First-Time Static Caravan Buyers Guide

Set a budget that includes the annual costs

The sticker price is the smallest part of the real cost. Add the annual site fee (£3k–£9k and rising), insurance (£150–£500), utilities and rates, and maintenance. Many owners spend £5k–£10k a year all-in after year one.

First-time buyers often overlook year-one extras too: siting and connection, decking, furnishing and extras can add thousands.

Choose your location and park before your caravan

Decide the region and the park first — by drive time, season length, facilities and fees — then pick a caravan that suits it. A caravan you love on a park you don’t is a mistake you live with for years.

Start with our location guides and best-parks shortlists, then visit at least three parks before deciding.

Know the licence and the park rules

You buy the home, not the pitch — the licence agreement controls the season, the fees, the rules and your resale position. Before paying a deposit: read it, confirm the annual fee rise formula, the closed season, pet rules, age limits, subletting and what happens if you sell.

Common first-time buyer mistakes to avoid

• Falling for “today only” deals — genuine deals repeat; bad rushed decisions don’t
• Comparing sticker prices without comparing site fees
• Skipping the walk around and asking existing owners how they find it
• Trusting verbal promises — everything in writing
• Ignoring the resale: depreciation is real, and parks take commission on resale