Are you dreaming of owning a second home to escape to on the weekends or during the holidays?
Are you thinking about buying a static caravan?
Having your own holiday home is perfect for making lifelong memories with family and friends.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step necessary to buy the perfect static caravan that meets your wants and needs – from price comparisons and model selection to understanding the actual costs of static caravan ownership.
Introduction to Owning a Static Caravan: Benefits and Considerations
It’s not hard to think about the benefits of static caravan ownership. From endless holidays, a home away from home, a more affordable holiday home option (compared to bricks and mortar), to feeling part of a community on a holiday park.
But what about other considerations?
We cover them in more detail below, but in summary;
- Which holiday park should you buy on?
- When will you be able to use it? Eg. Will you have enough free time to warrant the expense?
- How much does a static caravan cost? Should you buy new or used?
- How much are the static caravan site fees?
- Are there any extra costs associated with static caravan ownership?
- How will you finance your static caravan?
- Can you and do you want to rent out your static?
- How will you care for and maintain your static caravan?
Where To Buy A Static Caravan
There are endless locations to buy a static caravan and various holiday park styles.
Consider how easily you can travel to your chosen destination – it may be your dream to own a static caravan in Scotland, but if you live in the south of England, the travel time to get there will limit how often you can visit.
If you intend to rent out your static caravan, consider the area’s popularity as a tourist destination. Fortunately, most holiday parks are intentionally located in areas that attract a steady flow of visitors – but it’s still important to do your due diligence.
Will the holiday park be open all year round or just seasonally? As the manufacturing of static caravans has improved over the years, so has the ability to stay in one all year round. But some parks close for at least a few weeks over winter for maintenance and time off.
Our biggest tip would be to try before you buy. Go and stay on your chosen park – preferably in different seasons – and get a proper feel for the atmosphere, how it is managed and the local area.
Comparing Prices and Selecting a Model
There is a wide choice of static caravan models. Popular manufacturers include Willerby, ABI, and Atlas, among others.
Models vary in size, layout and fixtures.
Sizes typically start at a width of 10ft and usually go up to 14ft with a length of 28ft to 40ft and more.
Most manufacturers offer a range of models, from basic fixtures all the way up to luxury with interiors to rival many homes.
Prices for static caravans vary greatly too. The cost will depend on the size and model, its age (new versus old), the park location, and where it is situated within the park. Understandably a sea view will command a higher price than the one closest to the entertainment complex.
Most holiday parks and operators will offer a range of the main models – but if you have your heart set on a model they don’t have, it might be worth asking if you can get one bought off-site direct from the manufacturer and transported to your pitch.
Understanding All The Costs For Static Caravan Ownership
The cost of purchasing a static caravan is just one expense in the ownership equation.
Other costs include:
Site Fees – Every holiday park will have a set fee for having your static on their premises. If you intend to rent out, there may also be a commission taken from each booking – but this varies depending on the holiday park.
Insurance – Although it isn’t law to have insurance for your static caravan, most holiday parks will require a minimum level of cover.
Maintenance – You will also need to account for regular maintenance costs such as gas checks, electric safety tests, cleaning and any necessary repairs or replacements.
Utility Bills – Some of these may be included in the park site fees, but some may be payable as extra.
How To Pay For A Static Caravan
When it comes to actually paying for your static caravan, there are a few options you can consider:
Cash – The most straightforward way to purchase a static caravan is to pay the full amount in cash.
Finance – Most holiday parks offer finance packages with a low deposit and a monthly payment plan over an agreed period.
Part Exchange – Many dealers are willing to accept part exchange as full or partial payment. This means you can trade in your existing caravan against the cost of your new one, significantly reducing or even eliminating the outlay.
Renting Out Your Static Caravan
Many owners choose to rent out their caravan during peak season when the demand is highest. This can help you cover all or some of your running costs.
Most parks allow subletting, with many providing it as a service. They will take a management fee so remember to ask what their commission will be before signing any agreements.
You can also deal with the lettings yourself, perhaps paying someone local to the park to handle the arrivals and departures of guests.
Tips for Caring for Your Static Caravan
Static caravans need care and attention to keep them in good condition.
Here are some tips for caring for your static caravan:
Cleaning – Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the look of your caravan and help protect it from wear and tear.
Ventilation – Make sure that there is adequate ventilation throughout the caravan. This can help to keep the dampness at bay and maintain a healthy environment.
Seals – Check seals regularly and replace any cracked or damaged ones.
Gas – Have your gas system checked annually by a professional engineer to ensure it works safely and well.
Maintenance – Make sure to carry out necessary maintenance, such as painting and general upkeep.
Selling Your Static Caravan
There will come a time when you want to sell your static caravan, whether to buy a new one or move on from holiday home ownership.
In either case, there are several steps you can take to ensure that the sale of your caravan goes as smoothly as possible:
Research – Research comparable caravans in your area to get an idea of a fair price.
Prepare – Give the caravan a good clean and have any necessary maintenance done before you list it for sale.
Advertise – Use multiple advertising channels, such as online platforms (you can list with us!), local newspapers or within the holiday park. Sometimes the holiday park will be interested in buying it back from you, but this might be at a lower price than if you sold it privately.
Negotiate – Be flexible and open to negotiation when pricing your caravan.
Summary of What You Need to Know About Buying a Static Caravan
Buying a static caravan doesn’t need to be complicated. Still, there are some things to take into account, such as: where to buy it, your budget, the additional costs associated with ownership and how often you intend to use it.
The Next Steps
Get in touch with us to find out more about static caravan ownership.