Bridging Generations:
Intergenerational Living in the UK Park Home Communities
Park homes have become a suitable alternative of living for many. This is a small niche sector of the UK housing market presenting a low-cost lifestyle choice for a growing elderly population. The Ministry of Housing states that approximately a quarter of a million people live across two thousand licensed park sites and 68% of these residents are over 60, in many sites governed by a lower age restriction of 45 or 50 years.
These restrictions and problems for young tenants to raise capital via mortgage lead to questions about the potential impact on intergenerational living in British park homes. There are several sites without an age limit, but entering them can still be challenging for many individuals unless they have previously been homeowners or possess substantial savings.
The findings have been gathered from ongoing interviews with over 20 residents and a few site owners. It has provided valuable insights into both the benefits, such as strong communities in attractive locations and complexities, such as stigma due to their choice of home.
This study will contribute to the broader discourse on alternative housing models, mixed-tenure neighbourhoods, and inter-generational living. It enhances the understanding of living in this type of accommodation and its future prospects for long-term viability.