Guide to Buying your First Caravan Holiday Home

We know buying a static caravan is a big investment, so we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you each step of the way. Below we list all of the things you should consider when purchasing your first caravan holiday home, to ensure the experience is stress and worry free.

Choose the perfect location

Choosing the perfect is location is of upmost importance when buying a caravan holiday home. Static caravans are a significant investment, so it’s essential that you pick a place you’ll love for years to come.

When choosing a location consider whether there’s an area you enjoy visiting already, or do you want to be near family or friends? Also have a think about how far you want to travel. Do you want somewhere that is relatively close, or would you prefer a holiday home slightly further afield?

How far do you want to travel?

From our experience, 1-3 hours is the optimal travel time from your home address. It’s far enough to feel like a holiday, but close enough you can commute at the end of a working week.

Choosing somewhere relatively nearby gives you more opportunity to take advantage of the season. You can visit your caravan for short breaks on a regular basis, rather than having to wait for banks holidays or use annual leave.

How will you travel to your caravan holiday home?

Your chosen method of transport will have a large impact on the location you choose. If you drive you will have greater flexibility and will be able to access parks that are more rural and remote. If you rely on public transport you will need to check the area has good rail and bus links so that you are able to get to the holiday park and out and about in the local area during your stay.

What do you want to be able to do in the local area?

Wherever you choose, make sure the local area has enough to satisfy your interests. If you enjoy a particular activity, make sure there’s somewhere to indulge in this hobby nearby. For instance, if you like walking holidays, pick a quiet location with plenty of footpaths and walking trails in the area. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city, base yourself somewhere a bit more central.

What type of scenery do you prefer?

When choosing a location think carefully about the type of scenery you prefer. Would you like easy access to the coast, or do you prefer countryside, forest, mountain views or National Parks. Thinking about what is important to you will help narrow down your search.

 

Selecting the right holiday park for you

Once you’ve decided on the location, you’ll need to choose a park. Start by researching caravan sites in the area and draw up a short list to go and check out. Often, it’s difficult to get a feel for somewhere until you’ve been there in person. Speak to the park on the phone and arrange a guided tour.

Visiting the site will give you the chance to meet the team and view the facilities. You’ll also be able to wander round available pitches and view the park’s fleet of static caravans for sale.

What facilities are important to your family?

Create a list of facilities that are essential for you and your family, so you can ensure the park has everything you need. If there are young children in your party a swimming pool and on-site entertainment may be a priority, meaning you can discount smaller, laid-back parks.

Alternatively, you may want your static caravan to be a peaceful escape to relax and unwind. In this case you may prefer somewhere without the bells and whistles of a larger park and choose a quiet site near the countryside or coast?

What amenities to you require in the local area?

Deciding what amenities, you require in the local area is just as important as choosing what matters to you on park. Research attractions, activities and things to do in the local area and consider what services are nearby. For example, you may need access to supermarkets, pharmacies vets, electric vehicle charging etc.

Do you have pets?

Double check the rules on pet ownership if you want to bring your four-legged friend to the park. Some parks are dog friendly, but still have rules on the number of dogs permitted in privately owned static-caravans.

How often do you want to use your static caravan?

Most parks have a period of closure when you are not permitted to use your caravan home. This varies between parks, with some caravan sites closing for a couple of months and others staying open year-round. Ask these important questions before committing to purchase a static caravan. You want to make sure the park is open when you plan on using it.

 

Picking your dream static caravan

After you’ve chosen your location and park, you can start thinking about the caravan itself. This is the most exciting part as you’ll be able to look inside lots of homes!

How many people will be visiting?

This may seem obvious, but make sure you select the right size home for your party. Consider whether friends will holiday with you or whether your family or grandchildren will stay over. If you are going to have regular visitors you might want to pick a 3 bed instead of a 2 bed. If visitors are infrequent, a smaller home with a sofa bed might be a more cost-effective option.

What layout do you prefer?

Next decide how you would like the interior configured. Do you prefer open plan living? Is an ensuite essential? Would you like patio doors that lead onto a veranda? Do you prefer a bath or shower?

You’ll probably want to view a few different models to help you establish what ticks the boxes.

Do you have any accessibility requirements?

Make the park aware of any special requirements at the start of your holiday home search. This will allow staff to recommend models that are best suited to your needs. Most manufacturers make accessible homes with a wheelchair friendly interior.

Would you like a new or pre-owned caravan?

There are pros and cons to both new and pre-owned caravans. Second hand static caravans are often cheaper, but brand-new holiday homes come with more modern technology and longer guarantees.

If you’re buying a new home direct from the manufacturer there may be opportunities to customise the layout and choose bespoke options and upgrades.

What type of plot do you prefer?

Selecting the right pitch is just as important as choosing the right caravan. You should choose somewhere that is suited to your needs now and for years to come. The holiday park will be best placed to advise you on this. They can recommend which of the available pitches is quietest, has the best view, has the largest outdoor area, is closest to facilities etc. 

 

Consider the costs of caravan ownership

Purchasing a caravan holiday home is a significant investment and you should carefully consider the costs before you take the plunge. Ask the holiday park to provide you with a copy of all the fees associated with static caravan ownership, so there are no unexpected surprises once you sign on the dotted line.

There are a number of costs associated with holiday home ownership. These include:

• Annual site fees
• Insurance
• Home improvements i.e. upgrades, adding a veranda etc.
• Drain down (winterisation)
• Local authority rates
• Gas and electricity

Is sub-letting an option?

Some holiday home owners sub-let their caravan to help them cover the annual site fee’s. If you are planning on doing this you will need to discuss this with the park ahead of time to check it is allowed. Some caravan parks do not permit this and you may be in breach of your site licence agreement if you charge people to stay in your static home.

How long is the site licence agreement?

Each holiday park will have slightly different rules in place regarding the site licence agreement and how long the static caravan can be sited on the park. This varies from site to site, so do your due diligence and carefully read through your contract before signing.

How do I sell my caravan holiday home?

Sometimes circumstances change and you may need to sell you caravan holiday home sooner than expected. Even if you plan on owning the static caravan for the duration of your site licence, double check what the selling procedure is before purchasing.

Some parks will allow you to sell your property on the private market, whereas others will insist on selling the caravan on your behalf through their own marketing channels. It is standard practice for parks to take a percentage of the final sale, though the amount varies between parks.

 Looking for static caravan parks in Blackpool?

Moss Wood Caravan Park is situated in the heart of the Lancashire countryside within easy reach of Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland, Fleetwood, Preston, Blackpool and Morecambe Bay. We’re ideally placed for exploring historic towns and cities as well as beauty spots and attractions along the Fylde Coast.

We have a selection of new and pre-owned static caravans for sale at our award-winning park. Holiday home owners can enjoy a host of benefits, including the freedom to come and go as you please throughout the season and access to our on-site facilities. These include a private coarse fishing lake, children’s play park, nature trail and woodland walk. 

If you would like to find out more about caravan holiday home ownership in Lancaster please take a look at our FAQ page and get in touch. One of our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and give you a tour of our picturesque site and available holiday homes.

Get in touch to book a private tour of our park and holiday homes.