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Really wasn't sure where to put this but....buying a static caravan, what do we need to consider?

21 replies

Davestwattymissus · 23/04/2023 16:37

Putting it here as, erm, its a purchase, and purchases need money!

We've found a sited one for sale privately in an area we like, for what seems like a decent price. We know what the site fees are and what months of the year the site is open. We know what the 'rules' are vis a vis dogs, children, visitors etc. Going to view this week hopefully.

What else do we need to think about / ask please?!

OP posts:
JuniperBerry1 · 23/04/2023 16:43

How old they allow caravans to be to remain on the site.

TheExchange · 23/04/2023 16:45

Find me out how old the caravans are allowed to be on the site.

TheExchange · 23/04/2023 16:46

Cross post.

BranchGold · 23/04/2023 16:47

I have nothing helpful to add, but would people have some sort of structural/energy report when buying a static caravan?

SpringLobelia · 23/04/2023 16:48

If you own it on licence. (which is likely I think) and what protections you have.

I have a family member who was paying circa £5 k for site fees and then the caravan site owners just upped and sold the entire business to a major holiday company and they were kicked out and there was nothing they (or any of the other owners|) could do.

Mightyouandiconfabulate · 23/04/2023 16:50

Yes the age of the van as some have an age limit for vans.
Cost of annual safety checks (gas/electricity)
Things like winterising the van to avoid pipes splitting etc, damp proofing info.
Learn how to do this to avoid costly repairs.

Im sure that you know that you will buy at a loss, it is likely that there will be a big loss when you are ready to sell, there is no profit to be made in static caravans.

Other than that, enjoy!! It’s a luxury for sure these days, but wonderful!

ditalini · 23/04/2023 16:51

Thirding checking how old they'll let your van be - you might find you need to shell out for a new on a couple of years down the line depending on how old the one you're buying is.

MarieG10 · 23/04/2023 16:55

The conditions for selling it and also replacing it. Usually there is a requirement to buy through the site at a vast mark up.

Conditions if any on site fee uplifts
Contractual periods the site is open and whether it can be changed

Oblomov23 · 23/04/2023 17:12

Interesting. My colleague is buying a static.

Davestwattymissus · 23/04/2023 17:17

@Oblomov23 i can guarantee I'm not your colleague, we haven't told anyone!

OP posts:
Margarita45 · 23/04/2023 17:20

I’d ask for some info on the average annual site fee increase over say the last 5 years. Family members of ours had one and the site doubled the fees over 2 years. They had to get rid in the end as they didn’t fancy renting it to cover the extra cost.

dogglebox · 23/04/2023 17:21

Find out if it floods. I know someone who lives on a caravan site and they had no idea it flooded until it happened. Even now they show potential owners round and nobody tells them about the annual floods!

LucifersLight · 23/04/2023 17:30

Your sanity?

Davestwattymissus · 23/04/2023 19:03

Thanks all, this is so helpful!

OP posts:
MrsPerfect12 · 24/04/2023 19:42

How long do you plan to keep it? I have one and they depreciate massively and hard to sell. It's a lifestyle not an investment so if you're thinking only a couple of years then it's probably not worth it

SUBisYodrethwhenLarping · 24/04/2023 19:45

Seriously don't do it without lots of research into the company and previous owners etc

You will be trapped into paying charges and then when it gets a few years old then problems selling or keeping it on the site as they will want it gone as it is too old fashioned for them

Xarrie · 24/04/2023 19:50

Worst thing we ever did. Look into every thing with a fine tooth comb.

We sold it after a couple of years at a huge loss.

SUBisYodrethwhenLarping · 24/04/2023 19:54

Why are the owners selling it?

Effieswig · 24/04/2023 19:59

I think you need to accept a lot of the time it’s a financial loss.

My parents have one. Fees have gone up. Mum passed away so Dad says this is the last year and he is getting rid. Site fees are almost 6k per year.

However, he can’t sell it privately. He has to sell it to the site. Which will give him far less for it than selling it privately. They then resell it for a lot more.

Some sites won’t allow vans over certain ages. So if the site says 10 years is the limit and you buy one at 5, in 5 years you need to sell it or part ex for a newer one.

Mum spent her inheritance from her parents on it. She loved it. Dad wouldn’t have bought one, but it was what mum wanted.

You also need to pick your pitch carefully. Also look at what are the rules around the caravans being hired out.

Mum got this one after having a van at another site for a few years. At the old one you could privately hire them out and over the years it became a nightmare. It was mainly families and older people when they got that one. Then became over runs with stag and hen parties every weekend. Security out all evening, having to evict people in the night.

That’s why she moved to where they are now. You can’t hire out your van where they are. It’s really quiet, got a pool, clubhouse, beach access etc. lovely setting but expensive.

Also don’t forget to work in cost of gas and electricity, draining down for winter, putting back on ant the end of winter into running fees.

Whatevergetsyouthroughthenight · 24/04/2023 20:03

Does it have a ‘closed’ season and if so when and for how long? Many sites have planning restrictions that mean they have to shut for a few weeks or a couple of months but you are still paying the fees.

What are the arrangements and costs for rates, insurance, gas, electric, water and rubbish?

Who is responsible for grass cutting?

Is parking allocated or first come, first served?

Can you sublet?

Can you have a copy of the site rules?

Also - if it is more than 90 minutes’ drive from home you won’t use it.

SUBisYodrethwhenLarping · 24/04/2023 21:38

Why not buy a high quality caravan (with wheels) and put that on a seasonal pitch site for the year and then if you want move it to somewhere else for the next year

You don't have to tow it you can pay people to move them for you if needed

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