Guide to static caravan site fees in 2023

You’ve bought a static caravan, now you just need to prepare for your next trip. But what next? As with any new venture, there are a few extra costs to consider, such as site fees. Before you worry about what you need to pay, why, and to whom, we’ll explain some key points you should know.

What are static caravan site fees?

Static caravan site fees are costs you pay to rent the land where your static caravan sits. Although you own the caravan, the park owner reserves all the rights to the actual grounds. So, you need to pay a fee to use it. Essentially, site fees (sometimes called ‘pitch fees’) act like ground rent, and they cover you for an entire year. Of course, if you pitch a static caravan on your private land, you won’t need to pay a site fee. But for any caravans on UK holiday or residential parks, you can expect additional site renting costs.

What is included in caravan site fees?

Static caravan fees pay for renting the land where your caravan sits, and any additional space, like a garden area. However, with most parks, expenses also extend to other amenities, including:

• Park maintenance – Fees usually cover costs associated with park upkeep, such as grass cutting, landscaping, and other maintenance.
• Park security – Most holiday parks have 24/7 security, including security personnel, electric gates, and CCTV cameras. Fees typically cover this protection to keep your static caravan safe.
• Facility access – Holiday parks include on-site facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, parks, and leisure centres. Most parks won’t charge you anything extra to use these areas, but it’s worth checking. Some also give discounts on items purchased at their facilities, such as vouchers for money off food.
• Refuse collection – Your pitch fee will likely cover rubbish collection, so you don’t need to worry about disposing of waste elsewhere.
• Winter preparation – Some parks may include fees for winter preparations in your site costs. This could involve draining down your caravan, for example.

How much do caravan site fees cost?

Fees for siting a static caravan vary significantly from park to park, depending on location, park size, popularity, on-site facilities, and caravan size. According to research from Caravan Sleeps, the caravan sales website, you can expect to pay between and £10,000 for an annual pitch fee¹. You can offset the pitch fees if you let out your caravan. Sometimes, you may even make additional income on top of your site fee.

Why do site fees vary between parks?

Caravan yearly site fees vary because every park is different. For instance, parks in highly desired areas with more on-site facilities can cost more than those in less popular areas. The fees you pay differ based on numerous factors, including:

• The park's location and popularity
• The various on-site facilities
• Size and position of your caravan pitch
• The opening season of the caravan park

Finding the cheapest caravan site fees

Because costs vary, it’s essential to shop around first, so you know you’re getting the best price. You might not want to pay upwards of £10,000 for a holiday park in a less sought-after area and no on-site facilities, for example. To lower site fees, you may consider:

• Choosing smaller, independent holiday parks with lower prices
• Opting for a smaller plot, or selecting a smaller caravan
• Changing your pitch spot; for example, switching to an area with a different view
• Choosing holiday parks with fewer on-site facilities – ones with water parks, shopping centres, and many restaurants – will likely charge more
• Areas with lots of parks, as they may have lower rates
• Looking at less affluent areas

How do you pay caravan site fees?

Most parks are flexible, offering a single, upfront payment or monthly instalments. Usually, you’ll pay via Direct Debit, bank transfer, or a secure online portal. Your buying agreement typically outlines the terms for paying the annual site fee. If you’re unsure, speak to the park owner first.

What other costs do static caravan owners need to consider?

There are also other static caravan costs you may need to consider. Although site fees usually include pitch rent, park maintenance, and access to facilities, they don’t include utility bills. You’ll need to make alternative arrangements for gas, electric, and water bills, which of course, come as an additional cost. Owning a static caravan comes with added risks, including theft and damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider investing in caravan insurance. While it’s an optional added cost, it can help to protect your investment from hazards, including natural disasters, theft, and accidental damage – especially if you let it out. At Intasure, we offer static caravan insurance to provide added protection for your caravan, whether you’re using it or not. Our policies can include cover for buildings and contents, natural disasters, loss of keys, malicious damage, and more. To get your quote, complete our online quote form, or speak with a member of our team on 0345 111 0680 Sources:

1. caravansleeps.com/static-caravan-site-fees
2. holidayparkexpert.co.uk/blog/static-caravan-council-tax

*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.