IN-PERSON London. Section A

Abstract

Park homes for some city dwellers in their later life has become a suitable alternative while it sits on the periphery of the city. This is a small niche sector of the UK housing market and yet for many a low-cost alternative and an increasing lifestyle choice for a growing elderly population. According to the Ministry of Housing from 2019, approximately a quarter of a million people live in two thousand licensed park sites. The majority of which are in the southern part of England. With falling homeownership and not enough social rented housing, it’s widely agreed that there is a housing crisis in the UK. To keep up with housing demand, it is estimated that at least 300,000 homes need to be built every year. This dwindling supply leads many of the residents to opt for park homes type of housing, also for its affordability compared to their previously owned property. This study will present challenges and opportunities with analysis from online survey responses and semi-structured interviews from park home residents and site owners in the UK. It will include the understanding of living in this type of accommodation provision and its long-term viability option when it comes to the future of housing. Residents’ experiences offer valuable insight into park home communities when the general population is desperate for affordable and suitable accommodation.