Law Master

How We Can Help

Focusing on you

Law Master Services is a specialised law firm in the UK with expertise in mobile homes, park homes, and caravan sites. We represent and assist both residents and site operators.

Services for individuals

What is a park home?

How are park homes different to traditional properties?

A park home, unlike traditional bricks-and-mortar properties, is typically a self-contained house that can be moved in one or two sections. Legally, these homes fall under the category of ‘caravans,’ but their modern designs far surpass the traditional stereotype. Most park homes are professionally built with the intention of lasting for many years.

One crucial distinction when buying a mobile park home is that most are sold without ownership of the land they are situated on. This is significant because it’s generally not possible to register land ownership with the Land Registry to prove the right of occupation.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of your purchase

As part of the agreement to reside on the land, residential park homes are issued with a contract, with a critical component being the “Written Statement.” While similar to a lease in some ways, it extends beyond that, outlining the occupier’s rights and is usually transferable to another person. Additionally, many sites have Park Rules, which supplement the Written Statement. These rules are legally required to be published by the local council on their website, allowing you to review them.

Before purchasing a mobile park home, it’s advisable to thoroughly understand the agreement. We strongly recommend refraining from paying a deposit until you have a clear understanding of your purchase, even though the temptation to secure the home quickly might be strong.

Buying a park home

Since park home transactions can happen rapidly, we recommend engaging our services as early as possible, even before making an offer. This way, we can organize all necessary paperwork and expedite the process.

Bronze 🥉

£ 400 + VAT

We will review the documents provided by the vendor, including the Written Statement, Site Rules, and Site Licence, to identify any issues. We will provide you with a written report or verbal advice, as you prefer, and the necessary forms for completion and exchange. All direct communication with the vendor or site owner is handled by you.

Silver 🥈

£ 600 + VAT

If you require assistance in managing the purchase process, we can handle it for you. We will liaise with the vendor and the site owner to obtain the necessary information and paperwork, serving it as appropriate.

Gold 🥇

£ 800 + VAT

In cases where it’s prudent to conduct checks on the home, such as verifying planning permissions or investigating potential enforcement actions, we can perform basic inquiries with the local authority.

FAQs

While not mandatory, it is highly advisable to enlist the services of a lawyer when buying or selling a park home. The Leasehold Advisory Service, supported by the government, recommends using a lawyer for guidance during the purchase.

The government’s factsheet also strongly advises seeking professional assistance when completing a purchase. Given the significant investment and potential complexities involved, professional guidance can help avoid pitfalls, misunderstandings, and future disputes.

A lawyer’s experience can provide clarity on the specifics of the purchase, ensuring that you secure the right to live in your new home.

Typically, high-street lenders do not offer mortgages for mobile park homes due to their specialised nature. Most park home purchases are funded through the sale of an existing property.

Financing your park home purchase

When it comes to funding the purchase of your park home, you have three main options:

Numerous lenders offer specialised financing options that allow you to borrow money to cover the cost of buying a park home. These loans often use the park home itself as collateral. We can review loan documents to ensure fair and beneficial terms for you.

Many individuals use their savings or sell their existing homes to buy a park home. Equity release and pension withdrawals are also potential sources of cash.

Another way to fund your purchase is through a part-exchange arrangement. This involves selling your home to a part-exchange company and using the equity released from the sale to buy the park home. Any surplus funds can be received as a lump sum.

Options for Purchasing Your Park Home

You have three methods to purchase a park home.

Many people purchase a mobile park home with cash after selling their family home. Before committing, ensure that you are satisfied with the Written Statement provided by the site owner, have a comprehensive list of what’s included with the park home, and complete the sale of your family home.

Design a bespoke park home to your specifications, which will be transported to the site. A non-refundable deposit is typically required to secure your place on the site, and it’s crucial to ensure that the design complies with site regulations.

You can buy a park home from another resident without requiring approval from the park owner, but you must adhere to basic rules, such as age requirements. Legal advice is recommended to protect your interests during such transactions.

Things you should know

Written Statement

A Written Statement is a crucial document when purchasing a park home. It must be provided by the site owner at least 28 days before the sale and should include essential information such as names and addresses, start date, pitch details, site owner’s legal rights, fees, and more. Failure to provide this statement can be addressed through legal channels.

Eviction and Council Tax

You can occupy your pitch indefinitely as long as the site owner’s legal rights are intact. Eviction can only occur under specific grounds, such as not using the park home as your main residence or breaking agreement terms. Council tax and utility bills are also applicable.

Mobile Park Homes: Increased Protections

New regulations introduced in October 2021 provide increased protections for park homeowners, including a “fit and proper person” test for site owners and stronger enforcement powers for councils.

Ongoing Costs

In addition to the purchase price, you’ll need to pay a pitch fee to cover park maintenance expenses, including road upkeep and services. Park owners can only increase pitch fees with the agreement of residents or by court order if deemed reasonable.

Park Home Surveys and Registration

While not mandatory, it’s advisable to have a park home surveyed to assess its condition. Park homes are not registered with the Land Registry, and no stamp duty is payable during the purchase.

Selling Your House

We do not handle conveyancing for traditional properties but can refer you to a regulated solicitor for this purpose.

Services for Site Operators

We offer comprehensive services to site operators, including handling various legal matters. Our experience spans large and small operators, including smaller, single-site operators and we can assist with site sales and purchases.

Regarding the sale and purchase of park businesses, our team boasts substantial experience. We collaborate closely with industry professionals to ensure the smooth execution of transactions. We offer guidance on various commercial structures through which you can acquire and manage your park business. Our specialized knowledge in this sector, coupled with our knack for devising practical solutions in challenging situations, enables us to deliver concrete outcomes when you are buying or selling a park.

Our team is dedicated to working closely with you, providing strategic advice not only during the process but also after its completion.

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    What Clients Say About Us

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    Md Nadim Khan

    Client

    Law Master provided exceptional service and won my case with ease. Their team was always responsive and made me feel confident throughout the entire process. Highly recommend for anyone in need of expert legal advice!

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    Roser Fatherer

    Business Owner

    From the initial consultation to the final verdict, Law Master’s expert attorneys guided me every step of the way. They made the legal process stress-free, explaining everything clearly and ensuring I felt supported.

    Dormina Raihan

    Senior Exicutive

    I’m incredibly grateful to Law Master for their professionalism and dedication. Their attention to detail and strategic approach helped me achieve the best possible outcome in my case. They are true experts in their field!"

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    Md Nadim Khan

    Web Developer

    Law Master’s team was thorough, supportive, and consistently kept me informed. Their commitment to my case resulted in a successful outcome. I would trust them with any legal matter, knowing they always strive for excellence.