Would you consider a park home as an affordable long-term option?

[Anothernamechanging]

What do you think of park homes?

I need to buy somewhere to live, but my job is in a very expensive area unfortunately.

I need a two bedroom place for me and my DS.

Park homes in the area are affordable, but I can't shake the feeling of being a bit of loser, living in a trailer.

I work full-time in a stressful job, but don't earn a high salary.

Where I live we have a few park homes that older ones have moved into and they’re perfectly fine to live in, I clean one and it’s small but easy to clean.

just check the ones by you are for all year round, as some are just for 10 months, I know people stay with family for the 2 months they can’t live there.

I think they can be so nice now ! I've seen some stunning interiors and they are warm and cosy in winter esp with rain. Not sure about summer heat?

What concerns me is who owns the land they are on ? And how secure are they and what will your neighbours be like .
I know someone who lives in a pretty area and these tourist ones are also on the same ISH aras as longer term residents which I guess makes it safer.

Those would be my concerns but as a place to live...no problem

Something else to look into would be the long term re-sale value if things change and you want to move in a few years.

I think the things I would want to have given full consideration to with them are:

1. Cost of heating - depending on insulation etc they can be hard to keep warm.
2. Cost of site fees - I think these can sometimes be quite costly and more importantly I'd be worried about how much they might go up in the future.
3. Security of ownership - what happens if the site owners go bust etc? I don't know how this would work.
4. Longevity of the homes - are there requirements for costly refurbishments and/or how long would it last if you don't do said refurbishments?
5. Changed to site rules e.g. one person (who pays separately for their electricity) has just posted a thread about how they now aren't allowed to charge their electric car.
6. Site rules around non-occupation. Lots of sites don't allow full year occupation so I would want to have checked this out carefully.

They'd not to say it might not be the best option in the circumstances but I'd want to have worked through all of the above before I committed.

Absolutely go for it. It's a type of affordable housing that I'm never understanding why it isn't more popular for young families than it is.

It woukd be costlier than you think and would depreciate unless it was brick built.

I don't understand why they aren't used more. If they are considered suitable for 50-60+ why not younger people.

We have a housing crisis, they would be one cheaper solution.

The issues around land, site fees etc are not insurmountable.

Because in many parks you can’t occupy the home for 12 months a year, and while it looks cheaper upfront, some sites have stringent rules about requiring you to replace the home at intervals, so there are down the line costs.

Some sites only allow static caravans which are not too old, so I'd check that too, in case you have to replace it after five or ten years or something. Site charges, utilities, where to stay temporarily if they don't allow 12 month habitation. Plus, privacy-are you allowed to use fences,parking spaces for guests, have potted plants, would seasonal tourists spoil your peace, would your child be safe playing there etc.

I personally wouldn't give a shit what people think- why spend more money to live in a conventional home? That's money out of your pocket. (If the finances stack up in favour of the caravan). It's really no one's business except your own.

I think you really need to go through the T&Cs with a fine tooth comb.

Also, most caravan sites have their own residents FB groups, so maybe you could start by asking some questions there.

there not long long term
there’s a mine field of pit falls
site few ( increases)
mains services
age limit on park home units
redevelopment
deprecation
to name a few
in 30 years time you could be homeless

a relative bought one it was ideal for him and a brilliant option
he was early 70’s so realistically only possibility looking 15 years plus
it was like a new house all insulated spacious
but it was worth next to nothing when my cousin sold it after he died

Thanks everyone.

The one I'm interested in is this https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/174292172#/?channel=RES_BUY

I just know that friends and colleagues will think I'm a loser though. I know that shouldn't matter, but I don't have a lot of confidence as it is.

It's a type of affordable housing that I'm never understanding why it isn't more popular for young families than it is.

If you can't live there year round, is it an acceptable address for school applications?

Plus as pp have said, site charges and possible requirement to replace after a fixed term.

You’d need to look into any differences in rules between developments of park homes which are intended for long-term, year round occupation, and holiday type parks - I suspect the former will be a safer bet for you.

But if there aren’t hidden or wildly unpredictable costs, and you’re clear about what your rights and obligations would be, then go for it!

My gut says you wouldn’t expect any sort of growth in its value, but if you’re willing to accept that and be prepared to save aggressively for a deposit on your subsequent home, then it could be a good option in your position.

Well, that particular one says for over 45s only which I’m guessing will rule out your son ?

It looks nice, but says over 45s only. Wouldn't that rule out children living there?

There's a reason why it says over 45s only. Its because they dont want children there. Surely your aware of this?

I am assuming you have only recently separated.

Could DS not live with his dad FT?
Then you don’t have to worry about age requirements, address for schools/doctors etc

It’s over 45s only so not option for you sadly.

45 is a bit of a random age imho.

Something else to bear in mind is that it’s very unlikely you’ll get a mortgage to buy a park home or caravan.

I agree that I can be a great idea, my retired parents live in one and love it, but you’ll need to do a lot of research

You can't buy that, it's for over 45's only.

My Dad lives in one, he loves his but he’s constantly moaning about the site, repairs etc, site fees etc. that said there is no way he could have afforded a 2 bedroom detached rural property for what he paid.

It's a great idea, but I think you'll find that the sites are overwhelmingly for adults only, including the one you've posted unfortunately.

Usually you can't get a mortgage on them. Cash buyers only, so that rules out most younger people, even before the issues about site fees etc