10 questions about owning a holiday home
Owning your first holiday home, in the perfect location is something you’ll enjoy for years and years. But … there are always lots of questions that come first. If you’re considering joining thousands of happy holiday park owners, read our top 10 FAQ’s, with plenty of hints and tips.
- What should you expect when visiting a holiday park for holiday home ownership? The very best way to start your search is by making some appointments with the parks you are interested in owning at. This could be a short list of 3 or 4. By booking these appointments, you will have someone who can dedicate time to showing you around the park, answering your questions and showing you some suitable holiday homes. Making an appointment does not mean you’re obliged to buy – no matter how much time you spend with a member of the park team! You’re there to gather information!
- Is it better to buy a new or used holiday home? Like most purchases, if you buy a holiday home second hand it will be cheaper than a new model. However, while the buying process will save you money initially, maintenance costs can mount up in the long term. If you do decide that used is for you, make sure it is in good condition and be aware that potential subletting candidates for older caravans may be more difficult to find.
- How will I finance my holiday home purchase? Buying your new holiday home can be fuss free. You can choose to finance your new purchase either independently, or many holiday park operators work with finance partners who are specialists in the caravan finance field. Eligibility for finance is subject to assessments and checks carried out by these providers. Finance agreements also require a deposit of at least 10%. You can sometimes find tailored finance packages too. The Holiday Home Sales Manager on park will talk you through all the options available and find the best fit for you.
- Can I choose my pitch and location? Once you have decided on your perfect holiday park, you may be able to choose your pitch and location. This will of course depend on the availability and suitability of pitches – but most parks will try to accommodate requests.
- How many months of the year can I enjoy my holiday home? This is always a very popular question and can vary park to park. You can visit your holiday home as many times as you like throughout the ownership season which ranges from 8-11 months. However, it cannot be your permanent residential address.
- Can I let my holiday home out? Yes! You may be able to sub-let but check with your holiday park operator first. Many operators even help you to do this and it’s an excellent way of offsetting your running costs. These popular schemes are often subject to the age and condition of your holiday home -just ask you Holiday Home Sales Manager.
- What annual running costs do I need to consider? The annual running costs will include any finance repayments, insurance, pitch fees, utilities and local authority charges. Pitch fees can vary by park and location, so make sure you find out all this information when you visit the park. You will also be responsible for general maintenance and repair.
- Will my holiday home be secure when I’m not there? You will find that many holiday parks have security teams to ensure safety around the park. You are however responsible for your possessions, which means you need to arrange adequate insurance cover in the unfortunate event of fire, loss or theft.
- Can I upgrade my holiday home in the future? At many holiday parks you can upgrade your holiday home after owning it for at least 3 months. All holiday park operators carry lots of new stock, so if you decide you want something bigger or perhaps a change to a lodge, there are lots of options available.
- Are there any owner exclusive facilities or events? Yes! You’ll find exclusive events and discounts throughout the season. It’s a great way to get to know other owners too. You’ll also find some parks offering reserved facilities i.e. owner-only lounges, priority swimming etc. Ask you Holiday Home Sales Manager for details.
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