For years, holiday park home owners have been told they’re investing in an “asset”. But a key question often gets missed: what is the actual asset—the park home unit, or the land it stands on? When you buy a park home, you own the structure. You do not own the pitch it sits on; that land remains the property of the park operator. In practical terms, this is the reality of holiday park home ownership—and it changes everything.
This distinction matters because most of the ongoing value is tied to the pitch, not the unit itself. The pitch can generate recurring income for the operator through annual fees and repeated resales, while the park home—like most structures—tends to age and lose value over time. Understanding that split is essential before you treat your purchase as an “investment”.
The park owns the appreciating asset — you own the depreciating one
When you buy a park home, you own the structure. You do not own the pitch it sits on – this remains the property of the park operator…which changes everything.
Why? Because while your park unit;
- Ages
- Depreciates in value
- Eventually becomes ¨too old¨ for the park´s rules
- Becomes harder to sell
The land it sits on…
- Rarely depreciates, usually appreciates
- Generates annual pitch fee income
- Can be resold again and again
- Is in total control of the park operator
In short, the park owns the appreciating asset. You own the depreciating one.
The Business Model Strategy
So why does your park home lose value, but your pitch never does?
Let´s take a look at the mechanics…
When you purchase a holiday park home, you typically pay tens of thousands upfront, agree to ongoing pitch fees and accept park rules on age limits and resale.
Now ask yourself: If the caravan depreciates…and the park can eventually require it to be replaced…Who benefits long-term?
The pitch remains an income-producing asset for the park.
Every new buyer brings a new sale, new commission, ongoing pitch fees and often higher annual charges.
Meanwhile, the outgoing owner absorbs the depreciation and financial loss. It´s not an accident…it’s how the model works.
How Does This Business Model Affect Resale Values?
We regularly speak to owners who tell us they were informed that their park home unit ¨holds its value¨ and ¨you can always sell it¨ or ¨it´s an investment lifestlye¨.
It´s not until they come to selling it that they discover;
- Limited or restricted private resale rights
- Park approval requirements
- Commission deductions
- Age restrictions reducing buyer demand
- Replacement pressure
The biggest factor is that buyers aren´t buying the park unit, they´re buying access to the pitch…and that access is controlled by the park. When this control sits with the park operator, resale pricing power doesn´t sit with the owner.
Where Does That Leave You?
It doesn´t mean holiday park ownership is wrong. For many, owning a park home has provided wonderful memories. But the important point is that you´re not the one holding an appreciating asset. You´re renting space for a depreciating one.
Circumstances change. Health, finances and family priorities can alter our lives. When they do, you may be concerned about resale values, facing rising pitch fees, worried about rules on the age of your unit or just unsure about what rights you have.
If you´re at that stage, then get in touch. At Holiday Park Advice Centre, we provide independent advice to owners who want clarity – whether that´s for possibilities to stay at the park, sell the unit or explore if there is the opportunity to claim your money back.
What You Can Do Today
The First Step
Get in touch. We´ll help you understand your legal position and if your contract can be challenged. We´ll discuss what legal routes you have, if you can claim money back and how you can be protected moving forward. Don´t let pressure dictate your future. You worked hard for your park home and deserve transparency, fairness and choice – not pressure and uncertainty. If you’re being chased for late payments or rising pitch fees and want to understand where you stand, contact us to seek advice before responding to your park. A simple call could make all the difference.
A simple review could:
- Strengthen your legal position
- Identify breaches you didn’t know existed
- Protect you from unfair future increases
- Potentially open the door to compensation
You have more rights than you realise. Make sure the park knows you understand them.
