Static Caravan Running Costs & Park Charges
Practical guidance on site fees, utilities, rates, insurance and other costs of owning a static caravan or holiday lodge.
Understanding the Full Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is only one part of the cost of owning a static caravan or holiday lodge.
Before buying, and throughout your ownership, it is important to understand which charges apply, how they are calculated and whether they can change.
Common Static Caravan Running Costs
Costs vary between parks, but owners may need to budget for:
- Annual pitch or site fees
- Electricity
- Gas or LPG
- Water and drainage
- Business rates or other rates-related charges
- Insurance
- Maintenance and repairs
- Winter drain down or seasonal services
- Administration or service charges
- Removal, disconnection or de-siting costs
Site Fees and Pitch Fees
Site fees are often one of the largest recurring costs for a static caravan owner.
Your agreement should explain what the fee covers, when it is payable and how increases are dealt with.
If a park increases your fee or introduces an additional charge, check the wording of your agreement carefully.
Read Our Site Fees GuideSite Fee Increases
If your pitch fee increases, look at the terms of your licence agreement and any written explanation provided by the park.
Check whether the agreement explains how increases are calculated, when they can take effect and what notice should be given.
Electricity Charges
Some parks charge owners separately for electricity, while others may include some or all energy costs within another fee.
Check:
- How your usage is measured
- Whether your caravan has an individual meter
- The unit rate being charged
- Any standing or administration charge
- How often readings are taken
- Whether you can obtain a clear breakdown of the bill
Gas and LPG Charges
Depending on the park, gas may be supplied through a central system, individual cylinders or LPG bottles.
Make sure you understand:
- How gas is supplied
- How usage is measured
- The price being charged
- Whether delivery or handling fees apply
- Who is responsible for cylinders, tanks or associated equipment
Water and Drainage Charges
Water and drainage may be included within your pitch fee or charged separately, depending on your agreement and the arrangements at the park.
If you receive a separate charge, check:
- What the charge covers
- Whether it is based on actual usage
- How the amount has been calculated
- Whether drainage or sewerage is included
- Whether the charge is already included elsewhere in your agreement
Business Rates and Rates-Related Charges
Some holiday parks may pass on or recover rates-related costs through charges to owners.
If you are asked to pay a separate rates charge, check your agreement carefully to see whether rates are already included within your pitch fee or another payment.
Ask the park for a clear breakdown showing what the charge relates to and how your individual amount has been calculated.
Council Tax and Residential Use
Council tax and business rates are different issues, and the position can depend on how the caravan is used and the status of the site.
If you are unsure whether your caravan is being treated as a holiday property or a main residence, read our separate guidance.
Read Our Council Tax GuideInsurance Costs
Insurance is another recurring cost that owners should budget for.
Check whether your park requires particular levels of cover and whether you are free to arrange your own policy.
Compare the cover provided as well as the premium, excess and exclusions.
Read Our Insurance GuideAdditional Park Charges
Depending on your park and agreement, you may also encounter charges for:
- Administration
- Late payment
- Guest passes
- Parking
- Internet or Wi-Fi
- Drain down services
- Gas safety or electrical checks
- Contractor access
- Disconnection
- De-siting or removal
- Pitch transfer or resale administration
If a New Charge Is Introduced
If your park introduces a charge that you have not paid before, do not assume automatically that it must be payable.
Ask the park to explain:
- What the charge is for
- How the amount has been calculated
- Which part of your agreement allows the charge
- When the charge was introduced
- Whether VAT or any other amount has been added
Always Check Your Licence Agreement
Your licence agreement is one of the most important documents when trying to understand what you should be paying.
Check the sections dealing with pitch fees, utilities, additional charges, annual increases and services included within the fee.
Read Our Licence Agreement GuideKeep Records of Charges and Payments
Keeping good records can be particularly important if a disagreement develops over fees or charges.
Keep copies of:
- Your licence agreement
- Annual site fee notices
- Utility bills and meter readings
- Invoices
- Receipts and payment records
- Letters and emails from the park
- Any explanation of new or increased charges
Static Caravan Running Costs Checklist
Disputing a Park Charge?
If you are concerned about a site fee increase, new charge, utility bill or another park cost, visit our owner rights section.
Owner Rights & Park DisputesNeed Help With a Park Charge?
NSCOU members can ask for guidance about site fees, utility charges and other holiday park costs.
Join NSCOU