Lodge preferences are saved.Are Lodges for Sale on Residential Parks Worth It? Pros & Cons
There’s a lot to think about when you’re looking at lodges for sale on residential parks, especially when it comes to the financial side of things. You might have thought about whether buying one in a residential park is a good investment, or if it’s just a dream that’s unlikely to come to fruition.
For many, living in a residential park is hugely appealing, and it’s something a lot of people are choosing to do. In 2021, research estimated there to be 159,000 park home residents in owner occupation, along with 100,406 park home residential addresses across England.
It’s easy to see why people enjoy living in a lodge on a residential park, considering how quiet, affordable and close-knit the experience can be. But, as is the case with anything, there are pros and cons to buying lodges for sale on residential parks.
Whether you’re looking to buy a residential lodge to live in long-term or it’s something you might consider in the figure, you need to understand how everything works.
Table of Contents
- Why More People Are Buying Lodges for Sale
- What Does It Mean to Live in a Residential Park?
- The Benefits of Buying Lodges for Sale in Residential Parks
- The Cons of Buying a Lodge in a Residential Park
- Can I Live in a Lodge Permanently?
- Do Residential Lodges Hold Their Value?
- Buying Lodges in Residential Parks: FAQs
Why More People Are Buying Lodges for Sale
Staycations in the UK are on the rise, but that’s not where the interest in lodges ends. Though a number of buyers are keen to secure holiday lodges for sale, many are turning their attention to a longer, more permanent solution – lodges for sale on residential parks.
Living in a residential park has become more popular in recent years, especially among retirees and remote workers. There’s a unique balance of affordability, nature and simplicity that traditional homes don’t always have, and buyers are capitalising on those benefits.
According to the UKCCA, visitors to holiday parks and campsites in the UK stay 82% longer than the national tourism average, highlighting that many people are keen to spend as long as possible in lodges. With this in mind, it makes sense that more people are buying lodges for sale, many with the aim of living there full-time.
There are a number of reasons why buying a lodge cabin for sale is becoming the obvious choice for many buyers, including:
- It’s a way to live somewhere that requires less upkeep
- It’s a flexible way to buy a second home
- It’s allows you to be surrounded by nature and the great outdoors
- It’s provides community, peace and relaxation
With modern residential lodges for sale coming in a wide range of styles and prices, from rustic woodland retreats to contemporary waterfront developments, there’s no shortage of options. They’re often more comfortable, stylish and affordable than traditional homes, bridging the gap between brick-and-mortar properties and holiday lodges for sale.
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What Does It Mean to Live in a Residential Park?
There’s no confusion about what holiday lodges for sale are and how they’re used, yet it’s not always clear how lodges for sale on residential parks differ. To put it simply, they’re made and approved for full-time living.
Lodges on residential parks are somewhere between holiday homes and traditional homes, striking the balance between the two. Residential parks often have shared facilities, landscaping and infrastructure, all of which owners can use. But, they also have management to keep an eye on things, including upkeep of the grounds.
Not all lodges can be used as permanent residences, largely due to the park that they’re on not having the right licensing, so you need to ask before buying.
The Benefits of Buying Lodges for Sale in Residential Parks
As you might expect with so many buyers considering investing, there are a number of advantages that come with buying a lodge for sale in a residential park.
Cheaper Than Buying a Traditional Home
Residential lodges for sale are usually cheaper than traditional houses or apartments, making it easier for buyers to get on the property ladder, downsize or invest in a second property.
Surrounded by Peace, Quiet and Nature
Residential parks tend to be located in beautiful places like forests, lakesides, the countryside, or by the sea, and the slower pace of life is a big draw.
Become Part of a Welcoming Community
A lot of residential parks help people to feel like they are part of a community, with social events, shared spaces and long-term neighbours with similar lifestyle goals.
Little Upkeep and Maintenance
Modern lodges are built to be easy-to-use, efficient and long-lasting. This means there’s often less maintenance and fewer repairs, compared to living in a traditional home. Some parks even offer maintenance services – such as security, gardening and maintenance – to make things even simpler.
Cost Cutting, Without Sacrificing Comfort
Whether you’re looking at lodges for sale in the Lake District, Cornwall, Scotland or somewhere slightly busier, you can expect comfort. Residential lodges have modern kitchens, open-plan layouts, large bedrooms, ensuites, decking, outside seating, double glazing and effective insulation. You get everything you would need from a modern living space, just more compact.
Flexible Lifestyle Options
A residential lodge cabin for sale can be used for a lot of different things, such as a full-time home, a second home to escape to for the summer months, or a holiday home you can visit as and when you want to.
The Cons of Buying a Lodge in a Residential Park
There’s no denying that the lifestyle benefits are appealing, but there are practical things to think about before taking the plunge into residential lodge ownership.
Ongoing Site Fees
You usually have to pay annual site or pitch fees when you buy a lodge on a residential park, which is different from owning a home. These include land use, park service and public spaces. Prices are different from park to park, and they can increase over time.
Risk of Depreciation
It’s not uncommon for lodges to lose value over time, especially older models. Unlike traditional homes, they don’t always benefit from rising housing markets and are therefore less likely to increase in value. Resale value depends on lodge location, the reputation of the park, condition of the lodge and demand in the area.
Park Rules and Restrictions
There are certain rules that apply to residential parks, such as restrictions on how old a lodge can be and how many pets owners can have. Though many buyers love the structure provided by park rules, others think it limits them.
Limited Lodge Lifespan
Modern lodges are built with longevity in mind, with many boasting a lifespan of 80 years. However, this is significantly lower than the lifespan of brick-and-mortar properties.
Can I Live in a Lodge Permanently?
Not all lodges are approved for full-time living, and some are classified strictly as holiday accommodation. This is why you’ll find a lot of holiday lodges for sale, but fewer for residential use.
If you intend to live in your lodge permanently, you need to make sure the park allows residential use. A park being open all year doesn’t automatically mean you can use it as your main home, and formal residential status is essential. If the park doesn’t have residential licensing, you might be required to show evidence of another primary address, to prove you’re not planning to use the lodge as your full-time home.
Do Residential Lodges Hold Their Value?
Many buyers do think residential lodges hold their value, whereas others aren’t as convinced, so it depends on what you mean by value. If you want to improve your lifestyle, make downsizing easier, live in a more flexible way and get closer to nature, then there’s a lot of value in buying a residential lodge.
Lodges for sale in areas with a lot of demand – especially tourist hotspots – can hold their value and even make money through subletting. But, if you’re chasing capital growth and property appreciation, there’s no guarantee that your lodge investment will pay off.
This is why the majority of lodge buyers are driven by lifestyle, rather than financial gain.
Buying Lodges in Residential Parks: FAQs
Can I live in a lodge full-time? – Yes, but only if the park has a licence that allows lodges to be used as permanent residences. Some parks are open year round, but they don’t let you live there full-time. It’s important to check before you buy.
Will I make money from selling a lodge? – Some owners do, especially if the lodge is in a desirable area, but many lose value over time. The resale value is affected by demand and condition, and lodges don’t always hold their value like traditional properties.
Is it cheaper to run a residential lodge than a house? – Yes, most of the time. Lodges are smaller, so they use less energy and require fewer maintenance updates. However, you do have to include site fees.
Buying a lodge can be very rewarding if you value peace, manageable living and being part of a community. But, if you want to invest in property for a long time or own property without restrictions, there are downsides.
If you ask us, it comes down to one thing – are you buying a long-term home or a lifestyle?
