Selling Your Static Caravan or Holiday Lodge
Practical guidance on private sales, park commission, buy-back offers, valuations and selling your holiday home.
Before You Decide to Sell
Selling a static caravan or lodge can be very different from selling a conventional house.
Before agreeing to a sale, buy-back or part-exchange, check your licence agreement carefully so you understand the park's rules, charges and procedures.
Check Your Licence Agreement
Your licence agreement should be the starting point when considering a sale.
Look particularly for terms dealing with:
- Your right to sell privately
- Park approval of a purchaser
- Commission payable on a sale
- Transfer of the pitch agreement
- Age or condition restrictions
- Removal or de-siting requirements
- Outstanding fees or charges
- Any notice that must be given to the park
Selling Privately
Depending on your agreement, you may be able to find your own buyer rather than selling the caravan back to the park.
If you are considering a private sale, check:
- Whether private sales are permitted
- Whether the park must approve the buyer
- What information the buyer must provide
- Whether the buyer must enter a new agreement
- What commission or transfer fee applies
- Whether there are restrictions on advertising
Park Approval of the Buyer
Some agreements require the park to approve a prospective purchaser before a sale can proceed.
If approval is required, ask the park for the process in writing and make sure both you and the buyer understand what information is needed and how long the process is expected to take.
Park Commission on a Sale
Some licence agreements allow the park to charge commission when a caravan or lodge is sold on the pitch.
Before accepting an offer, check:
- The percentage or amount of commission
- What the commission is calculated on
- When it becomes payable
- Whether VAT is added
- Whether any other transfer or administration fees also apply
Understanding the Value of Your Caravan
The resale value of a static caravan can be significantly lower than its original purchase price.
Factors that may affect value include:
- Age and condition
- Make and model
- Remaining term on the pitch agreement
- Park location and demand
- Annual site fees
- Decking and other additions
- Park resale restrictions
- Current market conditions
Consider More Than One Valuation
If you are offered a buy-back price by the park, you may wish to compare it with other available evidence of value before deciding.
Keep copies of valuations, comparable advertisements and any written offers you receive.
Selling Back to the Park
A park may offer to buy your caravan directly from you. This can sometimes provide a quicker exit, but the amount offered may be lower than you expected.
Before accepting a buy-back offer, ask for the terms in writing and check:
- The purchase price
- Any deductions from the price
- Outstanding site fees
- Utility balances
- Disconnection or removal charges
- When you will receive payment
- When ownership and responsibility transfer to the park
Check Any Deductions Carefully
If the park intends to deduct money from the sale price, ask for a written breakdown before accepting the transaction.
Compare each deduction with your licence agreement and any other relevant documents so you understand why it is being charged.
Part-Exchange and Upgrading
If you are trading your existing caravan against a newer model, make sure you understand the full transaction rather than focusing only on the part-exchange allowance.
Check:
- The price of the replacement caravan
- The value allowed for your current caravan
- Any additional siting or connection charges
- The new annual site fee
- The length of the new agreement
- Any finance arrangements
Removing the Caravan From the Park
You may decide to sell the caravan for removal or move it to another park.
Before arranging removal, check:
- Whether notice must be given
- Who can carry out the removal
- De-siting charges
- Disconnection charges
- Decking removal costs
- Transport and haulage costs
- Access arrangements
- Any requirement to restore the pitch
What Happens to Decking and Other Improvements?
Decking, sheds, storage units and other improvements may not automatically form part of the caravan sale.
Check whether they can remain on the pitch, whether the new owner can take them over or whether you are responsible for removing them.
Outstanding Site Fees and Utilities
Before the sale completes, ask the park for a clear statement of any outstanding balance on your account.
This might include:
- Pitch fees
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water or drainage
- Administration charges
- Other amounts claimed under your agreement
Make Sure the Payment Arrangements Are Clear
Before handing over ownership, make sure you understand how and when the sale money will be paid.
Keep written confirmation of the agreed price, deductions, completion date and payment arrangements.
Keep Important Documents
Keep a complete record of the sale and your dealings with the park.
Useful documents include:
- Your licence agreement
- Original purchase paperwork
- Written valuations
- Buy-back offers
- Private sale correspondence
- Invoices and account statements
- Park approval correspondence
- Proof of payment and completion documents
Static Caravan Selling Checklist
Need More Detail About Resale?
Read our detailed static caravan resale guide for more information about selling, park involvement and resale arrangements.
Static Caravan Resale GuideHaving a Problem Selling Your Caravan?
If your dispute involves a buy-back offer, park commission, sale restrictions, deductions or removal charges, visit our owner rights section.
Owner Rights & Park DisputesNeed Help Selling Your Holiday Home?
NSCOU members can ask for guidance about private sales, buy-back offers, park commission and other resale issues.
Join NSCOU