Chertsey Park Home Owners Fight Outdated Ten Percent Sales Fee
The Hidden Cost of Riverside Living at Penton Park
Penton Park, nestled on a picturesque bend of the River Thames near Chertsey, is widely regarded as an idyllic haven for over-50s seeking a tranquil retirement. Located just a stone's throw from Penton Hook Marina and the family-friendly attractions of Thorpe Park, this tight-knit community of more than 200 households offers a supportive and peaceful environment. However, many residents who moved here with dreams of a quiet riverside life are finding themselves trapped by an archaic, decades-old housing rule. Alan Baldwin, who has lived in the park for 15 years and leads the local residents' association, is at the forefront of a campaign to scrap a controversial 10% commission fee charged on home sales. Originally introduced before 1975 when these properties were legally classified as basic caravans, the rule means modern park homes—which can sell for up to £500,000—lose a tenth of their value directly to the park owners upon sale. This financial blow is particularly devastating for elderly residents who need to sell up quickly to relocate closer to family or move into assisted living facilities in nearby Woking. The community is now demanding urgent reform to protect their hard-earned home equity.
The Human Toll on Our Older Generation
The human impact of this outdated regulation is deeply felt across the Penton Park estate, where roughly a third of the population is in their 70s, 80s, or 90s. Over the years, many of these homeowners have invested heavily in upgrading their properties to ensure they can live comfortably and safely as they age. It is common for residents to employ local bathroom fitters to undertake a complete bathroom refurbishment, installing modern walk-in showers, wet rooms, and safety rails to support independent living. Yet, when circumstances change—such as the loss of a spouse or deteriorating health—residents are forced to sell, only to see tens of thousands of pounds of their investment handed over to park operators. This comes on top of the monthly pitch fees, which currently exceed £200 per month. The Park Home Owners Justice Campaign, which has been fighting this fee since 2009, points out the unfairness of treating these substantial, high-spec properties under laws designed for 1970s touring caravans. Local families argue that this practice actively drains the wealth of vulnerable pensioners at a time when they need financial security the most.
What Lies Ahead and How Local Residents Can Take Action
The battle for fairness has reached the halls of Westminster, with Penton Park residents regularly joining national protests. Runnymede and Weybridge MP, Dr Ben Spencer, has publicly backed the campaigners, calling for a ‘fair deal' that protects park homeowners from being exploited. With a government consultation on the matter recently closing, the local community is watching closely to see if ministers will finally intervene to abolish or significantly cap the commission charge. For Chertsey residents and neighbours across Surrey, the outcome of this campaign could set a major precedent for park home estates nationwide. In the meantime, the residents' association is urging locals to stay engaged, support the Park Home Owners Justice Campaign, and keep the pressure on elected representatives. What was once designed as a simple licensing fee has become a major local housing issue, and the community remains resolute in its fight to ensure that retirement dreams do not end in financial hardship. Residents are advised to monitor local campaign updates as they await the government's official response.
Source: ‘Fairness' plea as Chertsey park home owners lose thousands
