What Are Pitch Fees? Holiday Park Fees Explained

What is a pitch fee?

A pitch fee is the recurring charge for keeping a holiday caravan or lodge on a particular pitch at a park. It is not the purchase price of the home, and paying it does not normally mean you own the land. The fee forms part of your arrangement with the park, so read it alongside the purchase paperwork and park rules.

The amount, billing period and services included are park-specific. A listing may advertise the home prominently and mention a fee only briefly. Before comparing two homes, request a written schedule of charges for each actual pitch. A lower asking price can be less attractive if the longer-term costs or restrictions do not suit you.

What might the fee include?

The park maintains land and infrastructure around holiday homes. Depending on the agreement, a pitch fee may contribute to grounds and landscaping, internal roads, lighting, shared facilities, security, waste arrangements or general park administration. Some parks include access to certain amenities; others charge separately or operate seasonal facilities.

Do not assume that a facility shown on the website is included in every owner’s fee. A swimming pool, entertainment programme or owner service may have separate rules or charges. Ask what is included now, whether access is year-round, and whether the park may change the services during your agreement.

• Grounds, landscaping and common areas
• Roads, lighting and shared infrastructure
• Waste services and park administration
• Facilities or owner services only where the agreement says so

What is commonly charged separately?

Utilities are an important distinction. Electricity, gas and water may be individually metered, charged through the park or included up to a stated allowance. Internet access, drainage, insurance and optional services may also be separate. The way local rates or other charges are handled can differ; ask the park to explain its actual arrangement rather than applying a rule from another site.

Maintenance of the home, decking, exterior fittings and the area immediately around the pitch may be your responsibility. If a park arranges work for you, ask whether there is a management or administration charge. Keep a small reserve for repairs and winter preparation as well as predictable bills.

How can pitch fees change?

Read the agreement’s review clause. Ask when a review occurs, what method is used, what notice is given and whether there are separate changes to utility or service charges. It is risky to assume this year’s amount will remain unchanged over a long ownership period. A clear written explanation is more useful than a verbal estimate of future increases.

Also check how and when the fee is payable. Annual, quarterly or other schedules affect cash flow even when the annual total is the same. Ask about late-payment provisions and whether any temporary discount ends after purchase. If a seller says fees are paid up, have the park confirm the position and the date from which you become responsible.

What should you ask before buying?

Take a list to the park and request written answers. The point is not simply to find the lowest fee: it is to know what you will receive, what you must pay on top and how the terms work if you eventually sell. The fee and the licence agreement should tell a consistent story.

• What is the current fee for this specific pitch?
• What does it include and exclude?
• How and when can it increase?
• When are payments due, and are there late-payment terms?
• How are electricity, gas, water and drainage charged?
• Are insurance, Wi-Fi or facilities separate?
• Does an introductory discount expire?
• What happens to prepaid fees when the home is sold?

Compare the full annual picture

Put the written pitch fee next to utilities, insurance, servicing, maintenance and any borrowing payments. Repeat the calculation without an introductory discount. If you plan to sublet, do not offset these costs with assumed income until you have checked the park’s permission, charges and insurance implications.

A good final question is: ‘If I buy this home today, what would I pay to the park over the next twelve months, and what would remain my responsibility elsewhere?’ Ask the park to show that in writing before you commit.