Can You Live in a Caravan Full-Time?
A caravan is a brilliant alternative home for those who want to explore sites around the UK or settle down in a more affordable home, but can you live in a caravan full-time? Living in a caravan is a great option for many but it also comes with its own challenges, and in this blog, we’ll explore if and how living in a caravan full-time is possible.
If you’re thinking about living life on the road, find out more about financing a touring caravan with Auto Finance.
Disclaimer: You cannot live in any vehicle if it is on finance.
Can you live in a static caravan full-time?
You can live in a static caravan full time but it is crucial to ensure you choose to live in an area where this is legal. The rules set out by the 1983 Mobile Homes Act state that only parks or areas with a permanent residential licence can be used to pitch your caravan full-time.
There are a few ways you can live in a static caravan including:
Buying private land
If you’re in a fortunate position to be able to buy your own private land, you can do so and apply for planning permission to place a static caravan there to live in full-time.
Staying at residential parks
You can stay all year round in a residential caravan park that has a residence license. Here, you’ll be connected to electricity, water and gas in the same way you would in any other permanent residence. You’ll also be able to have post delivered to your residential caravan. Some sites have different rules about residency, but you can use a residential site finder to find the best location for you.
Can you live in a touring caravan full-time?
You are technically able to live in a touring caravan full time but there are some obstacles that you need to overcome in order to do so. If you want to live in a touring caravan, you won’t be able to stay in a holiday park or on the street.
Touring caravan sites are for short-term stays and are limited to only 28-day stays. This means you will have to relocate to a new site every 28 days or vacate the site for 48 hours before returning. This is fine if you enjoy moving around regularly but this can be inconvenient if you’re stationed in one place for work or want to be near family. You’ll likely need to get your caravan serviced more frequently if you’re moving around full-time, so make sure you take this into consideration as well.
If you choose to live in a touring caravan you’ll also need to have a permanent address of some form where your bills, council tax and other correspondence will be sent. You’ll also need to continue paying for utilities on this property.
What are the benefits of living in a caravan?
Whether you’re living in a touring caravan or a static caravan, there can be some great advantages to choosing this alternative as a home.
Saves money
Choosing to buy or rent a caravan full-time is ultimately a less costly experience than living in a traditional house or apartment. You’ll be able to benefit from things like reduced water and council tax bills on site. The maintenance of a caravan is also less costly than that of a traditional property.
For some tips on how to keep bills low, check out our blog on touring caravan energy-saving tips.
Access to the outdoors
With a caravan you and your family will have access to a green open space right on your doorstep. This in itself is a privilege that many people who live in flats and houses do not have access to.
Become a part of the community
Living on a caravan site in close proximity to others can give you a sense of community and allow you to make friends and bond with other members of the site. This is often difficult in secluded houses or private residential flats.
What are some negatives of living in a caravan?
More and more people are choosing to live in caravans long term, but there are some downsides to making the switch.
Limited space
One of the biggest limitations to living in a caravan is the space. If you have a growing family or you want a lot of room for storage it can be easy to outgrow your caravan space and there is little choice for upgrades due to limitations and regulations on caravan size.
Legal hurdles
Making sure the area you’ve chosen to stay in is legal to inhabit can be tricky. Many sites don’t make their residency rules clear and if you’re in a touring caravan you’ll be forced to regularly move. Knowing which bills you’ll have to pay is also difficult and if you’re in a touring caravan you’re required by law to have a permanent residency and continue paying bills there like council tax.
Weather concerns
Whilst caravans are a great option for sunny retreats, they are not always well equipt for the wet and windy British weather. If you’re staying in a caravan all year round you might need to take additional measures to keep your caravan protected against weather damage. You may also need to purchase additional heating to stay warm in harsh winters.
Carefree caravan finance with Auto Finance
So can you live in a caravan full time? Now you know the answer is yes! And what better way to start a new life on the road than with touring caravan finance from Auto Finance.
While we don’t finance static caravans, we offer finance options for a wide range of touring caravans using our finance calculator and will scour the UK to find you the best deal.
If you want a finance plan for your caravan that’s on your terms, get in touch with Auto Finance and make your dream of travelling come true.
For more on caravans, check out some of our other guides:
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payments of
Cash price £15,000, deposit £0, total amount of credit £15,000, term 7 years, 84 monthly payments of £244.99, on a hire purchase agreement, option to purchase fee £1, total amount payable £20,578.77, representative APR 9.9%, rate of interest 9.9% fixed.
Rates may differ as they are dependent on individual circumstances. Subject to status.
