Are you buying a static caravan? You’ll want to consider a few things before making your purchase. Here are some questions to ask when buying a static caravan.
It’s easy to fall in love with the lifestyle of owning a holiday home in your favourite location, but make sure you think about the logistics and reality of owning a static caravan before you part with any money.
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- A Beginner’s Guide On How To Buy A Static Caravan
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How Much Does A Static Caravan Cost?
When buying a static caravan, the first thing you need to do is work out your budget.
Used static caravans can start at as little as £5,000; new ones typically range from £15,000 up to sometimes over £250,000.
The cost of a static caravan will vary greatly depending on several factors. These can include the age, size, interior design, location of the holiday park, and location within the park.
When buying a static caravan, don’t hesitate to negotiate and see if you can get it at a lower price or get some extras thrown in!
Can You Get Finance To Buy A Static Caravan?
Finance to buy a static caravan is possible via different methods:
- Personal Loan
- Secured Loan
- Hire Purchase
Research each option before you take out any financing. Some finance options offer better rates than others, and your eligibility will depend on your circumstances.
Many holiday parks offer finance for buying a static caravan, but these might not necessarily be the best option for you – explore all avenues before agreeing to anything; it’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of the moment!
What Extra Costs Are There?
Aside from the initial investment of buying a static caravan, there are other costs to consider.
- Site fees – vary depending on various factors; see below for more details.
- Business rates – these are sometimes included in the site fees – double-check with the holiday park before buying.
- Heating – you will have either gas or electricity costs. Some parks will have meters you can use or allow you to connect a gas bottle.
- Water – check how you pay for the water. Some parks might include it in the site fees, but many will charge you an annual or monthly fee for your water used.
- Insurance – although static caravan insurance isn’t a legal requirement, many holiday parks will require it as a condition of siting it.
- Maintenance – it’s worth putting a little bit of money aside each month for any maintenance or repairs.
What Is The Age Of The Static Caravan?
If you are buying a brand new caravan, this isn’t a problem, but for any used statics or lodges, it’s essential to know how old it is and its history.
Ask how the static caravan has been maintained and any repair works that have taken place.
How Long Can I Keep My Static Caravan On A Holiday Park?
This will vary depending on the park. Most holiday parks will let you keep it on their site for 10 to 20 years, but this is mainly dependent on the condition and safety of the caravan.
Before buying your static caravan, ask the holiday park sales team how long they will let you keep it sited.
Can I Sell My Static Caravan?
Yes, you can sell your static caravan; the following options are available;
- Sell your static caravan privately with it remaining sited at the holiday park.
- Sell it to the park where it is sited.
- Sell it to a trader or dealer.
There are pros and cons to each of these options. Selling privately will likely get you the highest price. Before you sell, check your contract with the holiday park for any notice periods and disconnection fees (if it will be removed from the park).
Do you want to sell a static caravan? Get in touch with us to learn more about our listing packages.
Is It Better To Buy A New Or Used Static Caravan?
Like when buying a new or a used car, there are pros and cons to both.
Although a new static caravan will cost more to buy, it will come with the latest specifications and will be easier to rent out to holidaymakers if you want to offset some of the cost.
Conversely, the cheaper cost of a used caravan and a slower depreciation value might be more appealing to you.
Our advice is to view both new and used caravans.
Do I Need Static Caravan Insurance?
It isn’t a legal requirement to have static caravan insurance, but most holiday parks will require that you have it.
Although static caravan policies vary, most will cover you for weather damage, renters damage, public liability and more.
Check out our guide to static caravan insurance for more details.
Can I Let Out My Static Caravan?
Most holiday parks allow you to sublet your static caravan, with some sites even providing management and rental services to assist you.
Depending on the logistics, it might be more economical for you to manage the rental yourself.
Can I Live In A Static Caravan?
You can’t live permanently all year round in a static caravan. Holiday parks are non-residential, and legally you cannot live there as your permanent address.
This is true even on holiday parks that are open all year round.
Can I Access My Static Caravan At Any Time?
You should be able to visit your static caravan anytime during the park opening season. Some parks close for a period of time each year; if this is the case, check with them whether you can still access your caravan for maintenance, even if it isn’t to stay there.
What Are The Site Fees?
The site fees that you pay will vary depending on the holiday park. Site fees generally start at around £2,000 per year and can go up to £10,000. The different costs depend on where the park is and what is included in the site fee.
Some holiday parks offer discounts on the first year of ownership or include it in the initial selling price of the static caravan.
Related: Static Caravan Site Fees
Can I Move A Static Caravan?
A static caravan can be moved, but it’s not easy or cheap to do – so only do it when absolutely necessary!
You can’t move a static caravan by yourself; you will need a specialist moving company with prices ranging from £1,000 up to £5,000 depending on several variables.
What Holiday Park Security Is There?
Most holiday parks, especially the larger ones, will have 24/7 security in place. If there isn’t, double-check what security they do have, such as security lights, CCTV and any alarm systems.
Does My Static Caravan Come With A Warranty?
Most holiday parks will offer a warranty on static caravan sales, but make sure you ask for full details such as the length of time and exactly what you are covered for.
What Facilities Are On The Park?
When you visit the park, you will be able to see what facilities are available – but make sure you ask if these are payable as extra or if they are included in your site fees. Also, ask what times of the year they are open and whether there are any owner-exclusive facilities.
Do I Need To Pay Council Tax On My Static Caravan?
No, council tax is not payable on a static caravan. As you cannot use it as a residential home, council tax is not applicable.
Do I Need A TV License?
According to TV Licensing;
“You’ll need to buy a TV Licence for your static caravan, mobile home or moveable chalet if:
- anyone, at the same time, is watching or recording live TV on any channel or watching or downloading BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer at your main licensed address
- the caravan or mobile home is your main residence.”
If neither of these is the case, you must fill out a non-simultaneous use declaration form, which you can download from their website.
Is There Parking Available?
Most parks will provide a space, normally next to the caravan, for you to park a car. Ask how many spaces are available for your use.
Can I Install Decking Around My Static Caravan?
This will vary between holiday parks, but most will allow it. They may have preferred decking suppliers or certain stipulations regarding the style and size.
Installing decking around a caravan is a great way to extend your outdoor living space.
Can I Install Solar Panels?
Solar panels on static caravans are a great way to save a bit of money on the cost of powering your holiday home.
You will need to ask the holiday park whether they allow solar panels to be put on the roof of a caravan, and it is recommended to seek advice for the installation; you don’t want to damage the roof if it’s done incorrectly.
Who Is Responsible For Cleaning My Static Caravan?
As the owner, you are responsible for cleaning the static caravan. Some holiday parks might provide this as an extra service, or you can pay for a professional cleaning service from an external company.
Keeping the inside clean is essential if you rent out to guests, and maintaining the exterior will not only help it look nice but also help keep it in good condition.
Can I Decorate The Interior Of My Static Caravan?
Yes, you can decorate and refurbish the inside of your static caravan to your tastes. If you are renting it out to guests, it’s worth thinking about a neutral and durable design.
Check Out Our Static Caravan Makeover Ideas