Buyer's Guide - Buying a Caravan
We’re here to make the dream of holiday home ownership a reality with our buyer’s guide. We’ll take you through the simple step-by-step process towards owning a caravan of your own, so you can eliminate the admin and make the best choice for you and the family. Join a world where the kids can roam free, where the escape from the hustle and bustle is constant and where the goodbyes are only temporary. A place to return to as and when you please is waiting in the wings for your arrival.
Discover caravans and lodges for sale
Step 1. Choose the best place to buy a holiday home
When you own a caravan, you’ll have the privilege of returning to your holiday home as and when you please during the season, meaning you’ll want to choose a park that’s as convenient as it is charming.
With an array of picturesque Haven locations dotted around the UK, you’re never too far from the ideal spot. Sample our stunning settings and find the perfect park for your holiday home - as Alison and William, two of our owners at our Church Farm park in Sussex explain in this video.
Consider the following factors to find a park to tick all your boxes:
- How often you intend to visit
- The experiences on the park itself
- The things to do in the local area
Step 2. Understand the costs
There are three different costs to consider when buying a caravan on a site:
The cost of the holiday home itself
The annual site fees to cover the cost of your holiday home at your chosen park
The annual running costs for amenities in your holiday home
Fear not, as a Haven owner there are many different ways to offset these costs and make holiday home ownership much more affordable than it may first seem.
Cost of the holiday home explained
The price you see on our website covers the cost of the property itself and essential add-ons like siting, connection and safety and security.
When buying a holiday caravan at Haven, decking must added to your total package price on Silver grade caravans and above, which isn't included in the prices shown online, but you will receive a full price breakdown during your park ownership visit.
You'll secure your holiday home with a 10% deposit and can pay in full, or with monthly instalments if you buy with finance. If you let your caravan, you'll earn income you can put towards your costs.
Take a look at our articles below for more information on the above.
Guide to caravan finance article
Guide to letting out your static caravan article
Cost of site fees explained
Site fees cover the right to site your holiday home at your chosen Haven Park. This includes:
Maintenance and security of the park
Grass cutting
Landscaping and park upkeep
Use of all park facilities including exclusive owners-only features
Site fees are payable in advance of the season start on March 1 each year. They start from £4,535 and vary based on pitch location at the park.
Let2offset is our new letting service for new customers, and existing customers who are part-exchanging through Haven, which provides a monthly letting income and the ability to pay your site fees monthly in equal payments. Terms apply. Find out more by visiting our lettings page.
Costs to run your holiday home explained
These cover the cost of utilities needed for your holiday home, including:
Water
Gas
Electricity
Holiday Home Insurance
Non-domestic business rates
The total running costs of your holiday will vary from year to year. Our team of experts will walk you through these and help you decide the best way to cover them.
Step 3. Choose a holiday home
The world of holiday home ownership throws up a world of choice that makes it easier than ever to find a holiday home that suits your needs. There are no shortage of options, but this can sometimes throw up a whole load of questions!
Our experienced park team will support you with your decisions and recommend holiday homes based on your requirements. Step 4 on this page explains why we think a park visit is the best way of finding your perfect home-from-home. However, we understand you might want to do some initial homework before making a trip to a park, and hopefully, the following sections will help answer any questions you have.
Explore our caravans for sale
If you fancy a brand-new caravan, visit our handpicked range page where you'll find our best models grouped to guide you through our extensive choice of caravans. Go for Bronze if you're after an attractive but practical first caravan; Silver if you seek extra space with style or Gold if you desire the finest home comforts.
We also have on our parks a selection of pre-loved caravans, which may just be the thing if you want to make your budget stretch that bit further. Our used caravan page highlights some of the benefits of buying pre-owned. If you're still struggling to decide between new and used caravans, see our guides which are full of advice:
Benefits of buying a brand-new caravan
Why buy a used vs new static caravan?
The differences between the caravans
See our lodges for sale
For high-end features and comfort, visit our lodge page. This page shows you some of the lodges we have for sale and the parks which have exclusive lodge areas. Lodges are 16 feet wide so if you're after maximum space as well as luxury, then a lodge could be for you.
Our article on buying a luxury lodge versus a static caravan has useful information on the key differences between the two.
Step 4. Book an ownership park visit
Now for the exciting part! Once you’ve had a browse online, get in touch with us to book an ownership park visit where you'll see our caravans for sale as well as explore the park.
In just a few hours, you'll get a good understanding of what life as an owner is like, but you can spend as much time on the park as you need and there will be no pressure to buy. It's really important that you take your time and make the right decision for you.
Learn all about a park ownership visit in our benefits of a park ownership visit article.
Step 5. Buy your home with our park teams
Our park team will go through all the figures with you on a park visit. They'll also go through the letting options available to you, if you're looking to offset some of your costs. Once you're ready to buy, and you're happy with your final quote, you'll agree how to pay. Options include payment in full by BACS, credit or debit card, or a park finance package (subject to status).
Once you've bought a static caravan on one of our parks, you'll quickly settle into park life. However, if you decide that the Haven lifestyle is not what you were expecting, we offer a 30-Day Lifestyle Money Back Guarantee. In other words, for 30 days after buying your holiday home, you're entitled to hand back the key and walk away, and we'll return the money.
Our newest models
Step inside and explore your gorgeous new getaway
Find your perfect park
Here are your favourites and our recommendations for you.
Craig Tara
Scotland- Indoor water park
- Entertainment venues
- Adventure Village
- Direct beach access
Far Grange
Yorkshire- 18-hole golf course
- The Lakes Spa
- Country Park
- Walks and trails
Haggerston Castle
Northumberland- Exclusive owner facilities
- Tower Bar
- Indoor pool and slide
- Entertainment
Orchards Holiday Village
Essex- Direct beach access
- Golf course
- Exclusive owners leisure
- Outdoor pool
Find your holiday home
Browse the complete range of caravans and lodge holiday homes for sale across all 39 of our coastal parks.
Caravan ranges carefully chosen to suit a wide range of needs, tastes and budgets
Explore our range of differently sized caravans, including the 4 berth for couples and small families, 6 berth for larger families, and the 8 berth, our spacious holiday home for bigger groups.
Frequently asked questions
All our award-winning holiday parks are on or near the coast and packed with our special combination of activities and entertainment. We're part of Bourne Leisure Limited, one of the UK’s leading holiday home ownership companies, which means we’re always investing more into our parks to give you a great time, all the time.
As an owner you’ll also receive special perks, have access to exclusive facilities and a dedicated Experience team, these are just some of the reasons to choose Haven.
Purchasing a Holiday Home is a lifestyle investment, not a financial one. Caravans can depreciate quickly, especially in the first few years, it's why we want you to be absolutely sure that holiday home ownership is a lifestyle that’s right for you and your family.
That's why we have our 30-day Lifestyle Money Back Guarantee; it gives you that extra peace of mind as we understand it’s a big decision. We want you to be sure you’ve made the right decision and enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of ownership at Haven for many years to come. If, however, something unforeseen does happen or you change your mind within 30 days of purchase, you can hand the keys back to us and we’ll refund you in full.
It’s important to note that depreciation is most significant during the initial years much like similar items. This is influenced by many factors such as market conditions, stock availability for both new and used holiday homes and overall demand. Additionally, VAT is paid on a new caravan adding to the initial price paid.
You’ll be the proud owner of a holiday home, but not the land itself.
Your annual fees cover your right to occupy a pitch, as long as you stick to our park rules.
All of our parks are dog friendly with the exception of:
- Burnham-on-Sea with the exception of Cedars Lawn, The Oaks and Hawthorn Close
- Pitches 1-60 Lakelands at The Orchards.
If you wish to bring any animal other than a dog, you must obtain written permission from the General Manager.
Our parks are holiday parks, not residential parks. Your holiday home is designed to be used for holidays, leisure breaks and recreation.
Our park opening dates vary depending on whether you are a holiday maker or own your own holiday home on our parks.
We have listed our opening dates for holiday home owners below.
You may occupy your holiday home for up to 60 consecutive days at a time, however, we are unable to accept mail which has been addressed to you at the park.
Please remember your holiday home cannot be used as your primary residence and proof of residence will be required when you purchase.
| Park | Ownership |
| Berwick | 9 March - 9 January |
| Blue Dolphin | 1 March - 30 November |
| Burnham-on-Sea | 1 March - 30 November |
| Caister-on-Sea | 1 March - 30 November |
| Cala Gran | 1 March - 4 January |
| Cardigan View | 4 March - 10 January |
| Church Farm | 1 March - 1 December |
| Cleethorpes Beach | 1 March - 30 November |
| Combe Haven | 1 March - 14 January |
| Craig Tara | 1 March - 30 November |
| Devon Cliffs | 1 March - 30 November |
| Doniford Bay | 1 March - 30 November |
| Far Grange | 2 March - 31 January. Weekend occupancy throughout February (Friday evening until Monday morning). The opening dates for The Lakes are 8 February - 5 January |
| Garreg Wen | 4 March - 4 January |
| Golden Sands | 1 March - 30 November |
| Greenacres | 4 March - 4 January |
| Hafan y Môr | 1 March - 30 November. The Stables and Golf Village are open until 14 January |
| Haggerston Castle | 9 March - 9 January |
| Hopton | 1 March - 31 October. You may also occupy your holiday home on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during November and December and for a 10 day period either side of Christmas Day in each season |
| Kent Coast | 1 March - 30 November and 20 December - 4 January |
| Kiln Park | 1 March - 9 January |
| Lakeland | 1 March – 14 November. Plus, from 23rd December to 3 January for continuous occupancy. From 14 November to 23 December caravans may be occupied from Friday 8am to Monday noon only in each season |
| Littlesea | 1 March - 22 December |
| Lydstep Beach | 1 March - 9 January |
| Marton Mere | 1 March - 1 December |
| Penally Court | 1 March - 30 November |
| Perran Sands | 1 March - 31 October |
| Presthaven | 1 March - 14 January |
| Primrose Valley | 1 March - 4 January |
| Quay West | 1 March - 9 January |
| Reighton Sands | 1 March - 30 November |
| Riviere Sands | Not an owner's park |
| Rockley Park | 2 March - 2 January |
| Seashore | 1 March - 30 November |
| Seaview | Not an owner's park |
| Seton Sands | 1 March - 30 November. Also in December to include Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights only and finally 24th December to 7th January in each season |
| The Orchards | 1 March - 30 November. Also, every weekend throughout the year. The Park is open from 24th December to 3rd January inclusive over Christmas & New Year |
| Thornwick Bay | 1 March - 30 November |
| Weymouth Bay | 1 March - 2 January |
| Wild Duck | 1 March - 30 November |
That’s a definite yes. We’re here to help in any way we can – that includes payment options (subject to status).
If you are interested in buying a static caravan at one of our Haven parks, please give us a call on 0333 202 1460 and we'll be happy to help.
When you’ve found your dream holiday home, your Holiday Home advisor will create a finance application with you and submit it our finance provider, Santander. They will need originals of the following documentation to prove identity:
- Passport or driving licence
- Birth certificate or a marriage certificate if you don’t have a passport or driving licence.
Our finance provider Santander may ask for additional information.
Please note: we may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
You can discuss all things finance on a visit to the park you're interested in. Here's where you can book your park visit
Yes – a minimum of 10% of the holiday home price.
If you are interested in buying a static caravan at one of our Haven parks please email our team at enquiries@havenholidayhomes.co.uk and they will be happy to help.
When you’re planning to buy a holiday home, there are a few extra costs to be considered such as annual site fees, non-domestic rates, water, gas, electricity, safety tests, insurance and alarm maintenance.
These start from £5,627 and can change from year to year.
It’s also worth keeping in mind any extras you might fancy such as getting your holiday home prepared for winter.
Site fees are an annual cost paid in full in prior to the season they are for.
However, if you're a new customer or part exchanging you may be able to let your holiday home with Haven Letting and sign up to our Let2offset product where you can use your letting income to offset your site fees. With Let2offset, your site fees are split in equal monthly payments. Terms apply.
Yes, you will need to maintain your holiday home so you can enjoy it year after year. However, the materials used and how they are made means there is less maintenance than your primary home. The manufacturers handbooks explain all you will need to do to keep your holiday home in tip-top condition.
Our Haven Letting Service offers the ultimate peace of mind; our trusted team will do all the hard work so that you don't have to.
We're there for you at every step and our complete letting service gives you the confidence that you and your holiday home are being well looked after.
If you prefer, you can also choose to let you holiday home privately.
Letting options not available at Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Riviere Sands and Seaview. Let2offset is available at all parks with the exclusion of Burnham-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. Terms apply.
Related articles
Exclusive benefits for Haven owners
Guide to buying your first static caravan
The best dog-friendly holiday parks for static caravan owners
Important information
30-day Lifestyle Money Back Guarantee
This is available to all new customers purchasing a new or used holiday home. It’s not available to existing owners or those wishing to part exchange their holiday home. If a new owner decides that the Haven lifestyle is not what they expected, they have 30 days from the date of holiday home handover (as stated on the holiday home handover form) in which to request cancellation of the sale.
Activating this Guarantee shall mean that the new owner cannot purchase another holiday home at any Haven Park within 12-months of the cancellation date.
Cancellation requests must be made in writing (in person, by post or e-mail) to the General Manager of their park. Requests received after the 30-day period will not be accepted. If delivered in person or via e-mail, the date of cancellation will be the date the request is received by the General Manager or their representative if they’re out of office. If the request is posted, it must be addressed to the General Manager, sent via the Royal Mail special delivery guaranteed postal service and owners must retain proof of postage. The cancellation date will be the first working day following date of posting and the request must be received within the 30-day cancellation period. Bourne Leisure (t/a Haven) accepts no liability for any losses incurred by the holiday home owner where the relevant park General Manager fails to receive the written request for cancellation.
The owner will be advised when the holiday home keys must be returned to the General Manager. The holiday home must be handed back in the same condition it was purchased. All add-ons, accessories & additional extras supplied at the time of purchase must remain with the holiday home. The owner will be refunded all monies paid to the park less costs incurred for siting and connection. We reserve the right to deduct further sums from the refund payment where damage or breakages have been caused to the holiday home or park.
New owners that have a finance agreement with one of our panel of lenders, are responsible for cancelling this with them. We shall not withhold any confirmation requested by our lenders where the owner has complied with the terms of this 30-day Lifestyle Money Back Guarantee.
These terms do not affect your statutory rights. For more information, please contact the local authority, Trading Standards or Citizens Advice Bureau.