Buying a static caravan or lodge is a big decision, and often an expensive one! Next to your house – or in some circumstances your car – this is likely to be your next most significant purchase. Static holiday caravans and lodges do not benefit from any specific legislation so it’s important you do your homework, and you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Most holiday parks in the UK will offer you a set of terms and conditions, that in many cases will be called a ‘licence agreement’ or similar, also referred to as your contract.
We discuss more about licence agreements in this article.
When you buy the static caravan or lodge (broadly speaking) you’re buying two things:
- The structure itself – including its fixtures and fittings and any ‘ancillaries’ such as decking, steps etc.
- The right to station your unit on the park’s land — usually for a fixed number of years.
It’s important to note that you’re buying the structure itself, not the land it sits on. This is a key distinction that affects everything from your rights as an owner to your long-term investment and peace of mind.
Why is this important?
Understanding what you are buying is super important! It’s vital for several reasons, not least the following…
If for any reason, your circumstances change and you need to sell up, you might need a quick sale and this will invariably mean quite a loss. Taking on board exactly what you’re buying and the implications of not owning the land are a key point here. Most contracts will allow you to sell the caravan or lodge on its pitch (with the ‘benefits’ of the agreement) but it’s not always that easy.
Unlike traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ property, caravans and lodges are depreciating assets and in the first few years they drop faster than cars or boats! It’s a long-term commitment that needs to be treated as such.
Can I ever buy the land?
There are a few cases that NACO is aware of where park owners actually have sold up parcels of land to caravan owners, and they are then in control of their own pitch or plot and have complete ownership. There are some parks that have actually been purchased by caravan owners and run by committee but these situations are few and far between.
What should I do to best protect myself?
The most important thing is that you need to ensure that you are buying with a good agreement at a trusted holiday park. Your licence agreement needs to be understood and offer plenty of flexibility. When you’re stood in the park office ready to hand over your money is when you can negotiate terms and get the best deal.
For tens of thousands of people across the UK buying a static caravan or holiday lodge is an amazing lifestyle choice that offers an escape to the countryside or by the sea offering flexibility and fun. Understanding that you aren’t buying the land is essential for protecting your interests and making an informed decision. NACO is here to help you through this process and enjoy your ownership with peace of mind.
If you have any questions or would like help with buying a static holiday caravan or lodge, JOIN NACO today.
