Two park models, two different legal frameworks — understanding the distinction is essential before buying.
Be clear about the lifestyle and usage differences before you commit.
Holiday parks and residential parks may look similar at first glance, but they operate under very different legal frameworks and are designed for different purposes. Understanding the distinction is essential before purchasing, particularly in relation to occupancy rules, council tax, licensing and intended use.
Holiday Park
Overview
A holiday park is designed to provide a place to unwind, recharge and enjoy regular breaks away. Operating under a leisure site licence, holiday homes are intended for recreational use rather than permanent residence, offering a structured and clearly defined ownership model focused on relaxation and escape.
Key Characteristics
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Licensed for holiday and leisure occupation
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Seasonal operating period (e.g. 10.5 or 12 months)
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Occupation restricted to non-primary residence use
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Owners must maintain a separate main residential address
- Owners cannot use a holiday park address to register for Drs, voting, driving licence, or as a postal address
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Not subject to standard residential council tax in the same way as a primary home or a second home
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Planning consent granted for tourism and leisure purposes
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Designed to support short-term stays and regular breaks
- Some holiday homes and the majority of holiday lodges are built to residential build standards (e.g. BS3632), but remain licensed for leisure use only.
Residential Park
Overview
Residential parks operate under specific legislation that provides different rights and obligations compared with holiday parks — you can read the government’s official guidance on park mobile homes, licensing and resident rights here. In a nutshell, Park Homes are occupied as a primary residence.
Key Characteristics
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Licensed for permanent, year-round occupation
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Residents register the park home as their main address
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Subject to council tax banding determined by the local authority
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Governed by residential park legislation
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Planning consent granted for residential use
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Designed for everyday living rather than holiday accommodation
- Residents typically sign a Written Statement Agreement
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Utility billing structures can differ from traditional housing
- Often appeals to downsizers, or those seeking a park-based residential lifestyle
- May include age restrictions (varies by park)
- Residential park homes are typically built to residential standards and are located on sites licensed for permanent occupation.
