Buying a Park Home? Always Check the Date of Manufacture
The Hidden Age Trap in the Park Home Market
The Park Home and Holiday Park Association (PHHPA) has seen numerous cases where buyers unknowingly purchase a park home that is several years older than they were led to believe. In some cases, the “new” home had been on-site for years as a show unit, refurbished to look pristine, but with a manufacturer date much earlier than stated in the sales pitch.
Park homes are found throughout the UK, from luxury gated communities in Devon to rural retreats in Wales, and from coastal sites in Scotland to commuter-friendly parks in the Midlands. Operators such as Tingdene Parks, Wyldecrest Parks, and Prestige Homeseeker build and manage thousands of homes, while manufacturers like Omar Park Homes and Stately Albion supply many of the units.
The age of your park home can impact its resale value, financing availability, and even insurance coverage. A home marketed as “brand new” might in reality be 3–5 years old, which can knock thousands off its resale price.
How to Verify the True Age
1. Check the Chassis Number – Every park home has a unique chassis number, which can be matched to manufacturer records.
2. Ask for the Manufacturer’s Certificate – This will show the exact date of build.
3. Inspect the Data Plate – Usually located in a kitchen cupboard or utility space.
4. Cross-Check with the Manufacturer – A quick phone call to Omar or Prestige Homeseeker can confirm the true build date.
Why This Matters
A park home with a hidden age could depreciate faster, be harder to finance, or even breach warranty terms. At PHHPA, we encourage all buyers to do their homework — because once you’ve signed, the responsibility is yours.
