Advice on buying or renting for short term use

[Panda]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently looking to purchase a touring caravan and would really appreciate some guidance from those with experience.

My budget is around £6,000–£8,000 (ideally less than £5,000) and I’m planning to use it for short-term accommodation (around 3–6 months) while some building works are carried out at home.

I’m ideally looking for:

• 4 berth
• Fixed bed (French bed preferred)
• Single axle
• Motor mover (ideally already fitted)
• Awning (bonus but not essential)
• Preferably non-timber construction (e.g. Bailey Alu-Tech)

I’m not planning to tow it regularly — it will likely be delivered and positioned in the garden — so towing isn’t a major concern.

A couple of questions I’d really value opinions on:

1. What models should I be focusing on in this price range?
   (I’ve been looking at Bailey Pegasus / Swift Sprite etc.)
2. Is £7k a realistic budget for something clean, damp-free and ready to use?
3. Are there any common pitfalls I should watch out for at this level?
   (I know damp is a big one)
4. Would renting a caravan instead be a viable alternative for 3–6 months, or is buying and reselling generally the better route financially? If renting, where would you suggest looking?
5. Anything else you think I should prioritise or avoid?

Really appreciate any advice — just trying to make a sensible decision and avoid costly mistakes.

 

[borderbilly]

I would go with a private sale, loads more for your money 💰 If you know what to look out for.

 

[Panda]

Thanks borderbilly, that's the trouble, I don't know what to look out for, hence asking for some guidance
🙂

 

[borderbilly]

If you know someone with a caravan that would help, also your location.

 

[Panda]

Sadly nobody in my network has one. We are in South England near Luton

 

[Hutch]

Sadly nobody in my network has one. We are in South England near Luton

The Caravan Company, based in Wavendon, MK17 8AP, near to Woburn Sands, hire out older caravans, but they are not cheap. Call them on 01908 586000, They will deliver and collect.

 

[otherclive]

If you want assurance over damp ask to see the latest damp survey by AWS or MCEA. if older than six months ask Seller if you can commission a survey. That’s the key thing for if you sell on. Most other things are easily repairable.

 

[Len W]

Lots of static caravans going cheap mostly just outlived the pitch rules for long term use. or maybe if pitch space is at a premium.
An 8ft wide German built van, Solid construction TUC or Fendt, or Hobby loads on ebay way below budget.
best of luck with the build.

 

[Panda]

Lots of static caravans going cheap mostly just outlived the pitch rules for long term use. or maybe if pitch space is at a premium.
An 8ft wide German built van, Solid construction TUC or Fendt, or Hobby loads on ebay way below budget.
best of luck with the build.

Thanks Len. Would you mind sharing a link or two by way of example?

 

[otherclive]

Need to check access for a static caravan, plus any potential planning aspects.

 

[Mel]

If you decide to buy, there are good older used vans to be had. I second the advice to get a once over by an AWS technician. The cost is worth it to avoid a total lemon.

Approved Touring Caravan & Motorhome Servicing in the UK

The Approved Workshop Scheme is the benchmark for motorhome and touring caravan servicing in the UK with fixed and mobile workshops nationwide.

www.approvedworkshops.co.uk

On the other hand if you have no plans to tow it or use it beyond your building project, you could look for the absolutely cheapest possible (£2-£3K or less if you can find it.) and just get someone to check that the rain isn’t going to come in; the floor isn’t going to break underneath you and none of the electrics or gas are going to kill you. You can then scrap it at the end and get a fair chunk of the money back.

My SiL’s Dad got a van off a mate for £300. Soggy with damp at the front, He just sealed the front but didn’t really repair the inside boards; used it for 2+ years and traded it in against a newer van for more than he had paid for it.
Good luck