Understanding the Contract:
Advice from a specialist lawyer provides you with the insight required to understand the contract between yourself and the site owner. It is prudent to have a comprehensive review on the terms and conditions of the contract.
Such reports may be undertaken by conveyancers for leasehold properties and residential park homes and is also important to be undertaken in the buying of a lodge.
The contract has terms agreed between the site owner and lodge owner. These terms may include: the initial site fee level (commonly referred to as ground rent), the obligation on the lodge owner to pay for utilities and the site owner’s duty to keep the communal parts in a clean and tidy condition.
Clarification of site licensing and planning permission:
Licensing for holiday lodge sites differ from permanent residential sites and your specialist lawyer will ensure that the park site you are considering has the correct licence, planning permission and contract.
Practical guidance:
Obtaining guidance and advice from a specialist lawyer will give you the confidence required for your purchase over and above using your local high street firm. For example, a specialist lawyer may highlight issues relating to any unusual contract clauses that may be overlooked by a lawyer who has no or little experience in this area of law.
Checking membership of trade body:
The site owner may have a trade body membership. Although not a legal requirement, may be helpful in terms of best practice. The site owner may be a member of the National Caravan Council or The British Holiday & Home Parks Association. These trade organisations may be beneficial in terms of providing site owners with best practice guidance for running their sites. In addition, lodge owners may be able to invoke a complaint against their site owner who are members once they have exhausted the site owner’s internal complaints process.
Stress reducing:
The correct guidance from a legal expert who understands the intricacies of the law will give you the confidence and reassurance you will need to purchase your lodge. Having peace of mind throughout this process makes the experience easy and more enjoyable.