Things to Consider When Buying a Holiday Lodge

If you are looking for a pleasant retreat or a base for adventures, in a great spot, then buying a holiday lodge could be an attractive option.

1. Choose the holiday or residential park

The location, the security, the neighbours, the management, the other services, the atmosphere and the site rules are all things to consider when buying a holiday lodge. You may want to rent on the park you like for a while to really see if it is for you. This is often possible on many parks.

You can take this opportunity if you wish then, to get to know your potential neighbours, to make the journey to the beach and the nearby shops and facilities, to really test it out. With repeated visits you can learn if there are any seasonal changes in the park or the surrounding area (like what happens in school holidays, for instance), both positive and negative.

2. Think about the distance

If you do stay for a trial period in a lodge that you like, you might want to repeat the experience to get an idea of the journey at different times of year. Also, it may be worth considering other situations which might require you to make a journey. It may be a good idea to ask the park management of your chosen park if they have any provision to assist you in case of an emergency involving your lodge.

3. Choose the type of holiday lodge

Like the park itself, you might want to try out the lodge or type of lodge you are interested in. This way you can get a good idea as to whether repeated trips to stay in the one you choose will be the treat it should be. Is there enough storage? Is it easy to cook, to relax, to sit quietly? Is there any noise transfer with the neighbours? Is there traffic inside the park? These are just some of the questions that can be answered in only a short stay.

4. Is your holiday lodge a second home?

A holiday lodge is not a bricks and mortar home and you won’t get a mortgage on one. It is usually constructed on a steel chassis and has a life span of around 20 years. Your holiday park will probably only have a holiday licence so you cannot move in as your permanent residence and may even be restricted to a limited continual use.

Even though it will probably not serve as a financial investment that adds value over time, you may find it is worth your while to rent out your holiday lodge when you are not using it. This may earn you some profit or at least help with your costs. It may be a good idea to ask your park if this is possible before you make the commitment.

5. Maintenance

You may find that good maintenance is the key to the longevity of your holiday lodge. You might also discover that your park has rules about minimum levels of maintenance and upkeep to maintain the overall standard of the park. Your holiday lodge insurance cover too, will require a minimum level of maintenance for you to be able to make a successful claim. Maintaining your holiday lodge is not too difficult to organise and often your park management will have ways they can help.

Your park management might also be able to assist in the annual maintenance needed to best see your holiday lodge through the winter months. You may want to factor any costs associated with running and maintaining your holiday lodge when you calculate your budget for buying one.

6. Site fees

When you make your budget calculations, it is important to remember to factor in the site fees of the park where you lodge is located.

7. Can the licence period be extended?

Agreements with residential or holiday parks will have a time limit on them, of say twelve years. You can ask at the outset if there is a possibility of extending this should you find that your holiday lodge is still in a good condition and you are still enjoying its use.

8. A lifestyle investment

You may value your holiday lodge as a relatively affordable luxury which saves on hotel bills but more importantly, gives you the lifestyle you want. Properly maintained, there is no reason why your holiday lodge cannot last indefinitely. Therefore the return from your investment, in terms of the life you can lead, may far outweigh any financial gain.

9. Insurance

Specific issues may arise with your holiday lodge, which a specialist insurer like Park Home Assist is best placed to deal with and anticipate. Look for an insurer with many years’ experience in providing insurance cover for holiday lodge owners. You may also value the ability to tailor your insurance cover to your specific needs with the help of additional optional benefits like Home Emergency Cover or Legal Expenses Cover, that can be added to your standard cover.

We hope these tips help you in your choice to buy a holiday lodge.

This is a marketing article from multi-award-winning Park Home Assist.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

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Published – 21/06/24