A Property Lifeline for Expats?

For many UK expats, the dream of retirement abroad and an escape to the sun turns out to be everything they hoped for – a life of lazy days, low living costs and a welcome change of scenery. Nothing less than the promised sun, sea and sangria – in fact, one long holiday, free from the stresses of life at home. This is undoubtedly the experience for the vast majority of people who seek out the delights of European favourites, such as Spain and Portugal.

But what if life on the Costas, or passing time in Portugal, turns out to be a bit of a challenge and low on fun?

JUST HOW EASY IS IT TO RETRACE YOUR STEPS AND RETREAT BACK TO GOOD OLD BLIGHTY?

There are many reasons why people start to yearn for home, including simple home sickness, family matters, unexpected health problems or just falling out with the culture, food, and life amongst foreigners!

Now, life after the Covid-19 outbreak has created huge uncertainty and led even more Brits to head for the safety, familiarity and reassurance of life close to friends and family.

For right or wrong, many expats fear that Brexit has changed the way Brits are welcomed and even whether they will be able to afford to keep living abroad. Concerns surrounding drops in the Pound making life in the sun more expensive, falls in property values, fewer flights, and even a less receptive attitude from the locals, can all make people long to return home.

One thing is certain, British expats are returning in ever-higher numbers, increasingly driven back home by concerns and uncertainty related to the Brexit process. The number of British expats living in Spain fell by 40% between 2012 and 2017. In fact, the number of Britons leaving Spain outnumbered new ones arriving.

GETTING BACK ON THE PROPERTY LADDER

Unfortunately, returning expats can all too easily be caught in a trap caused by falling property values abroad and rising house prices at home. Often, homes in the sun are financed by the sale of the main UK family home, and sometimes getting back on the property ladder is not always within the reach of everybody who heads back to the UK.

RESIDENTIAL PARKS OFFER A FANTASTIC OPTION FOR RETURNING EXPATS

It would be easy for people returning to the UK to believe that the financial challenges can limit the options for putting a roof over their heads. The obvious choices are to purchase or rent a traditional brick-and-mortar home or, God forbid, move in with family! However, there is another alternative that is more desirable, affordable and attractive – a park home in a gated community.

THE CONVENIENCE AND LUXURY OF A TRADITIONAL BUNGALOW – WITH EXTRA PEACE OF MIND

Many parks are designed for a 55-plus age group, offering a ready-made retirement community where expats can put down roots, pick up where they left off, or make new friends. Safe and secure, many parks have welcome security features, including password protected barriers, CCTV and wardens on call 24 hours a day – all designed to provide protection and peace of mind.

Modern park homes are built to high standards and designed for year-round occupation. Built to the highest BS3632 residential standards, modern static caravans and lodges are every bit as comfortable and well equipped as traditional bungalows – with features such as fitted kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and open-plan spaces.

MODERN PARK HOMES ARE A STYLISH OPTION

Offering all the convenience and luxury of a traditional bungalow in an affordable, low maintenance package with low running costs, modern park homes are a stylish option. Add to that the fact that many parks are located in peaceful, convenient, and often coastal, locations all across the UK, and the park lifestyle becomes a seriously attractive option for returning to the UK.

UK Leisure Parks’ beautiful portfolio of family-run parks offer retired and semi-retired clients a choice of desirable settings across the North West. Two generations of the McCarthy family take a responsible and caring approach to their parks, which are maintained, gardened and landscaped to the highest standards. UK Leisure Parks offer new homes from £45,000 up to £180,000 with pre-owned homes on offer from £19,995.

As Thomas McCarthy explains, “Our parks offer something for everybody and every budget. The homes we recommend are chosen from trusted UK park home manufacturers, and are built to conform to the strict regulations of BS3632”.

TAKE YOUR PICK FROM A RANGE OF INCREDIBLE SURROUNDINGS

Our 10 gated communities across the North West offer an incredible range of tranquil settings, nearby leisure activities, and easy access to sophisticated city life.

UK Leisure Parks are located in an array of desirable settings across the North West, including Southport, Poulton-le-Fylde, Knott End-on-Sea, Garstang, Lytham, and Northwich.