Buying a seaside static caravan

We owned a static caravan for many years (2 actually). We loved it BUT the site costs were horrendous. Children wanted to go somewhere else for a holiday. We never had time to go and stay there because one of us was always working. It is a lovely idea and may work for you but add up all the costs for the year including possible winterising and summarising, cleaning, rental site fees etc. Then sit down and honestly think how many times you and the family would actually go (don’t assume your kids want this) and then divide the total cost by the number of weeks in a year that you would realistically stay there and see if it is at all economical or whether it would be cheaper to rent.

Some sites have seasonal pitches for towed caravans and storage facilities for them.

Worth investigating?

To us the enjoyment factor could not be ignored or underestimated.
Very happy days.

Yes, I should have factored in enjoyment!

We had one in North Wales for several years, we loved every minute.
It does cost and you must expect that, we "used up " a considerable sum over the years but never regretted a penny.
It was our home from home, everything was there, we knew the neighbours, we knew the area and loved the walking by the sea.
If you build all this into your calculations I think you will love it.
The fact that family can use it is a real bonus and they will thank you for it.

Nonogran said that she leaves it on the site all year though. Interesting, I didn't know you could do that.

We had a towing van but sold it a while ago. I had often thought a static van could be an option but we don't always want to go to the same place and you would need to do that to be able get any value from it.

The site fees can be very high, so I think working out the cost per annum, adding in the cost of the van over the years you would be allowed to keep it on the site could be worthwhile.

Thanks for replies.
Unfortunately we couldn’t have a towing one since where we live there would be nowhere to park it - at least not without profoundly annoying our neighbours, since parking is always tight.

I’d prefer to own rather than rent, so it’d be available for half terms and school holidays, and weekends when we know the weather looks promising. It’s usually too late to book anything you like by then!

Statics look great but are an expensive money pit! Read the small print thoroughly. We bought a large towing cvan and leave it all year on what's called a "seasonal pitch" in Cornwall. Much less expensive & enough comfort for all our family needs. We'll never tow so we're happy to leave it there. Can't wait for April 1st! Out little bit of paradise without too many strings or worries about contracts, depreciation, or fees.

On the borders of Hampshire/Dorset are Hoburne caravans and lodges with everything you need. Several sites. Site fees expensive but beautiful area.

As you’ve said they are not an investment and there are conditions and site fees.
It would depend on how often you are using it whether it was worthwhile. For example if the overall cost was £30,000 plus annual ground rent, how would that compare to renting one 5 times a year for the next 10 years?
All numbers are just hypothetical.

Oh I forgot the average running costs are an eye watering 7K per annum at that site.

Been to Weymouth Bay camp several times with all my family over many years we all love it there. Some of the vans are just like being at home with heating, dishwashers etc. There is lots to do there and it’s a clean orderly site. I’ve never seen any ‘rowdies’ if I’m honest.

The modern ones are very spacious and comfortable. I think site fees are around £4000. Tbh I would go to a better site than haven. I am thinking of rowdies