If you own a static caravan on a holiday park, few things are more stressful than receiving a notice that your caravan has reached the park’s maximum age limit. Age-off policies are common across UK holiday parks — but many owners don’t fully understand what parks are legally allowed to do, and what they can challenge.
What Is a Static Caravan Age-Off Policy?
An age-off policy sets the maximum age at which a static caravan can remain sited on a holiday park. Once your caravan reaches this age — commonly 10, 15, or 20 years — the park can require you to remove it or replace it with a newer model.
These policies exist for commercial reasons. Newer caravans attract higher pitch fees, and parks want to maintain a certain aesthetic and standard. However, they must be applied fairly and transparently.
What Can Park Owners Legally Do?
Park owners can:
- Set and enforce a maximum caravan age as part of their site rules
- Require you to remove a caravan that exceeds their stated age limit
- Refuse to renew your pitch licence once the age limit is reached
- Specify which models or makes of caravan are permitted on site
What Park Owners Cannot Do
Park owners cannot:
- Apply an age-off policy retrospectively without giving reasonable notice
- Vary the age limit unfairly between owners on the same site
- Remove your caravan without following the correct legal process
- Force you to buy a replacement caravan from the park directly (this can constitute an unfair trading practice)
- Evict you without a court order under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (if applicable)
Is the Mobile Homes Act 1983 Relevant?
The Mobile Homes Act 1983 gives significant protections to people who live permanently in their mobile home or park home. However, most holiday park caravans are used for leisure only and are governed by a pitch licence rather than a residential agreement — meaning the Mobile Homes Act typically does not apply.
If your caravan is your main residence, the position is more complex and you should seek specialist legal advice.
How Much Notice Must a Park Give?
The required notice period depends on the terms of your pitch licence agreement. Most agreements specify a notice period of 28 days to 3 months. If your agreement is silent on this, general contract law principles apply and reasonable notice is required.
Always read your pitch licence carefully before signing, and look specifically for any age-off clauses.
What to Do If You Receive an Age-Off Notice
If you receive a notice telling you to remove your caravan due to an age-off policy:
- Review your pitch licence — check whether an age-off policy was included when you signed
- Check BH&HPA guidelines — the British Holiday & Home Parks Association has a code of practice that member parks must follow
- Seek independent legal advice if the policy was not disclosed when you purchased
- Consider your options — you may be able to negotiate more time or sell the caravan before the deadline
Can I Sell a Caravan That’s Been Aged Off?
Yes — being aged off from one park does not make your caravan worthless or unsellable. Many caravans removed under age-off policies are structurally sound and have years of use left in them. Options include:
- Selling the caravan privately to a buyer who has a pitch elsewhere
- Selling to a specialist static caravan dealer or trader
- Using a service like The Caravan Swap Shop, which buys and sells static caravans regardless of park status
The key is to act before the deadline wherever possible. A caravan sold while still sited will typically achieve a better price than one that has been removed and needs to be transported.
How We Can Help
At The Caravan Swap Shop, we regularly help caravan owners who have received age-off notices and need to sell quickly. We offer fast, fair valuations and can often complete purchases within days — giving you peace of mind before your park deadline arrives.
Get a free valuation today or call us to discuss your situation.