What is the Difference Between a Holiday Park and a Residential Park?

If you are one of the many people in the UK who are considering moving to a park home, the question of what is the difference between a holiday park and a residential park is a crucial one to get right. When deciding between a residential park and a holiday park in the UK, it’s important to understand the distinctions between these two types of accommodation.

In this article, we will delve into the differences, focusing on their purpose, length of stay, residents’ rights and obligations and the benefits they offer. Hopefully, you can then make an informed decision that is right for you.

Residential parks and holiday parks in the UK serve different purposes. Residential parks are designed for permanent or long-term residence. They provide a peaceful living environment, perfect if you are downsizing, retiring or looking for a community-orientated lifestyle. On the other hand, holiday parks are primarily intended for holidays or extended visits, offering you temporary recreational breaks.

In terms of length of stay, residential parks accommodate and are licensed for people looking for a permanent or long-term dwelling. In contrast, holiday parks offer shorter stays. Even where they allow for longer stays, you will need to demonstrate that you have a permanent dwelling at another address.

Different rights and obligations of residents in holiday parks and residential parks

Residents in residential parks and holiday parks have differing rights and obligations. In residential parks, residents typically enjoy the right to permanent or long-term occupancy of their home, subject to specific park regulations and legal requirements. You do not have to show that you have anywhere else to live.

Residential parks often foster a sense of community, providing shared amenities and communal spaces that promote social interactions and a sense of belonging. Additionally, as a resident you have the option to sell or transfer ownership of your property.

As a holiday park resident, you have the right to enjoy temporary recreational stays but do not have the same permanency as residential park residents. Many holiday parks close for a period during the winter months. Your rights as a holiday park resident are generally centred around leisure and recreational activities during your temporary visit. You have access to amenities and facilities provided by the park for the duration of your stay.

In terms of obligations, as a holiday park visitor you are expected to adhere to the park’s rules and regulations during your temporary stay. As a resident of a residential park, you are typically responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property, including payment of pitch fees, sometimes maintenance fees, council tax (the lowest band – A) and utility bills. These obligations ensure the smooth functioning and well-being of the park community.

Lifestyle differences between holiday parks and residential parks

Residential parks and holiday parks offer distinct benefits that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Residential parks provide a tranquil and permanent living environment, often surrounded by natural beauty. They offer a sense of community and social interaction, with shared amenities and spaces that encourage residents to build relationships and a strong support system. They are often gated and increasingly employ security staff to ensure your peace of mind. The long-term residency in a residential park provides stability and security, making it an appealing option if you are seeking a change in your pace of life or general lifestyle.

There is a National Association of Park Home Residents in the UK, which represents the views of park home owners in residential parks and offers advice.

Holiday parks, on the other hand, offer a range of amenities and activities, creating an ideal setting for temporary escapes and vacations and so have a much more mobile and changing population. They provide flexibility in terms of the duration of your stay, allowing you to enjoy different regions and experiences throughout the UK. Holiday parks often organize events and entertainment programs for you, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable experience for guests of all ages.

Residential parks on the other hand, while they will often provide resident-led, communal entertainment and social activities for you to enjoy, they will often have strict age limitations with a lower age limit for residents. Children are often not allowed to reside on them (but of course can visit). Holiday parks will nearly always allow for children to stay on them.

You may also find that your residential park has rules on keeping pets and a limit to the number of vehicles you can have, which must be adhered to for you to be allowed to live there. You may find you have a permanent parking space with your home on a residential park and even out-buildings like a garage or shed.

Understanding the differences between residential parks and holiday parks in the UK is crucial when considering your accommodation options. While holiday parks cater to temporary recreational stays, residential parks offer the opportunity for permanent or long-term residency. By considering factors such as length of stay, residents’ rights and obligations, and the unique benefits associated with each type of park, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences, ensuring a fulfilling experience in your chosen park.

This is a marketing article from Park Home Assist, multi-award-winning providers of residential park home insurance.  If you would like to speak to an advisor regarding insurance for your park home, please contact our friendly team in our Northampton office on 01604 946 796.

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Published – 23/06/23