
• Is it wise to buy a park home?
• Or even do park homes lose their value?

This guide will give you a clear and honest view of what to expect before you commit and some advice on how to avoid the potential pitfalls.

Do Park Homes Lose Their Value?

This is one of the most common questions amongst potential Park Home purchasers, and rightly so.

Park homes generally do depreciate, in the same way that vehicles or caravans do. They are classed as mobile homes and sit on land you rent rather than own, so they don’t follow the housing market.

But depreciation isn’t a simple downward slide. A modern BS3632 home on a sought-after residential park can hold its value surprisingly well. Some even see slight lifts in resale value if the park is in high demand. Age, condition, park reputation, and location all play a role, so these might be key considerations during your park home search.

Common Pitfalls When Buying a Park Home

Many of the pitfalls of buying a park home aren’t about the properties themselves, they usually come about due to misplaced assumptions or from not knowing what information to look for during the purchasing journey. For example, some people assume a holiday park offers the same rights as a fully residential one. They expect a used park home to behave like a new one. Or they buy online unseen because the price looks irresistible. The good news is that these pitfalls can be avoided by doing your homework before you start the process and by asking the right questions.

A large, growing issue is the number of people who unintentionally buy on parks that hold holiday licences only. These parks may be open 12 months a year, and some even allow stays all year round, but this still does not give you the legal right to live there permanently. If a park does not have a full residential licence, you cannot use the home as your primary address. It’s one of the biggest, and most avoidable, pitfalls of buying a residential park home in the UK.

With a new park home you move in knowing the home has never been lived in, and you benefit from the latest materials, energy efficiency standards and design trends. For many buyers, that peace of mind is worth every penny. But new homes also come with a higher price tag. Depreciation begins the moment it’s placed on the plot, and you may be paying for conveniences that don’t necessarily translate into better resale value later.

Pre-owned homes, by contrast, appeal to buyers who want more for their money or are working to a set budget. You can pick up excellent second hand park homes at very fair prices, especially on established parks. But older homes often need additional maintenance, may have outdated insulation, and occasionally hide issues that aren’t immediately obvious. Seeking surveys becomes essential, and budgeting for future upgrades becomes part of the equation.

A used park home can look immaculate to the eye while hiding damp, failing insulation or ageing structures beneath the surface and the differences are immediately felt in winter. This is why an independent survey, from a specialist park home surveyor is invaluable. A specialist can identify problems you would never spot yourself, helping you avoid unexpected costs. A common pitfall is falling in love with a home and skipping the survey “to speed things up”, almost always a mistake.

Online Scams: A Major Pitfall When Buying a Park Home

One of the fastest-growing dangers comes from online marketplaces. As demand rises, so do scams. Fraudsters use Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Gumtree to advertise homes that don’t exist, or homes they have no right to sell. Photos are often pulled from legitimate listings, and prices are intentionally set just low enough to feel tempting.

Several patterns repeat themselves:

• The seller refuses viewings but pushes for quick deposits.
• The price is far below market average.
• The seller invents reasons why they “can’t meet in person.”
• Payment methods are suggested that offer no protection.

The rule is simple: if you can’t see the home in person, verify the park, and speak directly to the operator, walk away. Reputable specialists and operators essentially remove the risk.

Missing paperwork isn’t an inconvenience, it’s a red flag. The same goes for operators who are vague about fees, parks with no registered rules, or salespeople who pressure you to move quickly. A legitimate residential park will be transparent, patient, and structured.

Pitch fee increases are another area buyers often misunderstand. While the Mobile Homes Act regulates the process, requiring increases to follow the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), setting a formal consultation requirement for increases above CPI, and limiting reviews to once a year with a defined notice period, it is still important to understand how the park applies these rules. Asking about past increases and any proposed changes helps confirm compliance and avoid surprises later on.

Why Independent Support Matters When Buying a Park Home

One of the most effective ways to avoid the common pitfalls of buying a park home is to seek independent support throughout the process. Park homes operate under a different legal and structural framework to traditional housing, and buyers who rely solely on sales conversations can easily miss important details.

Independent advice can come from several sources, depending on the aspect of the purchase. Some buyers choose to use a solicitor with experience in park home agreements to review documentation such as the Written Statement and park rules, although this is not legally mandatory. Others commission a specialist park home surveyor to assess the condition of the home, particularly when buying pre-owned. Independent guidance services and, in some cases, financial advisers may also play a role. While none of these steps are compulsory, they help buyers understand what they are purchasing and reduce the risk of unexpected issues later on.

So, Is Buying a Park Home Wise?

It absolutely can be. For many people, it’s one of the best lifestyle decisions they ever make. But it’s only wise when done with full understanding of the disadvantages, the legal frameworks, the resale realities and the differences between parks.

A park home should never be bought in haste. When you choose a reputable park, carry out due diligence, get a survey, confirm licences and avoid online “bargains,” you set yourself up for years of enjoyment.

If you skip these steps, the pitfalls appear quickly.

The Bottom Line

Park homes are not traditional property investments, they are lifestyle choices. They offer comfort, community, and simplicity, but they require careful research and the right expectations. Most problems arise not because park homes are inherently risky, but because buyers unknowingly step into the process without the information they need.

Approach the purchase with clarity and patience, and the disadvantages become manageable. Ignore them, and the pitfalls become very real.

FAQs

Do park homes lose their value?

Most park homes depreciate over time, as they are classed as mobile homes and sit on rented land. However, modern homes on well-managed residential parks can hold their value better than expected, particularly where demand is strong and the home is well maintained.

Is it wise to buy a park home?

Buying a park home can be a wise lifestyle choice if you understand the differences compared to traditional housing. It suits buyers prioritising low-maintenance living, community and affordability rather than long-term capital growth.

What are the biggest pitfalls of buying a residential park home?

Common pitfalls include buying on a park without a residential licence, not being aware of or requesting the mandatory paperwork, misunderstanding pitch fees, skipping an independent survey, and purchasing unseen through online marketplaces.

Do I need a solicitor to buy a park home?

Using a solicitor is not legally mandatory when buying a park home, as there is no land transfer. However, some buyers choose a solicitor with park home experience to review documents such as the Written Statement and park rules.

Should I get a survey on a park home?

Yes. A specialist park home survey can identify structural, insulation or maintenance issues that may not be visible during a viewing. This is especially important when buying a pre-owned home.

Can I live in a park home all year round?

You can only live permanently in a park home if the park holds a full residential licence. Holiday parks, even those open year-round, do not provide the same legal rights.