Owning a static caravan

[CormoranStrike]

Has anyone got one? They seem so expensive!

Do you make any money from rentals?

Ive had static caravans for about 12 years. No rental income as we keep it solely for our own use.

Ooh I'd be interested in knowing what people say - we're looking at buying one as an in-between home when we've sold our house but before our new one is totally renovated...

My dad has one. Site fees are about two grand a year, and the van is only going to depreciate in value, but it’s worth every penny to them. It’s in a wonderful part of the uk and we all enjoy holidays there. He’s retired and spends most of the summer there.

i have one, ground rents around the 3k mark plus other bits and bobs. i do rent it out in the summer holidays for a few weeks to help but otherwise i just save like fuck.
we have around 4 full weeks a year and most weekends there ourselves

My brother and sister have one. They pay about £4K in fees. They occasionally rent it out but mostly use it themselves.

We've just been to Cornwall and stayed in a caravan - it was £800 for the week. So there's some money to be made if it's on a decent site.

We looked at a brand new one in a prime spot overlooking the sea and the site fees were £8k. The whole deal was £120k for a 2 bedroomed caravan. I was pretty amazed at the price. If I had £120k to spend I personally wouldn't be buying a static caravan - but each to their own.

• sister in law

Thank you all - really cannot decide

You also need to check things like site rules. Some sites only allow vans of a certain age, so if you buy an older model to keep costs down you might find yourself being asked to remove it when it gets old enough to breach site rules. And you might not find another site that will take it.

All sites are different but I had no idea about this kind of thing until a family member started working in the industry.

Main things to think about:

• van will always depreciate. Weigh up costs on holidays per year, vs value to caravan. Friends of ours are there most weekends, and most of the half term holidays.

• site fees vary massively depending on the facilities on site (entertainment, pool, park etc). The better they are, you’re talking more £4k/£5k, some quieter sites or non beach locations are much less.

• 2nd hand caravans are a good option to consider, aound £15k - £20k and review in 2 years. If you like the experience, upgrade!

• consider a touring caravan on a perm pitch as an alternative.

• renting to family / friends will bring in some return but not much.