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Holiday home buyer's guide

Buying your first holiday home? It’s as easy as… 1, 2, 3

Buying a holiday home is exciting, but there’s a lot to consider. Our simple guide will help you ask the right questions, focus on what matters most, and make the best decision for you.

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1: Choose your park

The most important decision when buying a static caravan or lodge isn’t the home itself – it’s the park. The same model might be available at several parks, but your experience will be different depending on the location, facilities, atmosphere, and the quality of the park.

At Discover Parks, we take a no-pressure approach to sales. We want to help you make the right choice for you, whether that’s here or somewhere else.

Things to consider:

How far is the park from home?

If the location doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you may not visit as often as you’d planned or enjoy it as much as you’d hoped. If the park is only a couple of hours away, spontaneous short breaks and weekend trips are much easier. If you prefer longer stays, travel distance may matter less.

What does the park offer?

Some people love the buzz of entertainment; others just want the sound of birdsong.

At Discover Parks, every park sits by the water and is a haven for nature lovers—but each has its own vibe. Pearl Lake brings the entertainment, with golf, fishing, adventure play, a restaurant, and a bar. Arrow Bank is a prime spot for those who love fishing and village life, while Rockbridge is about fresh air, beautiful views, and amazing dark skies.

So, consider what matters most to you and your family and what will bring you the greatest joy.

What’s nearby?

How important are local amenities to you? Do you need a pub, grocer, petrol station, or restaurant? Do you want direct access to walking and cycling routes? What attractions are near the park, and can you see yourself enjoying them throughout the seasons and over the years?

At Discover Parks, all our locations are near village amenities and have country trails from the door. We’re close to historic locations like Hereford and Ludlow, National Trust properties, the Shropshire Hills AONB, and the Brecon Beacons National Park, plus many castles, market towns, and galleries. Variety like this is important to keep your visits feeling fresh.

Is the park good for children?

If you have children or grandchildren, think about how they’ll spend their time. Are there places to explore, activities nearby, or open spaces where they can play?

Is the park pet-friendly?

A park might be listed as dog-friendly, but does it have everything your pet needs—like trails from the doorstep, spaces to run, and facilities just for them?

At Discover Parks, all our parks have on-site walks, open fields, and woodland trails to explore, plus secure off-lead areas where they can run free. We have dog wash rooms with warm showers and hairdryers, and the Lakeside Bar & Bistro is dog-friendly, as are many nearby pubs and cafés. So your four-legged explorer can have the full holiday experience too!

What are the running costs?

When planning your holiday home budget, it’s important to look beyond the purchase price and consider ongoing costs. We’d be happy to talk you through the different annual costs, but typically, they include:

  • Site Fees – Also known as pitch fees, this is the rent you pay for your holiday home’s place on the park. It covers park facilities, maintenance, staff, security, and utility connections. How much the lodge or caravan site fees cost depends on factors such as the park’s size, location, facilities, season length, and the size and setting of your individual pitch.
  • Insurance – Most parks require owners to have their own insurance for static caravans or lodges to cover against fire, flood, theft, and public liability. At Discover Parks, we’ve arranged a competitive group insurance policy*, but you’re free to choose your own insurer as long as the cover meets park requirements.
  • Electricity & Gas – Some parks charge based on average park consumption. At Discover, gas and electricity are metered and billed twice a year, so you only pay for what you use.
  • Rates, Water & Drainage – While you won’t pay council tax for your holiday home, parks are required to pay business rates to the local council. You’ll be asked to contribute to this annual fee, along with the costs for the park’s water and sewerage services.
  • Maintenance & Servicing – Holiday homes require some regular upkeep. While you might handle most of this yourself, you may prefer extra help from the park. For example, we offer a full winterisation package, cleaning, and safety checks.
  • TV – If you already have a TV licence for your main residence and no one will be watching or streaming live TV while you’re on the park, you shouldn’t need an additional licence as long as you complete a ‘Non-simultaneous Use Declaration Form.’ Be sure to check the TV Licensing website for the latest information and conditions.
  • Internet – Depending on local infrastructure, some parks offer Wi-Fi. At Discover, you have free access to the main parkwide Wi-Fi for light browsing. If you need more data for streaming or downloads, we recommend using a private Wi-Fi dongle in your caravan or, if available, having a dedicated line installed.
  • Finance – At Discover Parks, we offer finance on all our static caravans and lodges. This means you could own a holiday home from under £250 per month. You can also borrow up to £20,000 with an interest rate as low as 4.9% on a brand new holiday home. Our Ownership Team can explain how it works. e: ownership@discoverparks.co.uk.

*Discover Parks Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Bspoke Lifestyle Ltd and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN number 413858. Compass Insurance is a trading name of Bspoke Lifestyle Ltd, registered in England and Wales under Company Number: 11429456 at Registered address: 7 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester GL1 3ND. Bspoke Lifestyle Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN Number: 820727.

Take some advice from our existing owners

“Glenn and the sales team have always been very friendly, open, fair, and honest, but take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want to ensure you’re happy before buying a holiday home. ”

Tony Ward, Owner at Pearl Lake

“Because we had never been camping or caravanning our first dip into the water of ownership of a static was a pre-owned van on Kingfisher just to see if we liked the lifestyle. We very quickly decided that this was the life for us, upgrading and moving from our original plot to a brand-new lodge. ”

Marilyn Bartle, Owner at Arrow Bank

“Discover Parks are honest and trustworthy- if you have any doubts, come and look round. The parks are beautifully kept and you can talk to any of the Pearl Lake owners. We will make you welcome and put your mind at ease. ”

Pam George, Owner at Pearl Lake

“It’s as beautiful in real life as in pictures. Maintenance staff and gardeners do a fantastic job keeping the park looking beautiful and welcoming. ”

Irene Holden, Owner at Pearl Lake

2: Choose your home

Once you’ve found the right holiday park, the next step is choosing your home. Some people know immediately which one feels right, while others need more time to consider options. Here are some things to keep in mind:

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Patio doors & decking

One of the joys of owning a luxury lodge or static caravan is the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. With patio doors—at the front, side, or even both—you can step straight onto the decking to enjoy your morning coffee or a glass of wine at sunset. Bliss!

How many bedrooms?

A two-bedroom holiday home is ideal for couples, with a second bedroom for occasional guests. If you regularly host visitors, a three-bedroom model might be a better fit. Most holiday homes also have a sofa bed in the living area for added flexibility.

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Open-plan or separate lounge?

An open-plan layout has the advantage of being more sociable. However, a separate lounge can feel cosier and more private—ideal if you prefer a quiet space to read or watch a film without kitchen noise in the background. A separate lounge with a sofa bed can also work well as a third bedroom for visitors.

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Bath or shower?

Most holiday homes come with at least one shower room. Some also have a bath, which can feel like a luxury. If you’ll have guests staying regularly, an additional en-suite or extra shower room can make life easier.

Budget considerations

It’s easy to get carried away when looking at holiday homes, so it’s important to keep your budget in mind. We can offer you advice to help you balance your must-haves with your budget to find the best model for you.

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Part exchanging your tourer

Thinking of swapping life on the road for a countryside retreat? You may be able to trade in your tourer or motorhome as part of your deposit on a new holiday home.

3: Choose your plot

If you have the option to choose your plot, here are a few things to think about:

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Sunshine or shade?

Think about how the sun moves throughout the day. If you’re planning to have decking, do you want morning sun for breakfast outside or an evening space to watch the sunset? Of course, you can want (and have) both.

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Your view & location

Would you like to be beside the lake for beautiful views, in a peaceful tucked-away corner, or in the heart of the community?

Accessibility

Does the plot meet your current and future accessibility requirements? Most of our holiday homes have an adjacent private parking space for easy access. We can also install ramps onto the decking, should you need access for a mobility scooter.

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Ready to take the next step?

We’re here to help every step of the way, with no pressure and no hard sell.
Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a decision, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need.

Got questions? Let’s chat!