For a variety of reasons, we have very reluctantly decided the time has come to sell our caravan that we currently store and use in France.
However, we are undecided whether to fetch it back to the UK in September after our next trip and put it up for sale, or wait until after our trip in June next year, when there might be more interest but the van will be a year older!
The van is a 2013 Coachman VIP 460 (2 berth), by the way.
Opinions please!
My thoughts bofs, and no more than gut instinct really.
In Sept, probably closer to Oct by time you've spruced it up for sale and got adverts placed, UK market is approaching the winter doldrums, end of season and all that. Interest and prices will be heading for a seasonal low. Add to that cost of ferry back to UK to be written off the sale price.
Next June, early enough in the season, and from what little I know, the French season seems to lag ours, for interest to be high. No idea what caravan values are in France, but potentially sale opportunity without cost of ferry to UK. If repatriating to UK, ferry cost will likely be covered by potential higher sale price.
At 12 years old, another year older is not going to be a massive price drop, it's in that near stable price range where condition is far more influential than precise year.
May be worth giving thought to the near collapse in caravan interest (in UK at least) at the moment, dig out your crystal ball, and see whether you grab what you can from a declining market now, or hope for a rally next year. .... and if I had a functioning crystal ball, I'd have made my fortune on the stock market a long time ago, but alas I don't and I haven't! It's a gamble!
It's a bit 'swings and roundabouts', not really a right answer IMHO. Markets will dictate, but only with hindsight!
Thanks Monty, your answer pretty much reflects our thinking.
Interesting point about the potential price difference though, given the age of the van.
Your thoughts are much appreciated.
I entirely agree with Monty, as I often do. "Sell in spring, buy in autumn" is what I have always heard about buying and selling caravans in Britain. Few people are looking for used caravans in autumn and winter, all thoughts are on Christmas so prices are rock-bottom, but spring is the time when people are thinking about summer holidays, so prices are higher. My caravan is now 33 years old, it did all its depreciating years ago, and I could probably get more than I paid for it 7 years ago if I sold it next spring. At 12/13 years old your caravan will have hit that price plateau. A year probably won't make any difference.
June might be a little late as lots of sales before Easter. We have bought 11 brand new Caravans over the years and always sold for a better price and quicker sale around early March.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 21/7/2025
Oh Bofs, sorry to read this. Hope it all works out.
Thanks Mrs B. Not the end of caravanning for us thank goodness as we still have our caravan over here and will hopefully still be going over to France/Europe with it.
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 21/7/2025
I sold ours privately in England 24th August. 2016 Bailey Pursuit Platinum 2 berth. Paid £14,500 when new in Feb 2016.
Earlier in the year it had been dead. Spoke to dealer to see if they were interested but he was completely overloaded with stock and market dead.
Whenever we bring it back I guess we'll have to be prepared to wait for that person who wants to buy it, unless we can find a buyer who wants to keep it in France.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: When to sell?
via mobile 19/7/2025 at 9:11am
