When it comes to buying a house, car or quite literally, even the kitchen sink, there’s plenty of advice out there on the internet. However, when it comes to buying a holiday home it can be quite hard to find impartial and honest advice. 

When it comes to buying a holiday home, whether it's your first time or you’ve become quite the veteran, holiday home owners can feel left in the dark. Many take their chances relying on the advice from the park owners or on second hand stories from friends and family who may have possibly looked at themselves in the past. 

This may force potential buyers to completely write off the idea based on the belief that they ‘probably can’t afford it’. However, we have the solution. We have created this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know before you buy your next holiday home.

Getting it Right

Buying a holiday home is often the most significant purchase anyone will make in their lifetime - apart from buying a first home of course! So getting it right the first time is incredibly important. A great holiday all boils down to where you buy, what you buy and who you buy from. 

Before you rush in to start making appointments for viewings, make sure you read through our handy guide first to help you make the right decision.

1. Research

Before you really start to do you research make sure you know exactly why you want a holiday home in the first place. This isn’t to test whether you really want one, but more to help with your search. Start by making a list, no matter how short, of points that make you want a holiday home - the reasons are endless.

Travel Time

One thing to take into consideration when doing your research is travel time. You may live south of England and hope for a holiday home in North Wales, however, you should take into account the travel time to get to and from your destination. Some would rather travel for a hour max, especially for those with families, whilst others are happy to travel a little longer to get to their ideal location.

Specific Interests

If you have specific interests for example, surfing or rock climbing, then you will want to look for places which facilitate these to make the most of your break. 

2. Parks

Using the above you’ve managed to narrow down your search based on location but now it is time to look further into what park is suitable for you.

It is recommended that you focus primarily on what you ‘want’ rather than the cost. Whilst cost is definitely important to know that you can afford it, your preferred holiday parks Snowdonia may make up this cost as it suits you. This is something we will touch on later.

What Do You Find Enjoyable?

Ask yourself what it is that you find enjoyable. There are lots of factors to consider such as:

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  Do you want an adult only park or one that is more focused that way?

  
  


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  Do you want something for the kids to enjoy with plenty of activities?

  
  


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  Do you want to take your dog?

  
  


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  Do you prefer somewhere that is peaceful and quiet?

  
  


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  Do you want a park with plenty of entertainment and things to do?

  
  

The questions are endless but they are very important to consider when choosing the right park for you.

Contact The Parks

Rather than contacting the parks by email or facebook message make sure that you talk to the staff on the phone to better gauge the atmosphere there.

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  Is the person you are speaking to friendly?

  
  


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  Are they happy to answer your questions?

  
  


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  Are they short with their answers?

  
  

It is important to remember that when you call up you may be met with a sales person, especially in much bigger parks. Don’t worry about the sales spiel as no one can force you to make a decision you aren’t happy with.

Remember you are not wasting anyone’s time by asking around and is it their job to give you all the information you need to make the right informed decision.

3. How much does it cost?

The most common question asked is how much does having a holiday home cost. If you didn’t know, the cost of having a holiday home is more than the initial cost of the home itself. Some other costs that you will need to bear in mind are:

Site Fees - this is the rental paid to the holiday park to keep you on their land and to use their services. You may have a holiday home already so you could arrange to move to the park if you wish to.

Local Council Rates - most parks have some provision that is provided by the local council such as water rates, sewerage connection etc. You will likely pay a small contribution to the overall cost.

Insurance - you will need to consider getting the right insurance for repairs and replacement of the caravan or contents if they happen to be damaged.

Gas - You will need to have a gas supply which is usually used to power the water heater and any other heating the caravan.

Electric - Used to power appliances, sockets and lights.

Additional fees and bills can range from £1,000 anywhere up to £12,000 on much luxurious parks. It is estimated on average holiday homeowners pay somewhere between £3,000 - £5,000.

Letting Your Holiday Home

Letting your holiday home isn’t permitted in all parks. However, some do, and this allows you to make a healthy chunk of money by renting out your holiday home whilst you aren’t using it. This money can go towards your annual fees and sometimes wipe them completely!

Lots of people have reservations about letting out their beloved holiday home because they are dubious about others not looking after it or damaging it. However, when subletting you should make it clear that any damages should be paid for and that’s why you would have insurance in place too!