Buying A Holiday Home
- Thursday, 8 November 2007
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Q: How far should I travel to find a park?
A: Make sure your park is within easy driving distance if you plan to go regularly. A two-hour commute is probably a sensible limit. If you don't drive, check train, coach and bus links.
Q: How can I gauge the park's quality?
A: Look for the Quality Graded symbols (stars) used in promotional material. Grading is carried out by tourist boards and the trade associations. A park with five symbols has the highest quality services. Grading is based on: layout; landscape; atmosphere; ambience and the inspector's overall impression.
Q: Shall I buy a new or second-hand?
A: It really depends on your budget. Check the site's policy on older homes: many insist that these homes are removed after 10 years.
Q: What size home should I buy?
A: The model you plump for will depend on your personal requirements. If you spend a lot of time there, go for a spacious living and dining area, comfortable bedrooms and a well-equipped kitchen. If you visit less often, and eat out a lot, pick something with a smaller kitchen and a converted lounge or dinette seating for overnight guests.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Most parks quote an all-in figure for caravan and plot. You will also pay an annual pitch fee, which will vary according to facilities offered. Nearly all parks have mains services - electricity, water and sewerage - plus LPG. Some parks now offer broadband internet facilities too.
Q: When can I use my holiday home?
A: All parks have licences for a period of the year. Many seasons run from March 1st to October 31st and some open for 10, 11 or even 12 months.
Q: Can I let out my home when I'm not there myself?
A: Check with your park owner before arranging anything at all. Some parks will even handle the business on your behalf, for a fee.
Q: Should I insure my home?
A: Yes, buying a holiday home represents a significant investment. Many specialist companies advertise with this magazine.
Q: Can I get a loan to buy a holiday caravan?
A: Again, there are some specialist companies that advertise with PH&HC who will be happy to help you.
Q: How do I know the park site owner is reputable?
A: Check your park owner is a member of the National Caravan Council or the British Holiday & Home Parks Association: all members should adhere to the Code of Practice for Selling and Siting Holiday Caravans, although this does not necessarily guarantee they will behave responsibly.
Q: What measures can I take to protect myself in case a dispute arises?
A: Get a written agreement from your park owner. If this statement is not forthcoming, demand one. If you are unsure, seek advice from the National Association of Caravan Owners (NACO).
Q: If a park owner wants to move my caravan from the park, how much notice should he give?
A: At least six months' written notice.
Q: When will my pitch fee increase?
A: Pitch fee increases are at the owner's discretion. Any price hike should be for improvements to facilities. You should receive at least three months' notice.
Q: If I sell my caravan, will my park owner get a cut?
A: When a caravan is resold on site and the agreement assigned with the park owner's consent, a commission of up to 15 per cent (plus VAT) is payable to the park owner. Never buy a holiday caravan unless you have a plot to site it on.
