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Your ultimate guide to buying your first caravan
There’s nothing quite like having your own holiday home to escape to whenever you fancy. Buying your first static caravan is like giving yourself a golden ticket to long weekends by the sea, school holiday adventures without the booking palaver, and precious fun-filled moments with your favourite humans.
Whether you’re dreaming of coastlines or countryside, caravan ownership is all about flexibility, freedom and creating lasting memories.
But where do you start? From setting your budget to picking the perfect park, this guide takes you through each step of the journey.
Why buy a static caravan?
A static caravan is more than just a holiday home, it’s your base for adventures, family memories, and time to switch off and relax. Fancy popping off to your favourite spot whenever the mood strikes?
No booking drama, no squeezing your life into a suitcase –just grab the keys and scarper! There’s also a real sense of community on holiday parks, especially with regular neighbours and friendly staff.
Go wild with the homely interior touches and swing by as often as you please, it’s your playground after all. With on-site facilities, entertainment that’ll have you giggling into the night, and gorgeous locations on your doorstep, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing static caravans for their slice of the good life.
What to consider when buying your first caravan
Buying your first caravan is an exciting step, but there are a few key things to think about to make sure it fits your lifestyle and finances. Let’s break it down.
Define your budget
Your budget will shape every part of your caravan journey, from the model you buy to the park you want to be located on.
|
Type |
Starting from |
Up to |
|
New |
£39,995 |
£399,995 |
|
Used |
£19,995 |
£159,950 |
Don't forget about insurance. Static caravan insurance helps protect against accidental damage, weather mishaps, and theft, so it’s well worth factoring in from the start. If you're keen to explore both options, check out our new caravans for sale and used caravans for sale to see what’s currently available.
Choose the right size
Static caravans come in various sizes and layouts to accommodate different needs:
Single-width caravans:
Typically 10-14 feet wide, great for smaller families or couples.
Lodge caravan:
Approximately 20 feet wide, providing extra living space and often additional bedrooms.
More space also means bigger kitchens, proper lounges and sometimes even en-suites, so it’s worth weighing up your needs.
“A lot of our holiday home owners start with something that fits their budget to give them a taste of the lifestyle -just to dip their toes in. Once they’ve fallen in love (which doesn’t take long!), many choose to upgrade within 6 months to 5 years, just like moving up the property ladder.” - Kate Watts, Holiday Home Sales Expert, Away Resorts.
Decide whether you want a used or new caravan
Both new and used caravans have their perks.
New caravans come with the latest layouts, energy-efficient appliances, and fresh interiors, perfect if you want that brand-new feel.
Pre-loved caravans offer great value and are ideal if you're testing the waters before committing long term. Plus, many are already sited and ready to go, so you can start enjoying your holidays right away.
If you're after something a bit more spacious, a luxury lodge could be the perfect fit for you. These larger, more luxurious holiday homes provide plenty of room for family and friends, with stylish features and plenty of comfort.
Select the best location for your caravan
One of the most exciting aspects of owning a static caravan is choosing the perfect spot to park it. Your location will be your personal getaway, so it's essential to find a place that offers the right vibe and amenities for you and your family. Why not try:
-
Tattershall Lakes (Lincolnshire): Ideal if you love the great outdoors, with lakes for water sports, acres of parkland, and excellent family facilities.
-
Sandy Balls (New Forest): Nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
-
Whitecliff Bay - Isle of Wight (South Coast): A coastal paradise offering access to sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, and plenty of attractions.
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Golden Sands (Wales): Embrace holiday home ownership at Golden Sands and enjoy the seaside, activities and modern amenities.
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St Ives Bay (Cornwall): Own a holiday home at St Ives Bay and enjoy coastal views, excellent facilities with a vibrant Cornish charm.
Our locations offers fantastic amenities like heated pools, entertainment venues, and dining options, meaning you’ll always have something to do when you’re not unwinding in your caravan. Plus, if you want to enjoy your holiday home all year round, consider a park that offers longer season lengths, giving you more time to relax and recharge.
Owner Testimonial
“We visit our caravan most weekends during the season, and I now spend many weeks there since retiring. We bought the caravan, which was second-hand, in 2013.
Since then, we’ve purchased a new caravan and moved to a wonderful sea view pitch. Everyone who visits us admires our amazing views.” - Tina Barker (Mersea Island Holiday Park)
Understand what features you want from your caravan
Having a wish list can help you focus when browsing caravans. Think about what will make your time away as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
Popular features to look out for:
- Double glazing and central heating
- Decking or veranda space
- Dishwasher or washing machine
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Open-plan living areas
- Smart storage solutions
- Integrated sound system
- Wi-Fi and smart TV connections
Caravan features
Classic design
Consider ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs for your caravan
When owning a static caravan, it’s important to factor in ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs. These can vary depending on the age and condition of your caravan, but typical expenses include:
- Annual pitch fees - £3,000 - £12,000 depending on chosen park and location
- Annual Rates - includes local authority rates and water charges £400 - £800 per year - depending on location.
- Electricity - is charged as used for all holiday homes. Much like a house
- Gas - is charged as used for all holiday homes.Much like a house
- Other costs - these include winterisation and insurance
We offer various finance options and regularly run special offers that can make either option more affordable. To help cover costs, a great way to earn income from your holiday home is to let it using our hassle free managed letting scheme.
Letting through us enables you to earn some extra income whilst you are not using your holiday home! We’ll take care of everything, and you’ll have the reassurance and promise from us that your new holiday home will be fully looked after
Familiarise yourself with legalities and ownership terms
Most static caravans are sited on land that’s leased within a holiday park. That means you own the caravan, but you lease the pitch it sits on. It’s important to:
-
Check the lease duration: Agreements often range from 10 to 20 years.
-
Understand park rules: This includes things like pet policies, subletting, and speed limits.
Our team is always happy to talk you through the paperwork, so nothing comes as a surprise later.
How to buy a static caravan
Once you’ve gone through the essential steps in our static caravan buyers guide, it’s time to plan a visit to your chosen park. Whether you prefer to come alone for a peaceful walk around or bring the whole family to experience it together, visiting the park will give you a true sense of what it’s like to own a caravan.
Owner Testimonial
“What we love most about being owners is not having to pack! We absolutely love it!” - Sarah Cragg
A visit is the perfect way to get a feel for life at the park. After exploring, you can make your decision on the spot or take your time, discuss it with your family, and get back to us when you’re ready. We’re excited to help you take the next step and can’t wait to welcome you to our community soon!
Latest offers
Hear from first-time caravan owners
Curious what it’s really like? Watch new owners talk about their journey into caravan life.
An interview with holiday home owners
Arrange your park visit
Arrange a visit today and come to see us for a taste of holiday home ownership!
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