Guide to Buying a Static Caravan

Many people dream of owning their own home away from home. A cottage in the country perhaps. Or a house in a peaceful village. However, many others see caravans and motorhomes as fantastic, cheaper alternatives to this, allowing them to hit the road, exploring new places at will. But there’s another option. One that sits in the middle of these two, and that’s the static caravan. 

Static caravans allow you and your loved ones to visit a beloved location and enjoy a holiday whenever you please, without having to fork out hundreds of thousands of pounds to buy a property. We really do think that when it comes to a staycation here in the UK, static caravans are right up there, offering holidaymakers the freedom and flexibility to relax and unwind in style. 

However, purchasing a static caravan is a significant investment and there are many factors to consider before making the decision. In this guide you will learn everything you need to know about buying a static caravan before you take the plunge.

Things to Consider When Buying a Static Caravan

Know your budget

Before making any sizable purchase, it is absolutely vital that you are fully aware of your budget. That means having a clear understanding of how much you are willing to spend on your caravan and how much you will be able to afford in ongoing monthly fees (more about these in a moment). If you have set yourself a specific budget and you end up going over this, you may end up in financial difficulty. Therefore, you should always have a clear figure in mind and stick to it.

What do you want from your static caravan?

Once you have a clear understanding of how much you can afford to spend, you will want to draw up a list of essentials that you want from your caravan. Static caravans can offer a variety of different amenities and luxuries, so it’s a good idea to understand the specific features you want your caravan to offer. 

Some things that you will want to consider when drawing up your essentials list include: 

• Kitchen specifics: If you are a keen cook and love to host dinner parties with friends, then you may well want to invest in a static caravan that offers a wide range of top quality kitchen appliances as well as ample storage space. However, if this is not the case, and you often use on-site dining facilities or prepare more simple suppers, then you may wish to opt for a model that has a more basic, simple kitchen. 
• Bathroom facilities: For many people, the bathroom facilities are right at the top of the list when purchasing a static caravan. Some people don’t mind showering in smaller, compact bathrooms, however, lots of people want to invest in a caravan that offers more space and comfort. Some static caravans will have tiny bathrooms that feature small showers, whereas others will be able to offer more space alongside bathtubs and big showers. 
• Living areas: If you and your loved ones want to spend time relaxing together inside your caravan, then you may wish to opt for one with a larger living room space and plenty of seating. Whereas if you’re using your caravan as a base from which to venture out and explore the area and love to spend time sitting outside, then you may wish to save money by opting for a caravan with smaller living spaces. 
• Sleeping arrangements: The number of bedrooms will also massively impact the price of your static caravan. If you’re likely to travel alone or with just one loved one, then you can save a lot of money by opting for models with just one or two bedrooms. However, if you’re going to be bringing the family along, then you can purchase larger models with room for everyone! It’s also worth considering pull-out sofa beds too, which can be a life saver in helping lower costs whilst not compromising on bed space. 

When thinking about all of the above, it’s important to consider what exactly you want from your static caravan. It’s worth asking yourself the following questions: 

• Who will be joining you on your holidays? 
• How will you be spending your time on-site? 
• Are space, privacy, and comfort important to you? 
• Are you happy to compromise on certain wants in order to save money? 

Once you have your list, and you’re fully aware what it is you want from your static caravan, you’re ready to venture out into the world and start looking at models. We will always recommend that you visit the caravan before completing a purchase. Never buy a model without looking at it first!

When do you want to purchase your static caravan?

In the past, the advice offered to buyers was to buy a static caravan during winter in the “off season”. This was because parks and dealerships would often reduce prices to ensure they make sales during the colder months of the year. Whilst this may be the case with some dealers, for the majority of them, this advice no longer applies. Dealerships these days don’t tend to do this, meaning there is no guarantee you’ll be able to find a bargain during the off season. 

It’s also worth noting that the price of park fees will often be reviewed and increased during spring, in the period before the peak season begins. 

So when it comes to timing, your best bet is to consider the specific holiday park or site that you want to visit, and take into consideration their specific availability and prices. You can always speak to the park to discuss the flexibility of their pricing during the off season, but if it’s a popular location, then it’s likely their prices will remain the same year-round.

Understand the monthly running costs of a static caravan

This is a very important thing to bear in mind when buying a static caravan: You will incur additional charges and regular running costs. Do not forget this. Otherwise, you’ll buy a caravan and be completely unprepared for the financial upkeep ahead. 

Here are some of the additional costs that you will want to consider when purchasing your static caravan: 

• Pitch fees or site fees: Whilst you own the caravan itself, the park you choose to locate your caravan in may still charge you to rent the pitch on which your caravan sits. This is known as a pitch fee or a site fee. The price of the fee will vary from park to park, with certain factors affecting it, such as the size of your caravan and the services being offered on-site. 
• Insurance: It is always a good idea to ensure that your static caravan is insured. It may not be compulsory, but it will help you to guard against any unforeseen circumstances. Insurance can help you cover any parts or items that may need to be replaced or repaired. You may wish to shop around for insurance to see if you can keep your costs down, or speak to the caravan park representative, who may be able to suggest specific providers. 
• Utility bills: Just like at home, you will need to pay bills to cover your caravan’s utilities. This means paying for things like water, gas, and electricity. 
• Local council rates: In some parts of the UK, local councils will charge rates for owning holiday homes. These rates may only include the price of water, sewage, and bin collection, however, in other cases they may include more. Rates will usually be charged to the caravan park itself, who will then charge the caravan owners a small portion of this figure. It’s a good idea to fully understand these fees before making your purchase, so speak to a representative at the park you’re thinking of purchasing from.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Caravan Park

Choosing the right park is just as important as choosing the right static caravan. The park can make or break your holiday, so be sure to do your research and visit a few caravan parks before making your decision. Here are some things that we feel you will want to take into account when choosing a caravan park.

How far do you want to travel?

Some people want to make long trips far across the country to visit an entirely different environment from the one they live in. Whereas others will want to opt for a caravan site closer to home, making it easier to go on shorter breaks, more frequently throughout the year. 

When deciding on how far you are willing to go, you will also want to consider how you will be getting to and from your caravan. If you are driving, then you can have your pick of parks. However, if you’re aiming to get the train or bus, then you will want to opt for a caravan park that is nicely placed for public transport.

What attractions do you want nearby?

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, then you may want your static caravan to sit near a beautiful National Park or a glorious stretch of rugged coastline. If you want to be able to pop out for meals or drinks in pubs, then you’ll want to go for a park with good access to a nice sized town or city.

What park facilities are essential to you?

Caravan parks vary greatly and a park that is perfect for one person might not be suitable for another. That’s why it’s very important that you have a clear idea of the facilities that you most desire. Here are some things that you may wish to consider when selecting a caravan park: 

• Are activities and entertainment important to you? If you want lots of on-site entertainment then you’ll want to opt for a park with a nice restaurant or bar that has lots of organised events throughout the year. Some parks offer very minimal options when it comes to leisure or community spaces, whereas others will provide you with plenty. 
• Do you need a good on-site restaurant? If you love cooking and hosting at your static caravan, then a place to eat on-site isn’t required. However, if you want to relax and unwind during your stay, without cooking for your group, then you may want to be able to make the short stroll to a lovely on-site restaurant to eat each night. 
• Is the park dog-friendly? If travelling with a canine companion, you’ll want to ensure you choose a caravan park that is dog-friendly and has lots of great walks nearby! 
• Do you have specific needs? If you or a loved one has a certain disability then you will want to ensure that you’re choosing a caravan park that offers full accessibility. 
• Do you enjoy some peace and quiet? If you’re going to be visiting your static caravan on your own or with just a few loved ones, and you want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature, then you will need to take this into consideration when choosing a park. Make sure you visit a park and see how busy and crowded it is. Get a feel for the noise pollution on-site and see if it will bother you during your stay. 
• Who will be visiting your caravan? If you’re going to have children with you or you’re going to let other family members stay when you’re not around, then you’ll want to opt for a caravan park with the right facilities for their needs as well as yours.

Make sure you visit the park before signing anything!

If you’ve done your research and you think you’ve found the perfect caravan park, make sure you pay it a visit, before signing on the dotted line. If you are spending lots of money on a static caravan and committing to visiting the park for regular holidays, it’s very important that you have been to see the place to ensure it ticks all your boxes. You want to be sure that you’ll love the environment around you and get a good understanding of everything the park has to offer. 

A lot of caravan parks will offer potential buyers the chance to visit the site and go on a tour allowing you to ask questions in person.

Pros of Buying a Static Caravan

Holiday whenever you want!

The true beauty of owning a static caravan is being able to holiday whenever you want to. That means no more check-in times. No more rushing to check out before 10am. No more bookings or looking for availability. Your caravan is yours, and you and your loved ones can come and go as they please.

Own your holiday home

So many people dream of one day owning a holiday home. And the static caravan makes that a real possibility for many people. It allows you to return to a place that you truly love, whenever you wish.

Guaranteed quality

We’ve all booked a holiday online. We’ve all entered into it knowing that, to some extent, you’re entering a lottery. You may turn up to find out that your holiday retreat is nothing like what you were expecting, looking different to the pictures and not being at all as described online. Well, by buying a static caravan you’re able to look the place over first, before deciding to invest. Over time your static caravan may even start to feel like home!

Meet like-minded people

During your stay you may wish to keep yourself to yourself and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. But if you do wish to socialise and mingle with those around you, you’re likely to meet a number of friendly, like-minded people.

If you’re bringing children with you, you can opt for a caravan park that is family friendly with great amenities for kids. This can mean that your children can make friends during your stay, and you can spend time with other parents.

Cons of Buying a Static Caravan

Site fees can add up

Site fees can vary significantly based on the park you select, so it's crucial to research and compare various options before making a decision. It’s important to keep these fees in mind when budgeting for your static caravan.

Less flexibility with static caravans

Static caravans sit in one location. It’s part of their charm. You can really get to know the area and the other owners in the park. But it can also be a drawback as it means you’re tied down to one location for long periods, limiting your chances to travel as you can with a touring caravan.

Maintenance responsibilities

It’s worth knowing that maintaining a static caravan requires an investment of time and resources, similar to owning a home. Regular upkeep is essential to keep your caravan in safe and sound condition. For many owners, maintaining a static caravan brings a great sense of pride and accomplishment. However, balancing the maintenance of both a home and a static caravan can be challenging. 

Most parks offer services to assist with maintenance, such as gas and electric servicing. While these services are convenient and often necessary, they do come with additional costs. When weighing the pros and cons of buying a static caravan, maintenance is a crucial factor that should not be overlooked.

Selling the static caravan can be a pain

Considering the process of selling your static caravan is important before making a purchase. Selling can be one of the more challenging aspects of ownership. When the time comes to sell, understanding the sales process is essential.

Your static caravan is a valuable asset, and many reputable holiday parks can assist with the sales process by offering to buy it back from you. Knowing the company's policy on buybacks will help you plan ahead.