TOP 10 COMPLAINTS FROM PARK HOME OWNERS

What Are the Top 10 Complaints Raised by Holiday Park Owners in the UK?

Owning a holiday home in a park can be a dream come true for many, offering a personal retreat in beautiful locations across the UK. However, like any investment, holiday park ownership comes with its own set of challenges, and owners are increasingly voicing dissatisfaction with various aspects of their experience. From hidden costs to poor customer service, here are the top 10 complaints raised by holiday park owners in the UK.

1. Hidden or Rising Costs

One of the most frequent complaints from holiday park owners is the hidden or unexpected costs associated with ownership. These can include steep annual increases in ground rent, maintenance fees, and other service charges. Many owners report that these costs were not clearly disclosed during the sales process or were downplayed, leaving them unprepared for the financial burden they later face. In some cases, park operators may raise these fees without adequate notice or explanation, leading to frustration and financial strain.

2. Unrealistic Promises of Rental Income

Many holiday parks offer the promise of earning rental income by letting out their properties when not in use. However, a significant number of owners have found that the reality does not live up to these promises. Low occupancy rates, high management fees, and limited demand, particularly during off-peak seasons, mean that the income generated from rentals is often much lower than expected—or non-existent. Additionally, some owners have complained that their properties were not marketed effectively, leading to lower rental opportunities.

3. Lack of Transparency in the Sales Process

A recurring issue for many holiday park owners is the lack of transparency during the sales process. Some buyers feel they were misled or not provided with enough information to make an informed decision. Sales staff may emphasize the positives—such as discounts, low-interest financing, and the ability to rent out the property—without fully disclosing the long-term costs or the complexities of ownership. Buyers may also feel pressured into making a decision quickly, without sufficient time to review contracts or understand the financial implications of ownership.

4. Poor Maintenance and Upkeep of Parks

Owners often express dissatisfaction with the level of maintenance and upkeep in the parks. Issues such as poorly maintained roads, outdated or broken facilities, and neglected landscaping can significantly diminish the appeal of a holiday park. Owners may find that promised amenities, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, or clubhouses, are not properly maintained or are unavailable for extended periods. This lack of upkeep can affect the overall experience and lead to frustration among owners who expect a higher standard for the price they’re paying.

5. Rising Ground Rent and Unexpected Increases

Ground rent is one of the most significant ongoing costs for holiday park owners. However, many owners have reported unexpected increases in ground rent over the years. In some cases, park operators have been accused of hiking up ground rent to unaffordable levels without adequate justification or notice. Owners often feel trapped, as the cost of moving their holiday home or selling it is prohibitive, leaving them with few options but to pay the increased rent or face financial hardship.

6. Difficulty Selling or Reselling Properties

Another common complaint among holiday park owners is the difficulty in selling their properties. Owners may find that the resale value of their holiday home is much lower than anticipated, with many properties depreciating rapidly in value. Even if an owner does manage to sell, the process can be slow and complex, and they may struggle to recoup their initial investment. Some buyers feel misled by park operators, who may have promoted the idea that holiday homes are a good investment that will retain or increase in value, which is often not the case. Often, park operators may demand the rights of first refusal on the park home, only offering a fraction of the initial purchase price.

7. Poor Customer Service and Communication

A lack of effective communication and poor customer service from holiday park operators is a frequent grievance. Owners have reported difficulty reaching park management, with issues taking weeks or even months to be addressed. Many have expressed frustration over the slow response to maintenance requests, complaints about park conditions, or disputes over fees. The lack of clear communication regarding changes in park policies, maintenance schedules, or fee increases can further exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction among owners.

8. High Management and Agency Fees

In cases where owners choose to rent out their properties through the holiday park or a third-party agency, they often face high management fees that eat into their rental income. Owners have reported fees of up to 30% or more of the rental income, which they feel are excessive considering the minimal service they receive in return. These fees often include marketing, property management, and maintenance costs, but some owners argue that they don’t receive adequate support or a sufficient return on their investment.

9. Restrictions on Use and Flexibility

Many holiday park owners have expressed frustration over the restrictions placed on their property use. Some parks impose strict rules about when and how owners can use their holiday homes, limiting the flexibility they were originally promised. For example, owners may be prohibited from using their homes for certain periods of the year or from letting them to others outside of the park’s rental system. In some cases, owners have complained about being unable to make personal alterations or improvements to their property, restricting their ability to personalize their holiday home to suit their needs.

10. Environmental and Noise Issues

Owners in holiday parks often report issues related to environmental conditions and noise levels. Some parks are located near noisy roads, airports, or other industrial areas, affecting the quality of the stay. Others face issues with overcrowding or noise from neighbouring holiday homes, particularly during peak seasons. While these issues can affect all guests, owners are often more sensitive to them because they have a long-term investment in the park and expect a peaceful and enjoyable environment.

While holiday park ownership can offer a relaxing getaway and a sense of personal investment, many owners in the UK are facing serious challenges related to transparency, rising costs, and poor park management.

Complaints about hidden fees, unrealistic rental income promises, and lack of proper maintenance or customer service highlight the need for better regulation and improved practices within the industry.

Prospective buyers should carefully review contracts, seek independent advice, and understand the full financial and operational implications of owning a holiday home. By doing so, they can avoid the pitfalls that many owners currently face, ensuring a more satisfying and rewarding experience.

For those already facing these issues, speak to one of our expert holiday ownership advisors to see if you could be eligible to claim. The consultation is free, with no obligation to proceed.

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