Can I Live In My Static Caravan

Caravans to Live in and Sites to Live on

Before investigating living in a static caravan in more detail, you need to check one thing - where your caravan is situated. The key point here is that you can't live on all caravan sites; only residential caravan parks can host a permanent residency.

Residential parks are usually hosted on private property with the local council's permission and feature a type of static caravan known as a park home. Park homes are detached bungalow-style dwellings, usually made from steel and wood, built to a British Standard and designed to be lived in full-time. The use of park homes as opposed to the average static caravan is one of the key differences between residential parks and other static home sites.

So, if you have a static caravan located on a residential park then you're ready for permanent residency, but if your static caravan is on another type of caravan site, you're more likely to encounter problems if you want to live there. Before you start investigating and thinking about moving, there are some other guidelines to consider.

Guidelines for Buying and Living in a Caravan in the UK

Firstly, each residential static home site has different rules. Most people are drawn to living in a static caravan in the UK because of the security, sense of community, and peaceful everyday living this lifestyle can offer residents. To create this environment, park managers organise rules relating to parking, pets and age. In fact, universally, residential parks only accept applicants who are over 55 years old. Regardless of your situation, always be sure to visit and check on park rules before settling and making a decision.

If you meet the necessary static caravan rules and regulations to live in a residential park, then there are a few more things to think about. To start with, you will need to investigate and locate the right park for you. Residential parks can vary drastically in terms of location, services and amenities available, as well as local connections and opportunities for activities. Make sure to carefully consider what you're looking for from a residential park, as to live in a caravan in London would be vastly different to living in a rural park home, for example.

So, Can you Live in a Static Caravan?

Remember, buying and living in a static caravan is the same as moving to a new house, so you should be considering all the same factors before finalising your choice. We have a variety of different residential parks available here at Allens Caravans, each tailored to different needs and desires. It's always important to do your research fully before making a final decision.

After finding the right park for you, it's time to consider the cost of buying a park home. Just like buying other properties, park homes feature utility bills and council tax, though they tend to be much lower in price when compared to brick-and-mortar homes. The most notable difference in pricing is the addition of pitch fees.

When you purchase a park home, you usually own the property but rent the plot of land that it is set upon. This rent-charge is called a pitch fee and is typically paid monthly, ranging in price from £100 - £200 per month. The cost will ultimately depend on the location, desirability, and amenities provided in that specific park.

You Cannot Mortgage a Static Caravan

As you will be renting the plot of land on which the static caravan sits, you will not be able to mortgage your park home, unlike traditional bricks and mortar. This is the main difference between living in a static caravan and a traditional house, flat or bungalow and is why the purchase is much more common by older residents who are looking for a quieter way of life.

If you cannot afford to buy a static caravan outright, you can apply for loans from the bank that are similar to a mortgage but will come with a considerably higher interest rate. This is why most residents who do buy their caravans fund the purchase by the sale of their homes. As the home is likely to be worth considerably more than the value of the caravan, this leaves them with a significant figure to do with whatever they please.

Contact Allens Caravans

If you're unsure about any specific details surrounding the purchasing process, then you can check the government website here for more information on the right of a mobile homeowner and the law around living in a caravan in the UK. Alternatively, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more and we will be more than happy to discuss your options.