Finding the ideal park
Very few of us are lucky enough to own a piece of land in the ideal location for the siting of a holiday home. The rest of us have to ask themselves a key question. What sort of park do you want for your holiday caravan or leisure lodge? There are so many to choose from that you must be clear from the start.
Do you want a quiet, secluded park with few or no facilities? Are you after a park with some facilities such as a golf course and a place to eat? Or do you prefer parks with plenty of activity going on, probably a bar or two, a swimming pool and a whole range of amenities?
When you are clear in your mind about the standard of facilities ask yourself where you would like to be located? Draw up a list of preferences, e.g. by the sea or in the country, three hours drive from home etc. Once you have narrowed your search to a certain area, start asking questions of the park owner or staff.
1. Can I choose any holiday home like a Hulse Ross one to be sited?
Often parks have tied themselves into one or two manufacturers or dealers. If you can’t get any further with the park yourself, give us a ring. We can negotiate on your behalf for a Hulse Ross holiday home to be sited on your preferred park.
2. What are the costs?
Even if you haven’t finalised a specification with Hulse Ross yet, you can get an idea how expensive the park is by working out an ‘for instance’ price. Look at the difference between the sited price of a model, and compare it with the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. The difference in price can be explained by delivery, siting and commissioning fees and also charges for premium pitches or the scenic location of the park.
3. How much are the site fees?
Packages are often available from the park. Annual site fees are typically between £1,000 and £3,000. These variations can be a reflection on plot sizes and location as well as on the level of park facilities.
4. Length of leases.
This is different from park to park. It should be a minimum of 10 years but depends on the age of your holiday home. Some parks just ask you to keep your holiday home in good condition.
5. Does the park belong to an organisation
It is a good sign if the park belongs to the British Holiday and Homes Parks Association. A David Bellamy accreditation guarantees a level of environmental awareness.
6. Plots availability.
It may be a bad sign if there are a high number of vacant plots, but it could be a refection on a new development or a redevelopment of the park. On the other hand you may want to hold out if you are only offered one plot. The park may be keen to sell a particular model on one plot.
7. Park rules.
Ask for the park rules and check if you feel that they are unnecessarily restrictive or if you are happy with them. Rules can include: no sub-letting, no pets, no children playing near holiday homes, no balconies, no washing lines . . . Most parks have sensible rules to enhance the enjoyment of your holiday breaks.
8. When can I have the key?
If you are ordering a holiday home from Hulse Ross you will not have a long wait unlike some of the other manufacturers. The delivery times currently are five to eight weeks depending on the complexity of the holiday home. It will be worth it to get exactly what you want. If you buy an existing holiday home already on a plot there may be no waiting at all once you have paid.
9. What about upgrading or selling on?
Parks will take a commission of between 10 and fifteen per cent on resale. Often this is how a park makes their money as a high proportion of the site fee goes on wages, maintenance and park improvements.
10. How and when do I pay?
Typically parks ask for a staged payment, starting with a deposit to secure the holiday home
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