How much does it cost to own a caravan?

 

Ever wondered how much it costs to own a caravan? 

We can’t say we blame you. Since the average staycation cost £769.70 in 2021, it’s easy to see how caravan prices appeal to many British holidaymakers. You could save a great deal of money over the years.  

However, there are many questions to ask yourself before making such an investment.

For example, should you go for a touring caravan or a static home or lodge? If the former, is your current car suitable to tow the van? If the latter, where should you buy? Does the site offer everything you need?

It’s also helpful to consider the costs involved. Of course, these can depend on the type of caravan, its age and size, your chosen site, and your location. 

But if you’re new to caravan ownership, the below is a good place to start.

We spoke with over 850 caravan owners to find out how much they spent purchasing their caravan or static home, fitting it out, and decorating it. We also asked them how much they spend on:

• ongoing maintenance
• annual fees for gas and electricity
• water
• site fees
• other regular costs

Here’s our lowdown on how much it costs to own a caravan.

 

How much does it cost to own a touring caravan?

Touring caravans provide a good way to see more of the UK—you won’t be tied down to just one location and have the freedom to explore.

Predictably, when it comes to owning a caravan, the biggest outlay is the van itself. You also won’t be surprised to know that the cost varies hugely depending on whether you choose a brand-new model that has never been used or a pre-owned caravan.

The average cost of a pre-owned touring caravan: £11,531

The average cost of a brand-new touring caravan: £23,649

Don’t forget the fit-out, too. You may wish to change or update the van’s interior to make it your own. We asked caravanners how much they’ve spent on things like a new kitchen, bathroom, fixed shelving units, carpeting, and flooring.

The average cost for the fit-out of a touring caravan: £551 

Likewise, you’ll need to think about decorating and kitting out your caravan with:

• soft furnishings
• bedding
• cooking utensils
• electricals

It’s a second home, after all—plus, it’s far easier to have a second set of items for your caravan than bring everything with you every time you want to use it.

The average cost for contents of a touring caravan: £590

You’ll also want to consider the outside of the caravan, which is often not a huge space. Increasing its footprint with an awning or gazebo helps give you a little extra outdoor room when you’re parked at a site. 

It’s also important to consider how you’ll tow the caravan from place to place. You may need to purchase specialist tyres and a tow-hitch to attach the van to the back of your car. We have an article on

The average cost of outdoor accessories for a touring caravan: £1,158

Security is essential for all caravans, but a tourer is particularly vulnerable to theft. Caravan theft is a huge problem, with thousands of tourers going missing every year. 

Security devices like wheel clamps, padlocks, coupling hitches, and deadlocks can help to prevent potential thieves.

The average cost of security devices for a touring caravan: £481

Total set-up cost for new tourer: £26,429

Total set-up cost for pre-owned tourer: £14,311

Annual fees for touring caravans

Once you’ve bought your touring caravan, decorated it, and kitted it out to your taste, you need to consider the ongoing running and maintenance costs. 

The below outlines the average annual fees for running the van (based on the average use of around 60 nights per year).

• Pitch fees: £949
• Servicing: £334
• Storage (if you don’t have space to store your caravan at your home): £345
• Electricity and gas: £236
• Water and drainage: £180
• Insurance: £219

Total annual running fees: £2,266

 

How much does it cost to own a static caravan?

 

A static caravan or lodge is a great option if you’ve found a spot you love and want to continue returning to the site.

 

When buying your static outright, think about whether you want something completely new or if you’re comfortable with a second or third-hand model that may need updating. 

 

The former will be a more expensive purchase, and it’s a considerable amount to invest—so make sure you go for one that’s right for you.

 

Here's a handy guide to buying a static caravan.

 

Average cost of a brand-new static caravan or lodge: £43,333

 

Average cost of a pre-owned static caravan or lodge: £28,295

 

Does your interior need some re-configuring or updating? Perhaps you fancy installing a new kitchen, changing the bathrooms, or installing new flooring in your static. It would help if you kept this in mind when working out the overall price of your caravan. 

 

Average cost of fitting out a static caravan or lodge: £1,418

 

Making a static feel like a proper second home takes more than just furniture. From bed linen and towels to frying pans and a TV, you’ll need to buy a few extra items to be comfortable. Although you may not go for the finest that money can buy, it all adds up.

 

Average cost of contents for a static caravan or lodge £1,225

 

Many static caravans and lodges will come with fantastic outdoor space that you’ll want to take advantage of. 

 

For example, you may want to buy some new garden furniture or splash out on a new barbeque for those summer afternoons spent with the family in the sun. A gazebo can also allow you to enjoy your outside space in the unpredictable UK weather!

 

Average cost of outdoor accessories for a static caravan or lodge: £1,239

 

Sadly, static caravans are a target for opportunist thieves, who know that many sites and lodges will be left unattended for weeks or even months at a time. You might want to consider buying and fitting a burglar alarm, strong locks, and even CCTV to feel fully secure.

 

Average cost of security for a static caravan or lodge: £320

 

Total set-up cost for a brand-new static caravan or lodge: £47,535

 

Total set-up cost for a pre-owned caravan or lodge: £32,497

 

Annual fees for static caravans and lodges

On top of the initial set-up price of your caravan as outlined above, you also need to consider the annual running costs involved in maintaining your holiday home. 

From site fees (essentially ground rent that you pay to the caravan park) to water and electricity, these are a necessary ongoing cost. But how much should you expect to pay for each?

• Site fees: £3,750
• Servicing: £472
• Electricity and gas: £422
• Water and drainage: £239
• Insurance: £205
• Annual fees total: £5,090

 

Specialist caravan insurance with Ripe Caravans

Whichever option you go for, you may want to consider getting insurance to protect your investment. 

 

After all, the price of a caravan isn’t cheap, especially when you consider all the extra costs. 

 

Specialist caravan insurance arranged by Ripe Caravans will cover your caravan against loss, damage, and theft, and you can customise your policy with additional options like Public Liability. 

 

Click here to learn more about this cover or build your own policy in minutes.