Set the Buyback Price in Your Contract Now or Lose Big Later

Why Depreciation is the Silent Profit Killer

At the Park Home and Holiday Park Association (PHHPA), we speak to caravan and lodge owners across the UK every day and one of the most common complaints we hear is about depreciation. Just like a new car, the moment you drive your holiday home “off the forecourt,” its value starts to drop. But unlike cars, caravans and lodges often face even steeper depreciation, especially if resale conditions are controlled by the park.

Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, large operators such as Parkdean Resorts, Haven, and Park Leisure sell thousands of new and pre-owned holiday homes each year. Buyers are often focused on location, style, and facilities — but far fewer consider the long-term exit strategy.

Manufacturers, including Willerby, ABI, Atlas, and Victory Leisure Homes produce a wide range of models, yet resale value is driven just as much by park policy as by the brand itself. Some parks will only buy back units at “trade value,” which can be a fraction of what you paid.

Locking in a Buyback Price – Your Best Defence

1. Negotiate at the Point of Purchase

The best time to set a buyback price is before you sign the purchase agreement. Ask the park to commit to a fixed resale value after a certain period — for example, 50% of the original price after five years.

2. Put it in Writing

Verbal promises mean nothing in legal terms. Make sure any buyback guarantee is included in your signed contract with clear timelines and conditions.

3. Consider Depreciation Curves

Most caravans lose 10–20% in value in the first year alone. Lodges may depreciate more slowly, but the loss can still be significant without a pre-agreed exit.

4. Compare Parks

Different parks have very different resale rules. In Northern Ireland, for example, some smaller, family-run parks offer more generous buyback terms than larger corporate sites.

Why PHHPA Recommends This Step

By setting a buyback price upfront, you remove uncertainty and protect yourself from unfair resale practices. At PHHPA, our role is to educate buyers so they enter the market informed and ready to secure the best long-term deal.

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