Checklist · 35 points
Static caravan buying checklist
Work through it before you sign anything: the park, the agreement, the caravan itself, the paperwork and the money. Each point links to the guide that explains why it matters.
The park
Before you fall for a caravan, look hard at the place it sits.
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Is it holiday-only, or a mixed park with residential pitches too? HARPA suggests checking with the council. A holiday unit on a mixed park still can’t be your home.
Read: Holiday park rules: seasons, site licences and the holiday-use rule
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Parks often open for 10 or 11 months; some open all year. The dates must be in your agreement.
Read: Holiday park rules: seasons, site licences and the holiday-use rule
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Some parks cap continuous stays — the NCC gives 60 days in a row as an example.
Read: Holiday park rules: seasons, site licences and the holiday-use rule
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It affects the minimum agreement length (NCC 12 years from new, HARPA 10) and how you can complain.
Read: Complaints and disputes
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Many parks don’t allow private letting. Check before you buy: a park can’t add a letting requirement later.
Read: Letting your caravan out
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If you already own a caravan elsewhere, no law makes a park accept it — some do on selected parks.
Read: Buying a static caravan
The agreement
The licence (pitch) agreement decides what you can do and what you pay. Read it before you commit.
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NCC member parks should give you a draft at the first meeting, with as long as you need to read it and take advice.
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At least 12 years from new on NCC member parks, 10 on HARPA member parks. A used caravan gets what’s left.
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RPI, CPI or something else? NCC parks give at least 45 days’ notice; the HARPA model gives 6 weeks.
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There’s no legal maximum age — any limit comes from the contract, and it should be pointed out to you.
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The fee is a percentage plus VAT, written into your agreement. There’s no legal cap for holiday caravans.
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Neither side has to renew. On NCC parks, removal is due within 30 days of written notice if there’s no new agreement.
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Under the NCC model, approved family members get a new agreement for the time left, free of charge.
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Park rules form part of your agreement.
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On NCC parks you should get an acknowledgement within 7 days and a decision within 28.
Read: Complaints and disputes
The caravan itself
Age, condition and history — new or used.
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Read: Buying a static caravan
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It affects insulation and winter use — and the VAT on a new caravan.
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NCC parks should supply a current gas safety certificate with a used caravan. Buying privately, make these checks yourself.
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The NCC says older caravans used in cold months suffer more condensation, which can affect their life and value.
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The rating is a 0–10 label in the front window of approved holiday caravans (10 is best).
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Under the NCC model agreement you must keep the caravan able to be moved.
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A warranty is extra to your consumer rights, not instead of them.
Read: Buying a static caravan
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The NCC recommends two, meeting BS EN 50291 — near the bedrooms and in the living area.
The paperwork
What to ask for, and what to keep.
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For example a council tax bill, a utility bill under three months old and a recent bank statement. Parks check when you buy and usually each year.
Read: Holiday park rules: seasons, site licences and the holiday-use rule
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NCC member parks must hand them over when they sell.
Read: Buying a static caravan
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You can use the park’s policy or your own, but yours must meet the park’s written requirements and you’ll need to show proof each year.
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You’ll need them if there’s ever a disagreement.
Read: Complaints and disputes
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NCC member parks give 14 days from the date of order.
Read: Buying a static caravan
The money
The price is only the start.
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NCC parks should show the full price and any compulsory charges such as pitch fees.
Read: Buying a static caravan
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Rates, water and sewerage, gas and electricity, insurance, safety checks and winterising.
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Ask for the total amount payable — NCC guidance expects finance options and total costs to be discussed at the first meeting.
Read: Buying a static caravan
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Section 75 protection doesn’t apply where the cash price is over £30,000.
Read: Buying a static caravan
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Both trade bodies say a holiday caravan is a lifestyle purchase, not an investment.
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See the yearly, monthly and per-night cost: running-cost calculator.
From the static caravan buying checklist at traveltrailers.co.uk/buying-checklist/ — general information, not legal or financial advice. Checked 6 October 2026.