This question has been voiced on a number of occasions, and so we decided to get the guidance from our legal advisor and the simple answer to this question is ‘No’.

Part 5, section 148 of the housing Act, which introduced the HIP, states ‘Residential property means residential premises in England and Wales consisting of a single dwelling house, including ancillary land.’ ‘Dwelling House means a building or part of a building to be occupied as a separate dwelling (and included one that is being or is to be constructed’

In the eyes of the law a park home is classed as a caravan and not as a dwelling house and therefore HIPs do not apply.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR SALE AS STRESS FREE AS POSSIBLE

This article is not meant to put you off selling your home but it is designed to merely make you aware that things can sometimes go wrong and if you are properly prepared and organised you can significantly reduce the risks and make things go a lot smoother! Some of the articles included cover:-

- Before Marketing
- Viewings
- Agreeing A Sale Price
- Condition Of An Offer
- Holding Fees/Deposits
- Sales Chasing
- Once A Sale Is Agreed
- Setting The Date
- Completion Date
- Completions And Transfer Of Your Monies
- Don’t Panic

have a look at the longer article and read the advice

Whilst the foregoing is the writer’s opinion, that opinion is based upon a considerable amount of experience in the subject as a Director of SWPH Ltd.

© Karen Corbett @ South Western Park Homes LTD 2005

TIPS ON SELLING YOUR PARK HOME (from Karen Corbett @SWPH)

So you are thinking of selling your park home - What can you do to help improve your chance of securing a buyer?

Before you market your home

First get your home ready to sell, get rid of the clutter, this means getting your furniture down to the ‘minimalist’ look. Remember the first thing they will see is the home and ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’. Make sure your home is painted a neutral colour both outside and in. I had a florescent green home on the market with an identical one next door and I couldn’t get anyone to view it. The vendor eventually agreed to paint it and the first person to view it bought it. The same goes for the inside, keep it neutral. For the sake of the cost of a tin paint (approximately £20.00) it will be worth it!

Dig out your assignment, rent book, guarantees and warranties for everything. Have a list of all your outgoings i.e. Council tax, rent, water, electric etc. Find out where the nearest bus stop is, due to the cost of running a car these days, many people are giving up their cars and therefore sites near bus routes are becoming more popular and don’t forget to find out how regular they are. You also need to find out where the nearest post office, shop etc is. Most people looking at park homes will be at or close to retirement age and needing to draw a pension they will need to know how far they will have to walk or drive to get it.