Mobile homes and park sites

I think there was a thread on this, not so long ago. One of the pitfalls, seems to be that buying and selling is done through the site agents. Also I believe you are required to update to reasonable standards. I expect you will have several replies giving good advice, so good luck.

I looked into it but was put off as on the site I looked at they would not accept homes that were over 5 years old and I do not think I would like the upheaval every 5 years. That was on more of a holiday site, I expect the purpose built over 55s sites are different.

Hi Willow.

AuntieFlo's answer may be true of some places. I am looking at park homes myself and all the ones I've viewed have been advertised through a conventional high street estate agent and I have had direct dealings with the owner of the home at the viewings. I have yet to meet any site agent or management.

Regarding advice, I would view as many parks as possible and ensure you talk to as many owners on site as possible to get a true picture of live both day to day and also their views of the park management.

Go at different times of day just as you might if you were checking out any new neighbourhood - all the same rules of house hunting apply to parks.

Don't assume that because the park gardens are neat and tidy or the lighting around the place is good that this has anything to do with the park management - sometimes in my experience - you don't get a lot for your park fees, you have to maintain your area yourself.

Not owning bricks and mortar may feel strange but some parks are incredibly secure, perhaps more so than a conventional house. Also some can be freehold too.

Good luck with your search.

Thank you all for your replies. I do believe that some of the buying/selling rules have changed more recently due to legislation, which makes the whole thing a lot easier and fairer. There is also more talk of legislating about site fees and sales commision too. I don't think the leaseholders and management have quite the same unfair powers that they used to have. My main dilemma at the moment is where I would like to be and where to look. Countryside, coast, village etc? As it could possibly be my last move, I want to get it right. My sons and grandchildren live within 15 miles but to be honest, with work, girlfriends etc. I rarely see them. I think if they had to travel some distance they would make the effort stay a few days, rather than the quick cup of tea once in a while that it is now! I did find that I had a lot more family visits when I lived on the coast in Somerset for a couple of years! Any input/ suggestions are very welcome. Wish I'd seen the previous post too.

Here’s one previous thread there are probably more

www.gransnet.com/forums/ask_a_gran/1233524-Retiring-to-the-coast-possible-park-home-good-idea

Thank you tanith, that made interesting reading! I've done a bit of research and I think some of the ideas people have about park homes are a bit outdated now - it appears they are not just the glorified caravans they used to be and are not just for people who can't afford anything better. Seeing them at the showroom I was amazed at the space, excellent insulation and very stylish designs. Better than most bungalows I have seen! And if well maintained they do not depreciate, but stay in line with normal house prices. But advice from an actual owner is invaluable and if anyone can recommend really good sites anywhere in the UK, it would be even better.