Can a Holiday Lodge Be a Permanent Home?

Holiday home ownership is a true lifestyle changer. Imagine having your very own retreat, ready whenever you need a break—somewhere to relax, recharge, and make special memories. But can a holiday lodge become your permanent home? The answer depends on the type of park and the regulations in place. Here at Lovat Parks, we offer holiday homes for sale, perfect for leisure use and always ready for a well-earned escape. While these homes aren’t intended for full-time residence, we do also have two holiday parks with a residential licence, allowing year round living. Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat or a permanent home, understanding the difference between holiday home ownership and residential ownership is key to finding the right option for you.

What’s the Difference Between Holiday Homes and Residential Homes?

At first glance, a holiday home and a residential home may seem similar. Both offer stylish, modern interiors, all the home comforts you’d expect, and access to fantastic park facilities. However, the key difference lies in how you’re allowed to use them as one of our owners.

Holiday Homes at Lovat Parks

• Choose between holiday homes and lodges
• Designed for visits at your leisure
• Located in holiday parks with a holiday licence
• Cannot be used as a primary residence
• Typically open year round, with a required break after 28 consecutive days
• Owners must have a separate permanent address

Residential Holiday Homes at Lovat Parks

• Designed for permanent living
• Located in residential parks with a full residential licence
• Can be used as a main residence
• Open all year round, with no mandatory break period
• Owners will have to pay council tax and utilities

Most of our holiday parks, homes, and lodges are for leisure use and not for full time residence. However, Azure Seas Holiday Village in Corton, Suffolk, and Penmarlam Lodge Retreat near Fowey, Cornwall, are unique, holding a residential licence that allows year round living.

Can a Holiday Home Be My Main Address?

If your holiday home is in a holiday licenced park, it cannot be used as your permanent address. Local councils enforce this rule to ensure holiday parks remain for leisure use rather than becoming residential communities. While you can own a holiday home in these parks, you must leave after 28 consecutive days.

If you’re seeking a permanent home, you’ll need a residential park home in a park with a residential licence, as these are legally recognised for full-time living. When using your residential holiday home as your main address, you become responsible for council tax and utilities, just as you would in a bricks-and-mortar home.

How Long Can I Stay in a Holiday Lodge?

The length of time you can stay in a holiday lodge depends on the park’s operating season and whether it is a holiday park or a residential holiday park.

Some of our holiday parks have shorter seasons, aligning with holidaymaker demand or closing for maintenance, which may require longer break periods. Others are open 12 months a year, meaning you can visit in any month. 

As a holiday home owner, you’re welcome to enjoy your lodge throughout your park’s designated season. However, stays are limited to 28 consecutive days at a time at each of our parks.

For those looking for year-round living, residential holiday parks offer a permanent residence option. Before purchasing a lodge—whether with us or elsewhere—it’s important to check the park’s licence and terms to ensure it suits your lifestyle.

Is There a Permit to Allow Full Time Residence?

If a holiday park has only a holiday licence, you cannot live there permanently unless it also holds a residential licence. If the holiday park is designated as a holiday park, you must have a registered address elsewhere. For those seeking true year-round living, a residential park home is the right choice.

How to Get the Most from Your Holiday Home

Even if your holiday lodge isn’t your full-time home, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it.

Use it as a Second Office

Remote working is more popular than ever, and your holiday home can be a peaceful, inspiring place to work away from daily distractions.

Lend It to Friends and Family

If your park permits letting, you can offset your costs by letting out your lodge or using our Love To Let service to help cover your running costs. Alternatively, you can share it with loved ones when you’re not using it.

Take Regular Breaks Away

Owning a holiday home means you always have a place to escape to at a moment’s notice — whether it’s for a spontaneous weekend away or a big birthday..

Own a Holiday Home at Lovat Parks

At Lovat Parks, we believe that holiday home ownership is more than just having a place to stay—it’s about embracing a new way of life. Our beautiful locations across the UK offer a warm community feel with like-minded people, fantastic facilities, and a true sense of escape. Thinking about making holiday home ownership a reality? Enquire today and start your journey towards a lifestyle filled with adventure and relaxation.

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