If you are considering purchasing a holiday caravan, we would like to share with you 10 things you should know before investing in your own static caravan.
Sales of new holiday caravans have increased by 47% this year, while used caravans have increased by a whopping 65%. Due to the current situation, staycations are clearly on the rise, with more people investing in private holiday caravans. You can get away from it all whenever you want and get into the holiday spirit without spending a lot of money. You can also get a vacation home without the need for huge investments and vacation home maintenance costs!
We bought our first static caravan 4 years ago. We had been on caravan tours before, but we found a short weekend trip difficult, especially with her two young children. We considered renting a fixed caravan for him for the week, but quickly discovered that it would cost him at least £1,000 per week to rent in his chosen location. So I thought it would be a no-brainer to purchase!
We are now the proud owners of Pemberton Serena and are joining a growing number of young families investing in holiday caravans. Robinson Caravan has reported a 10% increase in buyers under 40 this year, with more and more young couples moving into caravans. It’s young first-time buyers who are investing in luxury caravans costing over £30,000, but the price of a new van can soar to £250,000!
If you have never vacationed in a stationary caravan before, you probably think this is ridiculously expensive. Therefore, we highly recommend dipping your toe in the water and renting it first to see if you like it. Most people love them, but they quickly forget they’re part of a caravan.
view from caravan
Here’s everything you need to know before buying a static caravan
#1. You can’t keep a static caravan/ holiday caravan forever
The first thing most people are surprised about when buying a holiday caravan is that they won’t be able to keep it forever. At least, that means you won’t be able to keep it until it gets really old and falling apart!
Most caravan sites have formal contracts that allow owners to store their caravans for a set number of years (usually 10-20 years) before they need to upgrade).
When purchasing a new caravan, you may be able to arrange for it to be purchased privately and moved to your desired location, but in some cases you may need to purchase directly from the site owner and they will largely determine the price can do. Depending on demand – it depends on the site.
Some sites allow you to keep your caravan for 10 years, while others allow you to keep your caravan for 15 or 20 years. Depending on the caravan’s situation, they may be flexible, or they may be very strict. It really varies, but most sites won’t allow you to save it until it falls apart.
Travel Hack Tip: Also keep in mind that older second-hand caravans aren’t worth much and you won’t be able to sell a 20-year-old static caravan for a lot of money.
#2. You’ll have to pay site fees for a holiday caravan
When you purchase a caravan, you own it, but you will need to pay an annual site fee to the site where your caravan is stored. Site prices can vary widely depending on location and facilities available on the site.
A caravan venue in a less desirable part of the UK with no facilities will cost around £1,500 a year, whereas a more desirable location with a pool, beach, club, bar or restaurant will cost around £10,000 a year. There may be cases.
we store boats in caravans
#3. You also have to pay for insurance, gas, water and electric bills
As with any vacation home, you’ll also need to pay for insurance, gas, water, electricity, and possibly internet access.
These additional costs will cost around £500 per year.
Our site owners arrange group insurance as it is much cheaper and Wi-Fi is included in the site price.
#4. Most sites aren’t open all year around
Most holiday caravan sites are open from March to October, while many high-end sites are open from February to December.
Most fixed caravans are not subject to council tax. That is why caravans are not open all year round. If they are open for 12 months of the year, you will have to pay council tax as a second home and that will be too high for most people.
For me, I really like the fact that the caravan site is closed during the winter season. Our caravan is next to the beach so we spend most of our time either on the beach or in the water. So for us, this is a summer place. Reopening in March will also make you look forward to the long winter nights!
#5. Most holiday caravans have ALL the home comforts you need
Central heating, great shower, private bathroom, comfy bed, cozy sofa, oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, coffee machine, TV and Wi-Fi are pretty standard. Popular amenities include Sky TV, washer and dryer, chest freezer, air conditioning, hot tub, spacious deck, large BBQ area, personal flower bed, outdoor shed and storage for bikes, kayaks, surfboards and more included.
#6. You can rent out your caravan on many (but not all) static caravan sites
Many sites allow owners to rent fixed caravans privately. This can be a great side income and many families will rent out a caravan long enough to cover the costs and keep it for personal use once the caravan fee has been paid.
Of course, there are pros and cons to subletting a caravan.
Subletting is not permitted on our caravan sites. It’s reassuring to know that the site is very secure and private. We know all our neighbors, we have a nice community, all the kids can run around together, and there are never any amazing stags!
#7. Holiday caravan sites vary massively
Some static caravan sites are essentially fields with water and electricity.
Other static caravan sites include swimming pools, restaurants, gyms, health clubs, crèches, bars, tennis courts, beaches, golf buggies for transportation and perfectly landscaped gardens.
I’ve stayed at many caravan sites and to be honest, neither style is better than the other, just different. The former is quiet and peaceful, aimed at enjoying the surrounding area and escaping everyday life. The latter is sociable and there is little need to leave the caravan venue as all the necessary facilities are on site.
Our static caravan sites are more basic, so they are much more affordable, but within walking distance to the beach and village, everything you need is close by.
#8. Your static caravan really does become a home from home
A static caravan may be a small aluminum box, but it truly becomes a home!
We leave a lot of our stuff behind, so going back there every Friday night is like stepping into a tiny house. Keep toys and books there, as well as your favorite weekend clothes. We grow plants there and keep the fridge and freezer on during the summer so we have cold drinks waiting for us.
#9. Most static caravans can be bought on finance
Static caravans have a large initial investment, most costing around £30,000, but most can be purchased on finance and repaid over time.
#10. You won’t regret buying a static caravan
And finally, if you are still wondering whether to buy a static caravan, this is the last thing you need to know. You won’t regret it. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it for the mini-vacation you get there.
It’s only June, but it feels like we’ve already had a lot of small vacations this year. We’ve been on the caravan about 10 times this year (and missed a few weekends due to the terrible weather for a few months!) and have already made so many great memories. Now I can enjoy the whole summer and I plan to spend most of my six week summer vacation there with my kids.
It’s a big investment, but like most things, if you use it regularly, it’s money well spent. And when you no longer use it, just sell it!
Read more:
Owning a static caravan: advantages and disadvantages
Everything you need to know about holiday caravans
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If you want to know more about our caravans, we share our trips on our Instagram stories most weekends, so be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheTravelHack