We work efficiently and proactively to progress your transaction as quickly as possible while ensuring your interests are fully protected. Timescales can vary depending on the park rules, site owner requirements, and funding arrangements, but we will keep you informed at every stage, removing uncertainty and helping you plan with confidence.

What is a park home?

A park home (sometimes known as a mobile home) is a residential property located on a park site and governed by specific legislation, most commonly the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (as amended) in England and Wales. Unlike traditional residential properties, park homes are usually purchased under a licence agreement rather than owned on a freehold or long leasehold basis.

Because of this, park home transactions involve a different legal process and require specialist conveyancing knowledge.

The legal process involved in buying or selling a park home

Once a buyer has agreed a purchase price with the seller, the park home conveyancing process begins. While there are similarities with standard residential conveyancing, there are also important additional steps. The three main stages are:

• Pre-completion checks and enquiries
• Exchange of agreements
• Completion

Pre-completion checks and enquiries

At this stage, we will:

• Review the written agreement and park site licence
• Check the park rules and any restrictions that apply to residents
• Confirm compliance with the Mobile Homes Act and any amendments
• Review pitch fees, service charges, and any proposed increases
• Confirm whether the site owner’s approval or notification is required
• Check age restrictions, residency requirements, and use limitations
• Ensure there are no outstanding disputes with the site owner or park management
• Advise you on council tax banding and utilities

If you are buying, we will also ensure that you understand your rights and obligations as a park home owner before you commit to the purchase.

Exchange of agreements

Once all enquiries have been satisfactorily dealt with and both parties are ready to proceed, the agreement can be finalised. At this point:

• The terms of the sale are agreed in writing
• Any required notifications are issued to the site owner
• A completion date is agreed
• Funds are prepared for completion

Unlike traditional house purchases, park home transactions do not usually involve the exchange of contracts in the same way, but they are still legally binding once completed.

Completion

On the completion date:

• The balance of the purchase price is paid
• Ownership of the park home transfers to the buyer
• The buyer is entitled to occupy the home under the site agreement
• The site owner is formally notified of the change of ownership

We will ensure that all post-completion formalities are dealt with correctly so that your ownership is properly recorded and protected.

How park homes differ from freehold and leasehold property

One area that often causes confusion is how park homes differ from freehold and leasehold properties.

Freehold

With freehold property, the owner owns both the property and the land outright and is responsible for maintenance and repairs. The owner can generally alter the property, subject to planning permission.

Leasehold

Leasehold ownership usually applies to flats. The buyer owns the property for a fixed number of years but not the land it stands on. The property reverts to the freeholder when the lease expires.

Park homes

Park homes are different again. You usually own the home itself but not the land it stands on. Instead, you occupy the land under a licence agreement and pay pitch fees to the site owner. Your rights and obligations are governed by specific legislation, making specialist legal advice essential.