Starting or investing in a holiday and park lodge business in the UK can be a lucrative opportunity, given the rising demand for staycations.

Owning a holiday park home or caravan can be an enjoyable experience, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. Holiday Parks do not provide the same protection as Residential ones.

It is important if you are buying a holiday park home that you have a written agreement with the site owner, which explains what is included and what your rights are. You should be aware that you are generally buying the home and a temporary right to keep it on the land, so you will want to know what services are provided and what the charges will be, both now and into the future.

Before purchasing a holiday park home, or paying any deposit, we recommend that you seek legal advice. There are very few law firms that specialise in this type of work and it is important that you choose a solicitor that has experience of this niche area of law.

Should you have a dispute once you have purchased, we may also be able to assist you. We regularly deal with disagreements between residents or between residents and the site owner and we work hard to try and find a resolution for you.

Making a purchase can involve significant sums of money and it is often worthwhile investing a little to potentially save a lot. There are a significant number of pitfalls to avoid when buying a holiday lodge, as well as a number of things that you need to be aware of. Buying a holiday caravan is very different to buying a ‘bricks and mortar’ home or a residential park home.

Over the years that we have been dealing with static holiday caravans and other sites, we have come across cases where many thousands of pounds could have been saved if the agreements had been checked first.

Purchasing a holiday lodge represents a significant financial commitment. Investing a little upfront in expert advice can potentially save you a substantial amount in the long run. The process of buying a holiday caravan differs significantly from purchasing a traditional home or residential park home, with numerous pitfalls to be aware of.

Throughout our years of experience in the static holiday caravan and site industry, we’ve encountered numerous cases where thousands of pounds could have been saved simply by having agreements reviewed beforehand. Don’t let a costly oversight derail your holiday dream. Protect your investment and ensure a smooth purchase by seeking professional guidance. A small investment in due diligence can yield significant savings and peace of mind.

Here’s a breakdown of key areas to consider:

1. Business Setup & Strategy

• Choosing between owning a park vs. buying lodges in an existing park
• Selecting a location (coastal, countryside, lakeside)
• Target market (families, retirees, luxury, eco-friendly)

2. Legal & Regulatory Requirements

• Planning permission for lodges
• Licensing requirements for holiday parks
• Health & safety compliance
• Site management laws (if owning a park)

3. Investment & Financial Planning

• Buying vs. leasing lodges
• Funding options (loans, grants, investor support)
• Understanding ROI and occupancy rates
• VAT and tax implications for holiday lets

4. Operations & Management

• Choosing between self-managed vs. managed parks
• Lodge maintenance and servicing
• Security and guest management
• Seasonal pricing strategies

5. Marketing & Guest Experience

• Building a website and using booking platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com)
• Social media and digital marketing for direct bookings
• Offering unique experiences (hot tubs, eco-friendly stays, adventure packages)

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