Mobile homes are they the answer?

I know far more about holiday lodges (we have one) than I do about park homes, but I am aware that some of the issues are the same, and a lot depends on the site owners, which can change overnight.

I'm not saying don't get one, just to be very careful and get someone qualified to cover all the legal bases before committing to anything, and insist on a legal contract that covers everything from provision of services to park rules.

Our relative's was just sold at a very good price indeed.
Perhaps it's a good, well-run site. However, the site owners did take commission for doing absolutely zilch.

Please read the files on the HPAG. It is widely believed that holiday park homes are the next PPI scandal. People are swindled out of significant amounts of money (often life savings) when they are sold homes on holiday parks for retirement. Not only that, but as there is little regulation of park home sites (and none on holiday parks) there are innumerable other ways in which the owners can scam owners out of money, and the home itself is worthless without the land it sits on, which is owned by the site. If you break one of the (often labyrinthine) rules and are asked to leave, you will get next to nothing for the home itself, as you have to give the site first refusal and pay them a commission.

Proceed with extreme caution and get everything in writing and looked over by a solicitor (specialist if you can find one).

They also take a percentage when a home is sold.

It's also worth noting that the person who is owner of the site can sell to other people, at some point.

They may alter the policies, either subtly, or like a sledgehammer if they're very unreasonable.

Ultimately they're a business, and the main concern is finding ways to accommodate that.

I know a few people who live in 'park homes' and I think that the only advice is to check each out individually. Rules & regulations vary with different site owners and local authorities. Even bills can be an issue - some are paid by the site owner and collected from tenants - others pay individually. Definitely check the small print on service charges.
The two folk I know best both have good access for wheelchairs, and are very well insulated and comfortable. Their communities are lovely and supportive.

Thank you all for the useful advice and links to further information, it has given us more to discuss and think about.
Nice to know we have such a helpful and knowledgable community on Gransnet.

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Cabbie21

This is a useful website.
parkhomes.lease-advice.org/article/park-life-key-issues-examined/

The ones in the picture in the link look more like caravans on a site than Park homes.

These are more like the ones I described, but they're not cheap.

Yes, there are some homes which are suitable for disabled, wheelchairs, and easily accessible.

They must vary enormously because the only one I knew well when we visited relatives living in a Park home was just like a bungalow with a reasonably sized garden on a normal estate although it was only for over 50s.

No swimming pool, organised entertainment, no café, no gates, perhaps that sounds more like a retirement village.

However, there seemed to be a good sense of community with a residents' association, there was a Park manager on site to deal with problems about the site.

Ground rent was payable as well as Council tax.

The bungalow was warm and cosy, double glazed and a good size. There were certain rules eg no large dogs, no sheds but there was a garage and a double drive.

This may be a stupid question, but are there park homes which are adapted for people with mobility problems? I’ve stayed in a few, and they all had space compromises - narrow doors to rooms, tiny bathrooms which you would struggle to put handrails into, and small showers. They also had steps to get out of the home, which I guess you could replace with a ramp. For somebody who has mobility problems already would a mobile home be a suitable choice?

A cafe, where people can get a fair priced meal - a bit cheaper than eating out offsite.

Regular entertainment and trips.

Swimming pool (free) and gym (cheap)

This is a useful website.
parkhomes.lease-advice.org/article/park-life-key-issues-examined/

I know know someone who lives on a site.

The service charge seems to be the main gripe, but saying that there does seem to be people who are, I would imagine, on benefits, so I presume it is 'doable'.
It can be cliquey, particularly the people who live in certain areas look down on new people, or those without the means to spend thousands on lights, benches, statues, etc.
On the other hand....

There is a strong sense of community.
There are people there, who, I imagine, are only living independently because the community all help them with bits and bobs.

Its gated, so more secure, hopefully. (But all the worse if something does happen, because it's an 'inside job')

Certain charities arrange open surgeries regularly, where they help residents with money issues, or who need advice.

Look at the Holiday Park Action Group and follow links from there. They are on Facebook and have a Wix site. Also check out their sister group COAT (Caravan Owners' Action Group).

They deal with holiday homes (ie caravans and lodges on holiday parks) but the issues are similar. Residential sites are slightly better regulated than holiday parks but there are serious issues with both. Do not believe that you can live on a holiday park, whatever the salesman says, and be very sure that any park you buy on with a view to living there is genuinely residential, and that you are paying council tax to the local authority. If you aren't, it is probably a holiday park, you will be living there illegally and vulnerable to eviction.

A modern park home will be warm enough, but there is no regulation of heating charges - although this is dressed up as admin charges for getting the energy to the units. The bottom line is that you should be very wary.