What Happens When You Sell Your Static Caravan to The Caravan Swap Shop?

If you are thinking about selling your static caravan, one of the most common questions people ask us is: “What actually happens next?” It is a fair question. Selling a static caravan is not something most people do regularly, and the process can feel uncertain — especially when dealing with an asset of significant value.

We believe in total transparency, so here is exactly what happens when you come to us, step by step.

Step 1: You Get in Touch and Tell Us About Your Caravan

Everything starts with a simple enquiry. You can either fill in our short free valuation form or call us directly. We will ask you for some basic details:

Make and model (e.g. Willerby Avonmore, Swift Bordeaux, ABI Sunningdale)
Year of manufacture
Size — length x width in feet (e.g. 35×12 or 40×13)
Current location — which holiday park or site the caravan is on
A brief description of its condition — be honest, even poor condition caravans have value

Photos are helpful but not required at this stage.

Step 2: We Give You a Free Valuation Within 24 Hours

Once we have your details, Sean or Chris will review the information and get back to you within 24 hours with a valuation. Between them, our directors have over 45 years of experience in the UK holiday park industry — so we know exactly what static caravans are worth and what buyers will pay.

Our valuation is free, no-obligation, and honest. We base it on real market data, not a lowball figure designed to be renegotiated later.

Step 3: You Decide — No Pressure, No Rush

This is the bit that surprises most people: there is no hard sell. Once you have our offer, you are in control. Take as long as you need to decide. We are not going to chase you or pressure you into a quick decision.

If you want to get other quotes first, we actively encourage that. We are confident in what we offer, and we would rather you feel completely satisfied with the process.

Step 4: We Sort the Logistics — Free Collection Anywhere in the UK

Once you accept our offer, we take care of everything. We will contact the holiday park directly if required, agree a collection date that suits you, and arrange transport and collection — fully at our cost, anywhere in the UK.

You do not need to do anything to prepare the caravan for collection beyond ensuring it is accessible. We handle the removal professionally and with respect for your park’s rules and procedures.

Step 5: We Complete the Paperwork and Pay You

On the day of collection, we will complete all the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership. Payment is made directly to your bank account — typically on the same day as collection.

No waiting around. No 30-day payment terms. No withheld funds pending further inspection. The price we agreed is the price you receive.

What Happens to Your Caravan After We Buy It?

Depending on the caravan, we may refurbish and resell it within the UK, export it internationally to buyers across Europe, or sell it on to holiday park operators. We are not a scrapyard — where possible, we find a use for every caravan we buy, which is one reason why we can offer competitive prices even for older units.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

One of the most common questions we hear is: how quickly can this happen? The short answer is that most sales complete within 7 to 21 days from first contact to payment in your account. Here is a typical timeline:

Day 1: You fill in the valuation form or call us. We respond the same day or next morning.
Days 2–3: We give you a formal offer. You take as long as you need to decide.
Days 4–7: Once accepted, we confirm the date with your park and arrange transport logistics.
Day 7–21: Collection takes place, paperwork is signed, and payment is transferred to your bank account the same day.

The main variable is your park’s required notice period. Most parks ask for 7–28 days’ written notice before a caravan can be removed. We factor this into the timeline from the start, so there are no surprises.

If you need a faster turnaround for any reason — for example, to avoid a pitch fee renewal — just let us know and we will do everything we can to work around your deadline.

What to Have Ready Before You Sell

You do not need to do anything special to prepare your caravan for sale — we buy in any condition, and you are under no obligation to clean, repair, or renovate before we collect. That said, having a few things ready will help the process go smoothly:

Ownership documents — the original purchase invoice or certificate of ownership if you have it
Keys — all sets, including any window keys or security locks
Manuals and warranties — for appliances, boiler, or double glazing if available (not essential, but helpful)
Your pitch licence agreement — so we can check the required notice period and any specific removal requirements at your park
Bank account details — for payment transfer on collection day

If you cannot locate some of these items, do not worry. We deal with situations like this regularly and can advise on how to work around missing paperwork. The process very rarely stalls because of missing documents.

What If There Are Outstanding Pitch Fees or a Dispute With Your Park?

This is more common than many people realise. If you have fallen behind on pitch fees, or if your relationship with the park has become difficult, selling through the park’s own process is often not a viable option. Selling off-park to a specialist buyer is frequently the cleanest solution.

Outstanding pitch fees are a matter between you and the park, and they do not prevent a sale from going ahead. However, parks may try to delay or complicate the removal process in such situations, which is why having an experienced buyer on your side matters. We have dealt with these scenarios many times and know how to handle them professionally and efficiently.

If you are unsure about your specific situation — whether it involves arrears, a dispute, or a complicated pitch licence — just get in touch and we will talk it through with you honestly. There is no obligation and no cost. Our job is to give you a clear picture of your options so you can make the right decision for your circumstances.

A Note on Park Commission

If you have considered selling through your holiday park, you may have been quoted a price that includes a commission deducted before you receive anything. Parks typically take 10–20% of the sale price as a facilitation fee.

When you sell your static caravan to The Caravan Swap Shop, there is no third party involved and no commission deducted. The price we offer is the price you receive, in full.

Get your free valuation today — we are happy to have a no-obligation chat.