What Is a Static Caravan?

A static caravan (also called a holiday home or residential park home when permanently sited) is a prefabricated building transported to and sited on a caravan park or private land. Unlike a touring caravan, it's not designed to be regularly moved - the wheels are typically removed once sited.

The Two Main Markets

Holiday Park Statics

Static caravans sited on commercial holiday parks (Haven, Parkdean, Park Holidays, etc.). When you buy one of these you're buying the caravan plus a licence to keep it on the park - you don't own the pitch. The annual pitch fees are significant: typically £4,000 to £8,000 per year plus utilities. The park usually sets a maximum age (10 to 15 years typically) after which you must upgrade or leave.

Private Land Statics

Static caravans on private land - smallholdings, farms, or private plots. These require planning permission for residential or holiday use. The caravan itself is cheaper to buy but the planning and infrastructure costs can be significant.

Used Static Caravan Prices

On-Park Prices (including pitch licence)

  • Budget (over 10 years old, basic spec): £5,000 to £18,000
  • Mid-range (5 to 10 years, good condition): £15,000 to £40,000
  • Quality (under 5 years, Atlas, ABI, Willerby, Swift): £30,000 to £80,000

Off-Park (caravan only, for relocation)

Off-park statics sell for 20 to 40% less than on-park equivalents because the buyer must arrange transportation (typically £1,500 to £4,000) and siting, and must have a suitable plot with planning permission.

Main Brands

  • Atlas: Premium build quality, holds value well, used extensively by quality parks
  • ABI: Mid-market, good spec, popular across all park types
  • Willerby: Popular and widely available, good parts and service network
  • Swift: Good quality, particularly their higher-end Moselle and Loire ranges
  • Omar: Residential-spec build, better insulation, popular for year-round use

What to Check Before Buying

Roof

The roof is the most critical structural element. A leak will quickly damage insulation, flooring, and the internal structure. Inspect from outside for any sagging, damaged panels, or poorly sealed joints. Check the gutters and downpipes are clear and working.

Damp

Check all internal walls and the floor for dampness. Pay attention to corners and below windows - these are the first places damp appears. A moisture meter (available from DIY stores) is useful. Significant damp can mean structural timber decay that's expensive to repair.

Floor Condition

Press down on the floor throughout the van, particularly near the kitchen and bathroom. Any springiness or soft spots indicate rot in the chipboard or OSB floor boards.

Chassis

Inspect the steel chassis under the caravan. Surface rust is normal; deep corrosion or cracked chassis members are more serious. Have the underside cleared of accumulated debris before buying if possible.

Pitch Licence Terms

Always read the park's site licence terms carefully before purchase. Key things to check: annual pitch fees (and how they're calculated), rules on subletting, the maximum age of caravan allowed, and what happens at the end of the licence period. Some parks have very unfavourable terms buried in the small print.

What should you check before buying?

Before you travel to see a used static caravans — buying guide and real costs, build a short checklist and compare the advert against real evidence. Photos and seller claims are useful, but paperwork, condition and price comparisons matter more.

  • MOT history, mileage pattern and signs of hard delivery use
  • load area damage, sliding doors, locks, suspension and clutch condition
  • ULEZ suitability, payload, insurance group and service intervals
  • finance status and whether the seller is a trader or private individual

How much should you budget after purchase?

Van running costs depend on mileage, payload, tyres, brakes and clean-air-zone use. Price the vehicle as a working tool, not just a cheap advert. If the seller cannot answer basic questions or the documents do not match the vehicle, it is usually better to walk away and compare another example.

How do you judge fair value?

For commercial vehicles, downtime can cost more than a slightly higher purchase price. Compare similar age, mileage, payload and service-history examples before deciding what looks cheap. For a used static caravans — buying guide and real costs, look at the full ownership cost rather than only the asking price. A strong example should have evidence that supports the advert: matching documents, sensible mileage, clear condition photos and answers that remain consistent when you ask follow-up questions.

If two examples look similar, choose the one with better history and fewer unknowns. A bargain with missing records, urgent repairs or vague ownership can quickly become more expensive than a tidier vehicle from a straightforward seller.

What are the main red flags?

  • missing inspection or service paperwork
  • fresh paint over rusty chassis areas or obvious leak marks
  • seller pressure to leave a deposit before a proper viewing
  • unclear VAT, finance or ownership position

None of these automatically proves a vehicle is bad, but each one should slow the deal down. Ask for evidence, compare another listing and avoid paying a holding deposit until the basics have been checked.

Questions to ask the seller

When you enquire about a used static caravans — buying guide and real costs, ask the same questions in writing before you travel. How long has the seller owned it? Why is it being sold? What recent work has been done? Are there faults, warning lights, finance agreements or missing documents? Will it be cold when you arrive for a start-up check?

Clear answers save wasted journeys. If the seller avoids simple questions, changes the story or pushes for quick payment, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if this used static caravans — buying guide and real costs is priced fairly?

Compare similar UK listings by age, mileage, specification, condition and history. A low price is not automatically a bargain if finance, accident history or overdue maintenance is involved.

What checks should I do before viewing?

Check MOT history, ownership details, mileage pattern, outstanding finance, insurance category markers and whether the advert photos match the written description.

When should I walk away?

Walk away if the seller avoids basic questions, the paperwork does not match, the vehicle is warm before a cold start, or the history has unexplained gaps.

Related Mobeo guides

If you are comparing more than one used vehicle, these guides are also worth reading before you arrange a viewing.