As the popularity of UK holidays continues to increase many families are recognising the benefits of owning a holiday home within easy reach.
Perhaps the single biggest question that deters many of us from taking the plunge and buying a holiday home is ‘will I use it enough to justify the expense?’
The attractions of a dream home in the sun have obvious appeal. But tiresome travel by flight or ferry takes away the spontaneity of using it and the downside of managing the property from a distance, combined with the vagaries of property law in other countries is enough to keep most of us from signing away our savings.
But as the staycation looks set to stay more people are discovering the benefits of buying a holiday home closer to home. And for many families this can be just a few miles from where they live.
Haven Holidays, who sell holiday homes at choice of 34 holiday parks around the UK say that the majority of their customers live less than two hours drive away from their holiday home and some even closer.
Whilst initially this might be surprising, research carried out amongst new customers revealed some very sound reasons for buying so close to home.
The company cited customers who use their caravan almost as an extension to their own property, allowing them to downsize their own home whilst retaining the flexibility of accommodating visitors. Family and especially grandchildren can stay nearby on the holiday park with the added attraction of all the facilities and activities on offer.
And for many families it’s a place where their children can enjoy all the benefits of being on holiday for the whole of the long school holidays – whilst remaining close enough to home for a working parent to commute.
A holiday home within easy reach provides some couples with the flexibility of making a spur of the moment decision to spend a night at the caravan.
‘Sometimes we just pop to the park for a night out,’ said Alan Webber, who owns a holiday home at Devon Cliffs, twenty minutes drive from his home in Exeter. ‘We keep food and clothes in the caravan so if we decide to stay everything we need is there. Initially we thought of buying in Cornwall, but we were concerned that the drive would mean we’d only use our holiday home occasionally.’
Their purchase proved a popular choice, not just for Alan and wife Barbara but also his extended family of children and grandchildren who regularly visit the park. With nightly entertainment at a choice of three venues, a cafe bar and restaurant plus a swimming pool and spa it has plenty to offer even just for an overnight visit.
Carole and Mike Flavelle, who live in Truro say ‘ buying a caravan just ten miles away at Haven Holidays’ Perran Sands was one of the best lifestyle decisions we’ve made.’
The park is popular with families from all over the country who love the location directly on one of Cornwall’s top surfing beaches. But for the Flavelles it’s just a twenty minute drive from their own home.
‘At first we used the caravan as a sort of glorified beach hut,’ Carole continued. ‘We came to enjoy the beach, the surfing and a round of golf. But it rapidly became a real home from home. It’s a great place to relax, meet up with friends and enjoy spending time with our family.’
Two years ago the Flavelles upgraded their holiday home to a Swift Chamonix with a full height patio doors opening onto decking - perfect for barbecues and enjoying the glorious views of the sea.
Whilst initially people couldn’t understand why they’d bought the caravan, now the couple’s closest friends have bought one too!
So what are the costs of owning a caravan holiday home and how does it compare with a traditional holiday cottage?
This year thousands of new families and couples have opted to buy a caravan holiday home with Haven, typically spending between £20-25,000 on their purchase although it’s possible to buy a ‘pre-loved starter home’ on some parks for as little as £10,000.
With no legal fees, stamp duty or surveys it’s a very tempting – and instant - proposition. A cash deposit of £3000 will secure a holiday home costing £14,995. Typically finance can be arranged on the basis of 84 monthly payments of £195.28* which will include the site fees and insurance for the first year.
Top of the range caravan holiday homes – or lodges - can cost anything up to £100,000 but for that money you can expect full contemporary styling with heating, double-glazing, ensuite facilities, beautifully fitted kitchens, free-standing furniture and a prime position with a wonderful view.
The new models for 2011 will soon be available at all Haven parks, including a four bedroom holiday home that comfortably sleeps ten people.
Whilst it’s possible to recoup some or all of the running costs through sub-letting (and Haven offer a managed sub-let service) most people buy to improve their lifestyle and not as a financial investment.
A spokesperson for Haven said, ‘The bubble seems to have burst on places like Spain as a second holiday home destination. The high value of the Euro and problems with air travel have put many people off.
This year more of our new owners are ‘empty nesters’ – older couples who have opted to make an investment in the quality of their lifestyle in preference to maintaining savings that simply aren’t generating any interest. And they enjoy very regular and extended use of their holiday homes throughout the season.
We offer exclusive facilities for owners and a programme of leisure events and entertainment that encourage people to enjoy an active social life and strong feeling of community around their holiday home. And there’s always plenty going on when they invite their children and grand-children to stay.’
For more information about Haven’s 34 UK holiday parks and owning your own holiday home call 0871 230 1299 or visit www.havenholidayhomes.com
23rd Sept 2010
For media information, additional case studies and photos please contact Deborah McCabe on 01444 235 154 or email deborah@aboutwords.co.uk
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Haven Holidays is part of Bourne Leisure Ltd who own Warner Leisure Hotels and Butlins Resorts and were awarded Best UK Operator 2010 by Travel Trade Gazette.
Re Finance:
*Holiday Home package price £14,995, cash deposit £3,000, balance to finance £11,995, 84 monthly payments of £195.28 flat rate of 5.25% fixed, 9.9% APR (typical).
Total amount repayable £16,403.52.
0% finance also available on selected Holiday Homes, subject to status and deposit criteria.
Typically most holiday home prices include the first year’s site fees and insurance.
