Holidaying in the UK has soared since the global pandemic began back in 2020 and has been on the rise ever since – this trend looks set to stay, making static caravan ownership increasingly popular. However, for many it can be difficult to know what to look for when inspecting a used static caravan.
Static caravans are available to purchase either brand new or pre-owned, they come in various different models and sizes, making it difficult to know how and where to start the buying process. A good starting point is to decide whether you are shopping for a new or used static caravan, a decision that is more often than not, dictated by budget.
Pre-owned static caravans are much cheaper than brand new models, however, it is still important to factor in all the additional costs that will be accumulated when buying, this includes both one off costs and ongoing costs such as the park fees, connection fees and regular maintenance. When buying a pre-owned static caravan, there are several additional elements to be aware of and to inspect during the decision-making process.
Location is an important factor for most – ideally, the holiday park should be no further than a 3-hour drive from the buyer’s main residence and should have the facilities required – this may be a swimming pool for example, or a social club or activities for young children.
Price is always a key consideration, and it is worth evaluating static caravans within budget and how they compare to other similar used models on the market. If the price is too low, then there is probably a reason for this which should be investigated.
Thinking about one’s own specific needs and whether or not the used static caravan’s layout is appropriate to suit your particular purposes is important, for example, how often will the static caravan be used and who it is suitable for? What size is needed, how many bedrooms should it have? Is a big bathroom important? Making a comparison to similar sizes and layouts of different makes and models, can help to get the best value for money.
It is advisable to find out as much possible information regarding the history of the static caravan. How many previous owners has it had and has it ever been rented out? Rentals are subject to greater wear and tear and may have had more repairs carried out. We recommend asking for the details on any maintenance that has been carried out, asking for copies of gas safety inspections and finding out if the caravan come with any type of warranty.
Having located a static caravan in the desired area with the required attributes, it is important to inspect the caravan in person and to check over the details before making a decision. Taking photos to refer back to can also be helpful especially when comparing different models of caravan.
The exterior of the caravan should be inspected thoroughly for any signs of rust or other damage. The roof and guttering should also be checked to ensure that everything is in tact and that nothing is broken. Skylights in the roof of the caravan often get cracked by sun and cold weather and are prone to letting in leaks and cracks – these should be carefully inspected, along with the chassis, which should be in good condition and ideally coated in galvanised paint.
In the interior of the caravan, every room should be inspected meticulously to check for signs of damp or other issues such as mould or mildew.
The furnishings should ideally all be original features and should not have been painted, decorated or replaced by previous owners as this can devalue the static caravan.
Find out the exact measurements of the pitch to see if this is appropriate for requirements.
We offer a wide range of new and used static caravans for sale at our expansive 47-acre static caravan park located in the beautiful Mid Wales countryside. Our static caravans are available in various sizes to suit varying budgets and spatial requirements, from smaller models suitable for couples or individuals to larger more spacious models ideal for families. Get in touch today to find out more.
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