The UK has the busiest, and largest, market for the retail of static caravans in Europe and many people are now purchasing their own either to sublet or as a private retreat. Much consideration is required into all aspects of Caravan ownership. Secondary to your home, a caravan is likely to be the largest investment you ever make and so it has to be a good one. We have put together a list of 10 handy Tips for buying a Static Caravan.

 

1. Consider if you want to sublet or not…

Sub-letting a caravan means that you have an almost guaranteed income throughout the seasonal months. The downside to this is that subletting decreases the availability of the caravan to you and your family. The deciding factor will boil down to what your initial intentions were for owning a static caravan; was it an investment or simply a holiday home?

2. Consider choosing a regular maintenance company…

The hiring of staff is also something to consider, especially if you are planning to sublet. It would be much more saving on your financial and time resources to have regular cleaners, gardeners and regular maintenance people on hand between holidaymakers – rather than making the many round trips this would require to do yourself.

3. Make sure you stick to a budget…

Buying a static caravan in a lump sum payment can cost you anything from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds and of course the more luxurious, spacious and modern a caravan the higher the initial outlay will be. Decide how much you can afford BEFORE you step into a dream caravan you can’t afford.

4. Explore finance options…

There are many finance options available, such as monthly payment schemes and 0% deposit plans. You may also find parks with no site fees for a period of time. If you can’t afford a lump sum payment then you can still have the static caravan of your dreams. You may prefer to take finance from the park or may prefer to source your own funding. Make sure you read the fine print though to make sure you can afford your caravan.

5. Ensure you’re aware of your running costs…

Consider the annual running costs. This is likely to include things such as site fees, management fees, insurance, utilities and general maintenance. Look into where you can cut costs and don’t be afraid to ask for discounts. The best parks will work with you to ensure you have all the facts and information available to ensure you can afford your caravan long term, so ask your sales staff.

6. Starting out…

You will likely need all the ‘first home’ essentials such as kitchen equipment; pots, pans, utensils and cooking apparatus. A way to do this cheaply is to not be afraid of second hand! Charity shops and Internet selling sites can be a godsend when there are a lot of items to purchase. Some parks offer a starter kit that can ensure you have all the essentials, particularly for subletting. Ask your park if they offer this and if they don’t, whether they could suggest anywhere to purchase them.

7. Look at your location…

All parks offer something different. Site facilities could include family friendly ones which will include children’s clubs, adventure playgrounds and arcades. If you’ve a large family who enjoys being active, you should consider a park that has plenty to do, so take some time to go around the park and see the facilities for yourself. This should also give you the best idea of what pitches are available for your caravan. If there’s not much on site, then consider what nearby attractions there are to visit.

8. Consider your travel time…

You may fall in love with a site and static caravan based in Cornwall, but if you live in Scotland how practical is this going to be for frequent visits? Many people like to spend a lot of time in their caravan and so making sure that it’s within a reasonable distance is very important. Also, consider how any subletting holidaymakers are likely to travel. Are there train stations nearby?

9. Make sure there is sufficient security…

You need to know your caravan will be safe whilst you’re not there. As well as personal alarms, check to see what the site has in place for your protection and make sure you find their security sufficient. Most parks provide some type of security to home owners.

10. Gain Advice…

Before you bought your home, you likely had it surveyed to check for foundation faults and the stability of the structure. You caravan should be no different. Spending a lot of money (or committing to) is unwise if you don’t know 100% that the caravan you’re buying is safe and not in need of repair.

Following these handy tips for buying a static caravan and, using just a little common sense can mean your caravan purchase will give you many happy holidays over a long period of time.