There’s no doubt that when finding out more about buying anything, it’s a great idea to speak to someone who has done exactly the same ahead of you and can describe their experience first-hand. You may even find out that there are a few less obvious benefits you didn’t know about.

That’s why we’d always recommend trying to meet other residents on any park you’re looking at, and any park owner ‘worth their salt’ will encourage this. Not only does it mean you’ll get that social interaction started ahead of moving in, but you’ll also get a realistic view of any plus or negative points to help you make a balanced decision before buying.

WE WISH WE'D DONE IT SOONER

Over the years we’ve spoken to hundreds of happy park home residents and there are a few common denominators within the feedback they give us about their experiences. The first is nearly always ‘We wish we’d done it sooner’ closely followed by ‘we feel like we’re on holiday every day’ and that’s reflective of a great many who’ve made the move to a residential park.

For a bit of balance, there have been very few comments of regret but those usually focus on an unexpected point too.

As many are moving to a residential home as part of a semi-retirement or retirement move, getting used to spending a lot of time with your partner can suddenly put pressure on a relationship if you’re not used to it. If you’re worried that might apply to you, choosing a location with an active park community or new hobbies and activities nearby would perhaps be the key to future-proofing your relationship so you can each enjoy your own interests and the company of others around you too if you want to. In fact, you may well find yourself in a better position to deal with this on a residential park than in a traditional brick-built home elsewhere!

A CHANGE OF PACE

Making the shift from a traditional property into a park home can also be a clean break mentally too, signalling a shift in mindset from a pressurised lifestyle into an environment with a more laid-back atmosphere, and there are health benefits to be had as a result. Many of today’s residential parks have evolved over the years from holiday parks, which is why there’s often quite a lovely vibe on them. The beauty of that is that you’ll find quite a few of them in spots where traditionally built homes are simply not permitted – which is why many of the locations are so stunning and have plenty to enjoy nearby!  More and more we are hearing about buyers who buy a park home and a lodge, maybe hiring the lodge out when they’re not using it, and we think that’s a bit of a dream scenario for those who have that option!

FUTURE-PROOFED LIVING

Another of the biggest reasons why people move to park properties is for added security. Many parks are gated, so not only is your home secure, but your community is, too. As we get older, we are more at risk of falls and accidents and we have a few more aches and pains than before. Having a home on one level which is easy to move around or exit safely can take away a lot of worry and concern about your home being suitable well into the future, and there’s more chance that others around you would spot a potential problem you might need help with. This is why buying a park home is a fantastic way to plan ahead. You may feel spritely now and long may that continue, but there’ll be no concerns about finding yourself in a difficult situation later in your life either.



ECONOMICAL TO RUN

Add on how easy they are to keep clean and how cost-effective they are to run, and those are elements that will free your time, energy and pennies to enjoy in other ways so it’s easy to see how it can lift the pressure and make your life feel much more enjoyable suddenly. Going back to the first point buyers often make, with part exchange available on many parks to make the process easier and less stressful, it doesn’t have to be a long, stressful move. It’s now easier than ever to make the switch and you’ll be feeling the benefit before you know it. What’s not to love about that?