Aibu to consider buying a static caravan?

[allotmentgardener]

We have two small children (1 & 3) and I like to get away in the UK a few times a year. Is it ridiculous to consider buying a park van? My husband scoffed and exclaimed it was quite a ridiculous idea. (I have booked 4 nights away soon in a town only 30 minutes up the road but the park looks lovely and there are lots of things to do nearby that we wouldn't bother doing if at home staycationing because the jobs and DIY would take over) we could afford a cheapish one, and on investigation letting it can offset the site costs. Mumsnet people regale me with your knowledge and help my decision making process!

As long as you want to keep going there, it can be worth getting. If it's on a popular site you might get enough interest from people you know rather than have the hassle and risks of letting it to strangers.

Check t&cs and weigh up all the costs. Also if the van has to pass checks, be under a certain age and what happens if it isn't etc.

We haven't got one so can't advise with that, but YABU getting one 30 mins down the road?! That seems like such a waste of money to me. Do the local attractions during holidays / weekends and if you get one, get it elsewhere to explore another area!

We love ours but if you break even on annual costs and fuel etc then that's good. You don't make money really.

After a few years the site may demand that you upgrade to a more current model. Site fees can be brutal so work out how often you'd have to let it out versus using it yourself if you want to try and cover the fees that way. And you're stuck in the same site every time. No change of scenery.

Saying that, I have friends who have a static in a park near Newcastle and they love it, they go just about every weekend come rain or shine (mostly rain).

I wouldn't get one just 30 minutes away.You need to plan your weekends to see the sights and attractions locally, prioritise days out instead of DIY.

As for getting a static, check the site fees,what's included in the fees, how much for gas and electricity, how long the season is, how long before you will be required to upgrade etc

If you're intending to go away a lot and it will enhance your lives, then go ahead. It won't be an investment though but it could be a fun family base for a good few years.