For those looking to downsize or simply experience what another type of property could do for them, investing in a static caravan or moving into a park home are both great options. However, there are a few important differences between these two property types. In this guide, we’ll look into how these properties differ from one another, so you can decide which works best for your lifestyle and vision of future living.

How is a park home different from a static caravan?

There are several differences between park homes and static caravans.

A park home is built differently from a static caravan

Park homes are built to British Standard BS3632, which means they’re designed for you to live in year-round. For the majority of people living in a park home, this is their main personal residence. A park home is typically built upon a timber frame and a steel base, which makes them very durable and long-lasting, not to mention energy-efficient.

Static caravans, on the other hand, are built to a different specification – and a different quality. These properties aren’t designed for permanent living, and having a static caravan as your main personal residence is actually breaking the law. Instead, static caravans are designed for holiday use in warmer seasons, when occupants don’t require much insulation.

Park homes are more expensive than static caravans

Since park homes are used as the main residence, they’re typically more expensive than static caravans; our new park homes at Parklands start from as little as £200k but vary depending on size and model. Lots of homeowners choose to move into a park home after downsizing and releasing equity that’s been tied up in a big family house.

Static caravans are comparatively cheaper to buy but should be treated as a second property.

A park home will be tax-registered

All UK citizens are required to possess a registered address for council tax purposes. Park homes are tax-registered, which means you can take up permanent residence inside. At Parklands, our park homes are on the lowest council tax Band A, which is approximately £1000 per year.

Static caravans, on the other hand, aren’t tax-registered because they’re used only as holiday homes. This means the owner must have a permanent registered address elsewhere.

Park homes are open all year round

To ensure owners aren’t permanently occupying their holiday homes, the majority of holiday parks will close for a specific period during the year. This means static caravans can’t be accessed all year round.
Park homes, however, are open all year, so residents never have to worry about leaving their property and can fully enjoy this next step on their moving journey.

Can you live in a park home?

Yes, living in a park home is exactly what they’re designed for! A park home can be classed as your permanent main UK residence, while parks that hold a registered residential park licence (like at Parklands) offer protection to their residents using security of tenure under the Mobile Homes Act.

This protection isn’t offered for static caravan owners.

If you’re ready for a new lease of life, why not look at our elegant new park homes for sale in Lincolnshire? At Parklands, we’re experts in comfortable, stylish accommodation for the over 50s, where you can benefit from an independent style of living, all while having a supportive and friendly community on your doorstep.