subject: Buying a Static Caravan/ Mobile Home? Then read our Free Static Caravan Buyers Guide [print this page] Buying a Static Caravan/ Mobile Home? Then read our Free Static Caravan Buyers Guide
Whether you are buying your first holiday home or your umpteenth hundred, buying a static caravan home is a big decision. Below is a step by step guide to buying (and siting!) a caravan on your ideal static caravan holiday home park.
Step 1: Visit a Caravan Park!
Seem Obvious? The best advice usually is. There is no better indicator of what facilities are available or what this lifestyle holds until you look for yourself first hand. "Can I just turn up at a Holiday park?" On arrival simply tell the park owner /manager that you are thinking of purchasing a caravan and ask if it is Ok for you to look round the park. I doubt any parks will turn you away! Most will show you round the facilities and the second hand caravans they have available. You will be surprised at the quality of these second hand caravans and the price difference compared to buying one new (whilst also saving around 3000 in transport and connection fee's as the caravan is already on site!) you may even grab yourself a bargain with a caravan which already has decking attached to it! Remember that this was a skirmish that was intended just for you to get a better idea of what holiday parks offer, don't rush into anything, you are under no obligation to buy. You want to look at several parks and their surrounding areas before committing. Visit your favourite park at least twice before handing your deposit over, this way you get a chance to talk to other residents and ensure that the park is truly for you, for further information see points 3 & 4.
Step 2: Visit a Caravan Showroom!
Even if you don't wish to buy new, the second step in buying a static caravan is to always get a first hand idea of what caravan models are available. Caravan distributers are very good in their approach as you can walk around their show room, free from salesmen snapping at your heels and get a first hand look at the caravans on offer and an idea of price and types available. There sales people are not too far away mind and always available for an informal chat to help you identify what you are really looking for and what you can afford. You will never be under any obligation to buy and they have a wide selection of brochures for you to take away and can even help you with financing options.
Step 3: Where do you want to be?
The next important step is deciding where you would like your holiday caravan to be sited; England, Scotland, Wales or further afield! We recommend you always consider the distance and time you would like to travel to and from your new holiday home before actually buying a static caravan. As glamorous as a holiday home abroad or by the sea may sound, a traveling time of 4 hours there and 4 hours back is not! Especially with pets or young children in the back. Ideally a travelling time of no more than 2 hours is ideal to prevent any stress in travelling, economise on fuel costs, and to make sure you make the most out of your holiday home.
You may also want to consider the caravan parks surrounding area; it's access to public transport, the type of amenities that are local. Is a beach side location a necessity? Would you like great views of the Welsh Valleys? Do you want to get away from it all or does your family prefer amusements, nearby entertainment facilities and shopping? Whatever your main considerations in buying a static caravan a caravan distributer will be able to offer a variety of locations and facilities to suit every taste.
Step 4: Find a Caravan Holiday Park!
Before buying a static caravan you need to have chosen a caravan park. The main selection criteria for caravan parks are facilities and annual charges. Do you want a restaurant on site? Do you require a club or a swimming pool or are you looking for a get away from it all and be located on a quiet park? This is a important step that most unfortunately miss as you will want to pick a caravan which best suits the pitch to take advantage of getting the best views, notwithstanding the fact that most parks have quality second hand holiday homes which are already sited (saving you around 3000 in transport and siting costs) You may just find your chosen caravan, albeit last season's model at a fraction of the cost.
If cost is your main consideration you need to look at annual charges such as ground rent, rates and services charges (gas, water and electricity) Find out exactly what is included and what isn't. Along with annual charges, all caravan parks have an initial siting and connections charge. This covers the costs of transporting, siting and leveling your new holiday home, connecting it to the on site services and preparing the caravan holiday home for use.
Step 5: Choosing and Buying a Static Caravan
You have siphoned through all the sites available and found your dream holiday park. Now all you need to do is find the right holiday home for you. Your chosen pitch will give you an indication of how big you can have your caravan and the direction of the views will inform you of the best layout and front door positions to get the best of them. Whilst looking for your favourite interior design it is best to keep in mind and keep asking yourself: the size of your family and the number of bedrooms you require, how often your chosen caravan park is open and whether you have a need for central heating and double glazing and do you like eating later with your partner? As a separate dining room from the lounge may be appropriate.
Still confused? Well, why not take a look at one of our other articles or at the buyers guide on our website below. Between us we have over 50 years experience and are always on hand offer advice and information.
