Got a question about downsizing? Simon Sleep, senior business development manager for Willerby Bespoke is here to answer your questions - £200 voucher to be won

Authoress

What exactly is a park home?

Hi @Authoress, Park homes are detached bungalow-style homes that are located on residential parks. They're chassis built properties, often built in two halves manufactured offsite before being carefully transported and sited in your chosen location. Willerby park homes are completley bespoke meaning are tailored to suit both your style and your lifestyle.

Hetty58

I suppose park homes are 'short term leasehold' as the park owners have freehold of the land? What sort of charges apply for park maintenance?

I've heard that utilities are bought from park owners, with no choice of company or price - as part of the contract. How do costs compare with average domestic rates?

As the homes deteriorate/devalue in the same way as vehicles do, what contract 'lifespan' do they have before a new one has to be purchased?

Hi @Hetty58, Park homes are neither leasehold or freehold as the land they are situated on remains the property of the site owner. The park home itself is yours outright however the land itself is not, so under the terms of your site agreement, you pay an annual ‘ground rent’ on the land. This is a monthly fee paid to the park owner and often goes towards the upkeep of communal facilities such as electric gates and road lighting. The annual ground rent may increase over time however you are protected by the Mobile Homes Act 2013 it must not exceed the rate of RPI so there will be no nasty surprises plus any rent increases are always stated in writing with notice. Utility costs are comparably cheap and in most cases you have full control of who your energy supplier is to get the best rates. See our answer to @lexigran above for information on selling and depreciation.

lexigran

My concern with Park homes is that they don't keep their value as well as bricks and mortar. Is there a limit to how long you can keep it before replacing with a newer model?

Hi @Lexigran, It is a myth that park homes don't hold their value like bricks and mortar properties. Providing your home is sited on a fully licensed residential park and not a leisure or holiday park, it will actually appreciate in value like an ordinary house. Prices of park homes fall in line with local property prices so the area the home is situated will determine its value. On residential parks, there is no time limit (in years) on the lease of the plot which means the home and plot are owned by the resident in perpetuity. Leisure parks which have a different licence which has a limited timespan typically between 10 and 30 years. Willerby Park Homes are designed to last a lifetime so would never need to replace it.

Nashville

Willerby as the manufacturers of a park home would not be responsible for the running of the park presumably. How many years are your new park homes guaranteed for? Has Willerby any commercial links to a particular park home owner group?

Hi @Nashville, Willerby Bespoke only manufacture the park homes and do not own any or have legal affiliations with any park. This however does not mean you are not protected as a home owner. Along with your residential rights covered by the Mobile Homes Act, all our homes come with a 10 year GoldShield warranty (similar to the NHBC Buildmark warranty for new builds) so the home is guaranteed to last for at least that long. Willerby Park Homes are designed to last a lifetime when they are maintaned and the manufacturer guidance is followed.

mumofmadboys

What is the largest number of bedrooms park homes have?

Hi @mumofmadboys, Our park homes are fully bespoke, so in theory you can have as many bedrooms as you wish! Depending on the size of your park home, most homes have no more than two or three bedrooms, in order not compromise the size of the living space. We can create other rooms such as office spaces, craft rooms or utility rooms. We work with you to create a home that suits your lifestyle.

Lollin

I’ve heard heating a park home is expensive. How well insulated would you say the6 are compared to a bricks and mortar house?

Hi @Lollin, This is a fantastic question. Willerby Park Homes are all built to surpass BS3632 regulations, a British residential standard. For our internal walls we use Oslo Wall System™ which outperforms plasterboard on thermal efficiency, sound insulation, strength and durability. Our unique building methods keep our homes incredibly warm whilst keeping running costs to a minimum. Double glazing is standard in any park home.

Pythagoras

A widower friend recently moved into a park home and it is so enjoyable to visit there, lovely atmosphere, friendly people, no litter and beautiful gardens .

Are there any restrictions in the resale of a parkhome - generally speaking or with Willerby? What about bequeathing a park home - is it straightforward?

Hi @Pythagoras You're absolutely right, park home communities are wonderful places to live.

When it comes to selling a park home, this is done in the same way as selling any other property, normally through an estate agent who will advise an asking price which in line with local property prices. The park owner can also make you an offer however you are not obliged to accept it. When selling your park home, the park owner can take a maximum of 10% commission on the final sale price. If you bequeath your park home, no commission is payable if the successor inheriting it chooses to live there. Be aware that they would need to meet the park occupancy requirements (for example, be over 50 years old and have a maximum of 1 pet) plus pay all upkeep costs including utility bills and ground rent.

chris8888

It is all very overwhelming to think about moving. Packing up, getting new carpets, curtains etc. Leaving what you know, a room for a family member to stay. Changing bank/.gas, elec .
I can`t face it and I am sure I am not the only one.
In the ideal world I would go on holiday for a few weeks, come back and its all done.

Hi @chris8888, I completely understand that downsizing can often be quite daunting. The majority of the park homes we build have two bedrooms allowing you enough space for a family member to come stay and support you while you get used to your new surroundings

Grannynannywanny

I’m considering downsizing from my 4 bedroom house . I’ve no experience of selling a house as my previous home was a rental.

What are the advantages of park home living? Are there restrictions on who the house can be sold on to after I’m gone.

Hi @Grannynannywanny

Thanks for your questions. Park homes offer an affordable, low maintenance property solution, with low running costs and single-level living. They give you the opportunity to retreat to a beautiful, quieter location with like-minded, friendly communities of similar aged residents. Parks are safe and secure, many with gated entrances and park wardens on site for peace of mind. If you need help selling your existing property, many of the larger park operators have hassle free part exchange schemes, offering full market value for your home, with no estate agent or solicitor fees. Selling or passing down a park home follows the same process as selling a house

Hi everyone,

Thanks for posting so many great questions on this thread. I'll be starting to answer them this afternoon. I hope that you find the responses helpful and informative!

Simon