Investing in lodges and residential park homes is no longer just about aesthetics, location or short-term yield. As regulation tightens, energy costs rise and consumer expectations shift, build quality and compliance standards have become recognised as being central to long-term value.
Among these, BS 3632 stands out as a defining benchmark for anyone treating a lodge or mobile home as an asset rather than a disposable structure. BS 3632 is the British Standard for residential park homes and high-specification timber lodges designed for year-round occupation.
First published in 1963, and most recently revised in 2023, BS 3632 reflects modern expectations around fire safety, structural integrity, thermal efficiency and durability. In practical terms, it distinguishes buildings designed to perform like homes from those intended only for seasonal or limited use. Achieving the standard fundamentally changes how a building must be engineered.
For manufacturers such as Pinelog, working to BS 3632 is not a marketing exercise. It is a design and manufacturing framework that directly affects safety, lifespan, operating costs and resale value.
For customers, that commitment translates into measurable, long-term benefits including thermal efficiency, enhance moisture control, reduced fuel bills, improved acoustics, noise reduction, space optimisation and increased value for money.
Why the 2023 update matters
The most recent revision of BS 3632 is part of the revision of building safety standards across the UK, with greater emphasis now placed on fire resistance, escape routes and risk mitigation.
The 2023 standard strengthens requirements that directly affect occupant safety, such as fire performance of materials and the ability to exit a building quickly in an emergency. It also raises expectations around thermal performance, aligning with wider national objectives on energy efficiency and sustainability.
Attention to detail is not optional under the standard. Elements such as heater appliances door clearances and ventilation performance are specified to ensure safety and functionality in real-world conditions. These details rarely feature in sales brochures, but they directly influence occupant safety and long-term usability.
For investors and operators, this matters because buildings that fail to meet evolving safety and performance expectations face increasing regulatory risk, higher running costs and reduced market appeal.
Pinelog, a luxury timber lodge manufacturer based in Derbyshire is independently verified as BS 3632 compliant, undergoing rigorous quarterly inspections by the National Caravan Council (NCC) which polices the standard and uses it as the benchmark for its Manufacturer Approval Scheme.
Craig Morrison, Pinelog’s Operations Director explained: “Maintaining BS 3632 certification isn’t easy, and we wouldn’t want it to be. It’s a lot more than simply a piece of paper. Having the standard provides reassurance to our customers that Pinelog lodges are safe, durable, and built to the highest specification in the UK industry.”
Customers agree. Tony Preston, Sales and Marketing Manager at Mercia Marina Village and Park said: “Pinelog’s timber lodges are built using premium sustainable materials and continue to perform and look good year-on-year, minimising maintenance costs. This also enables them to retain their value when it comes to resale.”
BS 3632 as a financial decision
A lodge built to BS 3632 costs more to manufacture than one built to a lower specification. That additional upfront cost is often where decision-making becomes skewed. However, when viewed as an asset rather than a product, the financial logic shifts.
BS 3632 buildings are more energy-efficient, reducing heating costs across all seasons. They are designed to manage moisture and temperature consistently, reducing long-term maintenance issues such as condensation damage, material degradation and premature component failure.
High quality building materials and craftmanship also positively affects residual value as the longevity of the structures can far exceed 20+ years.
With owners often choosing to upgrade, this has resulted in a thriving market for pre-owned Pinelog lodges, not only for holiday homes but also permanent residences. The Future Farms Partnership (FFP) a pioneering farming initiative in Powys, Wales, purchased three pre-owned Pinelog lodges last year to provide homes for young farmers at their Wern Farm site in Powys, Mid Wales.
Gary Mitchell, CEO, Social Farms & Gardens explained: “We believe that if the Pinelog lodges are well looked after, they’ll easily last another 20 years; that gives the option to move them to future farm sites or even allow tenants to apply for permanent planning if they want to stay in them long-term.”
Year-round use and revenue potential
For holiday park operators, BS 3632 unlocks extended operating seasons. Lodges designed for permanent occupation provide consistent comfort regardless of external conditions. That supports longer letting periods, higher occupancy rates and improved guest satisfaction.
Energy efficiency plays a direct role here. Well-insulated lodges with effective ventilation systems maintain stable internal environments with lower energy demand. This improves margins while aligning with guest expectations around sustainability and comfort.
For private owners, year-round performance removes seasonal limitations. A BS 3632 lodge behaves like a home, not a temporary structure. Comfort, safety and running costs remain consistent throughout the year.
Tony Preston adds: “Pinelog’s lodges are so well insulated that they can be booked throughout the year, and we know that guests are warm and comfortable, and that our owners won’t have astronomical heating bills.”
Risk reduction through standards
By enforcing minimum performance thresholds BS 3632. Fire safety requirements reduce liability exposure. Structural and material standards reduce the likelihood of premature failure. Energy efficiency requirements future-proof buildings against rising costs and regulatory pressure.
From an investment perspective, these factors compound. Lower operational risk and longer service life improve total cost of ownership. It also supports resale.
In a market increasingly shaped by regulation, sustainability and informed consumers, should BS 3632 be an optional upgrade or standard?
