Are You Thinking of Buying a Static Caravan?

As an increasing number of people are spending their holiday in the UK, so buying a static caravan has never been more popular.  Here we discuss the advantages of buying a static caravan. We will also provide some other information to help you decide if buying a static caravan is the right thing for you.

Is it Worth Buying a Static Caravan?

Yes, it is certainly worth buying a static caravan and there are so many good reasons to own one! Here we have listed a few good reasons why we think you should buy a static caravan;

1. Static Caravans Give You Freedom

Firstly, a big plus of ownership is the freedom it brings; a home from home. With caravan ownership you can come and go as you please, whether it is just a couple of days away with friends or for the whole holiday season with the family – the choice is yours to make.

Static caravan ownership allows the freedom to have the interior of the static caravan exactly how the owner would want it. Changing the interior could be especially useful for anyone with special needs or mobility issues. Static caravans can be converted internally to make them work in the best way for the owner.

2. Ease of Use

Another benefit of caravan ownership is the ease of use it brings. There will be no need to spend hours trailing through the internet to book a holiday,  waiting in queues at busy airports to get on a plane – just pack what you need and go to your holiday park.

3. Static Caravans are a Cheap Holiday

With a holiday home, going on holiday won’t cost you a fortune. As the pound continues to depreciate against other currencies, including the Euro and the dollar, your money is worth exactly the same whichever part of the UK your caravan is sited.

Another reason to buy a holiday home in the UK is that it can save you money if you can take all the food you need with you for your stay. Alternatively, depending on the holiday park, you can even have the supermarket deliver food to your caravan.  By not needing to eat out or spend money in the local shops, budgeting will be more relaxed, and you will be able to save money.

Are Static Caravans Worth it (Financially)?

Static caravans are a significant financial investment, both initially, and the ongoing maintenance. However, if you are comparing the costs of taking many holidays throughout the year, renting a holiday cottage or even a caravan, it will likely make good financial sense actually to buy your own caravan.

You should ensure that you are in a position to continually pay for the park site fees as well as ongoing maintenance for the holiday home. This is something you must continue to afford for years to come after purchase.

In terms of buying a static caravan for investment purposes, it will not go up in value over the years, unlike a brick and mortar property which will fluctuate depending on economic cycles. However, depending on where it is located, there is still investment potential when it comes to subletting.

What Much Does a Static Caravan Cost?

A static caravan can cost anything from £10,000 to over £100,000. Initial costs of static caravans depend on the make, model and condition of it. As well as whether it is a new or used static caravan.

After the purchase, there are other costs that will include;

• Pitch Fees – These are paid to the park operator.
• Maintenance – Costs such as repairs that may occur (it is a good idea to keep a separate fund going for these surprise repairs).
• Insurance
• Business Rates
• Utility Bills

Before you begin the journey of buying a static caravan, you should have a clear budget or financial plan in mind.  Consider all the costs and fees which are likely to come into play during ownership. You do not want to get into a position where you have purchased an amazing static caravan, but after a year can no longer afford to pay the pitch fees to the site. Therefore, consider the long term affordability of buying a static caravan before purchase.

Buying a New Static Caravan

Are you thinking of buying a new static caravan? The process can be as daunting as exciting. However, with so many new static caravans for sale, made by so many static caravan manufacturers, it can be hard to know where to start. The first thing to do is research and there are lots of informative resources on the internet to help you find the perfect new static caravan.

There are different options for looking for your new static caravan. The first is to find a holiday park where you are happy to have your static caravan sited. Here the park operators may already have a static caravan in situ or may give you the option of a static caravan you can order.

Alternatively, you can find a new holiday home by going directly to the manufacturers and looking at their range for sale. You can see a range of static caravan manufacturers on the Sell My Group website.

Can I live in my Static Caravan?

This depends largely on the status of the park where your static caravan is sited. Most parks with static caravans hold a holiday license. A residential license is required in order for you to live in your van all year round. Here you would traditionally find park homes or sometimes even lodges. Read our article explaining whether you can live in a static caravan full time. The most important factor in residing on a park is the site license and the park operators’ park rules.

There are residential caravan parks across the UK, and most of them have a lovely community feel. But, the majority of people buy static caravans as a holiday home. Council tax will be payable on residential mobile homes that are occupied full-time, usually in the cheapest band for the area.

Can Static Caravans be Sublet?

People buy static caravans with all sorts of arrangements in place. Some purchase with friends, some allow the family to use it whenever they like at no cost. Some sublet it throughout the year to holidaymakers. When entering into any agreement to ‘share’ your caravan, it is always best to have a professional contract drawn up as fall-outs can and do happen.

Providing it is allowed by the holiday park, it is permissible to sublet your caravan, and this in itself can pay for all your yearly costs. You can usually let a holiday home via the park, or a  a company like Sykes who will be able to give you all the information you need to know. Read our guide to renting out a static caravan.

But while it is a great idea to rent out your static caravan financially, many people prefer to have it readily available for themselves, with all their possessions inside as they leave them. For further reading see our article on ‘What to Remember When Buying a Holiday Home’.

Caravan Park Locations

Finding the perfect park for your static caravan may be difficult at first.  There are scores of beautiful, practical holiday park locations up and down the UK.  Some are based near the coast, others deep within the countryside.

You’ll need to think carefully about how the location of your caravan will impact your needs.  Do you want to buy a static caravan holiday home that’s close to your family?  Maybe you’d simply like to explore a coastal county.  Or, if you are in the process of buying to let, you may be looking for a lucrative spot to host tenants.

It is worth researching available parks not only for pricing but for distance, too.  It can be appealing to buy a static caravan holiday home on the other side of the country.  However, do consider how practical this is going to be for you in the long run, especially if you are going to be acting as a landlord.  You may need to head back to your caravan at short notice to help with problems or queries.

Look Closely at Available Parks

Once you’ve decided on a rough area for your holiday caravan, do look at parks in close detail.  All holiday parks will be keen to encourage you to take up a plot, but there are a few markers you should be looking for to make sure your rights are protected.

A good way to gauge whether or not it will be worth buying a static caravan at a park will be to read reviews, and maybe even to stay for a few nights, where possible. ‘Try before you buy’ is generally good advice if an opportunity becomes available.

Holiday Park Memberships

Do also check for park memberships.  If a park is certified by the National Caravan Council, for example, you automatically know that certain rights will be protected and that the park is regulated.  You should also look for British Holiday and Home Parks Association grades, too.

Do make sure you talk to the parks you are interested in.  They will help you to find a plot and space which will appeal to your needs as well as your tastes.  It is a good way to open up the negotiation, too, where you can start to appreciate what parks will be looking from you in return.  All UK park operators are receptive to new customs, and most will be very happy to discuss your buying plans upfront in detail.

Do also look at the local area.  Are sites of interest easy to access?  Is the park easy to get to?  Consider your comfort and need for amenities, too.  Are you looking for a family holiday resort or a quiet getaway?  Be sure to do a little research on foot, as well as online before you buy your static caravan holiday home.

Buying a static caravan holiday home can be a good investment.  Whether it is for your own use or for letting out, it’s always important to find the best fit.  Buying a caravan outright isn’t just a case of finding the best model.  There are other factors and points to bear in mind which will affect your experience later on down the line.

Read on to learn more about buying a static caravan before you putting money down.

Should you get Finance for a Static Caravan?

An appealing avenue to consider when buying a static holiday home caravan is to look at finance options.  This means, essentially, taking out a loan to cover your purchase.  Many people buy static homes and caravans on this basis, which means there is certainly nothing to say you can’t go ahead.

However, do consider this option carefully.  Compare and contrast leading lenders, and read verified reviews.  Do also read all terms and conditions which come attached with the loan rates you are offered.  Are you likely to be chasing your tail making repayments?  Is it cheaper to cut your losses and buy outright?  These are all points you are going to need to consider.

Finance can help make buying the perfect static holiday caravan a reality.  However, there are always going to be some strings attached.  Ask a financial advisor or bank account manager for more details if it is an option you are seriously considering.

Buying the Static Caravan that is Right for you

Once budgeting is taken care of, it is time to start looking for the ideal static caravan.  You shouldn’t just be looking at brand and model, though these are good points to start with.

A crucial point to consider is age.  The older your caravan, the less time you will have left with it.  As its age increases, so will the need for maintenance and repair.  Buying a new static caravan outright will cost more upfront, but the costs may even out over years of use.  Buying second-hand will likely save you money upfront, but will it mean you save money in the long run.

Consider the size, space and amenities, too.  Whether you are using your caravan yourself or are letting it will dictate what you are looking for.  You should also be considering the number of rooms available, as well as features such as ovens, fridges, beds and lighting.  Are they all up to the standard you expect?

Look at storage, too.  Even if you are only using it for short breaks, a static caravan without much in the way of cupboards is going to be fairly awkward to use.  Make sure to buy a static caravan that caters to your every need, and those you anticipate of your tenants if you’re letting.

Look for static caravans homes that are likely to endure years of use.  Static caravans are serious investments – which means compromising on anything major should always be off the table.

Final Points to Cover With a Park Operator

If you are buying a pitch with a park operator, you may be able to choose where you’d like your static caravan holiday home to be sited.  However, with some parks, there may not be so much flexibility.  Do ask your operator and take a good look around the neighbourhood before you agree to your pitch.

You should also take your time to look through a park agreement.  If you contravene any of the rules in your agreement, you may be subject to legal action, fines, and even expulsion from the park itself.  It is crucial that you understand any small print you receive.  While all parks should provide you with a contract which is easy to understand, do make sure you are completely covered.  For example, how are you covered if your caravan gets damaged on-site and it’s not your fault?  Are fees and costs fully explained in the terms and conditions?

It is a good idea to ask a solicitor for help before signing any paperwork.  It may not be possible for you to arrange legal support to be with you when signing, so, where possible, ask if you can retain a copy for you to look over with a solicitor.  All reputable park operators will likely be happy to honour this request.

Finding and Buying the Perfect Static Caravan

Finding, buying and setting up the perfect static caravan holiday home takes time, effort and money.  It is a long-term investment that is going to need plenty of decision-making.  If you are interested in setting up a static caravan at one of the wonderful holiday parks opening up across the UK, why not get started?  Look for caravans, parks and deals which appeal to you, but don’t forget to budget, and to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.