Category: temporary accommodation

Building your dream home is an exciting adventure—but it also comes with the challenge of where to live in the meantime. Whether your current property has already sold or you’re starting from scratch on a plot of land, you’ll need a temporary living solution. Two popular options in the UK are buying a static caravan or renting a home nearby.

So, which option makes more sense during a self-build project? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for your situation.

1. The Cost Factor

Buying a Static Caravan

Initial investment: Expect to pay anywhere from £5,000 to £50,000+ depending on the condition, size, and spec of the caravan.

Running costs: Lower than a traditional home—think gas bottles, electricity (often via hookup or solar), water (sometimes via tanks or site connections), and minimal council tax (or none if on private land).

Resale value: If kept in good condition, you may be able to recoup a decent chunk of your money by selling the caravan once your build is complete.

Renting a Home

Monthly rent: Ranges from £800 to £1,500+ depending on location and size.

Upfront costs: Deposit, referencing fees, and possibly furnishing if the property comes unfurnished.

Zero return: All rental payments are essentially gone once the lease ends—nothing to resell or reuse.

Winner for long-term cost efficiency: Static caravan, especially if your build will take longer than 12 months.

2. Flexibility and Location

Static Caravan

If your plot allows, you could live on-site during your build, which offers huge convenience—no commuting to check on progress or meet tradespeople.

Be aware of planning permission rules; in most cases, you can live on-site in a caravan while building, but check with your local council first.

Renting a Home

You may need to find a rental a few miles away from your plot, which means daily travel and being less hands-on.

On the plus side, it’s ready to go—no need to prep land or worry about utilities hookups.

Winner for convenience: Static caravan—if you can live on-site, it makes the entire process smoother.

3. Comfort and Lifestyle

Static Caravan

Modern statics are surprisingly well-equipped, with central heating, double glazing, and proper kitchens and bathrooms.

That said, space is tight—especially with kids or pets—and it can feel a bit more ‘basic’ during the colder months.

Renting a Home

Offers full-size living with more space, privacy, and comfort. Ideal if you value a sense of normalcy during what can be a stressful time.

Also better suited to families who need space to spread out and keep routines in place.

Winner for comfort: Renting a home, especially if you have a family or want more space.

4. After the Build

Static Caravan

You can resell it, keep it as a guest annexe, or even move it to a holiday site for personal use or rental income.

It becomes an asset rather than an expense.

Renting a Home

Once the lease is up, you move out—simple, but no further use or value.

Winner for long-term value: Static caravan, especially if you see it as a future investment.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If your self-build timeline is 6 months or less and comfort is a top priority, renting might be the way to go. But if you’re in it for the long haul, want to live on-site, and like the idea of turning your temporary solution into a future asset, buying a static caravan could be the smart choice.

Quick Tips Before You Decide

Check planning rules with your local authority if you plan to live in a caravan on-site.

Explore pre-owned static caravans for better value—many come in great condition.

Budget for setup: If placing a static on your plot, you may need to consider groundwork, utility connections, and insurance.

View multiple rental properties to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle, and be ready to act fast—rental markets can be competitive in rural areas.

Whichever route you choose, the key is planning ahead. Temporary living is just one chapter in your self-build story—but making the right choice now can make the whole journey a lot smoother.  Give our team a call on 0800 2461206 to talk through the options and benefits of buying a static caravan.

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses often require flexible solutions to accommodate their staff. Static caravans have emerged as a popular choice for companies seeking cost-effective and convenient staff accommodation. These mobile homes offer a range of benefits, including flexibility, affordability, and a sense of community.

Types of key workers for caravan accommodation includes:

– Seasonal agricultural workers such as fruit pickers & vegetable pickers
– Animal handlers
– Equestrian centres
– Kennels
– Animal rescue centres
– Festival workers
– Peak-season resort staff
– Park rangers
– Landscapers
– Foresters
– Summer camp employees
– Tour and travel guides
– Fishery / fishing lakes workers

Here at The UK Caravan Centre we have years of experience in creating the best static caravan packages for our customers, which have included local businesses throughout Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and the South East of England.

The UK Caravan Centre has been supplying on-site temporary accommodation using static caravans for many businesses over the years and unsurprisingly demand continues to grow.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of utilizing static caravans for staff accommodation:

Proximity and Convenience

Having staff accommodation in close proximity to the business is essential. Static caravans can be placed conveniently on-site, allowing staff members to reside just a short distance from their place of work. This proximity saves valuable time and energy that would otherwise be spent commuting, enabling staff to be readily available for early morning and late-night tasks if required. The convenience of having staff accommodation on-site ensures a swift response should there be any unexpected situations, and increases security.

Flexibility and Mobility

Many businesses often require flexibility in accommodating staff, particularly during busy seasons or events. Static caravans provide the flexibility required to adapt to changing staffing needs. These mobile homes can be easily relocated or added to based on requirements. Whether it’s an increase in the number of staff members or a need to transport & site accommodation to different areas of the business, static caravans offer a convenient solution without the need for extensive construction or infrastructure changes, making them a future-proofed choice.

Cost-Effectiveness

Static caravans offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional staff accommodation options. Constructing permanent buildings or renting apartments can be expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, static caravans are pre-built and equipped with essential amenities, reducing construction costs. Their affordability allows businesses to allocate resources to other important areas and investments. Additionally, shared facilities and utilities in static caravans contribute to cost savings in the long run.

Comfort and Amenities

Modern mobile homes are designed to provide comfortable and functional living spaces, and the amenities ensure staff members have all the necessities for comfortable living. Adequate insulation, heating, and ventilation systems provide a cosy environment year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The availability of these amenities enhances the well-being and morale of staff members, contributing to a positive working environment.

Community and Collaboration

Static caravans used for staff accommodation foster a sense of community and collaboration among the staff members. Living in close proximity encourages interaction, teamwork, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences. This sense of community can enhance communication and coordination among staff, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness, and morale and job satisfaction.

Work-Life Balance

Providing staff accommodation in static caravans promotes a better work-life balance for employees. By eliminating long commutes, staff members have more time to rest, relax, and engage in activities they enjoy. This balance is particularly important in industries that often involve long and demanding hours. and allows staff to pursue personal interests and maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium.

Conclusion:

Static caravans offer a practical, cost-effective, and convenient solution for staff accommodation. The proximity, flexibility, and mobility provided by static caravans ensure that staff members are readily available and adaptable to the business needs. The affordability, comfort, and amenities of these mobile homes enhance the well-being and morale of staff and contribute to a positive and efficient work environment. Farms, equestrian centres, fisheries, and many other businesses can benefit significantly from incorporating static caravans as an integral part of their staff accommodation strategy.

Contact us today.

We will find the right accommodation solutions for your business, seasonal or otherwise, whether you need a single unit or an entire fleet. For single units or bulk orders alike, our experienced team can arrange to deliver and site your static caravans to make your life that bit easier.

Should your business move on in the future, caravans can be transported and sited at a different location, making them a future-proofed choice. Or if you wish to sell on any of the units at the end of a season, for example, we can buy these back at market value, depending on our stock requirements.

We understand that permanent accommodation is not always financially viable so we offer a cost-effective, wallet-friendly solution with our low cost new & used static caravans.

As the best place to go for farm accommodation and staff accommodation, we are proud to deliver a stress-free, budget-conscious & convenient service.

To learn more about our static caravans & services, please call one of our team on 0800 246 1206 or fill out your details in the form below: