When exploring your options for downsizing or retirement living, you may have come across the term 12-month residential park homes. But what does that mean, and how does it differ from a holiday-only licence?
In short, a 12-month residential park home means you can live in your home all year round, with full residential rights. That makes it very different from a holiday lodge or caravan on a holiday park, which usually restricts how many months of the year you can stay. It’s also not considered your “permanent residence”. For anyone considering a move into a park home, understanding this distinction is crucial.
Can I Live in a Park Home 12 Months of the Year?
Yes, you can live in a park home all year round, however, only if the park has a residential licence. Residential parks are licensed by the local authority for year-round occupation, meaning you can register your park home as your primary residence, pay council tax, register with a GP, and use the address for official post and voting.
When considering a move, check:
- The site licence, which should confirm year-round residency.
- Planning permission, which ensures the land is approved for residential use rather than holiday use.
- Written statement from the park, which outlines your rights and obligations.
Holiday parks, even high-quality ones, are often limited to 9-10 months of occupancy per year. They are not designed for permanent residency, so you cannot legally live there full-time.
Time-Limited Occupation vs 12-Month Residency
Some parks in the UK only allow residents to stay for part of the year, such as March – October. These holiday park licences are strictly for leisure use, not permanent living.
The difference impacts things like:
- Insurance, since residential homes need full home insurance, while holiday homes often have limited cover.
- GP registration. You cannot usually register with a doctor or dentist using a holiday park address.
- Voter registration and your “postal address”, as only residential licences allow you to register your home as your official address.
If you want a full-time home, make sure the park is a 12-month residential park.
12-Month Residential Park Homes for Sale: What to Expect
Buying a residential park home in the UK is a very different experience to buying a holiday lodge. At EKOS Homes, every property is built to residential standards and comes move-in ready.
Typical features include:
- Open-plan layouts with fully furnished interiors
- Integrated kitchens and modern bathrooms
- Energy-efficient heating and insulation
- Private gardens, parking, and optional decking
- BS 3632 build quality for year-round comfort
- Comprehensive warranties for peace of mind
You can choose from brand-new homes or pre-owned options, with the ability to personalise finishes, colours, and layouts to suit your lifestyle.
Who Are Residential Park Homes For?
Residential park homes appeal to many people, but they are especially popular with:
- Downsizers looking for a simpler, low-maintenance lifestyle
- Empty-nesters whose children have moved out
- Retirees wanting a peaceful yet sociable community
- Those who want to live closer to grown-up children and grandchildren
Most communities are exclusively for over-45s or over-50s, making them ideal for people who value quiet surroundings, supportive neighbours, and a secure setting with like-minded individuals.
Comfort, Energy Efficiency & Build Quality
Modern residential park homes in the UK are built to the BS 3632 residential standard, ensuring they are warm, quiet, and energy-efficient throughout the year.
Features include:
- Superior insulation to reduce energy use
- Double glazing for comfort and warmth
- Efficient heating systems to keep bills low
- Durable construction designed for decades of living
These homes aren’t just an affordable option, they’re also a practical choice, helping to keep park home costs manageable while maintaining comfort.
Does a Park Home Count as a Second Home?
Under UK law, if you buy a residential park home, it must be your only or main residence. That’s because park homes are regulated by the Mobile Homes Act, which applies to permanent homes, not holiday homes.
In essence, this means:
- You cannot legally use a residential park home purely as a second home.
- You do pay council tax, just like in a traditional home.
- You benefit from the same rights and protections as any other homeowner.
If you’re looking for a second home, a holiday lodge may be a better fit. But if you want a park home as your main residence, a residential park home is the right choice.
The Buying Journey with EKOS Homes
At EKOS Homes, we make the process of buying a residential park home as smooth as possible.
- Browse availability by exploring our residential parks across the UK.
- Book a viewing, where you can visit the park, walk through show homes, and experience the community.
- Choose your plot and home. You’ll be able to select from a variety of layouts and sizes.
- Personalise your home. Customise finishes, interiors, and discover optional extras.
- Legal checks and agreements, which we’ll help guide you through step-by-step.
- Move in! Enjoy your new home and the lifestyle that comes with it.
With part-exchange and managed move services available, moving to a residential park home has never been easier.
Across the UK, EKOS Homes develops high-quality residential parks that are secure, welcoming, and perfectly located. Whether you’re drawn to the coast, countryside, or city outskirts, you’ll find an option that fits your lifestyle.