Your Guide to Owning a Static Caravan

Since the pandemic, UK staycations have been on the rise. According to the Resolution Foundation, one in ten British adults are now a second homeowner. A large number of these second homes are holiday home investments, with many people owning a static caravan.

In this guide, we will look at the reasons why you should own a static caravan, advice on choosing a static caravan, things to consider before buy, static caravan maintenance, the next steps and what you will need to do when you eventually sell your static caravan.

Why Should you Own a Static Caravan?

There are numerous reasons why owning a static caravan is a good idea. Here we list a few reasons why;

1. It will Save you Money

There are a number of savings to be had with owning a static caravan. As prices across the world increase, owning a static caravan in the UK will save you money in the long term;

• Once you have paid your yearly site fees and charges there is very little money you will have to spend.
• There are savings on travel expenses compared to being abroad; flights, transport to and from the airport as well as paid parking while you leave your car
• Many holiday parks have entertainment and leisure facilities on the grounds so no need to travel outside the park (unless you want to).
• Static caravans are generally more affordable than a brick and mortar holiday home.
• Maintenance on static caravans is generally cheaper than on traditional holiday homes.

2. Gives your Holidays Flexibility

Owning a static caravan is a home from home. You can visit anytime (subject to the park being open 12 months a year); every school holiday if you have children, a short weekend break or off-peak if you have no school-related commitments. Another great feature of static caravans is that you can store things there for your trips, so less packing!

Owning your own static caravan means no more arguments about where to go on holiday, no more trawling through websites anxiously trying to find the best holiday to suit everyone.

As a nation of pet lovers, holiday parks have adapted to our animal needs and many parks now allow and even encourage our furry friends. Check out our section on Pet-Friendly Parks.

3. Earn Money from your Static Caravan

Many holiday parks allow you to rent your caravan out, either through them or a third party. This gives you the opportunity to offset the running costs of owning your own static caravan. If you would like some more advice, read our guide Static Caravan Rental.

4. Security

Compared to traditional bricks and mortar holiday home, you can be assured that owning a static caravan on a holiday park will increase reduce the risk of crime against your property. Many holiday parks employ security guards, as well as the park, is gated.

Choosing the Right Holiday Park

Before you part with your hard-earned money, it definitely pays to consider where you want to own your static caravan. There are so many wonderful holiday parks in the UK. Generally, holiday parks are in great locations; whether it is a Holiday Park by the Coast or in the countryside. You may even want a holiday home that is somewhere in between – so that you can take advantage of both.

Many holiday parks in the UK have stunning facilities. As an example, Aberconwy Resort and Spa in Conwy have all the facilities of a five-star hotel. The park has an award-winning restaurant, heated swimming pool, hair salon, gym and luxury spa.

The most important factor in deciding the correct holiday park is one that suits your needs. Luckily, there are holiday parks that suit everyone; whether that’s a pet-friendly park or one that particularly caters to children. Maybe the budget is the deciding factor, from basic to luxury, there is something to cover all tastes.

Owning a static caravan continues to grow in popularity. As well as being available in areas where you might not be able to afford bricks and mortar holiday homes, Static Caravan Manufacturers are continually improving their quality. Furnished with luxury fixtures and fittings, including high-quality fabrics and spectacular bathrooms, they boast everything from stunning kitchens to luxury bathrooms. What’s more, they are often sited in sought-after locations.

Things to consider before owning a static caravan:

Here we list a few questions you may want to think about before taking the plunge and owning a static caravan. Read 35 Questions to ask before you Buy a Static Caravan.

• Is it in your preferred location?
• Does it tick all the boxes for being close to amenities and attractions?
• Will it be easy to maintain?
• What site fees or services charges need to take into account?
• Does the park cater for your needs?
• How long is the holiday season?
• Am I able to bring pets to the park?

Pitch fees or Site fees

This is the fee that allows you to keep your static caravan on its pitch for the year. The site fees will vary between parks, depending on the park’s location, facilities and the size of the pitch. The annual costs should be included in your budgeting. For further details on pitch fees, Read our guide to Static Caravan Pitch Fees.

A frequently asked is question is “What is the lifespan of a static caravan?”. Sell My Group is one of the UK’s largest specialist portals with hundreds of static caravans for sale. We have helped thousands of buyers find their dream static caravan, park home, and holiday lodge. A new static caravan in the right location can provide you with years of wonderful holidays. Very few investments bring so much joy to people.

In this guide, we will discuss the longevity and lifespan of a static caravan, how long a caravan can stay on a holiday park as well as tips on extending the lifespan of a static caravan.

How Long Does a Static Caravan Usually Last?

Certainly, the build quality of static caravans over the years has improved. Residential park homes and some lodges are now built to BS3632, which is a residential standard. Static caravans model standards can be found here. The secret to a long, trouble-free life of any product, from domestic appliances to cars, is twofold:

• Invest in high-quality products.
• Give it regular maintenance.

If you follow this advice, your static caravan can last for 20 to 30 years.

Can you Live in a Static caravan on a Holiday Park?

No, you cannot live on a holiday park, this is due to the site license the local council has issued which forbids it. Also, a static caravan isn’t built to be lived in on a holiday park. Read our complete guide to living in a static caravan for further advice.

How Long Can a Static Caravan Stay on a Holiday Park?

In most cases, the first step in buying a static caravan is to choose a holiday park for your static caravan to be sited. When you decide on your location and model, the park will also sell you a pitch license, which usually lasts between ten and twenty years (however this may vary). Upon the expiration of that license, your options include renewing it, purchasing a new caravan on the same holiday park, part-exchanging your current static caravan, or moving it off the park.

The main reason pitch licenses tend to be longer than the lifespan of a static caravan is quite simple. To make their property as attractive as possible to residents and potential customers, park owners strive to display rows and rows of neat, well-maintained homes.

You’ll enjoy more popularity with your park owners and neighbours if you keep your static caravan in good condition. Additionally, you will avoid problems and maximize its resale or part-exchange value.

Can you Live in a Static caravan on a Holiday Park?

No, you cannot live on a holiday park, this is due to the site license the local council has issued which forbids it. Also, a static caravan isn’t built to be lived in on a holiday park. Read our complete guide to living in a static caravan for further advice.

Tips on Extending the Lifespan of a Static Caravan

We have a full guide to static caravan maintenance but you can read on for some basic tips;

Repair leaks as soon as you spot them

Even the smallest amount of water can enter your caravan and cause damage, dampness, or discomfort. The same goes for internal pipes. A small leak can cause a lot of damage if you don’t fix it right away. The best way to prevent rot is to look out for wet patches and leaks regularly, tracing their source and preventing them from spreading.

Inspect skylights regularly

Roofs of static caravans do not leak, but skylights are often the weakest part of the structure. In general, skylights are made from a plastic material and are surrounded by a sealant. This material is susceptible to degradation due to exposure to frost, sunlight, and rainwater. If there are any leaks or you notice weakness in the skylight, you might want to replace it now and then, as this will be much cheaper than buying an entirely new static caravan.

Keep your floors well maintained.

Floors can begin to wear out over time, especially in areas with a lot of traffic, like doorways. Ensure regular inspections for stains and damages and that you take immediate action if necessary. Also, be on the lookout for bounciness. When you suddenly feel the floor feel different under your feet, it could indicate that weakness is developing. Add support to help prevent the area from getting weaker.

Make sure the chassis is safe from any damage

Top-quality caravans with chassis made of steel are fully galvanized or coated with special paint to protect them from corrosion. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to regularly check the base of the caravan for corrosion. Additionally, add a skirt to the chassis to give it better protection. The park owner can probably recommend someone who can do the job for you. If you live by the coast, we recommend you buy a galvanized chassis to avoid corrosion caused by the salty air. A static caravan’s skirting is both a protective layer for the chassis and a way to make them more visually appealing.

Drain and winterize your system

When leaving a caravan empty in winter, ensure you drain the pipes. You might come back to find burst pipes in springtime if water is left to freeze in pipes. Ensure that all the piping is empty to avoid a flooded caravan and expensive repairs.

To prevent freeze-ups in the toilets and plugholes, pour non-toxic antifreeze through the plugholes and down the toilets, especially if you are away for a long time.

Are you curious to learn more about living in a static caravan? Visit our website and browse our selection of top caravan manufacturers in the UK.

If you own a static caravan, share your tips on how you keep your caravan in impeccable condition.

Clear gutters regularly

Keep the rainwater flowing by clearing static caravan gutters. This is necessary, considering that accumulated water is often the source of corrosion and dampness.

For further information on maintenance, read our guide on Static Caravan Maintenance.

What about Selling a Static Caravan?

When you buy a static caravan, the last thing you will be thinking about is selling one. However, once you have enjoyed lots of happy times in your holiday home, there is always the option to sell in the future. Over the years, Sell My Group has gained a lot of experience in this area, working with parks and owners, so please read our guide to Selling a Static Caravan;

Conclusion; Taking the Next Step to Own a Static Caravan

If owning a static caravan in the UK is something you long for, it is so easy to look at your options from the comfort of your own home. Sell My Group’s online portal has a huge range of available properties to view online.

Using the search page, you can find parks by county, region or by park name. Just click away once you have seen a property you like. Want to view a property? No problem! Viewing a property couldn’t be more straightforward, and you can get in touch directly with the park to do this; all details are provided. For further information on buying a static caravan, read our post here.