You have chosen your holiday park, and you have decided on your pitch, now it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty of choosing the right static caravan or lodge for you. Most of our customers look forward to this part the most, but much like selecting a new home, there are many things to consider before you make the final decision.
In this complete guide to choosing the right caravan or lodge for your family, we’ll cover things you may not have considered before, and provide you with top tips from our holiday home team.
Holiday Lodges vs Static Caravans
The demand for UK holiday homes has soared since the pandemic and, as a result, leading holiday parks have seen increased interest in both static caravans and premium lodges. You’ll find both of these options on most holiday parks, here we’ll explain the differences and the advantages and disadvantages between the two:
We recommend that you prepare a static caravan pitch checklist, including the following points:
Static Caravans
Static caravans are prefabricated structures made from PVC, fibreglass, or stainless-steel panels. They are attached to a chassis for transportation and equipped with windows, piped in utilities, and all the comforts of a traditional brick and mortar home.
A static caravan is normally classified by its size which tends to be from 28 to 40 feet in length and 12 to 14 feet in width.
Specifically designed for holiday use, static caravans make affordable holiday homes and have the advantage of being sited on holiday parks in popular locations. They come in various sizes and designs to suit every budget and taste. Pre-owned static caravans that are older in age and in lower specification will obviously sell for lower prices. If you intend to use your static caravan for a longer holiday season double glazing and central heating are a must. Remember static caravans do not have to be basic, many high-end models will have the same fit and finish as a luxury lodge.
Advantages Of Static Caravans Compared To Holiday Lodges
• Affordable
• Widely available on all UK holiday parks
• Many preowned options
• Ideal for first-time holiday home buyers
Disadvantages Of Static Caravans Compared To Holiday Lodges<
• Less space
Holiday Home Lodges
Holiday home lodges offer a more spacious holiday home experience to potential buyers. The key difference between a static caravan and a lodge is the size.
A holiday lodge on a UK park is normally classified by its size which tends to be from 28 to 40 feet in length and 20 to 22 feet in width. This increase in width effectively doubles the size of the living space available compared to a static caravan which is perfect for larger families. A good way to understand a lodge is to consider it as 2 static caravans put together with a single pitched roof. Lodges provide a real sense of open plan living and is why they are so appealing.
Holiday lodges will often be purchased with a balcony or veranda to provide essential outdoor space for relaxing, dining, and entertaining.
Many Holiday park lodges have an upmarket feel with luxurious interiors, high-spec kitchens, and even outdoor hot tubs.
As they are larger than static caravans, they require a bigger pitch, which may incur higher pitch fees.
Advantages Of Holiday Home Lodges Compared To Static Caravans
• More Space
• Open Plan Living
• Offer Luxurious with high-end features and specifications
Disadvantages Of Holiday Lodges Compared To Static Caravans
• More expensive, often costing £100,000 plus
• Bigger pitches can lead to increased site fees
• Less availability
New Or Used – Which Is Right For You?
Now you have decided on a caravan or lodge you can start looking for your dream holiday home. There are many ways you can do this, but you first need to decide if you are going to buy a new static caravan or lodge, or used one. Your budget will help you determine the right option for your family.
New
Buying new gives you the joy of being the first owner to enjoy your pristine caravan holiday home or lodge. This option gives you complete choice over your specification allowing you to tailer it to your individual need and allow you to take advantage of the latest innovations in design.
New units will come with a comprehensive manufacturer warrantee offering complete peace of mind.
If you are buying a new holiday home that is not already “in stock” on the holiday park you will need to wait for delivery before you can complete the handover. Due to increased demand in 2020, parks are reporting a backlog of orders with main UK manufacturers leading to increased delivery times.
Advantages of New Static Caravans
• Tailored to you
• Will have latest features
• Full Warrantee
Disadvantages of New Static Caravans
• Higher cost & depreciation
• May have wait for delivery
• Potential delays in delivery
Used / Preowned
Second-hand static caravans and lodges can cost up to 50 per cent less than new ones, but they won’t have the same warranty, and lifespan as a new model. With lower entry cost you effectively get more holiday home for your money by compromising on a preowned caravans or lodge.
They may also come with high value “extras” specified from new at full price such as verandas and this can also offer added value for money.
In general, a used static caravan will depreciate at a lower rate than a new model should you need to sell. We tend to advise our website users to look at their purchase as a long-term proposition as those that sell in a short space of time tend to have a poor experience and will loose money, this is why you need to ensure ownership is right for you.
Remember older models may look like a bargain but will have a much-reduced usable lifespan.
If you are intending to sublet to help towards running cost the rental income will normally decline based on the age of the holiday home.
Advantages of Used Static Caravans
• Lower entry cost
• Includes Extras
• Normally instantly available on a pitch
Disadvantages of Used Static Caravans
• Shorter lifespan
• No warrantee
• Will yield less rental income
As a buyer you will need to weigh up the pros and cons of each option before you start shopping to avoid disappointment.
Where To Buy A Static Caravan or Holiday Home Lodge
If you are wondering where and how to buy a static caravan or holiday lodge in the UK, there are two main options. You can buy it directly from the holiday park or from a private a private seller. Here we provide a brief overview of each:
Buying Directly From The Holiday Park: This is the only way to buy a new holiday home on a park and the most popular option for used purchases.
A park will have a wide choice of new and used options and be able to take you through the process from start to finish.
Private Sales: You may also choose to buy a used holiday home from a private seller on the park. You need to verify that the seller does indeed own the caravan and that there is no outstanding finance on it, and you need to validate paperwork such as the original purchase agreement and the pitch licence. It is good practice to ensure that the management team on the park are aware of the sale and can verify the validity of the sale and agreements.
Manufacturers: It is possible to buy static caravans and lodges direct from the manufacturers such as ABI but only if you intend to site them on private land. If you wish to be located on a holiday park then you will have to purchase via the options above.
Caravan Shows: Annual holiday home shows on large green field sites and major exhibition centres offer a great way to view manufactures current and new holiday home models in one place. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic holiday home shows have been cancelled from 2020 and it is uncertain at this time if they will continue. You will generally be able to view a selection of new models on the holiday park showground and seek advice from their sales team on the full range of options. There is also a wealth of information online to help you choose if you are looking to buy a new holiday home.
Most buyers start their search online via the individual park operators’ websites or via directory websites such as our website www.myholidaycaravan.co.uk.
However you decide to purchase your caravan or lodge, take time to read through the paperwork (including the small print) and only proceed if you are 100% happy with the terms and conditions of purchase. A holiday home is a lifestyle investment, a place to make memories, so it makes sense to take time and purchase one that both you and your family will love.
How Often Will You Be Able To Use It?
How often will you be able to use your static caravan? Weekly? Monthly? Twice per year? To capitalise on your investment, you should be able to use it as often as possible, with some owners suggesting that you should use it at least ten times per year to make it a viable holiday option. Of course, you don’t have to use it yourself; you can give it to friends and family, or even rent it out to cover some of your annual fees. But the whole concept of this type of holiday home is that you use it regularly for weekend breaks, family holidays, or even as your out-of-office office.
Most UK caravan parks are open 8 – 10 months per year, although some operate all year-round which extends your available time, and whilst you cannot live in a static caravan permanently as your primary residence, you can visit it as often as time allows and take extended holidays such as during the summer school holidays. Choosing the right location is essential. If you can access your static caravan in just 1 or 2 hours, you are far more likely to use it than if it is at the other end of the country, so consider this when browsing holiday parks.
Will You Be Able To Share It With Family & Friends Or Rent It Out?
One of the benefits of owning a static caravan is that you can share it with family, friends, loved ones, or even work colleagues when you are not using it. It allows smaller families and support-bubbles to holiday together, couples to escape with their friends and endless opportunities for last-minute breaks. Much of your essentials will already be at the caravan so packing should be a breeze.
If you have a large family and friends’ network, a caravan holiday home could be a perfect investment. If not, you should consider the option of renting it out when you are not using it, either independently or via your holiday park’s rental scheme, to ensure maximum financial returns to offset your running costs.
Many parks will manage the rental processes in return for a commission on the rental charges or you can choose to do this yourself. From our experience managing bookings, key handovers and cleaning can be intensive so consider these options carefully based on your own circumstance.
Also remember subletting reduces your own time using the caravan and can lead to increased wear and tear.
Is It Affordable?
Perhaps the biggest consideration of all is affordability. Most of us love the idea of buying a caravan or holiday home in the UK, but they come at a price, and if you cannot commit to the ongoing running costs, it might not be the right choice for you. When budgeting for a static caravan, you should consider:
• Initial Sales Price: This can be anywhere from £10,000 to £500,000 plus depending on the size and location of your caravan. This can be paid in full from savings or alternatively many owners choose to pay a deposit and then finance the purchase cost paying a monthly payment.
• Annual Site Fees: These range from £2,000 to £10,000 per year, with averages around £3,000 to £5,000. Some parks offer the option to pay side fees via a monthly payment. This payment covers the fee to use the pitch, maintenance and free use of parks facilities for your family and guests.
• Gas & Electricity: Most holiday parks work on meter systems, so you’ll only pay for what you use, but if you intend to stay in your static caravan in winter or over the Christmas and New Year period, you will inevitably have higher heating costs. You will also have to factor in a annual boiler service.
• Rates, Water & Drainage: Influenced by the size, facilities, and location of the holiday park, these fees range between £300 and £1,500 per year.
• Caravan Insurance: Just like your home, you’ll need to insure your static caravan against risks such as fire, theft, and flood damage; this is essential and required by all UK holiday parks. Fully comprehensive caravan insurance packages range from £125 to £475 per year.
• Cleaning: This is an optional service offered by most caravan parks and costs around £25 per clean.
• Winterisation: This is an annual service designed to keep your static caravan in perfect condition throughout winter when your holiday park may close. It includes draining down the water system and reconnecting, and other essential maintenance. Some insurance companies insist you do this, others don’t, so check your policy carefully. It costs around £70 per year.
Have You Weighed Up The Pros & Cons?
Static caravans are a luxury lifestyle investment that allows you to escape everyday life without the hassle of overseas travel. They are suitable for young families, older couples, and everyone in between, and they are ideal for those who love to get away at the weekends and take impromptu trips. But they are not for everyone.
Take time to consider the pros and cons and the advantages and disadvantages of buying a holiday home in the UK before you commit. If you can afford it, use it regularly, and see a future of holidays for you and your loved ones, caravan ownership will add value to your life. If not, explore all options available before committing, and only sign on the dotted line if you are sure that it is the right choice for you.