Key figures
The numbers, dates and rules that matter when you buy or own a static caravan — each with where and when it applies, and its official source.
20%
Standard-rated whatever the pitch is used for. Rates recharged by the park count as part of the pitch fee. Residential park home pitch fees are exempt.
Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/20: caravans and houseboats
Checked 6 October 2026
12 years
From first purchase. A pre-owned caravan gets at least what remains of the 12 years from when it was first bought by a consumer. See the licence agreement.
Source: NCC Best Practice Guidance for Holiday Parks (February 2025) · NCC: Q&As before buying a holiday caravan or lodge (2025)
Checked 6 October 2026
10 years
For a brand-new holiday caravan or lodge (often longer for lodges). HARPA was called BH&HPA until January 2026.
Source: UK Parks (HARPA): Buying a holiday caravan FAQs
Checked 6 October 2026
5%
The reduced rate — typical for BS EN 1647 holiday caravans. Before 6 April 2013 these were zero-rated, and second-hand caravans first occupied before then are still zero-rated. See VAT on static caravans.
Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/20: caravans and houseboats · VAT Act 1994, Schedule 7A
Checked 6 October 2026
0%
Zero-rated if built to a version of BS 3632 in force on or after 17 June 2005 — including BS 3632:2023 since the Value Added Tax (Caravans) Order 2024. Removable contents are still 20%.
Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/20: caravans and houseboats · Value Added Tax (Caravans) Order 2024
Checked 6 October 2026
20%
Towable-size caravans are standard-rated. Length is measured without the towbar or drawbar.
Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/20: caravans and houseboats
Checked 6 October 2026
14 days
Calendar days from the date of order, to cancel without penalty. This comes from the NCC code — the legal 14-day right to cancel covers only distance and off-premises sales.
Source: NCC Best Practice Guidance for Holiday Parks (February 2025) · Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 29
Checked 6 October 2026
45 days
Written notice with an explanation. If 33% of owners object in writing, the park must consider the objections and hold the increase until it has given a reasoned decision.
Source: NCC Best Practice Guidance for Holiday Parks (February 2025)
Checked 6 October 2026
£30,000
So a deposit paid by credit card on a caravan costing more than £30,000 isn’t covered by section 75.
Source: Consumer Credit Act 1974, section 75
Checked 6 October 2026
£2,000,000
Alongside cover to replace the caravan with a new similar one at the park’s retail price, plus removing wreckage and re-siting.
Source: NCC model Combined Purchase and Licence Agreement (June 2024)
Checked 6 October 2026
£50 + VAT
Refunded in full if the decision is wholly or partly in your favour. See complaints and disputes.
Source: NCC IDRS complaints guidance (October 2024)
Checked 6 October 2026
2
Meeting BS EN 50291 — one in the hallway near the bedrooms and one in the main living area. Test monthly; replace about every 5 years.
Source: NCC: Stay safe — carbon monoxide (March 2026)
Checked 6 October 2026
Every 3 years
Electrical Safety First’s recommendation, by a competent person such as a registered electrician.
Source: Electrical Safety First: periodic inspection
Checked 6 October 2026
5 m
3.5 m at the corners; 6 m for plywood-skinned caravans or mixed sites.
Source: Model Standards 1989: Holiday Caravan Sites (council-hosted copy)
Checked 6 October 2026
30 m
Fire points have hose reels or extinguishers (or water), a way of raising the alarm and a fire action notice.
Source: Model Standards 1989: Holiday Caravan Sites (council-hosted copy)
Checked 6 October 2026
20 m
Not counting the drawbar. Larger structures are likely to be treated as buildings.
Source: Caravan Sites Act 1968, section 13 · Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
Checked 6 October 2026
6.8 m
Source: Caravan Sites Act 1968, section 13 · Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
Checked 6 October 2026
3.05 m
Measured from the lowest floor to the highest ceiling of the living space.
Source: Caravan Sites Act 1968, section 13 · Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
Checked 6 October 2026
2.55 m
For any towing vehicle. Static caravans are wider, so they’re moved by specialist transport.
Source: GOV.UK: towing weight and width limits
Checked 6 October 2026
7 m
HMRC uses the same 7 m and 2.55 m figures to separate towable caravans from larger ones for VAT.
Source: GOV.UK: towing weight and width limits · HMRC VAT Notice 701/20: caravans and houseboats
Checked 6 October 2026
£1,000
Tax-free; each joint owner gets their own. Use it or deduct actual expenses, not both. The furnished holiday lettings regime was abolished from April 2025.
Source: GOV.UK: Tax-free allowances on property and trading income · GOV.UK: Furnished holiday lettings tax regime abolition
Checked 6 October 2026
£180
A static caravan only needs its own licence if someone watches at your main home at the same time, or the caravan is your main home. GOV.UK didn’t show the date this fee started.
Source: GOV.UK: TV licence · TV Licensing: mobile homes and caravans
Checked 6 October 2026
10%
Park homes only — there is no legal cap on the transfer fee for a holiday caravan. Scotland’s rate is set by Scottish order (not confirmed).
Source: GOV.UK: Park homes — selling or giving away · Mobile Homes (Selling and Gifting) (Wales) Regulations 2014 · Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
Checked 6 October 2026