Sell to a Trader vs Through the Park — Which Pays More?
When it comes to selling a static caravan, most owners are choosing between two main routes: selling through the holiday park or selling to a specialist trader. This guide breaks down the real difference in what you receive — and which option is right for you.
The Short Answer
In most cases, selling to a specialist trader pays more than selling through the park — once you account for commission. On a caravan worth £20,000, the park might offer £14,000–£16,000 after charging 10–20% commission. A specialist buyer like The Caravan Swap Shop will make you a direct cash offer with no commission deducted, no hidden fees, and payment straight to your bank account.
But it is not just about the headline figure. Speed, certainty, and simplicity all have real value too. Here is the full comparison.
How Selling Through the Park Works
Holiday parks offer two main routes for selling your caravan through them:
Park buyback — The park buys your caravan directly, typically at a fixed price that reflects their resale margin. This is the fastest park-based option but almost always the lowest net return.
Park-assisted sale — The park lists your caravan for sale on your behalf, acting as an agent. You may achieve a higher price than a buyback, but the park will charge a commission of 10–20% of the sale price for this service. Sales can take weeks or months.
In both cases, the park has a financial interest in paying or achieving the lowest possible price. Their buyback figure is set to allow a comfortable resale margin, and their commission on an assisted sale comes directly out of your proceeds.
How Selling to a Specialist Trader Works
A specialist static caravan buyer like The Caravan Swap Shop buys your caravan directly for cash. The process is straightforward:
- You submit your caravan details — make, model, year, condition, and location.
- We respond within 24 hours with a no-obligation cash offer.
- If you accept, we arrange free UK-wide collection at a time that suits you.
- Payment goes directly to your bank account — typically within 7–14 days.
There are no commissions, no listing fees, no viewings to manage, and no waiting. The price we agree is the price you receive.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Specialist Trader (TCSS) | Through the Park |
|---|---|---|
| Commission charged | None | 10–20% on assisted sales |
| Valuation turnaround | Within 24 hours | Days to weeks |
| Sale completion time | 7–14 days | Weeks to months |
| Collection / logistics | Free UK-wide | May involve additional charges |
| Condition required | Any condition accepted | Often park-standard only |
| Certainty of sale | Guaranteed once offer accepted | Not guaranteed — buyers may withdraw |
| Ongoing pitch fees during sale | Minimal — sale completes quickly | Potentially months of fees while waiting |
| Transparency of offer | Direct cash offer, no deductions | Commission deducted from proceeds |
| Obligation to proceed | None — free no-obligation valuation | May involve commitment once listed |
The Real Cost of Park Commission
Park commission is often presented as a standard cost of selling, but its impact on your net return is substantial. Here are some worked examples based on typical caravan values:
| Caravan Value | Park Commission (15%) | You Receive (via park) | You Receive (via TCSS — no commission) |
|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | £1,500 | £8,500 | Up to £10,000 |
| £20,000 | £3,000 | £17,000 | Up to £20,000 |
| £35,000 | £5,250 | £29,750 | Up to £35,000 |
| £50,000 | £7,500 | £42,500 | Up to £50,000 |
These figures illustrate why getting an independent valuation before accepting a park offer is so important. Even if a specialist buyer offers slightly less than the peak private market value, the absence of commission typically makes the net return comparable — or better.
What About the Ongoing Pitch Fees?
One factor that is often overlooked is the cost of pitch fees during a slow sale. Annual pitch fees in the UK typically range from £3,000 to £8,000 depending on the park. If your caravan sits unsold for four months through a park-assisted sale, that is a third of your annual pitch fees paid on a caravan you no longer want — potentially £1,000–£2,500 of additional cost.
Because a specialist buyer completes quickly (typically 7–14 days), this ongoing cost is eliminated. When you factor it into the total return, the specialist buyer route becomes even more compelling.
When Selling Through the Park Makes Sense
We believe in giving honest advice, so it is worth acknowledging that the park route is sometimes the right choice:
If the caravan is staying on site — If you are selling to someone who will keep the caravan on the same park, the park may need to be involved as the new owner requires a pitch licence. In this case a park-assisted sale might be unavoidable, though you can still negotiate the commission rate.
If convenience is your absolute priority — Some owners simply want to hand everything over to the park and walk away, even at a lower price. That is a valid choice — just make sure you understand what the commission is costing you.
If the caravan is very new and the park has strong demand — On busy parks with waiting lists for pitches, the park may genuinely be able to achieve a strong sale price quickly. Even after commission, the net return might be competitive.
Why Choose The Caravan Swap Shop?
We are not a faceless online platform. Sean Rose and Chris Rose have been buying static caravans across the UK for over 45 years, with deep roots in the holiday park industry through the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA). We know the market, we know caravans, and we make fair offers based on real experience — not algorithms.
We buy every make and model including Willerby, Atlas, Swift, Pemberton, ABI, Carnaby, and Victory — any age, any condition, anywhere in the UK. No commission, no hidden fees, and payment direct to your bank within 7–14 days of accepting our offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the park stop me selling to a trader instead of through them?
No. Your static caravan is your property and you are free to sell it to whoever you choose. The park cannot prevent a private or trader sale. You may need to notify the park about the planned removal of the caravan under your pitch licence terms, and there may be a de-siting fee, but commission is only payable if the park arranges the sale.
Will a trader offer me less than the park?
A specialist buyer offer is a direct cash price with no deductions. A park offer after 15% commission is the net figure after their cut. When you compare the two on a like-for-like net basis, specialist buyer offers are typically equal to or higher than the park net figure — and the sale completes much faster.
Is it legal to sell my static caravan without going through the park?
Yes, completely legal. The caravan is your asset and you have the right to sell it privately or to a trader. Parks sometimes suggest otherwise, but there is no legal basis for requiring you to use them as an agent.
How quickly will I get paid if I sell to The Caravan Swap Shop?
Once you accept our offer, we aim to complete the purchase within 7–14 days. Payment is made directly to your bank account. We handle all collection logistics at no cost to you.
What if I owe money on the pitch or have outstanding fees?
Outstanding pitch fees are a matter between you and the park, separate from the sale of the caravan itself. You will need to settle any arrears, but this does not prevent you from selling the caravan to a trader. We can advise on how this typically works when you contact us.
See How Much More You Could Get Without Park Commission
Get a free, no-obligation valuation from The Caravan Swap Shop and compare it against any park offer. Most sellers are surprised by the difference.
Or call 07770 603800 to speak directly with Sean or Chris.