It’s something a lot of people are considering lately. You drive past those holiday parks filled with neat rows of static caravans and wonder, “Could one of those make me some money?” Or maybe it’s less about profit and more about having your own weekend escape. Either way, it’s not a small decision. Buying a static caravan can cost anywhere from £20,000 to well over £100,000 depending on the model, location, and park facilities. So, naturally, the big question is: is it worth it?
The Appeal
There’s something comforting about the idea of having your own spot by the coast or tucked away in the countryside. You don’t have to fight for bookings or pay through the nose for last-minute hotels. Just pack a bag and go.
That flexibility is one of the biggest draws. You can escape for a weekend or even spend entire summers there. And if you’re not using it, renting it out to holidaymakers can bring in some extra income.
But owning a static caravan isn’t all sand dunes and BBQs. There’s more to the picture once you start looking closer.
Costs You’ll Keep Paying
A lot of first-time buyers get caught out by the ongoing costs. You’re not just buying the unit itself—you’re buying the right to keep it on a specific pitch, in a specific park. That pitch comes with annual site fees. These can range from £2,000 to over £10,000 a year, depending on the park’s location and facilities.
Then there’s insurance, which is usually mandatory, plus utility bills, gas checks, cleaning if you’re renting it out, and general maintenance. Carpets wear out. Decking needs replacing. Fridges break.
Income Potential: Reality Check
If you’re hoping to make a tidy profit from renting it out, be realistic. The rental market can be seasonal and competitive. If your caravan is in a prime location, think Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District, you’ll likely see more interest during peak months. But outside school holidays? It can sit empty.
Parks sometimes offer rental schemes where they manage the bookings for you, which takes some of the work off your plate. However, they also take a big chunk of the profits sometimes up to 50%. You might still have to pay for cleaning, maintenance, and admin fees on top of that.
You could go the DIY route and handle bookings yourself through Airbnb or similar sites. That way, you keep more of the money, but it also means dealing with guest issues, cleaning turnarounds, and customer service.
And don’t forget tax. Income from holiday lets is taxable, and the rules can be a bit fiddly depending on how often you rent it out and how much you earn from it.
Resale Value Isn’t Great
One thing that’s rarely talked about up front is how static caravans tend to lose value. Like a car, they start depreciating the moment you buy them. In five years, your £60,000 caravan could be worth less than half that. And if your park doesn’t allow you to sell it to someone outside their system, you’re at the mercy of what the park is willing to offer—or allow.
But It’s Not All About Money
Here’s where it gets personal. I’ve known people who’ve said their caravan was the best purchase they ever made—not because it made them rich, but because of what it gave them: quiet weekends, family memories, evenings watching sunsets, no stress about booking accommodation every summer.
One couple I spoke to bought a caravan on a quiet site in North Wales. They don’t rent it out. It’s just for them and close friends. They admit it’s a cost, not an income. But they love it. To them, it’s their peaceful place.
So maybe the better question isn’t, “Is it a good investment?” but “What kind of investment is it?”
If you’re looking for financial returns, it’s definitely not a guaranteed win. But if you’re after something that gives lifestyle returns freedom, consistency, a familiar spot to unwind—then that might be more valuable to you than money in the long run.
Things to Ask Before You Buy
Before signing anything, you’ll want to ask a few things:
- What are the site fees, and how often do they go up? Some parks raise them every year without much warning.
- How long can I keep my caravan here? Some parks have a strict 10 or 15-year policy, after which you need to upgrade or move.
- Can I rent it out myself, or do I have to go through the park? This can affect your earnings significantly.
- What are the park rules around guests and pets? If you plan to have family or tenants stay, it matters.
- What are the resale options? Can you sell it privately, or does it have to go through the park?
Don’t be afraid to push for clear answers. Some parks are very transparent. Others are… less so.
A Few Alternatives Worth Considering
If it’s mainly about holiday access or potential income, have you thought about:
- Touring caravans or campervans. More flexibility, less commitment, and you can go anywhere.
- Holiday lodges. More expensive but often come with longer lifespans and potentially better resale.
- Buy-to-let flats. A very different route but often with stronger long-term financial returns.
They each have their own pros and cons, but it’s good to weigh them up alongside static caravans before committing.
