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Hello Everyone

My Wife and I have finally found an area where we would like to visit on a regular basis, so we are going to give up the tent and go for a static around the Plymouth area and preferably on an adults only site ( or a quiet site at least) as we can find

We would be very greatful for any advice you guys could offer please. Ie does anyone know of a site in that area or individual who may have a second hand unit for sale ( the budget don't run to new Im afraid)

What sort of ongoing costs should we expect etc

We look forward to your replies

Thanks Alan & Andrea

keeping a static in the uk isnt cheap, which is why we chose France on a privately owner site.

we pay 2100 euros per year - which has risen by around 20 euros per year the last 5 years, insurance is under 100 euros. the only extras we pay are for gas (about 100 euros) and electricity (around 80 euros) - i reckon it costs around 120 euros per week, based on the amount of time we and the retired in laws use it.

there is no age limit on the vans, and they still accept people bringing their own statics on site (for a fee of 1500 euros) - you can sell your van privately with just a token amount to cover name changes etc - compare that to sites in the uk and will see a massive difference.

we bought a second hand van and had it shipped out, and as a result of it being sited it actually increased in value and has held its value (based on the sold prices of other vans in site)

of course the downside is that we dont get to use it every weekend !!

i would suggest working out all the relevant costs and dividing it by the weeks you intend using it - take into account van depreciation and even replacement if there is an age limit on the site you choose - if its worth the cost then go for it, if not then a seasonal pitch might work out better (plus you can move/change sites every couple of years if you wanted to!!)

having a static permanantly sited is no different than running a second home and if its not going to be used enough to justify the cost, then spend your money more wisely elsewhere!!

If you avoid the Haven parks, im sure you can find much more reasonable prices without all the hidden extras.

Our site fees (approx 2k) include all rates, water etc. Only extras are gas, electric and insurance which will be same everywhere.

TBH - This is not the best website for static buyers as most people only have negative things to say, after all it is a camping/touring website. I would take your time on the parks you are looking at and actually speak to people who currently have caravans on them.

Hi Jasmine _Park. I used to have a static, which was great for convenience of having everything there to be able to just go when time allowed from work and no hassle setting up ect, BUT and its a big BUT, the site fees did get astronomical towards the end of our ownership. I could not justify the cost for the limited times that i could use it. So we do not all ONLY say negative things about statics.

Hi AHornby. If you can afford the fees and it suits then go for it.

Hi Glynnis - i didn't actually say that ALL people only say bad things about it, but look at the comments on this and other threads and you must see my point.

I understand Haven (and others) site fees have risen massively, and in some respects it makes the whole caravan industry look bad, but im sure there will be some nice and reasonably priced sites down there which will be perfect for you.

Cannot help with a site but can say it's the best thing we have ever done - really enjoying our static and it costs less than we used to spend on camping and caravanning. £1300 per year ground rent plus our electric and gas (but we would be paying that whatever form of holiday we had.

Wonderful just turning up when we want (late night, early morning) and then being able to go home when we want too. No having to be off site by 10am in fact we are more likely to be just having our breakfast by that time now !

Our site is a bit run down but suits us as they don't have too many rules and regulations to adhere to, and allow us to have our dogs.

Only down side is they close over the winter as we very much miss our weekends away between November and March.

Sites open all year tend to be residential not holiday sites so perhaps look for residential sites. Also the cost is a lot more near here statics on a residential site can go for upwards of £150,000.

Think the term to google for is park homes - you should find a lot but not cheap.

The reason lots of people on here have negative things to say about statics is because of bitter personal experience.

My parents had such an experience, so I know what I'm talking about.  Its not just the Haven sites and such like either...this was on a small site near the river Avon in the midlands. 

Most sites will only allow you to buy/sell to them, which speaks for itself.  You cannot go elsewhere, no competition, so you buy at a high price and sell for next to nothing.  There is no control of how much the ground rent can go up each season or what restrictions or changes can be implemented.  You will also find that there is usually an age limit on the van before it has to be moved off. 

All in all, as has been said above, you are much better off having a seasonal tourer and if you don't like where you are for any reason or fancy a change, you can always hook it up and move it.

We've bought a static caravan this year and I'm loving it!  You need to make sure you have all the facts and figures correct before you go into it and know that you will not make any money from buying one - just like buying a new car.  As we both have lots of holiday time each year (teachers!) and are able to travel to the van every weekend the cost of the van and fees are definitely worth it.  We won't be letting our van as we want it to be like our second home.  Many people's headaches seem to occur when they let out their vans or when they are on the larger, commercial sites.  Gostatic.com has been a great site for support and advice.