Relocatable homes: medieval tenure in the 21st century?

Abstract

Many caravan parks have closed in recent years and this trend is continuing. There are various reasons for this but it is mainly due to the escalating value of land, particularly in urban and coastal areas making it more valuable for other forms of development or market focus. Permanent park residents do not have security of tenure or long-term leases and are susceptible to eviction in the event of a park closure. Owners of relocatable homes—factory-built transportable houses—are particularly disadvantaged because relocation costs may be as high as $20,000. This article discusses the effect of caravan park closures in the context of housing and urban planning policy and the conflicts between the public goal of affordable housing and the economic interests of private land owners. A case study is used to illustrate the demographic background of 62 households living in a South Australian caravan park and their fear of eviction should their park be sold. The article suggests some policy intervention measures that could be implemented in order to reduce the loss of residential sites. Alternative models of park ownership are examined, and a reformed legislative framework is proposed.