Park homes are becoming increasingly sought after in England, especially in high priced areas in the south of the country, according to research from Quickmove Properties.
The Quickmove Properties Demand Index measured demand for park homes in England on a quarterly basis.
Demand was calculated by measuring the number of park homes currently listed on the market against those that have already been sold subject to contract (SSTC).
Demand sat at 22.1% across England, rising by 0.7% from the quarter before.
Park home interest peaked as high as 44% in areas like Hertfordshire in the South East of England, meaning nearly half of all park homes listed already have a buyer in that county.
Owners of modern bungalow-style park homes own the home and lease the land it sits on from the park owner in perpetuity, known as ‘Virtual Freehold’.
These properties are usually more affordable and in demand from downsizers, who currently represent a third of all movers.
Demand was strongest in the South East at 26.7%, and the South West at 26.6%.
The East of England (23.7%) and West Midlands (22%) also ranked as some of the hottest spots for park home purchases in Q3.
In terms of growth areas, the North West saw the largest uplift in park home buyer appetites, with demand increasing by 2.2% since the second quarter of the year.
Demand was fiercest in Hertfordshire, at 44.2%, following a quarterly increase of 5.8%, making it the county with the most competition for park homes.
It is followed by South Yorkshire and Bedfordshire, at 35.0% and 34.3% respectively.
Herefordshire registered the largest surge in interest in a single quarter, rising by 16.2% to bring demand to 26.6%.
There was also a major uptick in Derbyshire, with park home interest rising by 12.1% to 29.2%, as well as in Cheshire, where demand rose by 8.7% to 34.3%.
Mark O’Dwyer, sales director at Quickmove Properties, said: “More movers than ever are considering residential park homes as the attractive alternative to retirement flats and bricks and mortar houses, due to their affordability and the active lifestyle they bring.
“This growing interest is reflected in the latest Quickmove Demand Index, especially in the South where purchasing a traditional home is still beyond the reach of many movers.
“There’s an especially strong market for park homes in Hertfordshire, so those interested in buying in this popular county need to act quickly.
“Even if they have a house to sell first, they could be moved in by Christmas when using property part exchange.”
