Owning a static caravan for use as a holiday home is often an affordable and popular option – though for some people the desire to sell does crop up. If that’s the case, it could be because the static caravan isn’t used as often as you’d like due to geography or time. Or perhaps you need to sell to raise some finances to pay for something else. Whatever the reason, there are things you can do to maximise the return on your initial outlay.
We get a lot of enquiries here – some of them from sellers as well as static caravan buyers. Amongst them you sometimes ask, “When is the best time to sell my static caravan?” – and the short answer is: Whenever you like! It depends entirely upon you. There are no hard-and-fast rules about it. The simple fact is that depreciation starts to occur from the moment you buy a new vehicle of any kind – and static caravans are no different, so they inevitably lose some of their value over time.
The price you can get when selling one year is going to be better than the price you’ll get a couple of years later – so the decision to sell could be based on something like how much money you need to raise from the sale. We buy from static caravan owners all year round, but what are the things you – and we – need to know?
Condition
Chances are that because your static caravan has been your home-from-home for periods of the year (holidays and weekend breaks), you will have taken a pride in it and looked after it very well. You’ll have kept on top of any small repairs and maintenance tasks required as it has gone through its life so far, and you’ll have made sure it’s regularly cleaned inside and out.
These efforts will help to prolong the life of the caravan and keep its appeal high should the situation arise where you want to sell it. But what are the things you’ve kept on top of, and what are the things that will affect the value of your static caravan?
Moisture issues: All enclosed spaces are subject to the effects of moisture in the air. Hopefully the fixtures and fittings in your static caravan have stayed in good condition because you have regularly cleaned – wiping down surfaces to remove condensation, and so on. Installing some sort of damp absorber – particularly to counter the issue in the times you are not using the caravan – is a really good idea, and there are some top quality products on the market which will keep your caravan protected for weeks at a time.
Making sure the roof is watertight is essential. Keeping on top of any small repairs or replacements you might need to do to door and window seals is also advisable as these can be serious sources of water ingress when they’re compromised, which can lead to larger damp problems. Ultimately, the structure of your caravan can be affected by damp in the worst case scenario, and that will seriously affect its value.Fixtures and fittings: No doubt during your static caravan life you will have realised that not every night is about the outdoors or about going out. Some nights it’s good to stay in and chill out – and that probably means a TV or computer in the caravan. Having some sort of TV feed and internet access is highly desirable.
Heating: Is your static caravan efficient regarding heating? These days it’s more likely than not to have double glazing and central heating, but this shouldn’t always be taken for granted as standard. Most people who are buying a used static caravan will look to these things to automatically be there in their purchase, as they are fairly essential parts of modern living. So whether your caravan has them or not will affect its resale value. It’s also worth knowing whether your caravan has decent insulation or not.
Additions: Your static caravan might have additional bits and pieces which can affect the value. For example, a decking area built right next to it might be a desirable feature for some buyers, as they will look to spend time out of doors but not away from the caravan. A veranda may be something else they’re looking for as, similarly, it ‘extends’ the immediately usable area as a social space and, if the scenery around the caravan is picturesque, overlooking the sea or a lake, a veranda is highly attractive and so can be particularly good as a selling point.
Pitch: The position of the caravan on a park can add value to it when it comes time to sell. If it’s on an exclusive and desirable pitch that might offer you some leverage on raising the price slightly above the actual value of the caravan itself.
When the time comes for you to sell, remember to investigate any obligations you have to the park it is sited on. There may be something contractual to adhere to, about offering them first refusal. There may also be disconnection and removal fees payable to them if the caravan is to be removed from their land, etc.
Here at Daly Caravans, as a static caravan trader we buy any caravan as long as it is in the condition described and a sale can be agreed. Ware always on hand to buy, with a simple three-step process. First of all, fill in our quick and easy valuation form (containing questions about your caravan) and if we’re interested we’ll contact you within a week with an offer to buy. Following that we will arrange an appointment so we can check the static is in described condition and, finally, if you accept our offer we’ll discuss payment with you as well as make arrangements for collection etc.
Put simply, again, the best time to sell is whenever you’re ready!