Static caravan purchase - keeping costs down

WindfallWendy

Thanks again, everyone!!

Yes, I've played out the alternatives of having the cash as a holiday bank instead but part of the issue is that we have dogs and they are always a bit on edge in any new place so part of this is having a consistent spot to go to where they will feel comfortable without the two days it usually takes them to settle down a bit.

We don't need people to stay to help cover the costs. To be honest I imagine people won't use it, because my friends are too polite 😄

Part of the 'doddle' is that I plan our breaks from work for a year in advance, and we also have every other Friday off work so can protect the weeks/weekends we will be able to disappear over there easily, and make the rest of the availability known. I'm a control freak so it isn't going to be the case that people just drop in and out and I just pop over there spontaneously (though I'd like to try it, even when it's wet and miserable. I almost prefer the beach when it's grey and moody!!).

Definitely not planning to make money out of it. Just want to see the sea more easily than I do now, and have that as part of my life sooner rather than later.

Perhaps I should say, this is only possible because of inheritance. I've come to see this as a gift rather than a purchase and therefore that does make it a bit easier than if I was using my own money. And I've been penduluming on this for three years and always come back to "I want it!!" So.... I'm going to be selfish and extravagant and do it.

WindfallWendy

Yes, all sensible thoughts, thank you. The caravan comes with an 'inventory' so had croekry, cutlery, pans, bedding etc. The site is maintained so no mowing required either.

It is 2 hrs from home so easily reachable and also has train links. There is a lovely little pub 5 mins walk away and a pizza restaurant too.

martindow

How likely is it that the owners of the site will keep their policy regarding the maximum age of vans? Or they might sell up to new owners who could change the rules and possibly up the fees.

If there were changes, your 12 year old caravan might have to go no matter how well cared for it is. It probably would have a minimal resale value and possibly cost you money to move or dispose of.

Something else to think about!

Sea_Shell

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82028577#Comment_82028577

To be honest, it's best to mentally right off the purchase price, and assume £0 residual value.

The trick is not to overpay for a 12 year old van in the first place.

Do your research on prices, both at this site and elsewhere, but coastal will always have a premium attached.

What size and price point are you considering?

WindfallWendy

The entire cost is already written off in my mind (outlay for van plus fees, bills and utilities) for the next 10-12 years. I'm going to get a new 12 year license, enjoy it, and then walk away (and I've checked the small print for how I go about this too!).

My MSE spin on this thread is about ways to make the most of a static caravan (or similar). Maybe there are life hacks that people have which would be particularly relevant to a caravan/smaller living space. Maybe there are hints and tips on managing sandy carpets. Maybe there are decorative ideas people have in their own holiday bolt holes/campers which brings them joy every time they use them..Maybe there are ways to attach pictures to caravan walls I don't know about. Maybe there are things I should avoid attempting internally for some reason...

Thanks in advance for the ideas!

WindfallWendy

So far I have:

• Moisture traps
• Little jobs list
• Good cleaner

I might also keep shoes off the carpet, but that is unlikely to be a very strict rule.

Sea_Shell

Do you craft, knit or crochet?

That's a way to add little personal touches.

Snuggle Blanket, extra cushions etc.

Sea_Shell

With dogs and sand, you'll need a powerful vacuum cleaner, not an electric "carpet sweeper" type.

A Dyson or Shark type. Maybe VAX annually too.

Also buying 12 years old with a view to keep it another 12, I'd be worried about corrosion and damp, especially if it's been sited at the coast all it's life.

Build quality is improving all the time, so the older you buy the more basic it'll be in terms of insulation etc.

Also, consider a 4 hour round trip, if the site ring you and tell you about a problem!!

daveyjp

Enter into the purchase based on it being an expense and not an investment and enjoy it. Just pay the right price and remember these things are kept in better condition when they are used a lot. Leave it empty and problems will set in - especially by the coast.

The biggest threat is the current site owner decides to sell up and a new owner makes changes you aren't happy with.

Sea_Shell

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82028762#Comment_82028762

Less of a risk with a £10-15k van, than a brand new £70k+ one ! 😉