Frequently Asked Questions For Buying A Static Caravan
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Allens Caravans understands that most owners moving onto their first residential have a host of questions they want to answer before they take the next step. If you’re not familiar with the world of caravan living, it can be quite bewildering, but we feel it would be a shame if you were never to buy a static caravan because you couldn’t get answers. With this in mind, we have put together this detailed guide on buying a static caravan. If you are looking to purchase a park home, we'll be covering all the common questions.
With residential parks dotted across England, alongside nearly a century of experience in the caravan industry, our experts are ideally placed to answer any questions you might have. If you are still looking for your answer here, feel free to contact us for more information.
As with all purchases, the cost of your static caravan will depend on several factors. Firstly, you will have to consider the size of your dream static caravan alongside the décor and style. Where the caravan is sited will also impact price as specific locations may be more desirable. Second-hand caravans that are well-maintained and taken care of hold their price well but will still be cheaper than a brand-new caravan.
Allens Caravans has caravans available to suit all budgets. Prices vary across the sites we manage and can also vary depending on the size of the home, so we always recommend contacting the dedicated sales department of the particular site you are interested in if you require further information.
Buying a static caravan should be approached similarly to any significant purchase. Initially, clarify your budget for purchasing your caravan and its monthly outgoings. After defining your budget, you can look for a static caravan you like.
If you want to live in your static caravan as a permanent residence, you will need to limit your search to 12-month residential caravan parks, which are licensed to house people all year round. Remember, if in doubt, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and we will gladly help you along your caravan purchasing journey.
Selling rules all depend on the caravan license currently in effect. At Allens Caravans, we are usually on hand to assist anyone hoping to sell their caravan in the near future. Alternatively, sales can be made privately between the owner and buyer. Whatever the case, if you have a caravan sited on a residential park, make sure to check your static caravan rules and regulations and licensing information correctly, or ask your park operator for more details. If you are interested in selling your park home, speak to the Allens team first as we may be interested in buying your property from you.
Living in a park home in the UK can be very cost-effective. Residential park caravans can vary in price, depending on the specification of the home, it may be much cheaper than a traditional brick and mortar home, however the more additions you have with your home the more expensive it can get. The cost of living however, is typically much more affordable which is one of the biggest selling points to many owners. Caravans require less energy to heat and run, plus many static caravan sites bundle electricity and water fees into other fees you would usually pay. Pitch fees will be the largest of your monthly outgoings when owning a static caravan, and they will pale in comparison to mortgage payments you would have to pay with a traditional property.
So, in almost every sense, living in a caravan is cheaper than living in a brick-and-mortar home. Plus, you are surrounded by a community of like-minded people and stunning countryside – what's not to love?
The initial caravan purchase is one of many costs you must consider when investing in a static caravan. You will also need to factor in living costs, including gas, electricity, and water bills as well as pitch fees. These might come in the form of a monthly bill from the park.
If you are concerned about the living costs in your caravan, talk to other caravan owners about any potential parks you visit to get an idea of what they use and pay during their stay.
In addition to living costs, caravan owners must be aware of pitch fees. To know how much the pitch fee for caravans is, you need to check with the individual site management.
The pitch fee is the annual charge issued by parks to caravan owners for their mobile homes to be sited on the park grounds. Different parks will have different fees depending on various factors such as popularity, security, and park facilities, so make sure to compare parks and see what is available to you as a caravan owner. Potential caravan owners should check precisely what their pitch fees include.
The boundaries of your caravan site should be clearly marked, and you will be responsible for keeping the site tidy and well-maintained. It's best to check your site agreement to ensure the level of maintenance you are required to carry out. Allens Caravans Residential Parks have grounds maintenance teams who are responsible for the upkeep of communal areas of the park but of course are able to lend a hand to residents where needed.
Park Homes are designed to withstand the elements, and, with proper care and upkeep, they can last for many decades. This could be up to 20 years or even more! However, like everything, they can become outdated as new developments in homes emerge.
Static caravans have the benefit of being relatively easy to maintain, and you'll only need to perform a short, regular maintenance schedule to keep everything looking and functioning well.
It would be best if you cleared and cleaned gutters regularly to prevent a build-up of debris like moss and leaf litter, which can cause rainwater to overspill down the panels of the caravan. This can also lead to damp issues, so it's essential to ensure that there is no chance of water ending up where it shouldn't be.
Ensure the roof vents are closed to prevent water from getting in during the wetter seasons. You should also ensure that wall or floor vents are unblocked and open to allow fresh air to circulate your caravan, helping prevent dampness and mould growth and keep your caravan from smelling.
You should also regularly check and clean your outer panels and caravan chassis to ensure there is no damage or rusting that will require repair. The chassis can be treated to prevent rust, although keep in mind that caravans located near the coast will likely require increased maintenance and more robust rust protection.
If you are planning on going on holiday, you’ll also need to ensure that any gas, electric and water supplies are turned off when your caravan isn't being used to prevent a risk of fire or flooding, especially during winter when pipes are at risk of freezing. If you have a boiler in your caravan, it will also need regular maintenance and checks to ensure it is safe and efficient to use - contact a local gas engineer for further information. Your site should have a list of trusted, preferred engineers available.
Batteries in fire and carbon monoxide alarms will need to be replaced and checked regularly to ensure they are still working and emitting sound. Your caravan must have a fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, and if you have a particularly large caravan, it's recommended to have at least two throughout the structure.
A few times a year, ensure doors and windows are wiped down and hinges cleaned and oiled to ensure free movement, especially windows and doors marked as fire escapes and ensure locks are also maintained to prevent sticking or rusting when not in use. Never block vents or fire escapes from your caravan. Make sure that any steps to your caravan or surrounding decking are kept clear and clean of trip hazards, and regularly check any external fixings to ensure they are still intact and not at risk of rust.
While caravan owners are not legally obligated to insure their static caravan, Allens Caravans require their residents to insure their park home. We can help you find trusted insurers that deal exclusively with park home insurance. Park home insurance is very different to home insurance therefore it is important to do your research to understand the differences.
If you are purchasing a new caravan, there may be additional options for choosing soft furnishings, furniture, and fittings before it is built and sited in your chosen caravan park. It's best to check with the caravan manufacturer. If you are buying a pre-owned or new caravan that has already been built and sited, you will need to make any customisations yourself.
Most things in your caravan can be changed and customised depending on your needs, whether you replace carpets, remove carpets in favour of hard flooring or vice-versa, re-cover furniture and change out soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains, and beddings. There will also be options to change fixings and fittings like door or cupboard handles and locks. However, you should keep in mind that some furniture may be specifically sized for your caravan. If replaced, you must ensure that it is carefully measured to ensure any new furniture fits.
Heating costs will depend on your usage. Your caravan should come with gas connections to hook up to gas mains or gas bottles, depending on the facilities at your chosen site. However, you should also remember that there may only be electrical hook-ups in place of gas. Modern caravans are built well-insulated with a condensed central heating system or fireplace to protect against the cold and keep occupants warm. Much like the majority of British homes, there is no air conditioning. However portable air conditioning units are a great way to combat the occasional hot summer days we get in the UK!
Like any home you will be required to sort your own internet access to your new park home. Depending on the number of personal connections you have and the coverage you would like through your caravan, a mobile dongle with Wi-Fi may be suitable for your needs, as it plugs straight into a laptop via USB. Alternatively, powered Wi-Fi hubs are known for having better signal pick-up and can accommodate multiple devices. These are low-cost options, although you'll want to research which mobile network supplier offers the best signal for your area.
Living in a Static Caravan FAQs
What do you need to know about living in a static caravan?
If you are looking to move onto one of our residential parks, you can purchase an ideal plot on location and a home to go onto your plot. This allows you to choose the perfect plot location and home and eliminates the fuss of moving a caravan too! It is best to get a feel for our residential parks and available plots and homes so you can be happy with your decision.
Pitch or park site fees are the payments made to cover the use of land your caravan is on and the maintenance and upkeep of your park's facilities and amenities. Pitch fees are usually paid directly to the park management annually and are considered the most significant recurring cost after purchasing a caravan. Your fees will depend on the park facilities and size, with increased fees for larger, more facilities-driven parks that host regular entertainment evenings or have sports and swimming facilities.
Choosing a park to purchase your static caravan is a personal decision, although there is a list of questions you should ask yourself before committing. For example:
Have you visited the park?
Do you want to be close to family?
Is the park too large or small? Do you feel comfortable with the number of caravans on site?
Does the park have sufficient facilities for your needs, such as entertainment, a clubhouse, a swimming pool or sports facilities?
Does the park location hold enough interest for you? Are there towns or coastlines nearby? Are there plenty of exciting attractions like nature reserves, zoos, or parks?
Is there a plot in the potential park you are interested in?
Does the plot offer enough space?
Is the park within your budget?
With these questions in mind, you can compare preferred parks and plots and choose one perfectly suited to you and your lifestyle.
Your park home is yours! If you wish to invite friends and family around for a nice meal or a game evening, you have full flexibility to do so. However, it is important to be mindful of your neighbours and not cause too much disturbance to them in the process.
The most common static caravan park rules and regulations focus on being a considerate neighbour. Don't make too much noise after a specific time, and generally look after one another as part of the community, and you should find yourself quickly welcomed.
If you're ever unsure about static caravan park rules, the best thing to do is speak to park operators or start a conversation with your neighbours! They will be happy to walk you through what you need to know, especially as friendliness is typical across all residential caravan parks.
You can access complete information about Allens Caravans' rules and regulations here.
Whether you're searching for a home nestled in the countryside or want to downsize and live somewhere surrounded by natural beauty, buying a static caravan is an appealing option. Find the right one for you with Allens Caravans.
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