WIBU to live in a caravan?

[PickledLilly]

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?

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/protecting-your-home-ownership-rights-during-separation

This might be worth a read. It advices someone in your situation to see a solicitor or Shelter the housing charity.

Since your partner isn't aware of you wanting to break up is there a way you can get him to put your name on the deeds to the house since you're on the mortgage ?
Currently you are liable for the debt of the mortgage without any of the benefits of owning the house.

For what it's worth we lived in a mobile home for a year when I was younger, 4 of us and a dog that adopted us. It was great! Your kids won't care about living in a caravan, I feel that's it's not something kids even think about. The atmosphere of their environment has a much bigger impact! I think go for it, it's going to be better for all of you

Just a quick update from me, I did it! I moved into a caravan and so far I LOVE it.

BillieEilish - update mostly for you because you were so supportive I wanted to tell you how I’m getting on.

So glad for you. Tell us what's best, and what's worst?

That's lovely PickledLily! I didn't comment on the thread last year but I remembered reading it. Congratulations on your new home and independence.

You can have a caravan on a residential site, we did it in the 70s. They're probably much improved! We didn't have electricity or running water, it was a bit primitive, we had real problems with damp because the gas lighting we used created moisture. The worst thing though was the site owner, they can be very dictatorial and once your caravan is of a certain age they could insist it was removed, as many holiday sites do. It needs some very careful consideration.

Hadn't read your update, hope it all goes well, seems a far better regulated industry now!

I’m currently living in a caravan (not on a site, in a family’s garden), been here almost 3 years. First winter was cold and extremely expensive as we used electric heaters. We’ve since installed a log burner which is glorious!! As we’re expecting child no2, we’re moving out into a house as it will be too small with 2 adults and 2 kids.

Oh wow. How is it working out? Was winter cold/expensive?

Are there lots on site that are long term? Are there other chidren?

Is it a haven/holiday park or mainky residential?

So pleased its worked out.

Well done OP! I don’t remember whether I commented on your thread originally, but I read it and was rooting for you! So glad it’s working out!

I remember reading this and thought it was a great plan! So glad it’s working out for you!

I lived in a static caravan on a traveller site for years. I loved it. I wish I'd had a log burner for the winter but otherwise very affordable considering the high rent.

I know someone who lives in one with her DS and they both love it; she was in similar situation and it was her only realistic option.

Good for you!! I stayed in a static for a year, as a kid, we were building our house. Far more comfortable than many people realise and much better than damp flats.

So glad it has all worked out for you 😁

Haven’t lived here long enough to know what it’s going to be like in the winter, I’m guessing the heating bills will cost a bit but it has Built in electric radiators. Should have moved in May but didn’t plan for a global pandemic so I actually only moved this week but so far there’s enough space, the kids love it, the cat is happily murdering the local wildlife as it’s on the edge of woodland and lakes and I feel more at peace than I have in a long time. Ex is currently being quite amicable and we are sharing the kids 50/50. The ‘van has ten years on it, I plan to be here two or three I think. There are jobs with more hours coming up shortly at work which should solve most of my financial woes. Life is on the up.

What a great update. Your kids will have do many happy memories of this.

Are there any shared ownership schemes near to you that you would be able to afford? It'd be more security than renting and could possibly be cheaper when you take all the added extras into account. I don't know much about how the schemes work but it might be worth a look. Anyway good luck whatever you decide. Don't stay in a bad environment with your DC. My mum stayed with my violent, drunk, abusive father because they weren't married, she had no family, no job and nowhere to go. Our lives were misery, I'd much rather have been in a caravan with my mum than dreading going home to a house everyday.

So pleased for you. Celebrate the new start and new beginnings 🥰

Great update. Hope it works out for you. Good luck

What a great update! I’m so pleased that you are finally free to live a happy life.

Glad it's worked out for you. I'd been following the thread with interest but hadn't commented before. Well done!

Well done OP! Great news