How Much Does A Static Caravan Cost?

The popularity of static caravans is on the rise with more and more people across the UK seeing them as an astute investment offering the chance for a fab staycation. If you’ve thought about purchasing one, and providing you and your loved ones with a base from which to enjoy numerous holidays throughout the year, then you may want to have a full understanding of the true cost of owning a static caravan.

In this guide we aim to outline the cost of purchasing a static caravan, alongside the additional costs that you may end up paying as a static caravan owner. By the end of this blog you should understand the full costs of owning a static caravan and whether you’re able to afford it!

What is the Upfront Cost of Buying a Static Caravan?

How much does a static caravan cost? Well that’s not such an easy question to answer as the price range is rather wide. But essentially you can usually purchase a static caravan from around £10,000 up to £250,000, or more!

If you shop around and are willing to purchase a static caravan that sits on a quiet park with minimal facilities, then you may be able to purchase a pre-owned static caravan for around £10,000. However, if you have a big budget then you can opt for a top-end model on a fancy holiday park with a range of fantastic facilities that can cost you up to a quarter of a million or more.

It’s worth noting that many people will opt for an entry-level used static caravan on a Haven or Parkdean Resorts style park that will usually set them back around £25,000.

It’s also worth adding that brand new static caravans will usually start from around £30,000.

Most people will buy their static caravan on finance, which means paying off a deposit up front before paying off the rest in a series of pre-agreed monthly payments. If you opt for this, then at the point of purchase you’ll usually be required to pay a deposit of around 10-20% of the caravan’s total cost.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in a Static Caravan

Static caravan site fees

Once you've worked out the cost of buying your caravan, it's crucial to get to grips with site fees. These are the recurring expenses that come with keeping your caravan at a holiday park. These fees typically cover the rental of your pitch and allow access to the park’s facilities and services. They often include essentials such as water supply and contribute to the overall upkeep of the park.

When viewing a static caravan, the park operator will provide a full breakdown of these annual running costs, with site fees often representing the largest portion of the bill.

Typically, site fees are billed towards the close of the year or once the holiday season has ended. Park operators usually expect these fees to be settled before the next season begins, so you can anticipate receiving your invoice in October, with payment due by January. In some cases, paying early may earn you a small discount.

The cost of pitch fees varies significantly depending on the park, its size, and your caravan’s location within it. However, you can expect prices to fall within the following general bands:

• £2,000–£3,000: This range is typical for smaller, quieter parks. These caravan parks are ideal if you're seeking a peaceful retreat with a strong sense of community rather than extensive facilities.
• £3,000–£5,000: Mid-sized parks fall into this bracket. At the higher end, you might find an on-site bar, some entertainment options, and possibly a small pool or gym.
• £5,000–£10,000: For a premium experience, you’ll be looking at larger, more luxurious parks with multiple pools, a range of dining options, a well-equipped gym, and organised family-friendly entertainment. Top-end parks may even offer perks like access to a golf course or spa facilities.

Ultimately, site fees reflect the kind of experience you want from your caravan getaway, whether it’s a peaceful retreat or a bustling, activity-filled park.

Cost of utilities

Another major part of caravan ownership is the paying of utilities. That mostly entails paying for gas and electricity.

Generally speaking caravan parks have different ways of managing gas and electricity costs, depending on their specific setup. Some parks use individual metres for both gas and electricity, which are read at intervals throughout the year. You’ll then receive a bill based on your consumption. It’s tricky to predict exact fuel costs, but many larger parks advise caravan owners to budget around £500 for the season to cover both utilities.

For gas, many parks use 47kg bottles, which are fairly standard. Some parks require you to buy these directly from them, while others allow you to source them independently. Typically, you’re looking at around £65 to £75 per bottle, including delivery and installation.

How much you use will depends largely on your static caravan’s specific heating system and how often you’re intending to stay at your caravan. If you're unsure about potential costs, it's worth asking park staff, but don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from fellow static caravan owners if the figures seem overly optimistic.

Buying gas from external suppliers is often cheaper, but it comes with its own set of inconveniences. For instance, while park staff might be willing to deliver in the middle of the night, outside suppliers may not be quite as flexible!

Do I have to pay council tax on a static caravan?

If your static caravan is located in a holiday park, you're in luck - there’s no council tax to worry about. Instead, caravan owners contribute to the council services used by the park through their site fees. These fees will often cover things such as waste collection and road maintenance, but this comes at a significantly lower cost than a typical council tax bill.

The only scenario where council tax becomes relevant is if you’re using your static caravan as your primary residence. In this case, whether it’s located on private land you own or within a designated residential park, it will be subject to council tax just like any other home. The amount depends on the local council's valuation and your property’s banding.

Holiday parks operate under different rules because they are licensed for seasonal use, meaning you’re not allowed to live there year-round. Therefore, as long as your static caravan remains situated on a holiday park and isn’t used as your main home, council tax won’t apply. However, it’s always wise to check with the park operator to clarify what services are covered in your site fees and whether there are any additional local levies to be aware of.

Cost of static caravan insurance

It is always a very good idea to ensure that your static caravan is fully insured. Whilst not a legal requirement, many caravan parks will insist that you’re insured before they allow you to stay onsite. As with your home or car, the risk of fire or flooding, or even extreme weather conditions, are worth taking into account. For example, a falling tree or water damage could end up costing you a fortune if you’re not insured.

Static caravan insurance in the UK typically costs between £150 and £300 per year and a number of different factors can affect the cost, such as the value of your static caravan, its location, and the level of coverage you choose. Similar to car insurance, variables such as whether you sublet the caravan and the amount of public liability cover required will also influence the price you have to pay.

Most holiday parks in the UK will require you to purchase public liability insurance, as it covers potential claims if someone is injured in connection with your static caravan. Whether it’s a passerby hurt by a blown-open window or a guest injured while staying in your static caravan, this cover protects you from legal and financial repercussions. If you sublet, this is particularly important, as any accidents involving guests would fall under your policy.

Though such claims are rare, parks require this insurance to ensure everyone is protected should any accidents occur.

Maintenance costs

To make the most of your holiday caravan, it’s crucial for you to stay on top of basic yearly maintenance. This not only keeps your static caravan in top-notch condition but also guarantees you can continue enjoying it for years to come.

Before committing to ownership, it's essential to scrutinise the fine print of your contract. These documents often outline in detail the responsibilities of both the static caravan owner and the park operator when it comes to upkeep. Take the time to review this carefully, ensuring it is comprehensive and transparent. A clear understanding of who’s responsible for what can save you from potential headaches down the line.

But it is worth bearing in mind that regular maintenance will cost you some money, so do factor this in when budgeting.

As a static caravan owner you’ll need to stay on top of things like:

• Cleaning: Ensuring the static caravan is kept clean both inside and out. Pay special attention to gutters, which can easily become blocked, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
• Maintaining the roof: Keep an eye on the roof, which bears the brunt of our famous British weather. Consider using waterproofing treatments like Isoflex to seal joints and prevent leaks.
• Check the chassis: Inspect the chassis for surface rust or corrosion. You may need to repaint it at times to maintain structural integrity and prevent further deterioration. Gas system maintenance: Regularly check the condition of gas hoses and butane threaded regulator couplings, as these need replacing every 3-5 years.
• Service appliances: Arrange for an annual service of your gas system, mains electricity, and refrigerator by a certified professional. This ensures everything is functioning safely and efficiently, and you should receive an inspection certificate for peace of mind.
• Test internal lighting: Replace any faulty bulbs immediately, and consider switching to energy-saving alternatives to lower electricity consumption.
• Safety alarms and fire equipment: You’ll want to check the batteries in your smoke alarms, gas detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms, and ensure your fire extinguisher is in-date and functional.

How Much Does it Cost to Move a Static Caravan?

If you’ve settled your static caravan in a picturesque spot, chances are you won’t be rushing to move it. However, if you do decide to relocate it, be prepared – moving a static caravan is no small task.

Relocating a static caravan in the UK comes with a variety of costs, influenced by the size and weight of the specific model you own as well as the distance of the move and specific requirements at both departure and arrival sites. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses involved:

• Disconnection fees: Before you can move, services such as gas, electricity, water, internet, and even TV connections need to be professionally disconnected, and these can come at a price.
• Removal costs: Professional removal companies are required to transport your static caravan.
• Arrival fees: Once at your new location, there’s the cost of levelling, siting, and any specific fees required by the new site. Escort costs: For larger static caravans or more complicated routes, an escort vehicle may be needed, adding further to the overall expense.

The price for moving a static caravan typically ranges from somewhere between £1,000 and £5,000.

Given the potential for steep costs, it’s essential to plan carefully. Seeking multiple quotes and considering all aspects of the relocation will help you find the best deal, ensuring that your move goes as smoothly – and as affordably – as possible.

Static Caravan Costs

So, there you have it! Static caravans are becoming a popular investment for UK holidaymakers, offering an affordable and flexible staycation option. Prices for static caravans range from £10,000 for a basic, pre-owned model to £250,000 for a luxury option on a premium site. Financing is common, with buyers typically paying a 10-20% deposit and monthly instalments.

In addition to the purchase price, owners must budget for annual site fees, which cover pitch rental and park services. Fees vary from £2,000 for small parks to over £10,000 at luxury resorts. Utilities such as gas and electricity add around £500 annually, depending on usage, and gas bottles typically cost £65 to £75.

Other costs include insurance (ranging from £150 to £300 annually), essential for protecting against damage or liability. Maintenance is crucial, involving tasks like cleaning, roof checks, and gas system servicing.

For those considering relocating their static caravan, expect moving costs between £1,000 and £5,000, depending on size and distance. It’s important that you plan and budget for these expenses as this really is key to fully enjoying static caravan ownership!