Can You Live In a Static Caravan All Year Round?

Static caravan ownership has grown exponentially over recent years. The National Caravan Council (NCC) reports at least 365,000 static caravans in the UK, with an additional 100,000 residential park homes. With rising house prices and the lack of supply of traditional bricks and mortar property, a common question asked is; ‘Can you live in a static caravan all year round?’. In this article, we will discuss this and whether you can live on a Holiday park (sometimes called a caravan park).

LOOKING FOR A RESIDENTIAL PARK HOME?

What are the Differences Between a Residential and Holiday Park?

Static caravans are nearly always located on a holiday park. But what is the difference between a holiday park and a residential park? The critical difference is the local authority’s license for the park. This license will determine whether or not you can live in a static caravan all year round.

If a park is residential, you have a ‘right of permanent residence,’ allowing you to live there permanently. It can be your full-time home. You can live there all year, and there’s no requirement to have another property somewhere else. Residential parks usually house park homes (but they can be lodges) that are self-contained and fully maintained by the residents.s.

On the other hand, holiday parks require residents to have their primary address in addition to their holiday home. The accommodation on site can be a selection of lodges but are typically static caravans. Holiday parks are designed for holiday purposes, and the license agreement will outline this. You can read our blog for further details on the difference between a holiday park and a residential park.

How long can you live in a Holiday Park?

Some holiday parks shut down and cannot be occupied during the winter; this can vary from a week up to six weeks. However, many holiday parks enjoy a twelve-month season, meaning you can go anytime. So if that’s the case, can you live on a holiday park?

The simple answer is you cannot live in a holiday park. When you buy a static caravan on a holiday park, you must use this as a holiday home. Living on a holiday park in a static caravan is fraudulent and cannot be a primary address or a place of permanent residence. Holiday parks are lovely, and some offer excellent facilities with a laid-back atmosphere for residents. Consequently, holiday parks encourage residents to spend several months at a time enjoying their holiday homes. Interestingly, several newer residential parks enjoy facilities similar to a holiday park.

It is a legal requirement for owners of a holiday home to own or rent a residential property in addition to the holiday home. So if someone is living on a holiday park, they would also have no protection under the Mobile Homes Act (2013) and would not have the right to vote or register with a doctor.

Can I Live In a Static Caravan on a Residential Park?

No, it would not be possible to live year-round in a static caravan on a residential park. However, it is rare to find static caravans for sale on a residential park, even those built with residential specifications. Therefore, residential parks will usually accommodate purpose-built manufactured park homes up to residential specifications.

In most cases, static caravans will not be allowed to be sold on residential parks. Instead, local councils and governing bodies will outline what type of ‘home’ can be sold to live in all year round.

Park homes are different in construction to a static caravan, although built on a chassis. A single park home can be a similar size to that to a static caravan. They are not made from traditional bricks and mortar, but frames made from steel and floors from high-grade timber frames nailed to timber joists. The roofs comprise battens, plasterboard, and steel tiles.

You can live in a park home for many years and all year round; Because it is of BS3632 Standard; more of this is below. A new park home on a residential site would typically cost more than £150,000. The site fees/ground rent for a residential park tend to be lower than those for caravans on holiday parks.

Can you live in a Static Caravan on Private Land?

When living in a static caravan on your land, each council’s exact rules and regulations vary. You will have to get planning permission before siting the static caravan, but it cannot be a permanent residence.

There are, however, a few exceptions to this. For example, you can live in a caravan on your land while renovations occur on your home. However, this must not be permanent.

It is within the law to site a caravan within the ‘curtilage of your home,’ i.e., in your garden or on your drive, without acquiring planning permission. However, the static caravan or mobile home must only accompany the house for ancillary uses. An example of this would be for guest accommodation, and it cannot be the primary living or sleeping area.

What Is the BS3632 Standard

Previously in this post, we have mentioned the BS3632 Standard. This Standard relates to the construction of a new park home or lodge. The British Standards Institute, otherwise known as the BSI, is a UK body that produces a range of standards for businesses and products to ensure they are fit for purpose. The BS3632 Standard is legislation to help protect park homes and lodges owners.

First published in 1963, the BS3632 Standard for residential park homes explicitly covers residential park homes’ quality. It includes a list of criteria to fit all models for their specific intention and safe dwelling.

The latest version of the BS3632 is currently the 2015 version. It contains updated legislation around technology and the energy efficiency of homes, amongst other things. This information can guide manufacturers and builders to ensure they produce the best standards in homes. For more information, read our guide on the BS3632 Standard.

What Do Site Fees Include?

Now that we have established the rules around living in a holiday park, let’s delve deeper into costs. We have mentioned site fees previously, which help maintain the park and home. However, the more facilities and amenities you receive, the higher the pitch fees you will need to pay. However, other factors that could impact pricing include the local area. If, for example, you are buying a static caravan in a famous tourist zone, you will often pay more for the privilege. This is because holiday homes in these regions are increasing in demand. Read our Site Fees Guide.

What Maintenance Do Static Caravans Need?

As with all properties, holiday homes will require regular work to keep them in good working condition. If you look after your caravan, it will look after you for many years. This will involve a selection of different jobs, from cleaning and painting to gardening. For example, it is good to clean the outside walls with a sponge or cloth, removing any bird mess. Keeping windows clean and decking swept will also help reduce mould and staining build-up. It is also good to check that any vents or ducts are clear from debris. The park where your home is based will require that it be maintained to a certain level, and this will be written into your contract or agreement. Read our Static Caravan Maintenace Guide.

Conclusion; Can You Live In a Static Caravan All Year Round?

No, you cannot live in a static caravan all year round. However, holiday homes allow you to enjoy the freedom of impulsive getaways and extended holidays for weeks or even months at a time. Some responsibilities come with owning a holiday home; however, the benefits outweigh those for you and your family, from relaxing hot tubs to action-packed resort towns and cities. Your holiday home can be whatever you want it to be and more. Please read our guide to owning a static caravan.