Looking at how the market is steering in a different direction, static homes or caravans are having a ball. Holidaying in the United Kingdom alone has been experiencing a holiday in recent years. On top of that, with so much uncertainty about moving offshores, owning your holiday home in a favorite location is more than a prospect. Indeed, there are already more than 3,60,000 status homes around the country.
But, when it falls in the category of owning one, you might have to indulge in research and make informed decisions. Picking a holiday caravan that’s parked permanently has several advantages and disadvantages. Before that, know that the sale of new caravans increased by 45% in 2022, with second-hand holiday homes witnessing a staggering 65% rise in the current circumstances.
This allows you more time and headstrong thoughts to invest and own a private caravan. More so, such a home also provides a staycation shelter with no investment or the upkeep of your second house.
On the contrary, if you have never lived in a static home, experts recommend renting one before making the big decision.
Here’s everything you must know before purchasing a static caravan holiday home.
1. You can’t own a static caravan forever.
The initial element that tends to surprise people when they are purchasing static caravans is that they can’t keep it forever. Another factor is the structure’s age. Many caravan sites produce a formal agreement stating that caravans can only be held for 10-20 years. So, when you buy one and do not like the location’s regulations, move it to a site that’s more prevalent to you.
A few sites do not allow a caravan to last for a decade. On the flip side, others might allow 15-20 years up top. Other site owners might be flexible, depending on your caravan’s condition.
Travel Hack: It’s worth noting that second-hand holiday homes aren’t valuable, and you can’t sell a two-decade-old structure for much money.
2. Pay site fees for a static caravan.
Once you have purchased your static caravan, you’ll be the proud owner. However, you still have to pay yearly site fees to the site where it’s parked. Generally, site fees depend on the location and nearby facilities.
A holiday home site in a not-so-known location with insufficient facilities might cost approximately £1,500 a year. On the other hand, a desirable site with beaches, swimming pools, restaurants, clubs, bars, and many more could cost around £10,000. In case you have other commitments and are unsure, consider going through a detailed list of static caravan site fees 2021
3. You must pay for gas, insurance, electricity, and water bills.
Like any holiday home, you must pay for gas, water, insurance, and electricity. And if you wish to have internet within the premises, welcome its expenses too. These extras could cost you £500 a year.
4. Most sites are not accessible or open all year round.
Most static caravan sites are accessible from March to October. But, several high-end locations open between February and December. In brief, you do not have to pay council tax on many static homes. This is the reason they are not open all year round. If they had stayed open for the entire year, you’d have to pay an expensive council tax.
5. Most holiday homes have every comfort.
Central heating, en-suite bathrooms, excellent showers, cozy sofas, comfy beds, dishwashers, ovens and hobs, coffee machines, fridge freezers, WiFi, and TVs are pretty standard and found everywhere. Popular extras consist of washers, Sky TV, dryers, air-con, chest freezers, spacious decking, hot tubs, personal flower beds, large BBQ areas, and outdoor sheds, with kayak storage, bikes, surfboards, etc.
6. You can rent your caravan on several sites.
Many sites allow owners to rent their static holiday homes privately. This can be an excellent side hustle for you. More so, several families would be interested in renting out their caravans for sufficient time to cover the overall costs and later keep them for personal use once everything has been paid. On the flip side, renting your caravan has pros and cons.
7. Caravan sites could vary massively.
A few static holiday home sites are primarily a field with electricity and water. Others might have restaurants, gyms, swimming pools, childcare, bars, health clubs, golf buggies to travel, tennis courts, beaches, and perfectly manicured gardens.
8. A static caravan becomes a home away from home.
A holiday home might be an aluminum box, but they do become a home away from home. Speaking of your first home, it has everything, from essentials to luxuries. And, when you come back on the weekends to this little space, it does not feel different at all.
9. Most static homes can be financed.
Since it’s a massive investment, with most costing approximately £30,000, consider speaking with a company that can finance it.
10. You can never regret buying static caravans.
Finally, if you’re in a fix about buying a holiday home or not, here is the last thing you must know; you will never regret owning one. It’s a massive dent in the bank, but when you refer to all your mini staycations, you’ll have everything of your own.
The verdict
Understood, it’s a lot of money, and affording a second home is a luxury. On the contrary, you can stay for half a decade in a static caravan and then rent it out or maybe, sell it for good. The decision is all yours. At the end of it all, it’s one experience you must absorb.
