Having thought about living in a touring van i think i would prefer a static,maybe on a busy holiday site near the sea in essex,,has anybody got any advice regarding purchase? can i buy from a owner or do i have to buy from the site,i have heard that they pay nothing for a used van compared to what the owner originally pays? or am i wrong? all advice gratefully accepted,,thanks..ian
theres usually a few on ebay. with private sales, I would suggest checking with the site though before making the purchase as the site may require an introduction fee for any van sale where they are not involved, there may also be transfer of ownership fees
You will normally be expected to buy the van from the site (at an inflated price) and sell it back to them if you want to move on for any reason, at a pittance. Read the contract you sign carefully - there are normally age limits, after 10 years or so you will have to remove it from site or sell it back to the them for a fraction of its real worth.
In the meantime you will have to pay high site fees, which often increase well beyond the level of inflation, additional charges for electricity and insurance etc.
A static van can be a nice holiday home that you will get plenty of use from in relative comfort but bear in mind, it's not a cheap option.
The site owners are holding all the cards and if you want to sell up for any reason, you may find you are at the mercy of the site and the contract you signed. A £20,000 van can be worth peanuts in a short space of time - you can't move it elsewhere (you will struggle to find a site willing to take second hand statics) and you can find yourself in a position where you can't afford the rent to keep it where it is sited, and/or you are under an obligation to remove it because it's over a certain age - the site owners know you are stuck and will expect to buy the van back from you for a laughable sum.
So long as you understand this is the situation from the outset, then go for it.
On the other hand if you want to consider other options, perhaps a large tourer on a seasonal pitch would be a better proposition, where you are much more in control.
Quote: Originally posted by ianthebuilder on 04/7/2015
Having thought about living in a touring van i think i would prefer a static,maybe on a busy holiday site near the sea in essex,,has anybody got any advice regarding purchase? can i buy from a owner or do i have to buy from the site,i have heard that they pay nothing for a used van compared to what the owner originally pays? or am i wrong? all advice gratefully accepted,,thanks..ian
First of all find a site that has a 12 month licence, many sites have only a 9 or 10 month licence, static caravans are not made to live in all year round although this is entirely feasible. Be prepared for high gas/electric usage through the colder months as even the most modern statics cool down very quickly when the heating is switched off, it is very easy to use a 47kg gas bottle in a week at around £65/bottle. also the water supply pipes invariably run on the underside of the van before entering and can easily freeze up in the colder months even if you insulate them.Ensure the central heating system (if fitted) has anti freeze in it
Many sites carry out site maintenance during the winter and may switch off the electricity or water. As previous posts it is unlikely you will be able to purchase a van other than through the site where you want to have it sited.
The problem with finding a site open for the full 12 months is if you have a static, it is classed as residential and you will be charged accordingly (council tax etc.)
Seasonal pitches for touring vans are usually only for the holiday season, but some do open all year round (some of the C&CC sites do) but frankly, I wouldn't fancy living in a caravan in the depths of winter, static or tourer.
to be honest, if youre lucky, you might find a van that was designed to be lived in all year round. ours has gas central heating, modern double glazing and is 'winterised' (pipes and underneath all insulated),BUT it wasn't designed to be lived in all year round! I have friend who has just recently recladded (in upvc) his van and added double glazing. he took advantage of the new cladding and added additional insulation etc, so a van can be made more suitable for living in all year round, but even then it wont be ideal!, there are a few small residential sites around me in Clacton, but expect to pay a premium and its unlikely they will accept 'bring ons' - though I think some of the large commercial sites, with 12 months licence will. it might be worth spending a couple of weeks in the area (on a site?) to weigh up your options?
PS, the c&cc sites are really only for holidays, I don't think their licences allow you to stay for more than 30 nights and if you intend working, then youre not on holiday and its likely you will be asked to leave!
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Topic: static
