A Guide To Purchasing Your First Static Home
Are you in the market for a new static caravan? Learn everything you need to know about this exciting leisure investment.
If you’re planning to buy a static caravan this year, then you’re in excellent company. There are over 1 million leisure caravans in the UK, contributing an enormous £2 billion to the economy each year according to the NCC. Buying a static caravan can be a little daunting if this is your first time though, so you’ll need to arm yourself with some essential information before you part with your cash.
Financing Your Static Caravan
The prices of static caravans for sale in the UK can vary significantly, but you might expect to spend between £25,000 to £40,000 for a luxury two or three bed static home. If you don’t have access to that sort of lump sum, then luckily there are finance options for you to take advantage of, allowing you to spread the payment over one to ten years. You won’t necessarily require a deposit, but the cost of your monthly payments will reduce if you’re able to put some cash down upfront.
Where Will You Put Your Static Caravan?
You can either opt to purchase a static caravan for a specific holiday park site, or else site it on your own land. Be aware though that if you plan for your caravan to be part of an existing site, it is common for holiday parks to require you to purchase your static home through them rather than bringing your own property onto their land.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
If you hope to use a static caravan on your own land, then you should speak to your local council about your intentions for the home. In some cases, they may require you to apply for a Certificate for Lawful Development so it’s worth checking with them to ensure that you’re satisfying the necessary regulations. They’ll want to understand your plans for the static caravan. If you’re using it as a temporary dwelling whilst you carry out extensive renovations to your home, then there won’t be a problem. However, if you’re planning to move out of your existing residence on a long-term basis then this may be more likely to require formal permission.
Transporting Your Caravan
When you find a static caravan that you’d like to purchase, make sure you check with the supplier about their transportation arrangements. A reputable provider should be happy to offer free delivery of your static home within a certain radius. However, you should inform them if there are likely to be any access issues that would require the supplier to level the caravan safely into place on your site.
Warranty Options
When you purchase a static caravan, you’ll want the reassurance of knowing that your investment is protected. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you understand if a warranty exists, how long it provides cover for and exactly what is included in the small print. You may be able to ask for a warranty extension if you’re happy to pay a little extra for the peace of mind.
Buying a static caravan is an exciting and fantastic investment, but make sure that you’re fully armed with all the information you need in advance of your purchase!
