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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:
Cohle · 05/10/2019 13:37

I just think the OP should be very conscious that if she gets involved in an acrimonious split and custody of the children becomes disputed, the fact that the accommodation she is offering them is legally unfit for permanent habitation could easily be made much of by her ex.

There is a reason 99% of people in her situation put up with the insecurity of renting and it isn't because they're dim witted "sheeple".

RueCambon · 05/10/2019 13:47

''I think it's ingenious thinking. Thinking outside the box. It upsets people though!''

I agree. It's not how we're supposed to do things. I don't doubt it would be cold in winter but at the same time, it's a small space to heat. You'd all have dressing gowns on over your clothes in winter but for 6 months of the year it'd be lovely. For three it would be ok. Three would be tough but over all I think it is worth it.

No harm trying it. Especially when you have your mum nearby. I totally get it.

Abitmorethanusual · 05/10/2019 13:55

If you want honest, really honest opinions OP, I wouldn’t take my children from a secure home to a caravan. If abuse was involved that’s different, of course.

feelingverylazytoday · 05/10/2019 13:55

the fact that the accomodation she is offering them is legally unfit for permanent accomodation
That's funny, our local authority houses families in caravans on a holiday park. Doesn't seem to be any problem with that...

rosiejaune · 05/10/2019 13:56

For all the reasons people have already given, I think it's a bad idea. Here are some alternatives:

-Shared ownership
-Housing co-op (which vary a lot, some are shared houses but others will be separate residences)
-Go on the housing register
-Share a house with another single parent family

HumptyDumptyHadAGreatFall · 05/10/2019 14:01

I had a friend whose father did this, she lived with him some of the time. I think the gas tanks were expensive as he only got them when his daughter was there, or maybe he just couldn't afford them, I'm not sure.
I wouldn't have any qualms about doing it.

WellButterMyArse · 05/10/2019 14:02

I really don’t see how three of us living in one room in my mum’s house is a better solution than a space of our own?

That would depend on how likely you are to be financially rinsed if you do buy the caravan. I don't think living in one would be the problem per se, you can get well insulated ones and you'd manage in the space. My concern is what would happen if it's one of those where the owner decides in a couple of years, before you have the money to leave, that you have to upgrade as they don't like the look of your van anymore. And you can only sell it at a loss, and then what? If you can avoid all this it might well be fine.

feelingverylazytoday · 05/10/2019 14:03

You'd all have dressing gowns on over your clothes in winter
Do people not understand that some caravans are specifically designed to be used all year round, and therefore are quite warm enough throughout the winter.

HumptyDumptyHadAGreatFall · 05/10/2019 14:06

Oh and to add it was 2 bedroom static caravan and bigger than the 2 bed flat I used to live in and much nicer. Not sure I understand the comments about it being unsuitable. I think it's because there's such an anti-gypsy/traveller attitude here in the UK. I'd ignore those comments and carry on. The one I've been in was much nicer inside than some houses/flats I've seen!

RaininSummer · 05/10/2019 14:08

Give it a try. It could be a great solution. If it turns out to be too cold or expensive perhaps you could stay with your mum just while you find a rental place.

mistermagpie · 05/10/2019 14:11

I think you're being really sensible OP, and I admire you for not just rocking up at the council and expecting to be housed.

People have outlined all the various things that could go wrong but the OP hasn't said she's jumping in with both feet, just that she's considering it and will research it accordingly. I think some people on here struggle to grasp that others really really can't just scrape together 100k for a shared ownership scheme and might not earn enough to get a mortgage.

I'm just back from a caravan holiday. The one we stayed in was in the north of Scotland but was really warm and cosy, it had central heating and double glazing and had a bigger kitchen than some of the houses on my street as well and quite a bit of storage (had a big cupboard for the hoover, ironing board etc). We were in it with two adults and two young children and it felt fine for space. I'm not saying that a holiday is comparable to living in it permanently obviously, but if someone told me I had to live there then there are much much worse options.

Totally investigate it OP, it's certainly worth looking into and good for you for trying to think up a solution.

raspberryk · 05/10/2019 14:29

I've never seen a 2 or 3 bed shared ownership where you need 100k.

ConFusion360 · 05/10/2019 15:06

And that is quite apart from the fact that they are cold, damp, poorly ventilated and cramped.

Cramped is relative. The rest is pure nonsense.

You'd all have dressing gowns on over your clothes in winter

We spent a week in ours over New Year. At one point it was so warm that I had to resort to stripping to my bra and knickers.

SaveKevin · 05/10/2019 15:08

Id argue the poorly insulated shipping containers and office blocks councils are housing families are much more unsusitable.

Charlottejbt · 05/10/2019 15:33

Pickled, you sound like a really intelligent and resourceful person who is asking the right questions. Have you crunched the numbers and looked at the cost of depreciation versus the cost of renting a caravan? I only mention it because you say you won't be there long term.

Other thoughts, for what it's worth:

  1. You can get a freehold flat in Scotland for £30k. I don't know anything about those areas but it might be worth researching.
  1. Living in a camper van/ stealth camper would be cramped but would save on rent and site fees, and you wouldn't be at a landlord or site owner's mercy. Officially you'd be living at your mum's and receiving mail there.
  1. If there's a Brexit deal (fat chance, I know...) much of Europe is cheap enough to buy a habitable house for under 30k, and then you can move during the transition period. I recommend this to every single member of the UK precariat.
SittingAround1 · 05/10/2019 15:36

It's admirable you are looking into all possibilities of providing a secure home for your children. I understand renting a small flat for an extortionate amount is depressing. I have a friend in this situation and she gets no support from her ex.

I'd say only go for it if you're sure you'll be able to afford to buy some where else better after a few years. Could you get a second hand caravan and try to keep as much of your savings as possible?
It sounds like it could only be a temporary solution.
Your partner will be required to provide support for your DC -would he do this?

Also as you've been paying the mortgage I'm sure you're entitled to some of the house but I don't think you could force a sale. I'd advise getting legal advice.
Citizen's advise bureau should be able to give you more information on any thing else you're entitled to.

LeahSMS · 05/10/2019 15:41

My opinion is it’s no fun there isn’t as much room to store things & general room to relax! But it does depend on the size Op

SittingAround1 · 05/10/2019 15:43

How much are small houses /garden flats in your area?
£30k is a 20% deposit on a £150k place. Interest rates are low at the moment -have you asked any banks about how much mortgage you could get?

Velveteenfruitbowl · 05/10/2019 15:48

Is there any landed gentry in your area? They tend to be excellent land lords. We live in an estate property. They aren’t ever going to tell us to leave unless we stop paying rent. They let us decorate the house how ever we like. They are prompt with repairs. But most importantly the rent is very very cheap. About half what you would typical expect on this kid of property.

minesagin37 · 05/10/2019 15:56

You can't just live all year round on a holiday park. They make sure you vacate for so many weeks and have another address otherwise everyone would do that.

Original poster
PickledLilly · 05/10/2019 16:02

I can’t move area to a cheaper area. My children are settled here, at school here, their friends are here, their dad is here and my Mum is here. A relocation would make life distinctly worse for all of us, not better.

OP posts:
BillieEilish · 05/10/2019 16:02

I so wish posters would RTFT minesagin, it's irritating and unhelpful.

minesagin37 · 05/10/2019 16:07

Sorry @BillieEilish but it's 223 posts long so gfy

timshelthechoice · 05/10/2019 16:09

3. If there's a Brexit deal (fat chance, I know...) much of Europe is cheap enough to buy a habitable house for under 30k, and then you can move during the transition period. I recommend this to every single member of the UK precariat

Not feasible for many with kids because the other parent has to consent to their children moving country, plus language differences, jobs.

And yes, a ‘van may depreciate and you may not get as much money back as you’ve spent but you get nothing back for the £800-£900 a month rent spent on a flat.

You get shelter Hmm. And you usually don't lose money, you could lose a lot of money on a van. They're not good investment vehicles.

I think you also need to do benefits calculators based on what your circumstances will be when you leave.
With renting and shared ownership you're very likely to get the majority or all of your rent paid. I don't think that's the case with paying towards a caravan.

It's all UC now and real PITA, it's also a serious PITA finding a landlord who will take UC.

Deliqueen · 05/10/2019 16:12

I'd do it. As you said it will give you security and allow you to save towards a deposit on a house eventually. You're right about the pool too, your children's friends will think it's cool, stuff what a few snobby parents think!!. Good luck OP