You’ve read an ad for a static caravan for sale, but what do you need to know?
If this is your first venture into mobile home ownership, there’s much information to take on board before you decide on what static caravan to buy. But when you buy the right caravan in the right place, you unlock the keys to a lifetime of adventure and the perfect respite.
From a cosy home from home and a way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, owning a static caravan is an exciting lifestyle choice. You can holiday when you want, often at short notice. Alternatively, you choose to live in a static caravan all year round.
Making the right choices can be manageable. So, to make things easier, we’ve pulled together all of the things you need to consider in this article:
How much does a static caravan cost?
Several factors affect the price of a static caravan, including whether the unit is new or used, whether it is bought privately or from a dealership, and whether it is paid in cash or with finance.
Typically, used prices for a static caravan for sale range from £5,000 to £50,000, depending on age and condition. New units cost anything from £15,000 to over £100,000 and up to £400,000 for a large high-end lodge.
Cash or finance?
If you aim to pay cash, you likely have a fixed budget—or at least a price range you want to stay within. This may dictate whether you go for a new or pre-owned static caravan.
Alternatively, financing gives you a few more options. For example, financing may enable you to enter the market in the first place if cash is tight. Financing may also mean the difference between buying new or pre-owned. Lastly, financing may enable you to buy a more extensive, higher-spec, luxurious unit.
Finance is typically available subject to status from £5,000-£100,000. Interest rates start around 7.9%, and you may not need a deposit.
New versus old
When looking for a static caravan for sale, a new caravan may be your first choice, but the sizable discount on a pre-owned unit is also often appealing.
Buying a new unit typically comes down to four factors:
- personalised design
- lifespan
- peace-of-mind
- cost efficiency
Budget aside, buying new means you can select your new caravan’s size, layout, specification, fit and finish. This includes intelligent technology upgrades like voice-activated devices or central heating that you can control remotely from a mobile phone app.
A cherished, well-maintained new static caravan can last around 35 years. The maintenance is minimal in the early years, and the need for significant upgrades is unlikely. For some people, this makes long-term planning and budgeting easier to forecast.
New caravans are typically sold with warranties, which provide great peace of mind. A warranty usually covers the chassis, structure, cladding, and electrical systems. You’ll also benefit from central heating and appliance warranties provided directly by the manufacturers.
Cost efficiency is essential for many buyers where the latest insulation, double-glazing and heating systems mean your energy usage is as low as possible.
All this said, consider the benefits of purchasing a pre-owned static caravan.
Firstly, you may find a pre-owned caravan in your chosen park, so you won’t have to pay transport costs. Secondly, new static caravans depreciate around 15% annually in the first 4-5 years. You could save a whopping 45% by purchasing a three-year-old model. Lastly, a pre-owned static caravan depreciates much slower than a new unit, which may be considered a better investment.
Private seller or dealership
You can find a static caravan for sale on a private listing or from a dealership website. Both have their respective pros and cons.
Buying a new caravan from a reputable dealer or manufacturer means you’ll get a pre-handover inspection to confirm everything works as it should, a manufacturer’s warranty, plus individual warranties on some of the equipment.
A new caravan provides a better sell-on value, and you can also buy using finance if needed. There are no risks involved with buying a new caravan. You get the latest design, build and technology standards in exchange for a premium price.
However, buying a static caravan privately sometimes leads to a bargain purchase. If the owner is desperate to sell or incorrectly values the caravan, you could save a lot of money.
If you are considering buying privately, it’s vital to be diligent. Consider paying a caravan surveyor for an inspection. Professional surveyors are excellent at identifying hidden issues that might lead to costly repairs.
In addition, double-check the maintenance record if you are determined to save money on an inspection. If you view a winterised caravan, ask the owner to get everything up and running so you can see the electrical, water and gas systems working correctly.
Also, ensure you factor in the cost of upgrades. For example, buying a caravan without central heating or double-glazed windows might save you money, but significant upgrades can be costly.
Another approach is to buy a pre-owned static caravan from a reputable dealer or holiday park.
Dealers tend to sell caravans’ off-site’. So remember to account for siting services, which cover the costs of transport, pitching, jacking, and levelling your static caravan on site.
Alternatively, holiday parks sell pre-owned caravans on-site. You always have the choice to transport the unit to another location.
You’ll pay a slightly higher price from a dealer or holiday park. Still, you’ll get an inspection report, potentially a short warranty, and expert help and advice. You can also finance a pre-owned caravan from a dealer or holiday park, which you can’t do for a private purchase.
Final things to consider
Ongoing costs
Ongoing costs include:
- annual site fees
- utility bills
- insurance
- maintenance and repairs
Modifications and upgrades
The most significant regular expense is the annual site fees, which cover pitch maintenance and park facility access. Site fees vary between independent holiday parks with few facilities and large parks with swimming pools and leisure and entertainment facilities.
Location
There are over 3000 independent static caravan parks in the UK, plus large operators such as Parkdean and Haven. Some parks are close to the sea, some are close to large towns, and others are in rural areas.
Buying a static caravan is a major decision, and you must feel confident you are in the right place before considering what type of static caravan to buy.
So, think about how you plan to use your caravan:
For example, suppose you plan to use the caravan for occasional weekend breaks and holidays. In that case, you may want a location two or three hours drive away from home. However, if you aim to permanently live in a caravan park, easy access to local attractions, restaurants, shops, and health services may be a priority.
Final thoughts
Investing in a static caravan is a lifestyle decision, so take your time. There is so much choice regarding static caravan specifications, new versus pre-owned, and location, and it can often seem overwhelming.
Renting a caravan for a short break is a good idea. You can rent three or four times a year and get a feel for different locations.
A good way to proceed is to get a feel for a location first. Then, considering all the fees and potential costs, agree on an affordable budget.
Finally, you can start looking for the perfect caravan.
Happy caravanning!