A guide to selling your static caravan

How to sell a static caravan

Although you’re a static caravan owner, you might not own the land beneath it. This makes selling slightly tricky because you can’t sell the caravan without the land – unless you remove it from the pitch. Not only is that an expensive task, but there may be restrictions from the site owner on moving the caravan.

You and the pitch owner have legal rights and responsibilities regarding selling, so you’ll need to speak to them first¹. It’s best to refer to your agreement. Then you’ll understand the selling arrangements and any restrictions before finding a new owner.

Who buys static caravans?

You can sell to the park owner, a trader or dealer, or a private buyer. All have benefits and drawbacks, so let’s explore each in more detail.

Park owner

This is probably the easiest option. Park owners usually repurchase the static caravan they sold to you, albeit for a lower price than you paid. That’s because the original price likely included a package with pitch fees, transportation costs, and other extras. Plus, you’ll need to consider depreciation.

That said, it’s usually a straightforward and quick sale process, and you won’t need to worry about trying to source a buyer. You can also try to negotiate a better price if you find out how much your caravan is worth.

Caravan trader/dealer

Your second option is a caravan trader or dealer. Usually, you can get a slightly higher sale price than if you sold to the park owner. However, not all traders work with individual sellers, as most prefer to buy in bulk from pitch owners or larger holiday parks.

Consider contacting a few dealers to compare prices first and understand their different selling processes. Remember, you may need to give notice of termination to the park owner first, which can lengthen the selling process – especially if you forget. You’ll also need to factor in disconnection fees, which can be costly.

Private buyer

Finally, you can try to find a private buyer by advertising your static caravan.

Although it requires considerable effort, you’re usually rewarded with greater profits. Your first port of call might be caravan-selling websites and auction sites like eBay.

It may increase the value of your sale, but you’ll also need to consider advertising fees, disconnection costs, notice periods, and any restrictions in your original agreement. For instance, the park owner may want a commission on your sale¹.

How much is my static caravan worth?

Static caravans come in many different makes, models, and variations, so it’s difficult to provide a set figure for their value. Looking at the static caravans for sale on the AutoTrader website in December 2022², the price can range anywhere from £4,000 up to £70,000 for newer, bigger models. A personalised quote will help you understand how much yours is worth.

Before accepting a sale, it’s worth completing market research to compare prices. Consider the following:

• Ask the park owner how much they think your caravan is worth.
• Check relevant caravan websites to find similar models and their selling prices.
• Contact a trader or dealer to see how much they estimate.
• Contact the manufacturer to get an estimated valuation.

Which factors affect the value of my static caravan?

Don’t forget, most valuations are guesstimates. For a more accurate valuation, dealers and park owners consider a variety of factors, including:

• Condition – A static caravan that’s well looked after with fewer signs of deterioration will be worth more.
• Size – As you’d expect, caravans with more bathrooms and bedrooms will hold higher value.
• Improvements – If you’ve added decking or double-glazed windows and doors, you may be able to sell for more.
• Pitch position – Certain pitch positions are worth more than others. For instance, if it has good views or is south-facing.
• Time of year – Static caravans are more in demand during certain months, especially in summer. If more people are buying, you can probably negotiate a higher price.

What to do before selling your static caravan

If you’re ready to sell, you’ll need to tick off a few admin tasks first. Let the park owner know you want to sell, as you may need to provide notice to terminate your agreement.

Make sure you prepare your caravan for selling by giving it a thorough clean, ensuring it’s in good condition for prospective buyers. You should also ensure it’s in an accessible location for viewings. Finally, invest in high-quality photographs to attract more buyers if you want to sell the caravan privately.

Which other costs do you need to consider?

As with most sales, there are some additional costs to factor in before you get your final payment, including:

• Removal and disconnection costs if you’re moving the static caravan.
• Settling any outstanding finance payments.
• Paying final utility bills and pitch fees – although you may be entitled to a pitch fee refund in some cases.
• Any additional costs of relocating the caravan, such as transportation on the road.
• Static caravan insurance if you’re purchasing a new caravan in a different park.

While static caravan insurance is an optional additional cost, it could be a worthwhile investment if you’re moving to a new holiday park. At Intasure, we offer flexible caravan insurance tailored to your needs. Our advisors are on hand to help you find a suitable policy, with cover for theft, damage, loss of keys, and more. Contact our team on 0345 111 0680 or get a quote online.

Sources

1. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/selling-your-static-caravan
2. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/caravan-search?advertising-location=at_caravans&include-delivery-option=on&postcode=M4+6LT&style=STATIC+CARAVAN&year-to=2022&sort=price-desc

The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Intasure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.