Buying a New Park Home in England: A Simple Guide

Are you considering buying a new park home in England? This guide will walk you through the process, providing you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision. From understanding the pitch agreement to dealing with site rules, here’s everything you need to know.

Buying from the Site Owner

Getting Started

When you decide to buy a park home from a site owner, it’s highly recommended to seek help from a solicitor or another professional.  They can help you gather all the necessary information, ensuring you make an informed decision.  Like any property purchase, independent professional are there to look after your interests.

You might also want to check with the local authority, that licenses the site, for any additional details.

Information You Should Receive

The site owner should provide you with the following information in writing:

  • The sale price.
  • Confirmation of relevant planning permission.
  • Details of the parks site license.
  • Details of the Park Rules.
  • The pitch fee and the next review date.
  • A copy of the warranty for the home or the result of a recent professional survey.
  • Details of utility services that are provided and whether they are part of the pitch fee or charged in addition to it.
  • Details of any other charges that may apply like for the rental of a garage.

Sale Price and Payment Profile

When purchasing a park home, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the sale price. The site owner must provide you with a written confirmation of the purchase price, including a breakdown of what is included in this price. This ensures transparency and allows you to assess whether the price aligns with your budget.

In addition to the sale price, the payment profile should be clearly outlined. This profile should detail the agreed payment schedule, including any deposits, instalments, and the final payment date. Knowing the payment profile in advance allows you to plan your finances and ensures that there are no unexpected financial commitments.

Lastly, the written confirmation should also specify the conditions under which the sale price may be subject to change. This could include circumstances like alterations to the home before purchase or changes in market conditions. Clear communication regarding these conditions will help prevent any disputes or misunderstandings during the purchasing process.

The Written Statement

The next step is receiving a Written Statement from the site owner. This document outlines the terms of the proposed pitch agreement, including your legal rights. You should also receive a copy of the site rules.

This written statement must be given to you 28 days before you sign the pitch agreement or buy the park home. You can agree to a shorter period in writing if you wish to speed up the process, but the site owner cannot force you to do this.

Understanding the Written Statement

The Written Statement sets out the terms for placing your park home on the site. It includes:

  • Implied terms: These are required by law and apply to all agreements in England.  These are set by Government and are reviewed from time to time.
  • Express terms: These are specific to your agreement and must be agreed upon with the site owner.

If there’s a conflict between the implied and express terms, the implied terms take precedence.  Make sure any discrepancies are resolved before signing the agreement.

Park Rules

If the site has Park Rules, you should be given a copy.  Certain rules are banned and cannot be enforced.

Finalising the Purchase

Ensure all documents are correct before agreeing to the purchase. The pitch agreement should be signed and dated by you and the site owner. It will include the Pitch Fee, and the information provided in the Written Statement.

If There are Issues

If the site owner fails to provide a written statement, any express terms in the agreement are unenforceable until the written statement is provided.

You can apply to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to:

  • Require the site owner to provide a written statement
  • Vary or delete express terms in the agreement if they are inappropriate or unfair
  • Add terms concerning payments, service improvements, or site amenities

Step-by-Step Summary

  1. Seek professional help and gather necessary information.
  2. Receive written information from the site owner.
  3. Get a written statement outlining the pitch agreement terms.
  4. Review the written statement for any discrepancies.
  5. Receive a copy of the site’s rules.
  6. Ensure all documents are correct before signing.
  7. Sign and date the pitch agreement.
  8. Apply to the tribunal if there are any issues with the agreement.

Keep all legal documents safe and treat them with the same importance you would for any other property.

Following these steps will help ensure a smooth and informed purchase of your new park home.