Used Static Caravans

Information on purchasing used static caravans on a UK holiday park.

Every year hundreds of people in the UK purchase a used static caravan, normally to reduce the cost associated with a new model.

Occasionally owners decide to sell their static caravans, normally due to a change in circumstance e.g. children have left home or a move overseas. Such caravans are generally advertised via internet sites, local press, magazines or via the holiday park itself and can be an attractive proposition to a new buyer.

As well as the price advantages used static caravans may offer access to a site that would otherwise be full or to a prime pitch with a magnificent view.  Many customers have told us that as with a used car a ''nearly new'' model can prove the most attractive option.

A used van will however have a more limited lifespan as a result of its age and generate less rental income than a new van.

Almost all owners of used static caravans on holiday parks will have signed a purchase and license agreement with the park detailing the responsibilities of the park and the owner. With in this contract will be specific terms relation to the regulations regarding the future sale of the van to a third party, for example an owner may have to make the park owner aware of the sale and pay a commission on sale price. When considering a used purchase always ensure you speak to both the vendor and park owner to ensure both parties are happy with the potential sale. Holiday park owners can be motivated to gain new customers, with new vans, on their pitches and this can cause issues. These agreements will also give you vital information on all aspects of the purchase that the vendor may not  tell you, including how long caravan can be left on the pitch etc. Be careful to ensure you have details of all cost associated with ownership, including pitch fees and insurance. Also as the caravan price is based on the value of the used static caravan and the pitch together it often difficult to gain an accurate valuation, as it is not simply the used value of the caravan.

These are some of the positive and negative points to a second hand purchase.

Positive

  • Lower purchase price than new
  • Van will have warranty
  • Caravan is less sensitive to depreciation
  • Can enable you to ''buy into'' a good park or pitch 
  • May allow you to getter a bigger / higher specification van

Negatives

  • A used caravan will have less lifespan and will need to be replaced sooner depending on its age
  • Caravan will command lower potential rental income
  • Taking over ownership can be complicated by the involvement of park owner
  • Valuations can be difficult
  • Van will have no warranty
  • It is often difficult to predict how a static caravan will aged later in its life, e.g. rust may form faster than in its really years.