Are There Any Hidden Costs To Buying A Static Caravan?

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to deciding whether or not owning a static caravan is right for you is how much it actually costs. That’s the most important question, isn’t it? In all honesty, the running costs of a caravan can vary depending on the park your holiday home is situated, but this article will give you a rough guide on how much a static caravan costs and if there are any hidden costs you should be wary of.

Park Site Fees – What You Need to Know

Put simply, this is how much it costs to keep your caravan at the park and can therefore differ. Other than actually purchasing your static home, this is the largest payment involved with ownership. These site fees tend to be charged at the end of the year, so a bill will usually be sent around October time to be paid come January. Always check with your park manager whether they offer a discount for prompt payment because it can save you a good chunk of money. It’s incredibly important to enquire about these costs as well as if there are any added benefits included in the price, such as the facilities offered or how ‘exclusive’ the park is.

On the lower end of the spectrum are parks that charge £1000-£2000. These sites tend to be of a smaller size with funds spent on the upkeep of the park as opposed to facilities and members of staff. The attraction to these smaller static caravan parks would be that there’s more peace and quiet, which is perfect for those wanting to relax on their holiday.

For those wanting their caravan to sit in a prime holiday location, prices can reach £3500-£5000plus. From these holiday parks you can expect a large number of facilities suited for the whole family, from multiple swimming pools as well as entertainment venues that offer shows and acts suited to both adults and children.

What About Insurance?

In the same sense that you’d insure your house or car, caravans should be insured too. From recent research, the average cost of insurance is just under £300 at a static caravan valued at £45,000. Of course, the price will fluctuate based on what you want your insurance to cover and how much the estimated value of the property is.

When meeting with your park manager, ask about insurance. It’s possible that they’ll have a partnership with an insurance company who will be able to offer you a discount by going through your park. Before buying any insurance though, ensure you receive a physical copy of the policy.

Electricity and Gas

Gas and electricity will need to be paid for when the caravan is in use. As the sight owner will be reselling the mains gas and electricity, they can only charge as much as they paid and cannot make a profit from any sales. On the other hand, if you decide to purchase gas cylinders yourself, you may be able to find a better deal.

How long your gas cylinder will last will depend on how much you use it, so keep that in mind when comparing the different prices with the size of the cylinders. However, the typical lifetime can be between a couple of months to a full season, but we always advise to have a spare on hand just in case.

Don’t Forget to Get Everything in Writing

If you’ve discussed everything with your park operator and are happy with the terms, ensure you receive a physical copy of the site charges that’s signed by both parties. It’s rare to have issues, but should you need it, you’ve got the documents if a problem ever comes up.