Our guide to buying a caravan holiday home
If you’re considering buying a holiday home at Hawthorns Park in Lancashire, but don’t know where to start, please take a look at our handy buyer’s guide. We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to simplify the process and take the stress out of becoming a static caravan owner. Buying a holiday home in the North West has never been easier!
The buyers guide contains helpful tips, which we’ve learned from more than 30 years of park ownership. If you require more information, please speak to our friendly and experienced team. They will be more than happy to provide personalised recommendations and do anything they can to help.
1. Choose the perfect location
Distance from home
The first step of becoming a holiday home owner is choosing the perfect park. This will vary depending on how far you’re prepared to travel, but typically we recommend selecting a park that is no more than 2.5 hours’ drive from your home. This will allow you to make the most of your static caravan and enjoy frequent breaks throughout the open season. For instance, Hawthorns Park is popular with Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds residents, looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for some much-needed fresh air!
Nearby attractions and points of interest
It’s important to consider whether there are any attractions or points of interest you’d like to be able to frequent during stays at your static caravan. Would you like to be near the countryside, coast – or both? Are you within easy reach of places that will allow you to indulge in your hobbies? Are there supermarkets and other important amenities nearby?
Many of our existing home owners choose Hawthorns Park due to our idyllic location and proximity to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty nearby. The Lake District, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and Morecambe Bay are all within easy reach.
2. Tour suitable parks
Tour a selection of parks
Once you’ve decided upon the area in which you’d like to invest in a static caravan, you’ll need to choose a park. Choosing the right park is an incredibly important decision, so we highly recommend booking some tours, so that you can look round the grounds in person. This will help you get a feel for the place and see whether you can imagine yourself there. Many of our existing owners, say they got a feeling that Hawthorns was the right park for them, within moments of walking around our grounds. Why not arrange a visit at our caravan site today and see if we’re the right fit for you.
Consider which amenities you require
There are a wide variety of holiday parks to choose from across the UK, with something to suit all age groups and interest groups. Its’ vital that you pick a park with the right amenities, to ensure everyone’s entertained.
If you have young children in your party for instance, you may want to seek out a park with plenty of on-site entertainment and child friendly facilities. Retired couples, on the other hand, may be looking for something a little quieter with access to tranquil spaces and good walks.
Hawthorns Caravan Park in Lancashire is well suited to adults who want a tranquil base from which to explore the spectacular scenery nearby. Our beautiful grounds appeal to nature lovers, who appreciate the natural environment and spending time in the great outdoors. Our amenities include a library, 9 hole putting green, butterfly garden and wildlife ponds. There’s an excellent shop and pub within strolling distance of the park.
3. Agree a budget
Once you’ve selected the perfect park, it’s important to agree a budget. This will help guide your decision of which caravan holiday homes to view. Communicate this to the sales team to ensure they show you homes within your price range.
If you have a limited budget you may want to consider a pre-owned caravan. Pre-loved caravans are a great option if you’re testing the waters and exploring whether holiday home ownership is right for you.
4. Find your dream holiday home
Finding your dream holiday home is the exciting part, but it shouldn’t be a decision that’s undertaken lightly. It’s really important that you take time to consider what you require in your home.
How many bedrooms do you want? Do you prefer open plan living? Would you like a veranda to give you more outside space? Often you won’t know the answers to these questions, without stepping inside. View available caravans for sale online and then book a viewing, so you can have a look round. The Hawthorns team are experts and can help you select the home that’s right for you.
Decide upon optional extras
The Park management will be able to talk you through any optional extras that are available to upgrade your static caravan. This can often include decking, electric vehicle charging, accessibility features and media upgrades. They can also talk you through warranties if applicable.
Visiting the park is also a good opportunity to discuss preferred manufacturers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for you may be able to have a static caravan built to your exacting requirements. At Hawthorns Park in Lancashire for example we work with a range of leading manufacturers, including Willerby, Swift and ABI. Often we are able to have a brand new holiday home cited on our park.
5. Select the perfect pitch
It’s important to consider pitch location, when buying a holiday home. Often parks have a variety of pitches available, so you can choose the one that looks and feels right to you. Sometimes the pitch will already have a static caravan on it, other times you pick the home and pitch separately, which gives you maximum flexibility.
Do you want a pitch with a view? Would you prefer a secluded spot away from throughfares? View a variety and ask the sales team for advice.
6. Familiarise yourself with the running costs
Before committing to buying a holiday home, it’s really important to familiarise yourself with the day to day running costs. These costs are in addition to the initial outlay and are usually billed on a quarterly or annual basis.
You will be responsible for these charges throughout the period of your site licence agreement and lease. Fees are typically assessed every year in line with inflation, so you will need to make sure you can cover any increases that may occur.
Costs to consider when purchasing a static caravan include:
- Site fees – vary depending on park, but they are usually in the region of 5k per year depending on pitch size and park facilities. This cost covers maintaining the grounds and the upkeep of facilities
- Utilities – you will need to pay for the gas, electric and water you use
- Insurance – you will need to arrange suitable building and content insurance
7. Talk to existing owners
Talk to existing owners to find out more about holiday home ownership at your chosen park. Ask for their feedback and learn more about what they like about owning a static caravan. They may be able to give you some helpful tips and tricks! You can do this during your tour at Hawthorns Caravan Park. Arrange a visit today!
8. Register your interest
Once you’ve decided upon your park, pitch and static caravan – you can talk to the park management to secure your home. The team will then let you know what information they require to finalise the sale. They will usually require the following information:
- Proof of funds – this can be in the form of a bank statement
- Primary residence details – you will need to show proof that you have a primary residence. A holiday home cannot be your sole address
9. Move in
After you complete, you’ll be free to move into your holiday home and enjoy frequent holidays throughout the year. Relax, unwind and spend quality time with your loved ones in your home away from home.
The park team will be on hand to answer any queries you may have throughout the course of your ownership.
If you’d like to know more about caravan ownership at Hawthorns Park, please get in touch.