Buying a Caravan or Lodge on a Holiday Park? Always Negotiate Hard

The UK Holiday Park Market – Big Business, Big Opportunities

The Park Home and Holiday Park Association (PHHPA) has seen record interest in holiday park living and investment over the past five years. In the UK alone, operators such as Haven, Parkdean Resorts, Bourne Leisure, and Park Holidays UK operate hundreds of sites across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. From seaside escapes in Cornwall to tranquil lodge retreats in the Scottish Highlands, the variety of parks available offers something for everyone — and that’s exactly why buyers should negotiate hard.

Across the UK, caravan and lodge prices vary massively — from entry-level models at around £25,000 to luxury lodges exceeding £300,000. The truth is, much of the price you’re given is negotiable, especially in the off-season or when a park has inventory to move. The PHHPA Directory exists to connect buyers and sellers directly, but whether you buy through our platform or direct from a park, the same principle applies: the first price is rarely the best.

When we look at manufacturers such as Willerby, ABI, Atlas Leisure Homes, Victory Leisure Homes, and Prestige Homeseeker, it’s clear that supply competition is high, and competition means negotiating power for the buyer.

Negotiation Tips from the Park Home and Holiday Park Association

1. Don’t Accept the First Price

Sales teams are trained to anchor you with a high starting price. Politely push back and ask for a better deal. If they say no, don’t be afraid to walk away — you might be surprised at how quickly the “best price” changes.

2. Ask for Extras

Decking, furniture packs, upgraded appliances, even the first year’s site fees can often be included at little cost to the park. PHHPA members regularly report saving thousands in extras simply by asking.

3. Negotiate Ground Rent and Fees

Your ongoing costs can be just as important as the purchase price. See if you can secure a lower annual ground rent or freeze it for a set period.

4. Shop Around

Don’t buy on impulse. Compare similar units and plots across multiple parks in the same area. In Wales, for example, lodge prices on the Pembrokeshire coast can vary by as much as 15% between sites only a few miles apart.

Why Negotiating Matters More Than Ever

With inflation and rising living costs, owning a caravan or lodge can be a big financial commitment. Negotiating up front gives you a buffer against future price increases and protects your long-term investment. The Park Home and Holiday Park Association exists to empower buyers and sellers with the knowledge to make better deals — and negotiation is a skill every buyer should use.

Final Word – Make the Market Work for You

Buying a holiday home should be exciting, but remember: parks are businesses, and like any business, they can offer flexibility if it means securing a sale. Whether you’re purchasing a compact caravan in Norfolk or a luxury lodge in the Lake District, negotiation is not just allowed — it’s expected.

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