Selling a Static Caravan? Read our Full Guide for Success

Are you selling a static caravan? Sell My Group has put together an extensive guide to help you find a buyer. There are three main options available when selling a static caravan. The most important outcome for you is to get the best price in a fixed period of time that you are comfortable with. Here are the three options for selling a static caravan:

• Sell the static caravan to the park owner (or operator).
• Sell your holiday home to a trader or dealer to take the caravan off the park.
• Selling the static to a private buyer for the home to remain in the park.

Factors in Selling a Static Caravan for the Best Price

When selling a static caravan, several factors need to be considered. These factors may affect the eventual selling price of the static caravan;

• Condition of the caravan
• Any additions to the static caravan after manufacture
• Inclusion of additional structures, for example, decking and skirting or stairs
• Pitch position – If your static caravan is on a good pitch, this gives the seller an advantage in negotiating the best price. For example, if the pitch enjoys good views

Do Static Caravans Hold their Value?

As a rule of thumb, static caravans depreciate, and new static caravans, like new cars, will lose the most money. However, the amount of money a static caravan will lose depends on several factors, including those listed above and the current market. For example, there is always demand for a static caravan on a good park in a high market.

How can I find out what my static caravan is worth?

There are many ways to find out how much your static caravan value. As valuing is not a science, it is worth collating as much data together for more of a guesstimate than a true value – ultimately, it will be the market that will decide.

• Ask the park operators.
• Check on websites like Sell My Group and eBay.
• Ask other owners
• Contact a static caravan trader
• Check Glass’s guide
• Contact the manufacturers

Once these factors have been considered, it is time to sell your holiday home.

Selling a static caravan to the Park Owner.

Selling a static to a current park owner (operator) is the easiest way to sell your static caravan. The benefits of selling directly to the park operator are;

• No charges for disconnection
• Possibly a reduced sales commission
• Transfer of funds should be quick
• A quick sale
• Piece of mind

The first step in selling your holiday home is to ask your park operator if they would be interested in buying your static caravan. In most cases, they will make you an offer. The offer you will receive will usually be a ‘trade price’ – Not the open market price. Some operators and traders will refer to Glass’s guide for a static caravan trade price.

If you feel the price is right, great – if it isn’t suitable, look below at other selling options.

Selling your static caravan to a Trader or Dealer.

If following negotiations with the park operator, you are unable to agree on a price, or they are unable to purchase your static caravan, the next step is to approach a static caravan trader/dealer. 

SELL MY GROUP CAN RECOMMEND A STATIC CARAVAN DEALER/ TRADER

Generally, dealers and traders may offer a little more than a park operator. However, this is not always the case, and the offer may be significantly less or more. If possible, ring a couple of dealers and negotiate the best price. 

Following on from securing a price for your static caravan, it is essential to refer to your pitch license agreement and consider the following areas:

Notice to terminate your agreement

Some parks require owners to notify them if you are removing your caravan. This can vary from 14 – 120 days, and it is advisable to submit this notice along with any information regarding your intended removal.

What are Dis-connection and Removal Costs

This is the process of disconnection of supply of services to your holiday home, i.e. gas, electric, water and sewerage. This will include removing your static holiday home from its pitch, generally for relocation or removal. In most instances, a holiday park will not allow private individuals to disconnect services and remove a static caravan. The reason for this is primarily safety.

Static caravan removal costs can start at roughly £1,000 but can certainly go up to £5,000. Once again, your agreement should outline this information, and it is advisable to check with the park owner. Negotiate for the trader/ dealer to pay these costs.

Selling Your Static Caravan Privately

Selling your static caravan privately should result in achieving the best possible price. You will be selling the holiday home at ‘market value‘. Both park owners and caravan dealers generally offer a trade price for your holiday home.

Writing to the park owner to make them aware of your intention to sell your static caravan is the next stage. Refer to your license agreement to check what you need to include in your letter. 

Additional factors to consider when deciding on a sale price:

• Commission
• Disconnection charges
• Any refund due of pitch fees already paid. 

Your agreement will contain a lot of information about the terms for selling privately. Also, calculate the commission or charges due to the park owner before selling your caravan holiday home. Holiday parks typically charge between 10% and 20% of commission on the final sale price. 

Good communication with your park owner will assist you and your sale. A new owner will want to have as much information as possible. Providing details such as pitch fees and how they will be calculated once the new owner moves in. This kind of information to provide to a potential buyer will make the selling process much easier. 

Static Caravan Paperwork

Selling privately can require you to sign further paperwork, a ‘private sale form/agreement’. When signing a document such as this, it is important to read it thoroughly and ensure that you are satisfied with the terms and additional information.

Seek extra legal advice if you are not happy with the form-filling or do not understand what is being asked of you.

Your park owner can also offer assistance in your private sale. They will offer themselves as a sales agent, which could involve you signing an agreement with them.

It will explain both sides’ prices and agreed commitments regarding the sales process. Park owners will look to further the sales of their units before yours. We recommend that advertising your caravan independently through various mediums can add extra visibility. 

Static Caravan For-Sale signs

Generally, having a static caravan for sale sign in your window won’t be allowed by the park operators. However, discuss your advertising options and sign ideas with the park operators, as there may be exceptions to the rule on the park.

Selling a Static Caravan on the Internet

The power of the internet is huge, especially when it comes to advertising your static caravan. There are websites specialising in this activity like Sell My Group, and it’s certainly worth researching this option. Social media sites such as Facebook have static caravan selling groups. These groups are free to list and have the right audience for buying your static caravan. Take some appealing pictures and include key information about your static caravan. However, watch out for scams on websites such as eBay.

Selling Your Cavan via Local Press

Yes, people still read the papers. Local papers offer a section where sellers are put in touch with buyers of items. So it would be a good idea to research your local papers and get in touch to ask about advertising. 

Local newsagents often have a notice board for advertising. The cost of placing an advert is normally minimal but could be worth the investment if you have some local interest. For example, create an eye-catching advert with images, promote that there is a static caravan for sale with a good description. Also, include costs such as pitch fees as static caravan buyers could be looking here. 

In Conclusion

We hope that we have answered some questions surrounding selling a static caravan. Your license agreement should contain lots of information for you to sell your unit confidently.

Your park owner is also there to help and advise, as well as third party sites.

Are you ready to sell your static caravan? Visit the Sell My Group Selling Page