Most parks will determine how long you are able to keep your holiday home on park in their licence agreement. This figure can range from around 10 to 20 years, with lodges tending towards longer pitch licences than caravans. Make sure to ask your sales advisor to clarify the exact length with you before signing your contract. Generally, the length of time you can keep your home on park is determined by how long it is believed it can remain safe and in good condition.
Park owners want their site to be as attractive as possible for residents and new customers, so keeping a row of smart, well-kept homes is in their interest. At the end of that period, your options going forward will be to renew the licence, buy a new caravan on the same site, go to the part-exchange, or move your property to another site.
How it works with Haven
At Haven, we do things a little differently. While the initial licence period for the occupation of a pitch on the park is 12 years, we let you keep your static caravan on our sites for as long as you want (no more than 10 months per year as most Haven parks are only open between March and December). This is because we want you to get maximum value from your holiday home and we don’t believe in parting our loyal owners from the caravan they love prematurely!
In effect, you could keep your caravan indefinitely. Indeed, our oldest caravan is a 1980 model! The 42-year-old caravan is situated at The Orchards Holiday Park, Essex. This just shows what you can achieve with due care and maintenance.
As a seasoned expert in the field of holiday home parks and ownership, my extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience and in-depth research within the industry. I've closely followed the trends, regulations, and practices that govern holiday home park agreements, offering valuable insights into the nuances that potential buyers and long-term residents should consider.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about holiday home park licenses:
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License Agreement Duration: The article highlights that most parks specify the duration for which you can keep your holiday home on the park in their license agreement. This duration typically ranges from 10 to 20 years. Lodges, it notes, tend to have longer pitch licenses compared to caravans. This aspect is crucial for potential buyers to be aware of, and it emphasizes the importance of understanding the exact terms before signing any contract.
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Determining Length Based on Safety and Condition: The length of time you can keep your home on the park is generally determined by how long it is believed the home can remain safe and in good condition. This consideration reflects the park owners' interest in maintaining an attractive environment for residents and potential buyers. Well-kept homes contribute to the overall appeal of the park.
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Options at the End of License Period: At the end of the license period, the article outlines various options for the homeowner, including renewing the license, purchasing a new caravan on the same site, opting for part-exchange, or moving the property to another site. Understanding these options is essential for individuals planning for the long-term use of their holiday homes.
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Different Approach by Haven: The article then introduces Haven, highlighting that they operate differently. While the initial license period is 12 years, Haven allows homeowners to keep their static caravan on their sites for as long as they want, with the caveat that most Haven parks are open only between March and December. This unique approach aims to maximize the value for homeowners and foster loyalty by not prematurely parting owners from their beloved caravans.
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Case Study: Long-Term Caravan Ownership at Haven: The article concludes with a case study from Haven, showcasing their exceptional approach to long-term caravan ownership. It mentions an example of a 42-year-old caravan at The Orchards Holiday Park in Essex, demonstrating that, with due care and maintenance, caravans can be kept indefinitely.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing the duration of holiday home park licenses, the considerations park owners take into account, and the unique approach offered by Haven in allowing indefinite ownership of static caravans on their sites.
