Haven Holidays reported a 38 per cent increase in sales of “static” caravans this summer as cash-strapped Britons shunned (suddenly expensive) overseas breaks for cheaper ones in the UK.
Haven, one of Britain’s biggest caravan park operators and part of the Bourne Leisure Group, said that it had sold 2,500 caravans on mainly coastal sites since the summer season began in mid-March. It means that 25,000, or about half, of the caravans in its 34 holiday parks are now owned by third parties. Cornwall and Wales have proven to be particularly popular, with sales in those areas more than doubling this summer, Haven said.
Naomi Woodstock, senior product manager at Haven, said: “A lot more people are holidaying in Britain now and that’s making a huge difference. More and more people are coming to the parks and typically it is those who have had a holiday with us and enjoyed it that buy the caravans
“We have also noticed a rise in the demographic. A lot of people that would traditionally have gone overseas are now visiting the parks and buying caravans.” In some cases, people are even buying the caravans as an investment at a time when banking savings rates are low. A typical caravan costs about £18,000 and can be rented out for between £500 and £1,000 during August, the peak of the holiday season. Top-of-the range models can cost as much as £80,000, although they can earn more in rentals.
A buyer can use their caravan or sub-let it, privately or through Haven. Haven is happy to sell caravans in its parks because, after the sale, it continues to receive a fee from the owner for managing the site.
Taken From Times Online
