Tips for buying a static caravan
With prices starting at under £10,000, a static caravan can be a great alternative to a more expensive holiday home. Flexible, comfortable and homely, static caravans offer the ultimate 'glamping' experience - all the creature comforts of home with the feeling of being in touch with the great outdoors. If you're considering investing in your own caravan, then here's how to make sure you get the model of your dreams.
Location, location
Just as with a holiday home, the first thing to consider when buying a static caravan is location. Start by considering what's important to you. Would you like to be near the coast? Is there a particular area or county that you feel strongly about? Are you keen to have a full range of facilities nearby, or would you rather escape from the crowds? Park Resorts has a range of holiday parks in the UK, each one with its own individual feel. Make sure you explore a number of parks and ideally stay in a selection before making your choice.
Set a budget
Decide how much you want to spend and stick to it. As a general rule, used caravans start at approximately £8,000 while a new model will set you back closer to £15,000. The price will vary depending on the facilities and the age of the caravan as well as the desirability of the surrounding resort. It's best to decide on a price first and then look at caravans which are affordable to you rather than falling in love with a dream model and then overstretching yourself. And don't forget to factor annual and regular charges, such as the pitch fee, insurance and running costs, into your initial budget.
Choose the right plot
It isn't just the location and the caravan itself that should be taken into consideration - it's also important to think about the plot. Decide whether you'd prefer to be close to the facilities or away from the hustle and bustle of the main park, and have a chat to your prospective neighbours to find out who will be living around you.
Do your research
Once you've found a caravan that you love, make sure you do your research fully. Ask about the local facilities and what level of access you, as the owner of a caravan, will have to them, enquire about maintenance charges, and also whether you can come and stay in your caravan year-round. Pet owners should also find out whether their four-legged friend will be welcome at the caravan park - an important issue for many. Spend some time at the park of your choice, soaking up the atmosphere, using the facilities and getting to know staff. Remember that a static caravan will tie you down to the same holiday destination for several years, so it's important that you're happy here. Finally, find out the policy of the park should you wish to sell your caravan, particularly in regards to commission and charges.
Avoid the pitfalls! Courtesy of Mike Willshaw
Location, location
Just as with a holiday home, the first thing to consider when buying a static caravan is location. Start by considering what's important to you. Would you like to be near the coast? Is there a particular area or county that you feel strongly about? Are you keen to have a full range of facilities nearby, or would you rather escape from the crowds? Park Resorts has a range of holiday parks in the UK, each one with its own individual feel. Make sure you explore a number of parks and ideally stay in a selection before making your choice.
Set a budget
Decide how much you want to spend and stick to it. As a general rule, used caravans start at approximately £8,000 while a new model will set you back closer to £15,000. The price will vary depending on the facilities and the age of the caravan as well as the desirability of the surrounding resort. It's best to decide on a price first and then look at caravans which are affordable to you rather than falling in love with a dream model and then overstretching yourself. And don't forget to factor annual and regular charges, such as the pitch fee, insurance and running costs, into your initial budget.
Choose the right plot
It isn't just the location and the caravan itself that should be taken into consideration - it's also important to think about the plot. Decide whether you'd prefer to be close to the facilities or away from the hustle and bustle of the main park, and have a chat to your prospective neighbours to find out who will be living around you.
Do your research
Once you've found a caravan that you love, make sure you do your research fully. Ask about the local facilities and what level of access you, as the owner of a caravan, will have to them, enquire about maintenance charges, and also whether you can come and stay in your caravan year-round. Pet owners should also find out whether their four-legged friend will be welcome at the caravan park - an important issue for many. Spend some time at the park of your choice, soaking up the atmosphere, using the facilities and getting to know staff. Remember that a static caravan will tie you down to the same holiday destination for several years, so it's important that you're happy here. Finally, find out the policy of the park should you wish to sell your caravan, particularly in regards to commission and charges.
Avoid the pitfalls! Courtesy of Mike Willshaw
