Top Things to Consider When Buying a Static Caravan

Since the pandemic, sales of static caravans have increased in the UK as people looked for new ways to holiday after air travel was put on hold. Even though things are back to normal, there is still a booming market for static caravans for sale as a whole new generation of holidaymakers fell in love with the many benefits of getting away from it all without leaving the country. So, if you are considering joining them, have a quick look at the top things to consider before diving in and purchasing a static caravan.

Will the lifestyle work for you?

Static caravans tend to be sited in holiday parks, so your first mission will be to find an area you are happy to return to time after time. They tend to offer a larger living space than towing vans and campers, so you have some space, but things can be a little tight compared to a house. So, you must be happy spending time in close proximity for a few days or longer.

Can you use it regularly?

Investing in a static caravan is perfect if you can use it for regular breaks throughout the year. Some people make the most of their investment by renting it out, and many sites will help you with this. You will need to be comfortable with strangers staying in your home when you aren’t there, and there tends to be time limits, with many parks closing for 2-4 months of the year, usually in winter. As well as your initial outlay, there are ongoing annual site fees, so renting it out may help you cover these and repay some of your costs but remember that the park will charge a commission for administering the rentals.

Could you own jointly?

The other option is to purchase a static caravan with extended family members. It brings the cost down for everyone, and you can all take turns visiting. If you have an agreeable family, this can work well, but at the same time, it can get frustrating if everyone wants to go at the same time.

Do the costs workout?

The static caravan purchase is just the first expense, and this can be anywhere from £10,000 to upwards of half a million. Some can be financed, like a mortgage, but with higher interest rates, and some have to be purchased outright. Next, you have the site fees, which average £3000-£5000 a year, and insurance, which will be around £450 yearly. Other costs include heating and lighting, water and drainage and rates, which can total another £1500 a year. When the site closes for the winter, which most do, you should also allow them to winterise your caravan, draining the water to prevent leaks from frozen pipes and other maintenance, setting you back around £70 a year.

As with any holiday, there are pros and cons, but for some people, static caravan ownership is the perfect way to spend their vacation time, so work through all the costs and issues before you decide.