Living in a Caravan On Site During your House Build

There are huge benefits to be staying on site during your self build. Living in a mobile home can not only be cost effective but allows you to be on site for security and key decision making.

If you are considering renovating your property, or building a brand-new house, there is no need to worry about relocating your family or even your animals.

Benefits of Living on Site

Live in a comfortable dust free environment

• House renovations can be incredibly dusty and dirty, you have the benefit of leaving the chaos in your building site, and not having to sleep in it!

Fantastic security for materials and tools

• Good deterrent for burglars

Cost effective

• You can spend as little as £8,000 for a pre-owned Double Glazed and Centrally Heated Home, see our home page for your current choice of homes UK Caravan Centre: Find Your Ideal Static Caravan. Typical house rental prices can easily be £1500 per month, for a minimum of 6 months, maybe even a year, so that could be a financial commitment of £18,000. Not only can the mobile home be cheaper, but it will also have a residual value at the end of your project, giving you some of your money back.
• No cost penalties from your landlord if your build project goes over your deadline.
• You will not feel the pressure the move back to your main residence before your new home is ready.

Keep a close eye on your build project.

There will be a lot of decisions that will need to be made to make sure your house project is going the way you would like it to be, if you are on site, you are there to see what is physically going on which will help make that next choice a lot easier.

Other costs to be aware of

Transport and Siting

These costs can vary depending on the distance travelled, size of the home, and what is involved at the delivery end. Typically, a transport cost is around £1000-2000, and siting which involves levelling the home is on average another £1250 including support stands.

Connections to your Services

In order for the static caravan to be a fully functioning home, you will need to arrange for services to be brought the caravan, these are electricity, water and drainage. (Heating, hot water and cooking appliances will typically run off LPG cylinders.)

Access Requirements

Finally, you will need to consider access. You will need to consider the access route, and any ‘pinch points’ which may hinder the home being able to be delivered into your desired location. If you are unsure, we can help and offer a ‘site survey’ and come out to your property to carry out a professional assessment and give you your size limit for the home.

Finding the Right Caravan

There are plenty of options to choose from to suit your circumstances. We always have a fantastic range of pre-owned and new homes to consider for your accommodation during your self build UK Caravan Centre: Find Your Ideal Static Caravan – Mobile Home.

As with most things in life, the amount you are willing to spend will determine what you get in terms of size, décor, condition and contents.

If you need any guidance on any of the above, we are here to listen and help you choose the right home for you and your situation.

Give us a call on 01277 653593 or fill in your details below:

All the pros and cons of a static caravan on a holiday park 

Owning a static caravan is a dream for many people, the idea of being able to go on holiday whenever you like to a place that you have made into a second home is a lovely idea. As with any big purchase or investment, there are points to consider first, especially when it comes to buying a static caravan, there are many pros and cons.

The benefits of owning a static caravan

Location: Buying a static caravan somewhere that you love going and staying, means you can go there more often, really whenever you want. So, the flexibility and privilege of being able to go on a holiday or short break whenever you fancy it is a massive bonus. There is no need to book or check in and check out like with a hotel or bed and breakfast.

Meet friendly, likeminded people: One of the great benefits of owning a static caravan in a holiday park is meeting likeminded people just like you.  People tend to make firm friends at caravan parks because you get to know your neighbours, and everyone is after a similar quality of holiday and relaxation, so a sense of community is often built. There are different types of parks that cater to different needs, so for example if you have a family and young child, you can choose somewhere that has adequate facilities and where other young families are. Similarly, if you are older, want to relax more and enjoy the peace and solitude that can come with caravan holidays, then there are parks that will offer this as well and be more appropriate.

Quality guaranteed: Because the static home is yours, and is indeed a home away from home, you know what condition it will be in and how clean and well-kept it will be. This is a big bonus and also means there will be no unpleasant surprises.

Rental income: It is possible to rent out your static caravan, and therefore earn a second income whilst the caravan is not being used by you. This isn’t for everyone, as most people prefer to keep it for their use only, and you would have to check with the caravan park that it is ok, but some people do it and earn some extra money this way.

Making memories: Whilst the initial investment in a static caravan can seem a lot, try not to lose sight of why you are making the purchase. The ability to make memories with your family and go on holiday whenever you like is arguably priceless and think of the money you will save in the long term on holidays and hotels as well.

The downside of owning a static caravan 

Whilst all the above points are true, there are things to really think about before you make your purchase – financial and practical points. For example:

Costs: Whilst you have the cost of purchasing the caravan itself, there are also lots of annual costs that you need to factor in. These include:

• Site fees: This is what enables you to house your static caravan at the caravan park. These can vary dramatically from £2,000 a year to £10,000 a year or more. However, do not fall into the pitfall of just going for the cheapest one, as it may not be right for your needs, so some time to research what site is best for you and the cost associated with it will be needed.
• Maintenance costs: For example, you will need to pay for gas and electricity, which you usually need to buy from the caravan park itself. It’s important to know that this does not come as part of the site fee which some people initially think it does, so this is an additional cost.
• Repairs: You should factor in the cost of repairs every year. Whilst hopefully there wouldn’t be many, the UK weather can be unpredictable, so some weather damage may happen for example. Having a kitty for any repairs is a sensible move.
• Insurance: Static caravan insurance is not a legal requirement, but it really does make sense to consider getting it. Even as an additional cost it can still give you peace of mind, especially as your static caravan will have your valuables and contents in it when you are there. Similarly, the insurance policy can provide peace of mind when you are not at the caravan as well.

The same location: You could feel tied in to going to the caravan for your holidays so that you get the most from your investment. It may be that after a while you want a change of scenery or want to go on a completely different holiday but feel restricted by owning the static caravan and the associated costs. This is one of the reasons you need to give it some serious thought and make sure that the park that houses your caravan is somewhere you really want to stay and keep going back to.

Making friends: Whilst lots of people do get on with their static caravan neighbours, because you want a similar type of holiday, you may also simply not get on and may not want to socialise with them for example. This is just something to consider as it can happen from time to time.

Depreciation: Caravan depreciation is a complex issue. They do depreciate and at an average of 15% a year, very much like a car. This is one reason why many seasoned caravan owners say it is best to not look at the caravan as an investment that you can sell on and make a profit from, more that it will provide a great way to create memories and have enjoyable holidays over the years. There is nothing you can do to stop the depreciation; the best thing is to just keep it in good condition and well maintained so it looks as fresh as possible.

Selling your static caravan: This is something that can be particularly tricky for many reasons. Firstly, some caravan parks insist on having first refusal if you plan to sell. This could mean that you end up selling for a price that you aren’t happy with, but unfortunately this is something that can often pop up in caravan site contracts, so it is worth looking into this before you sign, just so you know what you are dealing with.

To get a no biased price check out https://sellmystatichome.co.uk/ as they can also be difficult to sell because some caravan parks will not allow caravans on site that are over ten years old for example, so this means passing it on can be difficult. Also because of the depreciation point we mention above, it is very unlikely you will make a profit from selling a caravan on as well.

Hopefully the points to think about in this article will help you on your static caravan purchasing journey, but always take your time to think through the pros, cons and costs and think about insuring your caravan to provide peace of mind. Get in touch with the UK Caravan Centre, to discuss any of your purchase choices: or check out of our homes by clicking here.

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Brits are looking to save money on their holidays next year, according to a survey of 1,000 customers by Verdant Leisure. The results highlighted that many people (84 per cent) are more likely to head out on a staycation next year, with more than half (56 per cent) of respondents saying the cost of living crisis will be the main factor steering them away from a trip overseas.

The survey explores both industry and internal booking data to show the biggest travel trends for the upcoming year. It’s not all about staycations, though. Read on to find out more about the top items on the travel agenda for 2023.

Budget holidays are on the rise

There are, on average, over 7,000 monthly Google searches for ‘cheap holidays’, showing a clear desire for affordable getaways. The current state of the economy has been felt by everyone across the UK, so it comes as no surprise that Brits are looking to make the most of every penny.

The data from Verdant Leisure showed that almost half of respondents had a staycation budget of under £200 per person, while 76 per cent make value for money the number one priority when looking to book a holiday.

Scotland is at the top of the bucket list

We’ve written about Scotland a lot here at CaravanTimes. It’s no coincidence either – Scotland really does have it all. It’s a beloved holiday destination, offering unbeatable scenery, breathtaking hiking trails, deep-rooted culture and everything from impressive mountains to boundless coastline.

In fact, Scotland saw people travel for more than three million domestic overnight stays in 2021. The survey data reflected consistent demand for Scottish tourism, with 40 per cent of respondents highlighting the beautiful land as the most desired UK holiday destination.

Holidaymakers want to explore the outdoors

Current research suggests the most popular spots for domestic UK holidays are those along the coast. Verdant Leisure’s survey revealed almost two-thirds of Brits are hoping to head to the coast next year, while 30 per cent are eager to explore the countryside.

We know our readers are especially interested in the Great British outdoors, so the results don’t come as a shock. Almost half of the respondents said they’d like to visit more national parks in 2023 and it’s brilliant to see a strong appetite for the UK’s brilliant and varied landscape.

Romantic getaways are on the cards

Heading on tour is mostly about escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Getting away with your partner can provide the perfect backdrop for some well-deserved unwinding. As a result, cosier, romantic options for accommodation, such as lodges, are becoming highly desired.

From the data, roughly three in five people (58 per cent) said they were most likely to book a UK holiday with their significant other next year. Perhaps a romantic trip to the Scottish coast?

Man’s best friend

Across the world, people can’t get enough of their furry friends. Brits are no exception to this and perhaps hold an even greater affinity for pets. As such, it comes as no surprise that 40 per cent of us are making pet-friendly destinations a priority.

Animals love many of the same things we’re looking for in a great holiday – playing on the beach, splashing around in the sea and running around the woods. So, it makes perfect sense that people are looking to bring them along for the ride.

If you are thinking about a Holiday this year in the UK : check out the UK Caravan Centres find your park feature : to find your perfect holiday on your perfect park….

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Siting a caravan can be a daunting thing. Of course it is best to get a professional to do it, but if you feel brave enough, please see below some tips of how to site your Static Caravan or Lodge.

1.Choose a location: Select a location for your static caravan that is level and has good drainage. You will also need to consider the proximity to utilities and amenities, as well as any local building regulations or restrictions.

2. Prepare the ground: Before placing your static caravan on the site, you will need to prepare the ground by removing any debris, levelling the area, and installing a base or foundation. This will help ensure that the caravan is stable and secure.

3. Transport the caravan: Once the site is prepared, you will need to transport the caravan to the location. This may require the use of a special trailer or truck.

4. Install utilities: You will need to install utilities, such as electricity and water, to your static caravan. This will typically require the services of a professional.

5.Secure the caravan: Once the caravan is in place, you will need to secure it to the ground using anchors or tie-downs. This will help prevent the caravan from moving or shifting in strong winds or storms.

6. Finalize the setup: Once the caravan is secured and the utilities are installed, you can finalize the setup by adding any additional features or amenities, such as steps or a deck.

Should you want to organise a SITE SURVEY  or SITING for your static home :

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1. Affordability.

Buyers who are looking for a practical housing solution without breaking the bank appreciate the economics of mobile home ownership. Indeed, the surprising affordability is one of the main positives. As well as the freedom from high mortgage payments, monthly outgoings are appreciably lower – good news if you are a first-time buyer.

2. Improved Standards.

Inside, modern mobile homes boast levels of luxury to compete with conventional home construction. Finished to high standards under strict quality control conditions, the newest models feature cutting edge materials such as solar panels, optional extra insulation and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) water piping that performs well in winter.   The BS3632 residential specification ensures they are a comfortable and durable accommodation choice throughout all seasons.

Nowadays, modular home manufacturing is in controlled environments to ensure consistent quality and a smooth workflow. Fortunately, purchasers can be sure that construction and completion are not heavily dependent on weather conditions and building site subcontractors.

3. Choice of Designs and Styles.

Unquestionably, the latest mobile homes come in inspiring designs and an impressive selection of styles, whether for a permanent base (eg. annexe accommodation, staff accommodation etc.) or holiday accommodation. It is also hugely reassuring that generous manufacturers’ warranties provide peace of mind for new owners.

4. Suitable for New Homeowners.

After finishing education and starting a career, the lower costs of static caravan ownership mean that single units are a great option for individuals and couples. Straightforward maintenance tasks keep life simple, too.

5. Convenient for Families.

In contrast, growing families might decide to opt for practical double/twin units with customisable rooms. Parents and children can benefit from the nearby countryside, parkland and outdoor space or leisure facilities.

6. Flexible for Retirees.

Many owners who are reaching pensionable age appreciate the opportunity to have a change, live with increased flexibility and reduce expenses. Buying a mobile home is a canny decision, as it can also free up time for hobbies and leisure pursuits, as opposed to time-consuming house maintenance. In addition, those seeking a more leisurely pace can always pull up an armchair (or a deckchair) and enjoy relaxing views of the countryside.

7. Energy Conservation and the Environment.

Because they are pre-built before delivery to the site, without the frequent removal of raw materials, mobile homes produce only one-tenth of the waste that is typical of conventional housing construction methods. They are, therefore, an environmentally sound concept. Equally importantly, over the long term, the latest manufacturing techniques and materials promise impressive energy efficiency.

8. Health and Wellbeing.

As lifestyle gurus advise, the ability to live simply and with a ‘less-is-more’ attitude are good for one’s wellbeing. Importantly, mobile home residents enjoy the positive effects of greater contact with the natural environment, sometimes in landscaped areas and always with outside space. Life is undoubtedly enhanced being away from the pollution and risks of traffic in built-up areas, while the physical and social environment tends to encourage activity and engagement with others.

9. Sense of Community.

Like-minded communities, grassland and parks with club facilities and occasional group activities mean that residents can benefit from a sense of belonging, should they wish. Moreover, although mobile homes do not have immediately adjoining properties above or below them, neighbours can and do keep a helpful eye out for each other.

10. Safety and Security.

Finally, owners will often mention feeling secure and able to live with their doors unlocked more than in traditional brick-built neighbourhoods. A typical park layout with an internal network of relatively narrow roads and perimeter hedges or fences adds to the general security. Significantly, site residents usually recognise their neighbours, vehicles and even regular visitors, so outsiders tend to be quite noticeable.

Should you have any questions, we will be pleased to assist. Just give us a call on 0800 246 1206 or fill in your details below: