Buying Into A Village - Information Sheet B1
Manufactured Homes in Land-Lease Villages
Owning a manufactured home in a land-lease village is very different to owning a conventional house, and there are substantial differences between the laws governing the two.
The major difference is that if you live in a land-lease village, you will own a movable dwelling (also called a manufactured home or relocatable home) and lease, but not own, the land on which it sits. You will lease the land from the village owner. Some of these movable dwelling sites may also be found in caravan and holiday parks.
Land-lease villages are often marketed to people over 55 as an affordable housing option. They may seem like retirement villages, but they operate under different legislation.
People who own their own home in a land-lease village or in a caravan park, often have what are called Part 4A Site Agreements. Part 4A agreements only apply to a home that can be relocated.
The site agreements are designed by the owner of the land-lease village and describe the rules governing the land that is being leased for the home, including the rules and regulations the residents must agree to comply with, in a communal living environment. Each village has its own rules, which cover things such as noise, parking, visitors, and pets. Residents in Land-Lease Villages also have use of the shared facilities and common areas.
Definitions:
- Land-Lease Villages – sometimes known as Residential Villages; Residential Parks; Lifestyle Villages; Over 50s Resorts. MHOA uses the term Land-Lease Village to emphasise the differences between these and caravan parks and retirement villages.
- Legislation – The legislation governing Land-Lease Villages is The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Part 4A) and the Residential Amendment Act 2018
It is important that those considering buying a manufactured home seek legal advice, so they can make an informed decision.
