Costs of Owning a Static Caravan

The exact costs involved in owning a static caravan are difficult to accurately predict as so much depends on your circumstances and the condition, type, age, usage and location of your static caravan.

The costs to consider are listed here so that you can make your own calculations according to your own particular circumstances.

Park pitch fees

The annual cost of pitch fees at a holiday park is likely to range from £1000 to £12000. This depends on the location, the size of the pitch, the size of the park and the facilities provided.

Although you get what you pay for in terms of luxury and the extent of facilities provided, the lower price does not imply bad quality. It can mean a smaller more tranquil park for those who prize peace and quiet over socialising and entertainment.

The range is large because of the marked differences in facilities between parks. This can mean just one onsite pub or bar all the way up to a full entertainment complex with scheduled shows, a spa and a gym with membership, for example.

Heating and energy costs

You’ll also need to account for the costs of heating and energy for your static caravan. These will depend on the size of your static caravan, how much insulation it has and its build quality. Generally, the newer your static caravan, the lower the running costs.

It will also depend on additional extras that you need to run such as hot tubs or additional outside lighting or outdoor heating.

Static caravan maintenance costs

You’ll to budget for occasional repairs caused by normal wear and tear that are not covered by your insurance. Include chassis maintenance, (link to previous blog)  which is important to the structural integrity of your static caravan. The newer your caravan, the less this should cost. Older models with painted chassis will require occasional repainting with special chassis paint.

Also include gas and electricity safety checks in your calculations. These should be carried out by a qualified professional at least once a year.

Letting Costs

If you decide to let your static caravan, you can make up to about £500 a week depending on the size and location of your leisure home. This is a great way to not only reduce costs, but to turn a profit on your static caravan. If you intend this kind of use for your caravan, be sure to inform your static caravan insurance company and check with your park that it allows letting.

If you do decide to let your static caravan be sure to calculate the costs involved in doing so. These should be easily offset if you get enough bookings. Here is a list of some of the things you are likely to have to pay for at some point.

  • Letting Agency fees
  • Checks by accredited professionals in order to attain a landlord’s gas safety and fixed electrical installation certificates
  • Regular cleaning and laundry costs
  • Occasional deep cleaning
  • Accreditation scheme membership
  • Smoke alarms
  • Carbon monoxide alarms
  • Fire extinguisher and fire blanket
  • Pest control
  • Spare keys
  • Welcome packs
  • Website design and marketing
  • Professional photography

Static Caravan Insurance

While it is not required by law, it is recommended that you have insurance for your static caravan, and many parks will insist that you do have insurance as a condition of entering into a contract with them. It also gives you peace of mind that you will be covered for the costs of a range of risks.

How much your cover will cost depends on several factors including the size, age and type of leisure home and the level of insurance cover you want. Always remember to read your insurance policy thoroughly to be sure of what is included in your cover. Remember that when choosing your insurance cover it is best to look for value for money rather than simply the lowest cost. Obtain an online quote for static caravan insurance here.

Note on Council Tax

Because a holiday home should not, by law, be your main residence then you will not have to pay council tax. If, however, you are living in your holiday home as a resident and it is your primary residence, then the normal rules apply and council tax is owed.

Upgrading

Finally remember to check with your park if they have an age limit for the static caravans on their site. This is often the case and is usually around 15-20 years. Upgrading your static caravan can be a significant cost after this time is up but remember that most parks run a part exchange scheme and some dealerships do too. You should include this possibility in your medium to long-term financial planning to avoid any surprises later on. Remember to inform your insurer when you upgrade to make sure your cover is sufficient for the new value of your holiday home.

This is a marketing article from My Holiday Home Insurance, a specialist provider of insurance for holiday homes, leisure homes, holiday lodges and static caravans. Our team of experienced advisers are always happy to help, so for more information call our Northampton office on freephone 0800 988 0890.

To stay up to date with similar topics, please like and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.