Best Ways to Sell Your Park Home: A Guide to a Smooth Exit
Selling a park home isn't quite like selling a semi-detached on a suburban street. While the "For Sale" sign might look the same, the engine under the hood is entirely different. From the mandatory 10% commission to the
If you are looking to move on—whether you're moving closer to family or simply starting a new chapter—here is how to ensure you get the best price with the least amount of stress.
1. Choose Your Selling Route
You generally have three ways to bring your home to market. Each has its pros and cons depending on your budget and how much work you want to do yourself.
A. Specialist Park Home Estate Agents
Standard high-street agents often struggle with park homes because they don’t understand the "assignment of agreement" process. Specialist agents (like Quickmove, Sell My Group, or Parkmove) have databases of buyers specifically looking for this lifestyle.
Pros: They handle the complex paperwork and understand how to value a manufactured home.
Cons: You will pay an agency fee (typically 1-3%) on top of the site owner's commission.
B. Private Sale
Under the Mobile Homes Act 2013, you have the right to sell your home privately without the park owner’s interference. You can list on sites like Park Homes for Sale or even Facebook Marketplace.
Pros: Saves on estate agent fees.
Cons: You are responsible for viewings, vetting buyers, and ensuring all legal "Notice" forms are served correctly.
C. Part-Exchange
If you are moving into a brand-new park home or even a traditional retirement development, many companies offer part-exchange.
Pros: Guaranteed sale, no "chain" stress, and you can often stay in your current home until the new one is ready.
Cons: You may receive slightly less than the open-market value.
2. Master the "10% Rule"
The most important financial detail to remember is the Site Owner’s Commission.
By law, the park owner is entitled to a commission of up to 10% of the final sale price.
When you sell, the buyer pays you 90% of the price and pays the remaining 10% directly to the park owner. Do not forget this when calculating your budget for your next move. If you sell for £150,000, you will personally receive £135,000.
3. Prepare Your "Buyer’s Pack"
Because buyers cannot get a traditional mortgage on a park home, they (and their solicitors) will be extra diligent.
Having your paperwork ready can shave weeks off the sale time. Your pack should include:
The Written Statement: Your original agreement with the park.
Site Rules: A current copy of the park's rules (age restrictions, pet policies, etc.).
Pitch Fee Records: Proof of what you pay and when it was last reviewed.
Maintenance Logs: Receipts for chassis rust-treatment, exterior painting, and boiler services.
4. Boost Your "Curb Appeal"
First impressions are everything. Because park homes are often close together, the exterior of your home and your plot are the first things a buyer sees.
The Skirt and Steps: Clean the brick or plastic skirting around the base. Ensure the steps are moss-free and sturdy.
The "Lodge" Look: Inside, declutter to show off the space. Park homes are masterclasses in clever storage; make sure the buyer can see that.
Neutralize: If your exterior textured coating is looking tired, a fresh coat of specialist park home paint can add thousands to the perceived value.
5. The Legal Essentials (The Paperwork)
In England, you must use specific government-prescribed forms to make the sale legal. Missing these can cause the sale to fall through or lead to legal trouble later.
Buyer’s Information Form (Schedule 2): You must give this to the buyer at least 28 days before completion. It tells them everything about the home and the costs.
Notice of Proposed Sale (Schedule 4): This is the form you use to tell the park owner you are selling. (They can no longer "approve" buyers, but they can object via a tribunal if the buyer breaks a clear rule, like an age limit).
Assignment Form (Schedule 5): This officially transfers the pitch agreement to the new owner.
Summary Table: Selling Costs at a Glance
ExpenseEstimated CostPaid To
Site Commission10% of Sale PriceThe Park Owner
Estate Agent1% - 3% (if used)The Agent
Specialist Solicitor£500 - £1,200Your Lawyer
Refurbishment£200 - £1,000Contractors (for "sprucing up")
Final Thought: Be Transparent
The quickest way to lose a buyer is for them to discover a high pitch fee or a restrictive pet rule at the last minute. Be upfront about the park’s lifestyle and costs. A buyer who knows exactly what they are getting is a buyer who completes the sale.
