Tips for Static Caravan Ownership

[AP38]

I will preface this by saying I know. I know they are a money pit. I know there are horror stories etc. etc. etc. I am still considering one because the draw to me is having somewhere we can go at short notice with very little in the way of planning. We can afford the purchase price and the site fees without renting it out. Please don't reply to tell me not to do it!

On the other hand, I would love to hear any tips for a prospective first-time owner. And in particular, anyone who has a caravan in a site on the east coast - where is it and do you recommend it? We're looking somewhere north of the Humber up to around Whitby-ish, but want to stay away from the Haven etc. sites if we can. Thank you!!

I have a caravan by the coast in Wales. I went in with my eyes open; it's not an investment, I won't make any money from it, I won't get the money back. It sounds like your eyes are open too.

BUT it's my sanctuary, and I have spent 10 weeks out the 39 week season there this year, as I am able to 'work from home' there, as well as enjoy down time.

I do let friends and family use it for a small contribution towards costs, but do not rent it out commercially (also not allowed to on my site).

I am on a very uncommercial site with no facilities. I don't want or need a bar (there's a pub walking distance away if I want it), entertainment, swimming pools or games machines. I have everything I need in my caravan except a washing machine, but the one facility they do have on site is a laundry room!

I've had mine for my 2 seasons now, and don't regret it in the slightest.

We're very similar to PP, we bought a static in the lakes after a lovely weekend in one. We bought a good second hand one that was about 10yrs old. We love it. Yes it costs money in fees, but we just make sure we use it. We leave food and clothes up there so can get up there at short notice. We relax there is a way we cant at home because there's no chores to do.
We had it as a couple and loved it. Now we have small children and think its amazing to have somewhere we can get away with them.
Same as above we let family use it for a contribution but don't rent it out.
Id say if you can afford it. Absolutely go for it.
Think about when you would use it,ours is in the lakes and traffic can get pretty rubbish at times but we just plan around it. Noise really travels in them so think about you plot. We've had a deck put on ours which gives us some pretty private out door space that is a lovely sun trap.

My only advice would be compare the cost over 5 or 10 years as you may be better buying a house.

This group on Facebook needs to be your first port of call.
HOLIDAY PARK ACTION GROUP

We absolutely LOVE our static, had it for 12 years now and go most weekends

We’re the same as you, don’t (and would never) rent it out but like others we do let family go. Beware of people trying to take the piss

Choose your site wisely, annual fees vary enormously. Also make sure you ask if there’s a maximum age for caravans

As an alternative, you could buy a large touring caravan with fixed beds and put it in a seasonal pitch. You’d have all the advantages of the static but fewer expenses plus the ability to move it to another seasonal pitch after a year or two for a change of scene.

Some sites will store your caravan for you in their compound and tow it out and site it for you before you arrive, putting it away at the end of your visit. There are companies that will tow caravans from A to B for a fee if you don’t want to tow it yourself.

Many sites now have serviced pitches so you have your own constant water supply and drainage, meaning that you don’t have to fill a barrel or empty your waste water. You will have to empty your loo though but these are cassettes.

It might be something you hadn’t considered.

Hi we have had a static in west Wales for over 14 years. It's a private site.

Look closely at any rules especially regarding how old they allow vans to be on site. Some sites like Haven, don't allow vans over 12 years old.

Also ask how many months of the year you can use the site. We are not allowed to stay overnight from November to the start of Feb . Try and do a few visits to get a feel of your neighbours.

Make sure you get proper van insurance.

It's fairly easy to learn how to drain down a van for winter. No need to pay expensive charges for this.

We love our van. It's our bolt hole.

Right opposite the beach. https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150338855#/?channel=RES_BUY

I have experienced both sides of it. My parents had one in Wales for 6 years and my partner bought one a couple of years ago which was the best thing and the worst thing he ever did.

Most importantly look around!! We and my parents just went for the first site we saw. Look into what is around the site and the area. How far it is from local amenities and towns. What is on site. Our site was amazing, the club was brilliant, it was lovely to feel part of what we thought was gonna be a community.. But it ended up like a episode of coronation St 😂

You want to look at sites not hours and hours away coz you just won't go as much as you would like. My parents were at their caravan on a Friday night by 7pm, they could be in the club having a round of bingo.
My parents used theirs mainly as a little bolt hole which enabled them to travel round Wales on their motorbike. As you say they didn't need to book expensive caravans and then the weather forecast in the week change or they could just give it a miss if something cropped up.

My parents didn't get anything back for theirs but they had a nice time whilst they had it. If you consider how much you can spend on a weekend away it does almost level out.
Altho their site deteriorated. They shut the pool and the club was terrible and it become like a ghost town over the years however they kept bumping the costs up. Make sure you do lots of research on the site

You will get ripped off. No doubt about it. My parents did and so did my partner. They charge you for EVERYTHING. even using the hosepipe lol. Gas bottles are expensive and it's like supplying 2 homes with shopping every weekend. The fees do increase a lot, the electricity bills are more expensive than at home but if you have kids I think it's an amazing experience for them.

There is a programme online about how they rip you off and don't be blinded coz they really do!!
We bought our caravan, they gave previous owner 6k back for it and my partner paid £20k for it, I don't think they gave my partners family much for it because he passed away in it and they did it up and sold it again for £20k.

One behind us was a very old one and they gave the owners £500 for it and within 2 hours they had sold it on for £13k!!!

You have to weigh up whats important to you and your family. And family memories are more than just money.

I would love to buy one again but I have my eyes wide open this time.