Static caravans, lodges, and park homes continue to grow in popularity as affordable holiday and lifestyle options. With thousands of buyers and sellers active each year, knowing the right process can save you time, stress, and money.

This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know—whether you’re buying, selling privately, or working with a holiday park.

PART 1: Buying a Static Caravan or Lodge

1. Decide the Purpose: Holiday, Investment or Living

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a holiday home?
• Will you sublet it?
• Are you planning to live in it full-time?

This affects:

• Park licences
• Fees
• Insurance
• Tax
• Heating needs
• Location options

Remember: Holiday parks cannot be used as a permanent address.

2. Choose the Right Location

Consider:

• Coastal vs countryside
• Distance from home
• Local amenities
• Transport links
• Area popularity for subletting

Top locations in 2025 include:

• Norfolk
• Cornwall
• The Lake District
• North Wales
• Lincolnshire
• Devon

3. Check Park Rules

Before buying, ask the park for:

• Pitch fee costs
• Age limits (often 10–25 years for caravans)
• Licence agreement
• Running costs
• Insurance requirements
• Subletting rules
• Season duration (8, 10 or 12 months)

4. Inspect the Caravan or Lodge

Essential checks:

• Chassis condition
• Damp readings
• Roof waterproofing
• Boiler age & service history
• Window seals
• Decking structural safety
• Exterior cladding
• Underfloor stability

If unsure—arrange a pre-purchase caravan/lodge survey.

5. Understand Annual Costs

Typical ongoing fees include:

• Pitch fees (varies £2,000–£8,000 per year)
• Gas bottles or mains gas
• Electricity (metered)
• Water & drainage
• Insurance
• Winter storage (if required)

6. Check the Paperwork

You should receive:

• Sales agreement
• Park licence agreement
• Gas and electrical certificates
• Owner’s manual
• Warranty information
• Deposit receipt

7. Don’t Forget the Hidden Extras

Common extra costs include:

• Decking installation
• Skirting
• Site connection fees
• Transport & siting (if off-site purchase)

PART 2: Selling a Static Caravan or Lodge

1. Decide Whether to Sell Through the Park or Privately

Selling through the park:

• Easy
• Low hassle
• They take commission (15–30%)

Selling privately:

• Higher selling price
• More control
• You handle enquiries, viewings, paperwork

Both options are valid depending on urgency.

2. Get the Right Price

Factors that affect price:

• Age of caravan
• Condition
• Pitch location on the park
• Season length
• Model popularity
• Included extras (decking, furniture, appliances)

Use platforms like the PHHPA Directory to benchmark prices.

3. Prepare Your Caravan for Sale

You will convert more buyers by:

• Deep cleaning
• Maintaining heating
• Fixing small cosmetic issues
• Taking bright, wide-angle photos
• Recording a video walk-through
• Adding drone shots (if allowed)

4. Create a High-Quality Listing

Your listing should include:

• 20+ photos
• Video walkthrough
• Detailed description
• Park information
• Running costs
• Pitch fee details
• Season length
• Inventory list

High-quality listings sell faster and for higher prices.

5. Handle Enquiries Professionally

Respond within 24 hours.
Provide park rules, season details, and running cost estimates.
Be transparent about age and condition.

6. Understand the Park’s Selling Policies

Most parks have the right to:

• Approve buyers
• Approve the handover
• Charge a commission
• Restrict on-park private sales

Always check your pitch licence agreement.

Final Thoughts

Buying or selling a static caravan or lodge in 2025 is easier than ever—if you understand the process and work with trusted platforms. The PHHPA Directory helps buyers find verified listings and helps sellers reach targeted audiences in the UK park home sector.