Question 1

How are Park Homes different from regular houses?

Accepted Answer

A Park Home looks and feels almost the same as a conventional bungalow. The only real difference is the method of construction. Park Homes are constructed to a British Standard under carefully controlled workshop conditions before being transported to the park. Here they are sited and connected to mains services such as electricity, drainage and gas. A Park Home is generally timber framed on a robust steel frame. With a tough and durable weatherproof exterior.

Modern Park Homes have gas central heating, double glazed windows, pitched roofs and can be supplied fully furnished. Homes come with your own designated plot with garden area and space for outside seating. Parking for two cars and a storage shed come as standard.

Take a look at the show homes we currently have for sale to get a good idea of what you can expect from your living accommodation.

Question 2

How much does a Park Home cost?

Accepted Answer

The value of a Park Home is reached when adding up two factors, the value of the home and the value of the land on which it is sited. The price of the home depends on the make, model and furnishing requested by the home buyers.

We have a wide range of plots to choose from on our newest developments, however all have stunning views of countryside and are a real rural retreat. A plot can be secured with a deposit, and you can then decide upon the exact model of home you wish to place on your plot.

There are also a few other things that need to be considered, such as the monthly costs, however living costs are generally less than living in a traditional bricks and mortar home.

Question 3

Can I live in a Park Home all year round?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Your residential Park Home becomes your full-time main residence. By downsizing to a Park Home and reducing your lifetime belongings, (as well as your monthly overheads) you�ll be able to release the equity tied up in bricks and mortar and start exploring all of the benefits of enjoying life to the full.

Marston Edge is a full time, exclusively over 50�s residential park so you can be confident that you will be among like-minded people who will become life-long friends.

Question 4

What are the monthly costs of living in a Park Home?

Accepted Answer

Home owners pay a fee, or ground rent to the park owners for the plot on which their home is sited. This pitch fee varies from park to park. This pitch fee is for the right to keep the home on the park, and includes maintenance of the communal areas, roads and such factors as electricity for streetlights and electric security gates.

Other costs are much the same (or slightly less) compared to living in a bricks and mortar house. Electricity in approximately half the price of a normal �bricks and mortar� home as parks sometimes buy electricity in bulk at commercial rates.

Other services such as telephone line, satellite TV are purchased directly from suppliers such as BT. LPG gas is generally used on most parks and LPG gas is bought in bulk from suppliers and then piped to each home. Water is metered to each property along with gas and electric and we read these meters and bill every three months to make life even easier. The amount of gas and electricity used compares favourably with that used in bricks and mortar homes.

Question 5

Does the pitch fee increase each year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the pitch fee is initially decided on your agreement with the park owner. It will increase at the rate of inflation each year.

It can be raised more than the rate of inflation only if:

A) The Park owner has invested in the park in the previous year in a way that benefits the residents.

B) The residents have been consulted on that improvement programme.

Question 6

Why is there 10% commission on the re-sale of a Park Home?

Accepted Answer

This transfer fee is not compatible with commission payments made to estate agents. It reflects the fact that the plot and the amenities of the park add to the resale value of the home. Considerable investment is necessary to develop and maintain a residential park home estate. A reasonable return on this investment is essential to ensure that the park continues as a viable concern in the interest of both the home owner and the park owner.

Question 7

What are the monthly costs of living in a Park Home?

Accepted Answer

Home owners pay a fee, or ground rent to the park owners for the plot on which their home is sited. This pitch fee varies from park to park. This pitch fee is for the right to keep the home on the park, and includes maintenance of the communal areas, roads and such factors as electricity for streetlights and electric security gates.

Other costs are much the same (or slightly less) compared to living in a bricks and mortar house. Electricity in approximately half the price of a normal �bricks and mortar� home as parks sometimes buy electricity in bulk at commercial rates.

Other services such as telephone line, satellite TV are purchased directly from suppliers such as BT. LPG gas is generally used on most parks and LPG gas is bought in bulk from suppliers and then piped to each home. Water is metered to each property along with gas and electric and we read these meters and bill every three months to make life even easier. The amount of gas and electricity used compares favourably with that used in bricks and mortar homes.

Question 8

Does the pitch fee increase each year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the pitch fee is initially decided on your agreement with the park owner. It will increase at the rate of inflation each year.

It can be raised more than the rate of inflation only if:

A) The Park owner has invested in the park in the previous year in a way that benefits the residents.

B) The residents have been consulted on that improvement programme.

Question 9

Why is there 10% commission on the re-sale of a Park Home?

Accepted Answer

This transfer fee is not compatible with commission payments made to estate agents. It reflects the fact that the plot and the amenities of the park add to the resale value of the home. Considerable investment is necessary to develop and maintain a residential park home estate. A reasonable return on this investment is essential to ensure that the park continues as a viable concern in the interest of both the home owner and the park owner.

Question 10

Are pets and children allowed on the home parks?

Accepted Answer

We do allow pets on our residential parks. All pets should be friendly and well-behaved and not cause a nuisance to other residents on the park.

Children can visit and stay on park, but not reside on the park � so the grandchildren are welcome, but it�s a good excuse to send them back!

Our residential parks are for the over 50s, Semi-retired and Retired. Sometimes circumstances of the buyer will be looked at and taken into consideration on an individual basis at the discretion of the park owners.

Stratford Parks Holiday Home Ownership - FAQs

Q: Can friends and family use my holiday home?

Q: Are dogs allowed on the park?

Q: Can I live in my holiday home?

Q: Do I own the land on which my holiday home is sited?

Q: Can I sublet my holiday home?

Q: Are there any exclusive events or facilities just for holiday home owners?

Q: Can I upgrade my holiday home in the future?

Q: How long can I keep my holiday home on the park?

Q: What running costs do I need to consider before purchasing my holiday home?

Q: How many months can I use my holiday home for?

Q: Can I part exchange my holiday home from a different park?

Q: Will my holiday home be secure when I am not there to use it?

Q: How much is the deposit to purchase a holiday home?

Q: Do I need to pay council tax to the local authority?

Q: Do I need a TV license for my holiday home?

Q: Is buying a holiday home a good investment?