Has anyone got a residential caravan on a site. ?

A proper lodge is certainly not a more expensive caravan with fitted furniture.

The walls are thick and fully insulated and the windows, door and patio doors are proper double glazed units that you would find in a brick built house. The floor is also fully insulated and it's about 15% larger than a static.

Thank you, HelterSkelter. I have no axe to grind, but reading some of the stories on HPAG, and knowing how easily we could be forced to sell and lose many tens of thousands makes me want to warn people against buying what they think will be a dream but turning out to be a nightmare.

So much important information from Doodledog. Gransnet at its best.

Cossy

We are looking right now at buying, what our parks call, a lodge, think they are really glorified static caravans, but we will only use ours as a holiday lodge.

Be careful to check the park “status”, pitch fees and when you can stay there.

Please read my post, and visit the Holiday Park Action Group. Also, be aware that whereas parks are theoretically covered by consumer law, few lawyers will act for you in the event of a dispute, as site owners have millions of pounds behind them and are very aware that most private owners do not. There are many examples of them dragging things out to the point where owners can't afford to risk losing, so pull out of actions. The police won't get involved either, as anything that happens is on private land and considered to be a civil matter (eg site owners damaging caravans or harassing caravan owners). Again, see the HPAG for more information and stories direct from the victims.

There have been instances where people have been told that the site is open for X months of the year, but it turns out that owners can only stay for three consecutive weeks, or for X number of weeks per year. What the salesman has told you counts for nothing if it is all not very clear in writing. Also, on many sites you have to sign a new agreement every year in order to get the code to access the security barrier, so what you sign up to when you buy can change year on year.

If you buy one, I hope you have a trouble-free experience (and you may do - we have had few real problems in 25 years) but it is important that you understand the possible pitfalls.

We are looking right now at buying, what our parks call, a lodge, think they are really glorified static caravans, but we will only use ours as a holiday lodge.

Be careful to check the park “status”, pitch fees and when you can stay there.

We have a lodge on a holiday park (no renting allowed) and I agree that owners-only is absolutely the way to go if you are determined to buy, but if you must do it, go in knowing that you are paying far more for the site (which you don't own) than for the caravan or lodge. Prices vary hugely depending on the desirability of the site, and even the pitch your unit is on (eg ones with a good view cost more than ones next to the bins), and this can change at the whim of the site owners.

Our site was sold to a chain and went from a beautifully maintained, 'family' feeling to a 'get their money every way we can' atmosphere overnight. Rents have shot up, energy is stupidly expensive, and new rules are introduced regularly that involve spending lots of money.

This can happen very easily, and as the resale value of caravans and lodges is so far from the buying price owners have very little choice about whether to put up with it or not. Our lodge had a 30 year licence when we bought it new, which will take us beyond the likely length of time we'll be able to use it, but most caravans have a 15 year lifespan (from new) after which it is worthless. As they can easily cost £75-£100k on a high-end site (lodges double that), this is something that you really need to factor in.

Sometimes people leave sites at a cost to themselves as they have to pay 'disconnection fees' of thousands (it's an hour or so's work but has to be done by the site) and for the unit to be towed off. After paying so much for the unit, then upwards of £5k a year for rent on the plot this is heartbreaking. You also have to consider insurance, (expensive) boiler checks (with a cut to the site, as they insist on their own tradesmen doing them) draindown fees and so on, as well as the cost of travelling to and fro. It is not a cheap alternative to family holidays. People compare the prices of renting a caravan with ownership, but they are different experiences. Sites that allow subletting are usually the ones with entertainment complexes and are noisy. You don't know who will be next door from one week to another. People sometimes think that buying on these sites will mean that they can rent out and use the money to cover their own rent, but then find that the site gets a percentage, and after cleaning fees, gas and electricity they are no better off, plus the tenants haven't looked after their property. Sites will accept tabloid vouchers for a week's holiday for £10, as to them it is worth it - they get the profit from bar bills and so on, and the caravan owner covers the cost - often out of pocket as £10 doesn't come close to covering the maintenance and cleaning fees.

Also, don't be fooled by the word 'lodge' - they are basically more expensive caravans without fitted furniture . They do come with longer licences, but the rent costs more, and there is very little obvious difference between lodges and caravans.

The worst situation to be in is to have bought on finance, as this is even more expensive, and you still owe the finance company the price you paid, even if you have to sell for far less. I understand that you can walk away by returning the ownership to the bank after you have paid 50% of the debt, but then you have lost the money you've paid (which includes interest) and have nothing to show for it after just a couple of years. The sales people really push for this, as they get a kickback from the finance company (usually Black Horse) and people get sucked in.

In the interests of balance, we have got a lot out of caravan/lodge ownership over the many years we've been on our site. We still love going, and the convenience of having somewhere stocked with our own things (so no major packing or carting things from A to B) and all the comforts of home, makes it worth it, but since the takeover things have gone downhill and I don't think we would upgrade again. I wouldn't recommend getting involved to someone starting out. Once people realise the cost of selling up they often stay put, whether they feel they are getting value for money or not.

There is a petition to ask for a debate in parliament about enhancing protection for holiday caravan owners. Whether or not you are an owner, it would be great if you could spare a minute to sign, please?

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/650884?fbclid=IwAR3yA2f5iPK1YLH4QD2z94nWd0pylbW1pbEDPF77MPGbnzjTc1Ko91ylVzY

TBF to the OP she doesn't expect her children to undertake any maintenance, they are happy to do so because in exchange they'll get free holidays.

We're on an owners only site paris so if you do consider buying one, that would be your best option as you wont be bothered by noisy neighbours.

We pay £3200 a year and the site is open for 11 months. No club house, bar or shop and it isn't too big and beautifully maintained. Water is included, gas and electricity is very reasonable and there are no standing charges. You only pay for what you use.

Some of the statics are quite old but there's no pressure to upgrade. We've been there for 10 years and did upgrade from our second hand static to a brand new lodge 5 years ago but that was our choice.

Like others we’ve thought about it - but the costs seem really high. As others have said often the van has to be upgraded after a number of years. It is a wonderful dream but do consider the practicalities. And location - if you plan to make the most of it it needs to be fairly close by. It will involve work and cost fitting it out. We’ve just looked at a river fronting lodge near where we live…a dream we’ve always had. But now realise the cost will not make it viable as the lodge will need to be replaced after 5 years.

Personally, I would not entertain the idea of purchasing a static caravan located anywhere, seaside and rural site included.
The site fees can be exorbitant as are services, gas, electricity and water.
The fact that you expect someone else to maintain it beggars belief despite the fact that you are offering them free holidays.
However, if you do go ahead make sure to check all the fine print on the site agreement - many caravans are not allowed to change hands without being sold back to the site owners at ludicrously low rates and then sold on again at a huge profit.

My friend and her partner bought a lovely static caravan on a nice site in the border region of Scotland. The caravans were well spaced out and owners were not allowed to rent them out. Within two years the site changed hands. The site fees were increased quite a lot. As a caravan left, two or three were put in the same space. It has become crowded. And now caravans are being rented out. They are talking about putting entertainment on site which the caravan owners are expected to pay for building. That was not what my friend bought it to have. I would think carefully before committing yourself to something that locks you in. Caravans depreciate in value and generally you will be responsible for removing it when it reaches a certain age. That isn't easy either

Exactly. I wouldn’t spend money on a holiday caravan - so many pitfalls. And you might find that the holidaymakers in the neighbouring caravans are awful. You can write off one holiday and say you will never go there again, but not so easy when you’ve put money into buying the caravan and if you want to sell it the site owner needs to receive a cut. Or you find the caravan is declared too old to meet site regulations and must be replaced. Just don’t do it.

Every time I say I would like one my husband puts me off as he will only invest in projects that make money.

Last summer I got him to look at some beautiful ones but he did the sums and said we could have a lot of holidays just renting them and no upkeep or site fees.

Do Not Do It is my advice.

As mentioned upthread, look at the Holiday Park Action Group. As the name suggests, it is working for legal protection for people with holiday homes (caravans and lodges) on holiday parks, rather than residential ones, but the problems are similar. You don't own the land your home sits on, so are at the mercy of the owner, who can change rules (and rent) at will. They do this if they want to get you off, so that they can rent your site to someone who will pay more. Tactics such as saying that you can't have more than one dog, or that you have to change things like decking to conform to new regulations, and pay them tens of thousands to do so are common. There are often rules about selling on, such as that you have to sell to the site owners, or pay them 'commission' - it is a minefield.

Before anyone says it, yes, there are sites where people live happily, but they could be (and are) sold overnight, and taken over by someone with very different ideas, and there is nothing you can do about it. There is slightly more regulation on residential sites than on holiday parks, but not enough to make it a safe option.

I agree OldFrill I would try out sites that appeal to you by renting first.. That way you can also chat to other people who own on the site about pros and cons.. and it will give your hubby a real experience for him to judge whether or not, it is a possibility

As far as maintenance goes many sites will only let authorised tradesmen (or themselves) do any maintenance (particularly winterising, annual gas checks etc), washing and painting etc.
Consider site fees, maintenance costs, insurance, length of site licence - usually dependent on age of static -if you want to sell on the site normally takes a cut maybe 15% maybe more
I'd find a nice site that has rentals and book a few weeks over a year.

My parents had one. The only caravan on a rural farm about 7 mins walk to a beautiful bay.

They paid rent to the farmer for the land and when they retired to a property nearby they gifted the (by then very old) caravan to the family.

The council insisted it be painted "battleship grey" as a condition of the planning permission.

This situation was perfect and the farmer built them a flush toilet and brought a water pipe into the little "garden".
Happy memories. 🧡
If there was a situation like this I'd jump at the chance!

chickkygran

I would be very careful Paris123 about buying a caravan. Do lots of research and don’t be taken in by the sales pitch. I’m not saying all sites are unscrupulous but be aware. Check out the Facebook page Holiday Park Action Group. People have lost lots of money as the industry is unregulated

l think you right.. somehow l dont think it it would work..
many thanks for peoples thoughts though.

heath480

You are expecting your children to do the maintenance on the caravan!!! Without even asking them…..unbelievable.

yes l agree, but we did mention it to them a few years ago and they did say they would help out as they would be getting free holidays,

Yes, that’s what I thought.

You are expecting your children to do the maintenance on the caravan!!! Without even asking them…..unbelievable.

Smileless2012

If it's not your intention to live there as your only place of residence then you don't need a residential site paris. You'd need to check of course, but I think the annual site fees for a residential site would be higher than for a holiday one.

Some sites for holiday homes are open all year round but as you're not entitled to live there, you need to provide proof of your home address.

We have a lodge which we upgraded too from our first static and love the freedom of being able to go whenever we want too for 11 months of the year, staying for as long as we like.

sorry yes that was what l was thinking about getting ie a holiday home...static..
Before we moved to our bungalow we did go and look at some residential sites to live permanent but the seaside we wanted was hilly and too far from amenities ie hospital, shops etc for us ,so bought the bungalow instead, which we love.
My husband is worried about the maintenance but l said our children surely would take care of that for us .
l agree the freedom to go whenever we like appeals to me a lot, but l think i.m not going to be able to convince him

I would be very careful Paris123 about buying a caravan. Do lots of research and don’t be taken in by the sales pitch. I’m not saying all sites are unscrupulous but be aware. Check out the Facebook page Holiday Park Action Group. People have lost lots of money as the industry is unregulated

We have one on a small rural site. You have to check carefully the rules regarding caravan ages, some sites have an age limit. You need insurance, we pay site fees and rates and gas and electricity costs can be high. Our site used to be owners only and really quiet now it’s a holiday site with very few owners left. This means on either side of us we can have noisy very inconsiderate holidaymakers each time we go. Not the quiet site it used to be. Be very careful which site you choose. On the plus side we are a 2 hour drive and the dogs love it.

If it's not your intention to live there as your only place of residence then you don't need a residential site paris. You'd need to check of course, but I think the annual site fees for a residential site would be higher than for a holiday one.

Some sites for holiday homes are open all year round but as you're not entitled to live there, you need to provide proof of your home address.

We have a lodge which we upgraded too from our first static and love the freedom of being able to go whenever we want too for 11 months of the year, staying for as long as we like.

No, but have thought about it a few times.