The UK government has initiated a review into the 10% commission fee charged on the sale of park homes, a longstanding issue that has sparked debate across the sector. This commission, which can amount to thousands of pounds, is mandated under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 and is payable to site owners by residents selling their homes.
Background to the commission charge
The Mobile Homes Act 1983 requires park home residents to pay a commission of up to 10% of the sale price to the site owner when selling their home. This payment has been a source of contention for many years, with concerns raised about its fairness and transparency. The government’s review aims to explore the rationale behind this commission, what it covers, and how it fits within the current legislative framework.
Government’s call for evidence
On 5 March 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP, launched a 12-week call for evidence to gather detailed information from stakeholders. This consultation will remain open until 29 May 2026, after which the government will analyse the responses and publish a formal position.
The call for evidence seeks to clarify several key points:
- The original reasons for charging the commission;
- What the commission payment covers and how it is calculated;
- The relationship between the commission and other provisions in the Mobile Homes Act 1983;
- A clearer understanding of the business model within the park homes sector.
Ministerial perspective
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged the longstanding concerns of park home residents regarding the commission. He stated: “Recognising the longstanding concerns among park home residents about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home, we are launching a call for evidence to better understand the rationale for it.”
He emphasised the importance of gathering comprehensive information to provide clarity and certainty for both residents and site owners, encouraging all interested parties to contribute to the consultation.
Context and sector response
This review follows a commitment made by Minister Pennycook in the previous year and builds on research conducted in 2022. The government has also published a summary of stakeholder responses to four recommendations from that research, which highlighted a lack of clarity and consensus within the sector regarding the commission’s purpose.
The ongoing debate reflects the complexity of the park homes market, where the commission payment is a significant financial consideration for residents selling their homes. The government’s review aims to address these uncertainties and ensure that the commission system is fair and transparent for all parties involved.
What this means for landlords
For landlords and site owners, this review signals potential changes to a key aspect of park home sales. A clearer understanding of the commission’s rationale and calculation could lead to reforms that impact how commissions are charged and justified. Landlords should monitor the consultation outcomes closely, as any legislative or regulatory adjustments may affect their business models and relationships with residents.
Engagement with the call for evidence could also provide landlords with an opportunity to influence future policy, ensuring that their perspectives and operational realities are considered in any reforms.
Source: Based on reporting from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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TLA update
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Source: www.gov.uk
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