First time caravan buyer's guide

Being one of the biggest players in the static caravan market has its advantages. Over the years, we’ve built up an unrivalled portfolio of parks for our prospective owners to choose from. There are 39 parks dotted up and down the country, so regardless of where you’re based, a park that’s perfect for you and your loved ones isn’t too far away. But what is too far away? 

Chris, an ownership expert at our Perran Sands park in Cornwall, puts it perfectly. 

‘‘The general advice is to aim for a park no more than two hours away from home (especially If you’re travelling with little ones). But if you’ve got your heart set on a certain location that’s far away, there are ways to compromise. 

One of our owners in Cornwall has a four-hour drive to the park. But the family have a soft spot for the area (who can blame them?). In cases like this, the owners usually visit the park fewer times throughout the year, but for longer periods. There are always ways to make it work for you.’’ 

Nail on the head. It really does depend on your personal circumstances and priorities.

No caravan buyers guide would be complete without budget advice. Assessing your finances and setting a realistic budget is one of the most crucial aspects of buying a caravan for the first time.

It is only a lucky few amongst us who may be able to pay that cost upfront without instalments. Those fortunate enough to be in this position undoubtedly eliminate some of the admin that comes with purchasing a holiday home, but there are still some key considerations. Owning a caravan, whilst adding priceless memories, is not a financial investment. The value of caravans depreciates in a similar way to a car, so this is always worth remembering before you stump up a lump sum. 

If the finance option is the more viable route for you, you’re in the right place. With Haven, we make the costs manageable and affordable with our finance option (subject to status and availability). A 10% deposit is required with a reasonable 5.71% fixed repayment rate (10.6% APR representative). We only work with lenders that are members of the Financial Conduct Authority, and we’re committed to opening up the world of ownership to as many people as possible. 

Running costs are also a big consideration. You’ll pay annual site fees that cover the maintenance of the park and the stellar service you come to expect from us. You’ll also have to cover the cost of amenities in your van. All costs can be offset by letting, which we explain in greater detail further down this static caravan buyers guide.

The market for static caravans continues to expand, with the choices as bewildering as they are abundant. We’re experts in categorising our models to make the road to buying a caravan for the first time as easy as possible. Our handpicked range categorises our models into simple groups so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

Our comfortable Bronze models serve our first-time families fantastically when they’re starting their ownership journeys.

Our luxury Silver static caravans are filled with fabulous, homely touches, with features like king-size beds and free-standing furniture adding an extra level to these spaces where memories are made

Our indulgent gold range are the cream of the crop. With high end finishes throughout, nothing is left to chance in these special spaces.

There are also luxury lodges that add even more home comforts, and a range of pre-owned options in great condition to take even more of the sting out of the cost.

We work with some of the most renowned manufacturers in the business to bring this special set of vans to our prospective owners. Swift, ABI, Atlas and Willerby are all on our books.

Letting is a fantastic way to offset the cost of your static caravan at times when you’re not with us on your chosen park. At Haven, we offer two great ways to let your holiday home. Our FIXED and FLEXI letting services are first-come, first-served.  

Fixed letting

For each break of the season, we will tell you in advance how much you will be guaranteed to earn when we accept to let your holiday home for that date. The amount is based on history and risk. This will allow you to plan and budget for your site fees and running costs. Many of our owners who let with Haven love this option as they know exactly how much they’ll earn and can plan their enjoyment of their holiday home around these dates. 

Flexi letting

With our FLEXI letting service, we will act similarly to a private letting agent, where you will receive a proportional amount of the money received from the Haven guest. Our success is your success, and you will have the benefits of our Haven experts, website and advertising campaigns, working hard to achieve the best price for your holiday home. Providing we've been able to allocate your holiday home a booking, you’ll reap the reward from this. Our FLEXI letting service is more suited to dates with high demand like summer and bank holidays. Please note, a booking is not guaranteed. Peak dates have the highest demand, and more chances to be able to secure a booking. 

Once you’ve decided and considered all the above in our static caravan buyers guide, it’s time to arrange a visit at the park you’ve chosen. You can come along alone or bring the whole family if you want. You’ll get a feel for the park and sample some of the great atmosphere our owners enjoy. 

Alan and Carol, long term owners at our Lydstep Beach park, sum things up brilliantly. 

"We love the freedom to come and go whenever we like. The ability to enjoy the weather and surroundings from the comfort of our own holiday home. We've made new friends and have a great social life here." 

You’ll get a taster when you come and visit. After you’ve whetted your appetite for ownership, you can arrange the purchase that very day or go away, have a think, and get back to us when you like! We look forward to welcoming you soon. 

If you have questions about buying a holiday home, please don't hesitate to contact us. Call us or request a call back, we'd love to hear from you.

General Terms and Conditions: Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd (t/a Haven) is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited.  Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor.  Registered office:  One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.