Caravan owners ‘flying blind’ on value as thousands risk losing £10,000+ when they sell
Research shows that large numbers of caravan owners don’t know what their holiday home is worth.
Millions of pounds could be being lost by caravan and lodge owners across the UK, as new research reveals many have little to no idea what their holiday home is actually worth - just as rising costs push them towards selling.
The findings expose a critical weak point in the market: owners are being driven to exit by relentless fees and financial pressure, yet lack the information, support and trusted routes needed to sell without taking a hit.
Large numbers of caravan owners admit they do not know - or only have a vague idea - what their holiday home is currently worth, despite typical expected losses of around £10,000 when selling.
Owners are more likely to trust independent experts (39%) and specialist platforms (38%) than their own park (33%) for advice on selling - highlighting a breakdown in confidence at the point where money is most at stake.
Many owners are unclear on their options, including private sale, independent routes and park buy-back - raising concerns that people may default to the quickest option rather than the one that protects their finances. Nearly nine in 10 (89%) say they would use a trusted, independent platform offering valuations and pressure-free selling, pointing to a market ready for disruption.
For many caravan and lodge owners, the biggest financial risk is not when they buy. It is when they try to leave.
Ownership is often sold as a lifestyle investment. The reality is very different. Most owners now expect to lose money when they sell, typically between £5,000 and £20,000, according to new research from LodgesandCaravans.ForSale. At the same time, rising site fees and unexpected costs are pushing people towards the exit, leaving many trying to sell in a system they do not fully understand.
At the centre of this is a simple problem. People are making high-stakes decisions without knowing what their holiday home is worth. Many owners say they only have a rough estimate of their caravan’s resale value, if they have one at all. In a market shaped by licence length, pitch agreements, site fees and age limits, that lack of clarity can quickly turn into real financial loss.
Phil Spencer MBE said: “Too many owners are making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives without the full picture. You would not sell a house without knowing its value or understanding your options, yet that is exactly what is happening here.
“This is where people lose money. Not because the asset has no value, but because they do not have the right information at the right time. A proper valuation and a clear view of your options can make a huge difference to what you walk away with.”
Selling routes add another layer of risk. Some owners know they can sell back to their park, but fewer understand the alternatives, such as private buyers or independent platforms. Without that knowledge, it is easy to go with the simplest route rather than the one that protects your finances.
Trust is shifting as owners are turning to independent experts and specialist websites ahead of their own park for advice. Friends, forums and other owners are also playing a bigger role. People are actively looking elsewhere for guidance on decisions that can cost them thousands.
That matters because parks still control much of the selling process. They hold influence, but not always trust. For owners, that creates uncertainty at the worst possible moment.
Robert Kingsley, Founder of LodgesandCaravans.ForSale, said: “We are seeing people come to us after they have already been given one price and told that is their only option. In reality, that is rarely the case.
“Small gaps in knowledge can lead to big losses. If you do not understand the value of what you own, or the routes available to you, it becomes very easy to accept less than you should.
“There is a clear appetite for something different. Owners want transparency, they want control, and they want to feel confident they are not being rushed into a decision that could cost them thousands.”
The demand for a different approach is clear. Nearly nine in ten owners say they would use a trusted, independent platform that offers valuations, guidance and a way to sell without pressure. This includes many who currently expect to sell through their park.
The wider picture is hard to ignore. 88% of owners expect to lose money when they sell and 84% say rising fees have made them consider leaving. For many, the choice is simple. Stay and pay more, or leave and take a loss.
In that position, information matters. Knowing the real value, understanding the options and taking time before making a decision can directly affect how much money owners walk away with.
Phil Spencer is fronting a new “Caravan MOT” guide to help owners take back control and avoid unnecessary losses when selling:
- Get at least two independent valuations - never rely on a single figure, particularly if it comes from someone involved in the sale.
- Read your agreement in full - resale fees, commissions and restrictions can significantly reduce what you take home.
- Explore every route - selling back to the park is not the only option, and often not the most financially favourable.
- Understand what drives value - licence length, pitch terms and site fees all impact price, not just the caravan itself.
- Do not rush - pressure-led decisions are where owners are most likely to lose thousands.