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hi

we have just been looking at a 6 berth cosalt 28x10 2000 model caravan its on a lovely site and its immaculate.  Theres me and the hubby and 2 kids and we were camping loads last year and have been looking into buying a static  its just what if we get bored of being on the same site?The cost,  and I know theres the yearly site fees to pay but we like it and are thinking about it at the moment.  Also does it cost much to insure? I would be very grateful for any advice anyone can give us i.e. any experiences of buying them and what to look for when buying.

thanks very much

There are some dodgy landlords around in this sort of business, not all , but check your tenancy agreement carefully.

I know my parents were priced out of ther site with rules about having to renew their caravan , only buy and sell from/to the site owner or through them and massive rent increases. 

Sorry,I also meant to say that they had to insure through the owners and they were difficult about who used the van.  Some of the rules could be "sold" as common sense or good management in the general interest . They were in principle but it was the way they could be, and were in my parents case,used as a cash machine for the site owners .I dont think the law gives enough protection in this area.

Having said all this there are good landlords , just take care in finding one.

I'll go along with that, been watching some horror stories on t.v lately about people being forced to sell their units for peanuts.......................and u dont want to be tied down to one place! think of all the fun you'll be missing out on!

Bryan

Ooooo-eerrrr!  The owners of static van sites have a huge amount of control, i.e.,  and licence may only allow them to be open 10 or 11 months of the year.

The site owners can dictate the maximum age of the vans on their site and insist that any van be replaced when it is, say 10 years old regardless of what condition it is in.

They can insist that they have the right to ‘first refusal’ if and when you decide to sell; and they will decide how much the van is worth!

They can insist that you purchase your next/replacement van from them or through their agent.

They can dictate the size and type of decking/veranda around your van; and tell you who to instal it.

They can dictate the size and type of storage/shed adjoining your van; and tell you who to instal it.

They can set the price for all utilities – gas, water and so on, that is provided for your van.

They can dictate how many people and who can use your van.

There are probably dozens of other ways they can impact upon your enjoyment of your static van.

An alternative might be to use a touring caravan on a seasonal pitch which can be moved fairly easily should the need arise.  There are C&CC sites who now offer seasonal pitches.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Carr & Hazel

When your van is too old, they may just make you take it off site, then you have to buy another or lose your pitch.  Then you have to get rid of the old one for pennies!

What about a tourer and a seasonal pitch instead?

I have to say we were in the same dilema in the summer of last year.  We didnt really look into it too deeply to be fair but even though we enjoy our holidays abroad, as a family we have found that Devon will always be our holiday and we found the perfect caravan on the perfect site with what appears to be the perfect landlord.  I know there are horror stories and they are the ones that get the attention, but as with most things the contented majority (?) have no need to complain. 

We too bought a Cosalt 6 berth from but from new and are looking foward to at least 13 years of peace and tranquility (we hope).  Yes the site is open for 11 months a year - it closes in November - but for us its not so much the money, but the priceles memories we will have of our 15, 12 and 8 year old enjoying fishing, golf, tennis etc etc  - all for "free" (so to speak !).  The only thing I would advise is to determine what you want to use it for.  Exclusively for you to enjoy, or to rent it out ?  We are fotunate that we dont let ours out so its available whenever we want it - if you are buying and intend to use some of the income from sub-letting to service the acquisition costs / pitch fees that impromtu week or weekend may be more elusive.

We thought of seasonal pitches etc etc, but for us the static gives us all year round (except for November) availabiility, space for us all to chill out, and with a full domestic central heating system and double glazing we were all really snug on new years eve.

God luck with whatever you decide.

Sorry pressed return too soon.

As for costs, it cost us around £350 for the year (Willis) and we could have spread the cost over 10 months.  We also have to pay rates, roughly £220 a year, the site fees and utilities (gas and electric). 

What we looked for was where the site was (central as a base) and what it had to offer.  Ours is on the edge of Dartmoor about 15 miles from Torbay with a whole host of ameneties.

From the caravans perspective what sold it for us was a full size domestic bath, a separate shower cubilce, an en-suite to the main bedroom and its "4 seasons" usage.

What I like is that I work in the city in a fairly stressful job but the thought of getting off the train on a friday night and being "on holiday" 3 and a half hours later makes the days and weeks fly by.  EVERY time we come home on after a weekend away, the whole family cant believe that we have only been away for 2 days.  Its great diversion therapy - even for the 15 year old (!).

"From the caravans perspective what sold it for us was a full size domestic bath, a separate shower cubilce, an en-suite to the main bedroom and its "4 seasons" usage."

OK Andy, that does sound nice, and I suppose you don't have to pitch it every time...maybe I'm just a little jealous?