If you're thinking about buying a Park Bungalow, you'll come across the term "pitch agreement" early on. It's one of the most important documents you'll deal with during the buying process, and it's worth taking the time to understand what it covers.
A pitch agreement sets out the terms under which you're entitled to keep your Park Bungalow on its designated plot and live in it as your main home. Think of it as the contract between you and the site owner for use of the land your home sits on.
How Does a Park Bungalow Pitch Agreement Work?
When you buy a Park Bungalow, you own the home itself outright. However, the land it sits on belongs to the site owner. The pitch agreement is the legal document that gives you the right to station your home on that particular plot and to occupy it as your primary residence.
This arrangement is governed by the Mobile Homes Act 1983, which provides a legal framework of rights and protections for Park Home residents in England. The Act sets out a series of "implied terms" that are automatically included in every pitch agreement, whether they're written down or not. These implied terms can't be overridden by anything else in the agreement, and they represent the minimum rights that every resident has.
What Should Be in Your Written Statement
Before you enter into a pitch agreement, the site owner is required by law to provide you with a written statement. This must be given to you at least 28 days before you sign, giving you time to read it carefully and ask questions.
The written statement will typically include:
- The names of both parties
- The address and location of the pitch
- The date the agreement starts
- Any express terms agreed between you and the site owner
Express terms are additional conditions that go beyond the implied terms, and they can cover a range of practical matters specific to that site. However, they can never contradict or reduce your implied rights under the Act. If there's ever a conflict, the implied terms will always take priority.
The Implied Terms You Should Know About
The implied terms under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 cover a wide range of rights and responsibilities. You don't need to memorise them all, but it's helpful to understand the main areas they address.
Security of Tenure
One of the most important protections is your right to stay. A pitch agreement gives you the right to occupy your home for as long as you wish, provided you keep up with your site fee payments and follow the site rules.
The site owner can't simply end the agreement because they want you to leave. They can only terminate it through a court order, and even then, only in specific circumstances set out in the Act.
Site Fees and How They're Reviewed
Your pitch agreement will set out the site fee you pay for use of the land. This is typically a monthly payment. Since July 2022, annual site fee reviews have been linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) instead of the Retail Price Index (RPI). CPI tends to be lower, which means more predictable and generally smaller increases year on year. The site owner must give you proper notice of any proposed change to the site fee, and you have the right to challenge any increase you consider unreasonable.
At Regency Living, site fees vary by development but cover the use of the land your home sits on, along with things like road maintenance, street lighting, site management and more.
Your Right to Sell
You have the right to sell your Park Bungalow and assign the pitch agreement to the buyer. The site owner can't unreasonably block a sale, though they do have the right to approve the new occupier. When you sell, the buyer takes over the existing pitch agreement, so the terms carry across.
It's worth knowing that a 10% commission on the sale price is payable to the site owner. This is set out in the Mobile Homes Act and applies across the sector. The buyer pays the full purchase price to you, and you then pay the commission to the site owner after they've provided their bank details.
Your Right to Gift the Home
You can also gift your Park Bungalow to a family member, as defined by the Act, and assign the agreement to them. No commission is payable on a gift. This means you can pass the home on to a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling without any charge to the site owner.
Quiet Enjoyment
The site owner is required to ensure that you can enjoy your home and pitch without unreasonable interference. In return, you're expected to maintain your own plot and keep the home in good condition. The site owner is responsible for maintaining the parts of the site that aren't allocated to individual residents, such as access roads and shared areas.
What to Look for in the Express Terms
While the implied terms cover the big-ticket protections, the express terms in your written statement deal with the day-to-day practicalities. These can vary from site to site, so it's important to read them carefully.
Common express terms include:
- Site rules (such as parking arrangements, pet policies and any age requirements for residents)
- The specific amount of your site fee at the start of the agreement
- What your pitch includes (you'll usually receive a plot plan showing the exact boundaries)
- Any requirements around modifications or improvements to your home or plot
At Regency Living, modifications to your plot typically need approval from the site supervisor, and you'll need to complete a works-to-plot application before carrying out any changes. This ensures that the development maintains a consistent standard for everyone living there.
What Happens If You're Buying From an Existing Resident
If you're buying a pre-owned Park Bungalow from someone who already lives on the site, the process is slightly different. The seller is required by law to provide you with specific documents at least 28 days before completion, including the written statement, the current pitch agreement, and details of site fees and commission.
On completion, both parties sign an Assignment Form, which formally transfers the pitch agreement to you. You must then send a Notice of Assignment to the site owner within seven days. The government's factsheet on Park Home buying sets out each step, and free guidance is available from the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE).
Do You Need a Solicitor to Review It?
There's no legal requirement to use a solicitor when entering into a pitch agreement, and many buyers purchasing new from an established developer manage without one. The paperwork is far simpler than a traditional house purchase, with no conveyancing, no Land Registry searches and no mortgage arrangements.
That said, if you're buying a pre-owned home or you'd feel more comfortable with professional input, a solicitor who specialises in Park Home law can review the agreement for a modest fee.
Get the Full Picture Before You Sign
A pitch agreement is a key part of Park Bungalow ownership, but it doesn't need to be complicated. The Mobile Homes Act 1983 provides strong protections for residents, and reputable developers will be transparent about the terms from the outset. Read your written statement carefully, ask questions about anything you're unsure of, and make sure you're clear on what the site fee covers.
If you'd like to find out more, including the specific costs and terms for each site, get in touch or visit one of our developments in person.
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