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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU to live in a caravan?

423 replies

PickledLilly · 04/10/2019 12:48

I need to get out of my relationship but live in an area where rents/house prices are high and wages are low and Housing Association houses are impossible to get.

I hate the idea of being at the mercy of a landlord and want the security of something of my own but could never get a mortgage on just my wage. WIBU to buy a nice static caravan on a holiday park for me and my two children and cat to live in?

I know it would be a lot smaller than our current home (but so would anything I could afford to rent) but there are other year round residents, lovely grounds, playground and a swimming pool that’s all free for residents to use.

I just get this sense that some people would be aghast at me moving my children into a caravan but it honestly feels like my only way out. WIBU?

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 04/10/2019 13:01

I think it will be squashed and cold, but manageable if there are no other options. Isn't there normally a portion of the year you can't live in the caravan?

Evilmorty · 04/10/2019 13:04

The only way it’s worthwhile to live in a caravan is if it’s in a field, drive way or garden that you own. Otherwise you’ll find yourself stuck with a static van that you can only sell back to the park at a much lower rate, fees to pay, difficult contract clauses and you’ll still have nowhere in the winter months as very few stay open all year and those that do charge lots.

drivingtofrance · 04/10/2019 13:05

Yes, as the above poster says you may not be able to live in it for 12 months of the year.

You might have to move out for a couple of months each year.

But check.

x2boys · 04/10/2019 13:07

How big would the Caravan be ? Lack of space can really get you down ,I have never lived in a caravan ( other than holidays) but I lived in a cramped two bed apartment with no storage space with dh and two kids and there stuff was everywhere ,will it be warm enough in the winter months ?

adaline · 04/10/2019 13:07

You generally can't live on caravan sites year round - what are you going to do then?

Lots of modern caravans are warm, spacious and actually quite nice but you do need to consider the reality of it in the middle of winter!

Oysterbabe · 04/10/2019 13:08

Honestly I think it would be hell. Where would you live during the closed periods?

NannyR · 04/10/2019 13:09

Site fees can be pretty expensive and there are often restrictions on things like the age of the van, plus many holiday, rather than residential sites close for up to two months a year.

Stompythedinosaur · 04/10/2019 13:09

Also, won't there be site fees to pay in addition to buying the caravan?

Ohyesiam · 04/10/2019 13:10

How could you unreasonable when it’s your only way out.
Itsnoo e else’s business.

Sistersofpercy · 04/10/2019 13:11

My cousin lives in a ‘park home’. She sold her house downsized to the static and has a nice retirement pot.
It’s lovely actually, there base is filled in so looks more like a bungalow than a caravan. It’s pretty roomy as well and they live there for 12 months of the year.
Depending on the site I spent see why this would be an issue. Just be aware if it’s a holiday site rather than a home site of yearly fees and any clause where your caravan can’t be above x years old.

PooWillyBumBum · 04/10/2019 13:12

My dad has one in the UK (but 55+ one) because he lives between here and two other countries. It's definitely not cold, and is very, very nice inside. It's not a holiday park though, but a residential one.

As others have pointed out you may have to leave for 4-8 weeks of the year. There are 'alternative living' groups on facebook you may want to look at with ideas you may not have explored. For instance, there are single parents living on narrow boats with kids and cats! I'm not saying that it'll be for you but it works for some.

You could also consider a drastic relocation to somewhere with cheaper property?

MintyT · 04/10/2019 13:12

Some static caravans are lovely, if it means you ending a poor relationship and being safe and secure I think it's a good idea

AJPTaylor · 04/10/2019 13:22

Where I live lots of people live on parks on 50 weeks a year ones. They go away the 2 weeks it is closed.

Original poster
PickledLilly · 04/10/2019 13:23

You have to be away for one month of the year but we can stay with my mum then. There will be site fees but this should still work out cheaper than renting. I am aware that you can only keep the caravans fo so long before they have to be replaced but that’s usually 10-15 years which gives me plenty of time to up my earning potential as my children get older. I’m going to go and look at some to see what the space is like as that’s a major concern with two children. I know it’s not an ideal situation, I’d love to be able to just buy my own house but that’s not possible and I thought a caravan with all the facilities and the security that a landlord can’t just decide to sell up and make us leave might be better than extortionate rents on a little flat with no outside space as at least the kids would have access to loads of outdoor space. I know it’s not like having your own secure garden but I just have visions of us in a little flat with no access to outside space at all and the thought makes me miserable.

OP posts:
SayOohLaLa · 04/10/2019 13:26

Holiday park vans can only be used for a maximum of 50 weeks of the year; they're cheap because you're not classed as a permanent resident i.e. you can't get post delivered there.

You'll also freeze in winter as they're not well enough insulated. My SIL did one winter in one, but not a second winter. At one stage she had 3 duvets, one under her and 2 on top and she was still cold at night,.

Honeyroar · 04/10/2019 13:28

It’s certainly worth a look, and seeing it in winter is a good time to see all the pitfalls and whether it’s cold. Bear in mind it will get busy in holiday times.

Original poster
PickledLilly · 04/10/2019 13:34

My mum lives locally so could use her address for getting post delivered etc. How cold they get is one of my concerns so i’m going to speak to other residents and ask about that, my mum knows a few retired people who live on the site so will get her to ask how well insulated they are. The welfare and happiness of my children means everything to me and so I need to make sure it won’t be a miserable life for them but I can’t carry on as we are for much longer. He’s not abusive and we’re safe but I’m just miserable and this beautiful house feels more and more like a gilded cage I can’t escape from.

OP posts:
KUGA · 04/10/2019 13:35

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Sohololopopo · 04/10/2019 13:36

Nope do it! We prefer our caravan to our flat! Caravans are so flash these days, ours is just as nice as most people’s houses!

mumwon · 04/10/2019 13:37

caravan sites usually have quite high fees - unless you are in the middle of know where - which you don't want with children - some START at about £3000 per annum (many more than that) & damp & condensation -check out your area - you will have to buy a sited caravan , residential homes tend to be over 55's

picknmixer · 04/10/2019 13:38

Be very very careful. These sites are notorious for raising rents and ripping people off. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-19937131

Oysterbabe · 04/10/2019 13:40

How old are the children? Because in all honesty I'd worry about teasing from their peers as they get older.

Mummyoflittledragon · 04/10/2019 13:43

I have spoken to owners of caravans. Pitch fees are high, gas is supposed to be exorbitant. Be careful. You never know what is around the corner.

Original poster
PickledLilly · 04/10/2019 13:45

Teasing is something I’m worried about which was one reason to gauge opinion here. My eldest is at primary school and my youngest at pre-school. I was hoping at this age ‘come to a play date at mine and we can use the lovely indoor swimming pool’ would offset the fact that it’s a caravan but who knows? Kids can be cruel. It’s a worry.

OP posts:
BillieEilish · 04/10/2019 13:45

I've always fancied doing this OP, I think it will become more and more popular, to me it's a no brainer if your mum lives nearby and is willing to have you for that short time/post etc. Go for it... great idea!

There is NOTHING worse than not knowing if you'll be chucked out by a greedy landlord next month IMHO. So expensive for what security?

It can't be that cold, surely? You'll have a heater. Work out the final costs of it all. Good luck.