Static caravans can be a wonderful investment — a holiday home you can escape to whenever you like. But before you buy, or if you’re trying to decide whether to keep your existing caravan, it pays to understand the full picture of running costs. This guide breaks down everything you can expect to pay as a static caravan owner in the UK.
Site Fees (Pitch Fees)
Site fees are almost always the biggest ongoing cost. You pay these to the holiday park for the ground your caravan occupies, plus access to the park’s facilities.
Annual site fees vary enormously depending on location, park quality, and season length:
- Budget parks: £2,500–£4,000 per year
- Mid-range parks: £4,000–£7,000 per year
- Premium parks: £7,000–£12,000+ per year
Coastal parks and those in popular tourist areas (Yorkshire coast, North Wales, Cornwall, the Lake District) tend to charge more. Always check what the site fee includes — some cover water and refuse, others charge these separately.
Gas and Electricity
Most static caravans are supplied with electricity from the park grid. Parks have historically charged above standard domestic rates — typically 25–40p per kWh — though this varies. Some parks now offer fixed-rate tariffs.
Typical annual electricity costs range from £300–£800 depending on how often you use the caravan and whether it has electric heating.
Gas (usually LPG from bottles or a bulk tank) powers the cooker, boiler, and sometimes the central heating. Budget around £150–£400 per year depending on usage.
Insurance
Specialist static caravan insurance is strongly recommended. Policies typically cover the structure, contents, public liability, and emergency accommodation.
Annual premiums generally fall between £150 and £400 for a standard caravan, though this varies based on the caravan’s value, age, park location, and level of cover. Always read the small print — some policies exclude storm damage or require certain security measures.
Rates and Licensing
Static caravans used as holiday accommodation are not subject to council tax. However, your park will have planning permission for a set season (often March to October on a 10-month licence, or March to January on an 11-month licence). Some parks hold 12-month licences. If you use your caravan outside the permitted season, your park licence can be jeopardised — always check.
Maintenance and Repairs
Like any property, static caravans need regular upkeep. Typical ongoing maintenance costs include:
- Annual service (gas appliances, boiler): £100–£200
- Roof seal and exterior treatments: £100–£300 every few years
- General repairs (seals, locks, blinds): £100–£400 per year depending on age
- Damp prevention and treatment: variable — damp is the number one cause of value decline in static caravans
Older caravans naturally require more maintenance. A 10-year-old caravan may cost considerably more to keep in good condition than a unit purchased new.
Park Rules on Caravan Age
Many parks operate an age policy — typically they will not allow caravans older than 10, 15, or 20 years on site. When your caravan reaches the park’s age limit, you’ll either need to replace it or find a new site. Factor this into your long-term planning.
Total Annual Running Costs: Summary
- Site fees: £4,000–£7,000
- Gas and electricity: £450–£1,200
- Insurance: £150–£400
- Maintenance: £200–£500
- Total: approximately £4,800–£9,100 per year
This doesn’t include one-off costs like refurbishments, replacement appliances, or the eventual cost of selling or removing the caravan.
Thinking of Selling?
If running costs are mounting and you’re considering selling your static caravan, The Caravan Swap Shop buys caravans directly from owners — no park commission, no agent fees. We offer a straightforward cash purchase with collection included.
Find out how to sell your static caravan or get a free valuation today.