EKOS Group

The Cost of Buying a Park Home

 

 

Thinking about buying a park home? Understanding the costs involved is one of the most important steps before making your move.

 

A residential park home can offer a more manageable way to live, especially if you are downsizing, planning for retirement, semi-retiring or looking for a lower-maintenance home in a peaceful community. However, buying a park home is different from buying a traditional bricks-and-mortar property, so it is important to understand both the upfront purchase cost and the ongoing costs of living in a residential park home.

 

At EKOS, we believe buyers should feel informed from the start. This guide explains the main costs to consider, including the purchase price, pitch fees, council tax, utilities, Stamp Duty, insurance and moving options such as Part Exchange and Managed Move. 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Park Home?

 

The cost of buying a park home depends on several factors, including the park location, home size, number of bedrooms, specification, plot, whether the home is ready to move into, and whether you choose a customised new home.

At EKOS, our residential park homes are available across a range of UK locations, with homes designed for full residential, year-round living. Some parks offer ready-to-move-into show homes, while others may have new plots or homes that can be tailored to your requirements. From time to time EKOS Homes has a variety of offers to help you with the cost.

When comparing park home prices, it is important to look beyond the headline purchase price. You should also consider:

  • Pitch fees
  • Council tax
  • Utilities
  • LPG gas, where applicable
  • Water and electricity arrangements
  • Home insurance
  • Broadband and telephone services
  • Removals
  • Furnishings or optional extras
  • Ongoing maintenance
  • Whether you are using Part Exchange or Managed Move

The sections below explain each of these costs in more detail.

 

Current EKOS Pitch Fees and Council Tax Guidance by Park?

Last updated: August 2026

When buying a park home, it is important to understand both the monthly pitch fee and the council tax position for the park you are considering.

Pitch fees are paid to the park owner and vary by park. They are usually reviewed annually, with changes linked to the relevant pitch fee review process for that park.

Council tax is different. It is paid to the local authority, not to EKOS. The amount payable depends on the council tax band assigned to the individual park home, the local authority area, and any personal discounts or reductions that may apply.

Because council tax can vary by home, band and local council area, we recommend checking the latest information directly with the relevant council before making your decision.

You can also check a property’s council tax band using the GOV.UK council tax band checker:

EKOS park

Current pitch fee

Pitch fee review date

Local council

Council tax guidance

Carlton Manor

£250 pcm

1 July

East Suffolk Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with East Suffolk Council

Castle View Court

From £325 pcm

1 January

Wealden District Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Wealden District Council

Coastal Retreat

£250 pcm

1 July

North Somerset Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with North Somerset Council.

Dales View

From £250 pcm

1 January

Pendle Borough Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Pendle Borough Council: 

Happy Valley

TBC

1 October

Bridgend County Borough Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Bridgend County Borough Council: 

Harvey’s Nurseries

From £375 pcm

1 April

Reading Borough Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Reading Borough Council: 

Haveringland Hall

From £300 pcm

1 January

Broadland District Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Broadland District Council: 

Merry Hill

From £250 pcm

1 February

South Norfolk Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with South Norfolk Council: 

Outhill View

£250 pcm

1 July

Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Stratford-on-Avon District Council: 

Sun Valley

£300 pcm

1 October

Cornwall Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Cornwall Council: 

Walworth Retreat

From £300 pcm

1 January

Darlington Borough Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Darlington Borough Council: 

Widemouth Sands

£225 pcm

1 October

Cornwall Council

Council tax applies. Check the latest band and rate with Cornwall Council: 

Important note: Pitch fees and council tax information can change. Pitch fees are reviewed annually, and council tax depends on the individual home’s banding and the relevant local authority. Please check the latest details with EKOS and the relevant council before making your decision.

Anniversary park Home

 

What Is Included in the Purchase Price?

When you buy an EKOS residential park home, you are buying the home itself. The pitch remains part of the residential park, and you pay a pitch fee for the right to keep your home on that pitch.

Depending on the park and home you choose, your purchase may include features such as:

  • Fully furnished interiors
  • Private garden space
  • Driveway or parking
  • Modern kitchens and bathrooms
  • Open-plan living areas
  • Energy-efficient construction
  • Optional decking, depending on the home and plot
  • Access to a managed residential park community

Each park and home is different, so always check the individual specification, plot details and what is included before reserving. See all the styles and house types we offer on our “Park Home for every Lifestyle” page. 

 

Do You Pay Stamp Duty When Buying a Park Home?

There is no Stamp Duty to pay on park homes!

This can be one of the most appealing cost differences between buying a park home and buying a traditional property. Stamp Duty can add a significant additional cost to a bricks-and-mortar property purchase, particularly for buyers moving later in life or downsizing from a larger home.

With an EKOS park home, there is no Stamp Duty to pay, helping make the buying process feel simpler and more manageable.

That does not mean there are no other costs to consider. You still need to budget for pitch fees, council tax, utilities, insurance and everyday running costs, but Stamp Duty is not one of the costs you need to pay when buying a park home.

 

What Are Park Home Pitch Fees?

Pitch fees are regular fees paid to the park owner for the right to keep your park home on its pitch. We have a full article about Pitch Fees

At EKOS, pitch fees vary by park. They are usually paid monthly and reviewed annually. Any changes to the pitch fee are linked to the relevant review process for that park.

Pitch fees typically help support the ongoing upkeep and operation of the park environment. Depending on the location, this may include elements such as:

  • The right to keep your home on the pitch
  • Grounds and park maintenance
  • Roads, drainage and sewage infrastructure
  • Street lighting
  • Security features
  • Gated access or CCTV where applicable
  • On-site support
  • General community upkeep

Pitch fees are one of the most important ongoing costs to understand before buying a park home. Always check the current pitch fee for the park you are interested in and ask when the next review date will be.

 

Do You Pay Council Tax on a Park Home?

Yes. If your park home is your permanent residential home, you should expect to pay council tax.

Council tax is paid to the local authority, not to EKOS. The amount you pay is not set by the park operator. It depends on the council tax band assigned to the individual park home and the rates set by the relevant local authority.

Because council tax can vary by home, band, location and personal circumstances, we recommend checking the latest council tax information directly with the relevant council before making your decision.

You can also check a property’s council tax band using the GOV.UK council tax band checker:

Castle View Court

 

What Determines Council Tax for a Park Home?

Several factors determine how much council tax you pay on a residential park home.

 

Whether the park home is your main residence

Council tax applies when the park home is used as your sole or main residence. This is one of the key differences between a full residential park home and a holiday-only caravan or lodge.

 

The council tax band assigned to the home.

Each residential park home is assessed for council tax and placed into a council tax band. The band is assigned by the Valuation Office Agency in England and Wales, not by EKOS or the park owner.

 

The Local Area

Council tax rates vary by council area. The final amount can also include charges from the county council, district council, police, fire authority and, in some areas, parish or community council charges.

 

The exact park home and pitch.

Council tax should be checked against the individual home or address. Even homes within the same wider area may have different council tax charges depending on banding, local authority boundaries and any parish or community charge that applies.

 

Your personal circumstances.

Some residents may qualify for reductions, discounts or support, such as single-person discount or disability-related reductions. These are assessed by the local council and depend on your individual circumstances.

For this reason, council tax figures should always be treated as guidance only until the individual home, band and local authority rate have been confirmed.

 

What Other Running Costs Should You Consider?

As with any home, you will need to budget for everyday running costs.

These may include:

  • Electricity
  • LPG gas, where applicable
  • Water
  • Council tax
  • Pitch fees
  • Home insurance
  • Broadband and telephone
  • TV licence, if applicable
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Garden or decking upkeep
  • General household costs

Electricity is usually metered for each home and billed monthly. Water arrangements vary by park and supplier. LPG gas costs can vary depending on usage and market pricing.

When comparing locations, it is worth asking the EKOS team for the current running-cost guidance for the park you are interested in.

 

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Park Home?

Mortgages are generally unavailable on park homes. This means many buyers fund their park home purchase using proceeds from the sale of an existing property, savings, Part Exchange, Managed Move or other personal funding routes.

If you currently own a property, EKOS may be able to help you move through Part Exchange or Managed Move support. This can be especially useful if you want to avoid property chains, reduce uncertainty and move with more confidence. View all of EKOS Homes Park Home locations in the UK

 

How Part Exchange Can Help with the Cost of Moving

If you have a home to sell, Part Exchange could help make your move to an EKOS park home simpler.

With Part Exchange, EKOS may be able to buy your current home directly when you buy one of our residential park homes. This can help you avoid the stress of waiting for a buyer, repeated viewings, long chains and last-minute delays.

For many buyers, the EKOS Part Exchange service can help create a clearer route into park home living. It may also help you understand your budget sooner, making it easier to choose the right park, plot and home.

Useful UK Government and Independent Guidance.

  • Before buying a park home, it is sensible to read official guidance so you understand your rights, obligations and the documents involved.

    Guide

    What it helps with

    Link

    GOV.UK Buying a Park Home Factsheet

    Explains the buying process, pitch agreements, paperwork, pitch fees and council tax

    Buying a Park Home Factsheet

    GOV.UK Park Home Charges

    Explains pitch fees and charges for gas, electricity, water and LPG

    Park and Mobile Home Charges

    GOV.UK Park Homes Rights and Obligations

    Explains minimum legal rights and obligations for park home residents

    Park Homes Rights and Obligations

    GOV.UK Council Tax Band Checker

    Helps you check the council tax band of a property

    Council Tax Band Checker

    LEASE Park Homes Advice

    Independent advice for park home owners and buyers

    Park Home Lease Advice

    These resources are useful when comparing different parks, understanding your pitch agreement and checking the wider responsibilities involved in park home ownership.

 Cost Checklist Before Buying a Park  Home.

  Before making your decision, it is worth checking the following:

  • What is the purchase price of the home?
  • Is the home new, pre-owned, ready to move into or customisable?
  • What is included in the purchase price?
  • What is the current pitch fee?
  • When is the pitch fee reviewed?
  • What does the pitch fee include?
  • What council tax band applies?
  • What is the current local authority council tax rate?
  • How are gas, water and electricity charged?
  • What insurance will you need?
  • Are there any optional extras, such as decking or landscaping?
  • Can you use Part Exchange or Managed Move?
  • Are you clear on the pitch agreement and park rules?
  • Have you read the relevant GOV.UK guidance?
  • Have you asked EKOS for the latest park-specific figures?

 

 Is Buying a Park Home Cost-Effective?

For many buyers, a residential park home can offer a more manageable and cost-conscious way to move, especially if they are downsizing from a larger   property.

 The benefits may include:

  • No Stamp Duty to pay
  • A lower-maintenance home
  • A modern, energy-efficient property
  • A more manageable layout
  • Potential to release equity from a larger home
  • Support with selling your current property
  • A peaceful residential community
  • Full residential, year-round living

However, it is important to understand that park home living does come with ongoing costs, including pitch fees, council tax, utilities and insurance.

The best approach is to compare locations, understand the full cost picture and speak to EKOS about your preferred park before making a decision.

 

Explore EKOS Park Homes for Sale

If you are ready to start comparing homes, browse the residential park homes currently available across EKOS communities.

You can compare locations, prices, bedrooms, property styles and availability, then speak to our team about the costs linked to your preferred park.

 

Book a Visit – Send an Enquiry

 

FAQs About Cost of Buying a Park Home.

 

How much does it cost to buy a park home?

The cost of buying a park home varies depending on the location, size, number of bedrooms, specification, plot and whether the home is ready to move into or customisable. EKOS homes are available across a range of price points, so it is best to check the current homes for sale.

 

Do you pay Stamp Duty on a park home?

No. There is no Stamp Duty to pay on park homes.

 

Do you pay council tax on a park home?

Yes. Residential park home owners usually pay council tax to the local authority. The amount depends on the council tax band assigned to the individual home, the local council area and any discounts or reductions that may apply.

 

What determines council tax for a park home?

Council tax is determined by whether the home is used as a main residence, the council tax band assigned to the individual home, the local authority area, the exact address or pitch, and the resident’s personal circumstances.

 

What are pitch fees?

Pitch fees are regular fees paid to the park owner for the right to keep your home on its pitch. They vary by park and are reviewed annually.

 

What do pitch fees include?

This varies by park, but pitch fees can help cover the upkeep and operation of the park environment, including areas such as grounds maintenance, roads, drainage, lighting, security and on-site support.

 

Are utilities included in the pitch fee?

Utilities are usually separate from the pitch fee. Electricity is typically metered and billed monthly. Water and LPG arrangements vary by park.

 

Can you get a mortgage on a park home?

Mortgages are generally unavailable on park homes. Many buyers use proceeds from selling an existing home, savings, Part Exchange, Managed Move or other personal funding routes.

 

Can Part Exchange help with buying a park home?

Yes. EKOS offers Part Exchange support, subject to terms and conditions. This may help make your move simpler if you have a property to sell.

 

Are park homes cheaper to run than traditional houses?

Running costs vary by home, location and lifestyle. Park homes can be more manageable than larger traditional properties, but you should still budget for pitch fees, council tax, utilities, insurance and general living costs.

 

Where can I check official guidance before buying?

You can read the GOV.UK Buying a Park Home factsheet, GOV.UK Park Home Charges guidance and LEASE park homes advice before making your decision.

 

Start Planning the Cost of Your Park Home Move

Buying a park home can be a positive step towards a simpler, more manageable lifestyle, but it is important to understand the full cost picture before you move.

Speak to EKOS about current homes for sale, pitch fees, council tax guidance, Part Exchange, Managed Move and the latest availability at your preferred location.

 

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