Over the past 10 years there has been a substantial growth in the number of UK holiday makers taking self drive holidays to Europe staying in sited static caravans on holiday parks, especially in France and Spain. As a result of this growth we have also seen increased interest in the ownership opportunities on holiday parks in these country's.
Key regions include;
Spain - Costa del Sol, Malaga, Marbella, Neria, Almeria, Murcia, Alicante, Valencia and Barcelona
France - Normandy, Loire Valley, Brittany, Vendee, Cote d'Azur, Midi Pyrenees and Aquitaine.
At this time Southern Spain is very popular but plots are limited so you will need to research fully.
Many of the recommendations for buying a static holiday caravan in the UK are still valid when considering an overseas purchase.
However you need to consider other influences such as;
- Local Legislation. You will need to find out about local government legislation on static caravans and taxes that may be charged.
- Climate. European ownership generally offers improved summer weather, however regions such as southern Spain can be very hot in summer and may not be suitable for long terms stays with a young family.
- Contracts. Purchase and license agreements need to be fully understood when purchasing, however this can be more complicated with the language and cultural differences when buying abroad and many people seek services of a legal professional. As always make sure you are aware of all costs such as pitch fees. Be aware currency fluctuations may have an influence on costs.
Buying Process
- Identify the country & region you would like to buy in.
- Choose the park that meets you individual needs.
- Find a plot on your chosen park
Many larger park chains can offer an excellent choice of parks in a particular country. Be aware the majority of sales teams are normally based overseas but will handle questions via the telephone or email. Many parks now offer discounted inspection trips to allow potential buys to view before they buy.
As with any large purchase careful consideration must be taken. Do not rush into or be pressured into making a purchase unless your are completely sure it is the correct plot on the correct parks in the correct location, as well as the most suitable caravan.
If finance is required again ensure you shop around to get the best deal, get at least three qoutes and select the most competitive, as long as it suits your needs.
