Are you considering buying a static caravan? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy more regular holidays and avoid the stress that can come with holidaying abroad, plus you’ll have your very own little bolthole for when you need a break from the day to day. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s crucial to ask the right questions.
This checklist brings together the 35 most important questions to ask before buying a static caravan, covering costs, rules, lifestyle, and practicalities.
Costs & Finance
1. What costs are involved in owning a static caravan?
Beyond the purchase price, make sure you ask about pitch fees (often £2,000–£10,000), utilities (gas, water, electricity), insurance, and any business or local rates. See our Guide to Static Caravan Site Fees.
2. How much are site fees, and how often do they increase?
Check the current annual fee, and ask how increases are calculated, at times installment payments are available. Some parks allow quarterly payments; others require payment upfront, so make sure you have a clear understanding of when and how often fees are collected.
3. Do I need to pay business rates or council tax?
Council tax isn’t charged on holiday caravans, but if you live in a caravan full-time, whether on your own land or a licensed residential park, you’ll need to pay council tax. On holiday parks, site fees often include a contribution to business rates (non-domestic rates). And if you sublet your caravan, you may also be liable for business rates and tax on your rental income.
4. What is included in the purchase price?
Before you buy, clarify whether siting, connections, and extras like decking or skirting are included, or if they cost extra.
5. Do static caravans need insurance?
Yes. Most parks make insurance a condition of ownership. Ask about cover requirements and whether public liability insurance is mandatory. Read our guide to Static Caravan Insurance.
6. Can I buy a caravan on finance, and what are the terms?
Many parks offer finance, but interest rates can be high. Compare with independent lenders, check deposit requirements (typically 25%), and make sure you fully understand the total repayment cost. See our guide to Caravan Finance.
Parks, Licences & Rules
7. How long is the site licence, and what happens when it ends?
Licences often last 10–20 years (sometimes longer). Clarify renewal options and whether upgrades are required after a certain age.
8. Can I live in a static caravan year-round?
Holiday park licences mean holiday use only. If you want permanent residence, look for a BS3632 home on a residential park. See our guide to Living in a Static Caravan.
9. Do holiday parks close for winter?
Many parks open 8–11 months a year, but some offer a 12 month season. If you want winter use, confirm season lengths, or take a look here for parks offering a 12 month holiday season.
10. What rules does the park have?
Noise, pets, subletting, visitor rules, every park differs. Always ask for a written copy of site rules before agreeing to the sale.
11. Are pets allowed?
Some parks are dog-friendly, others have strict no-pet policies, restrictions on breeds or limit the number of dogs allowed per property. Clarify that the rules at your chosen park suit you, before committing.
12. Can I choose my pitch?
This will depend on availability and prime locations (lake views, near facilities) may cost more. Holiday Parks with new developments underway or launching or most likely to offer you a choice of pitches. [View our collection of parks with a new development here]. Ask if pitches can be reserved with a deposit.
13. What security is in place when the park is closed?
Find out about CCTV, on-site wardens, and alarm systems that might be in place to help protect your caravan.
Lifestyle & Facilities
14. Is the park child-friendly?
Check for kids’ clubs, play areas, and family-friendly facilities.
15. Does the park have shops, restaurants, or entertainment on-site?
Find out whether these are included, have seasonal operating hours and whether they incur additional costs or require passes.
16. What local attractions or amenities are nearby?
Sometimes the biggest perk to a holiday home is the location. Find out what beaches, countryside, or activities are nearby.
17. Does each pitch include parking?
Most do, but sometimes the parking spot is not adjacent to the caravan. Find out whether you would have an allocated spot, where it would be located and ask about visitor parking too.
18. Is Wi-Fi or internet access available?
Essential for many. Some parks have Wi-Fi readily available or are happy for you to arrange installment, while others may provide it only in public spaces, requiring you to set up provision with a dongle or rely on mobile data. Remember that mobile data can be patchy in more rural areas, so if you are visiting, remember to check with your phone and chosen network.
Maintenance & Ownership
19. Does a static caravan require much maintenance?
Yes. Regular checks for damp, servicing gas/electrics, and winterisation all add up and should be factored into your budgeting. [Read our guide to Caravan Maintenance.]
20. Does the manufacturer provide a warranty?
Many new caravans include 1–5 year warranties. Confirm what’s covered (and what isn’t). Second hand caravans might be sold with a shorter warranty or no warranty at all, make sure you check first.
21. Who maintains the caravan, me or the park?
Owners are usually responsible. Some parks offer paid winterisation and maintenance packages or individual maintenance services to buy. If you are finding your own contractor you may need to select from a park approved list, or inform your park to ensure the chosen supplier meets all health and safety requirements for park visitors.
22. What does “drain down” mean?
It’s the process of removing water from the system before winter to avoid freezing damage. Ask if the park offers this service and get an idea of cost.
23. Can I add decking or verandas?
Often yes, but only with park approval and there might be restrictions on the size, materials or colours you can select. Costs vary, and it’s worth confirming upfront. [See our guide to Caravan Decking.]
Subletting, Selling & Resale
24. Can I rent or sublet my caravan?
Some parks allow it freely, others ban it, and some offer a sublet service, where they will charge commission. Always get rules in writing. Read our guide to Caravan Rental.
25. What insurance is needed if I sublet?
Public liability cover is usually required for rentals and you often need to provide a copy to the park. See our guide to caravan insurance.
26. Can I lend my caravan to friends and family?
Usually yes, but confirm it’s allowed under park rules. If you sublet and have agreed to restricted use of your caravan, your friends and family members will usually be required to take holidays within your agreed allocation, or pay the rental charge.
27. Can I sell my static caravan when I want to?
Yes, but many parks require resale through them and may take a commission. Ask about fees and restrictions. See our Selling a Static Caravan Guide.
28. How does depreciation affect resale?
Like cars, caravans depreciate. Don’t expect to make a profit. You should buy a static caravan on the basis of lifestyle benefits and not capital return.
Practicalities & Timing
29. When is the best time to buy?
End-of-season deals exist, but the best pitches rarely wait. Focus on buying when you’re ready, not chasing discounts.
30. How long will siting and connection take?
Parks arrange this, but ask for a timeline and whether it’s included in the price.
31. Do I need a TV licence?
No, not if you already have one at your main UK address.
32. Do I need to pay for utilities separately?
Yes. Gas may be bottled or mains; electricity is often metered. Ask how bills are managed and when they are charged.
33. What staffing and support are available on-site?
Ask if there’s 24/7 support for emergencies.
34. Are there seasonal restrictions on facilities?
Pools, shops, or entertainment may only run in peak months. Confirm availability.
35. What extras are offered in the purchase package?
Some deals include decking, skirting, or free site fees for the first year. Always clarify what’s included in the price as it might affect your upgrade price further down the line.
Final Thoughts
Buying a static caravan is exciting, but it’s also a big commitment. Asking these 35 questions gives you the confidence to make an informed choice and avoid surprises later.