Buying a Static Caravan in 2026? Why Owners-Only Holiday Parks Are the Smarter Choice

1. Two Very Different Worlds

The holiday home market has split.

On one side you’ve got commercial parks.
Big marketing. Big footfall. Big turnover.

They’re usually a mix of:

• the park’s own rental fleet, and
• owners who sublet through the park (often for commission).

Their business model is simple:
keep units occupied and keep check-ins flowing.

On the other side you’ve got owners-only parks.
No rental fleet. No commercial subletting.

It’s a different kind of ownership.

Not “holiday resort”.

More “your own place”, in a community that stays stable.

And heading into 2026, that stability matters more than ever.

2. Understanding the Difference

What Is a Mixed-Use Commercial Park?

These parks are built around rentals.

Sometimes it’s the park’s own fleet.
Sometimes it’s owners subletting through the park (for commission).

• The goal: maximise occupancy
• The atmosphere: busy, high-energy, constant arrivals
• Your role: often treated like inventory, not a neighbour

If you sublet, you’re effectively running a tiny accommodation business.

What Is an Owners-Only Park?

An owners-only park doesn’t allow commercial renting to strangers.

It’s built for people who want a consistent place to escape to.

• The goal: keep owners happy long-term
• The atmosphere: calm, secure, predictable
• Your role: part of a community, not a booking slot

In short: a commercial park is a resort.
An owners-only park is closer to a village.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

If you’re short on time, this comparison tells you what matters.

If your priority is peace and long-term value,
owners-only is usually the safer bet.

4. The Money Stuff: Why 2026 Changed the Conversation

The boring financial stuff matters more than the brochure.

Because the rules around second homes and holiday lets have tightened.

The “Brick and Mortar” Tax Pressure

If you were thinking, “Maybe we should just buy a holiday cottage instead…”

Pause.

From April 2025, councils in England can charge a premium of up to 100% on many second homes (meaning up to double the bill).

In Wales, councils can charge even more — up to 300% in some areas.

That can turn a “normal” annual bill into a much sharper ongoing cost.

And it’s one reason buyers have shifted back towards holiday parks.

The Static Caravan Angle (Why It’s Different)

Static caravans and lodges on holiday parks are generally not liable for Council Tax as long as they’re not used as anyone’s sole or main residence.

Instead, the park pays business rates and recovers a share of that cost through your site fees.

Note: This is general information only. Tax rules change and personal circumstances vary — always check your position with a qualified adviser.

The Buy-to-Let Reality Check

Commercial parks used to sell caravans with one promise:

“Let it out and it pays for itself.”

That story is weaker now.

In April 2025, the government abolished the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime, removing several tax advantages that holiday let owners relied on.

• Finance costs: less favourable treatment for many owners
• Tax: higher bills for some, even on the same income
• Wear & tear: renters accelerate the damage cycle

On an owners-only park, you’re not chasing rental profit.

But you also avoid the tax admin, the unknowns, and the churn.

Note: Tax rules change regularly. This guide is general information only — always check your personal position with a qualified adviser.

5. Security of Tenure: The Upgrade Myth Explained

You might have heard horror stories.

The “Wild West” reputation usually comes from how some parks treat older units.

The Commercial Churn Model

On more aggressive commercial parks, sales turnover is the engine.

Shorter licence terms.
Heavier pressure to upgrade.

Sometimes it’s less about standards…
and more about generating another sale.

The Standards-First Approach

On well-run owners-only parks, age limits exist for a different reason:

to protect the look and feel of the park for everyone.

Nobody wants to invest in a lovely holiday home
and sit next to something falling apart.

What to look for:

• Transparency: you know the rules from day one
• Fair process: clear options when the time comes
• Upkeep standards: protects resale confidence across the park

The difference is intent.

Is it “upgrade for the park’s quality”…
or “upgrade for our commission”?

Ask that question early.

6. Lifestyle: Peace vs Party

The Friday Night Problem

On a commercial park, Friday night is check-in night.

More cars. More noise. More footfall.

That can be fun… once.

But if you’re buying for relaxation,
it can get old quickly.

The Owners-Only Sanctuary

On an owners-only park, Friday night feels different.

You arrive.
You park up.
And the pace drops.

• Security: you recognise who’s around
• Predictability: no weekly churn next door
• Calm: your weekend starts immediately

The “Third Place” Shift

In 2026, a holiday home isn’t just for holidays.

For many owners, it’s a reset space.

A place to finish the week, breathe, and slow down
before Monday comes back around.

Owners often use their own 4G/5G router set-ups if needed.

But the bigger point is this:

You can’t concentrate in chaos.
And you can’t unwind in a resort that never switches off.

7. Decision Framework: Which One Fits You?

Use this quick checklist.

Choose a Commercial / Rental Park if:

• You need rental income to make the numbers work (check tax first)
• You want entertainment, facilities, and that resort buzz
• You don’t mind strangers using your unit

Choose an Owners-Only Park if:

• Peace is the point (reading, walking, fishing, quiet evenings)
• You want value protection (less wear and tear over time)
• You prefer clarity (fewer commissions and rental add-ons)
• You want community (familiar faces, stable neighbours)

Be honest about what you’ll enjoy repeatedly.

Not what sounds exciting on day one.

8. Why Choose Salop Caravan Sites?

Across Salop Caravan Sites, owners benefit from:

• Fair, transparent pricing
• Well-maintained parks in Shropshire and the Welsh Marches
• Owners-only communities with no rental churn
• Experienced, approachable park teams
• Clear information and no hidden conditions

Each park has its own character.

But the core philosophy stays the same:
peaceful ownership, long-term value, and straight answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my family use my caravan if it’s owners-only?

Yes. Owners-only means no commercial renting to strangers.
Family and close friends can use it (subject to park rules).

Are site fees higher on owners-only parks?

Sometimes they look higher on paper.
But the total cost can be lower when you factor in condition, stability, and fewer rental-related charges.

Do I pay Council Tax on a static caravan?

Usually, Council Tax applies only if the caravan is used as someone’s main residence.
Holiday use is typically treated differently (always check your specific situation).

Can I live there permanently?

No. Holiday parks require you to have a main residential address elsewhere.
You can use your holiday home during the open season.

Is it easier to sell on an owners-only park?

Often, yes. Units tend to stay in better condition without rental wear and tear.
And buyers usually like the stability of an owners-only community.

Where is Seven Oaks and how do I get there?

Seven Oaks is near Crew Green on the Shropshire/Powys border (SY5 9BU).
Most owners approach via the A458, using The Cross Gates pub as a landmark, then follow the B4393.

What are the season dates at Seven Oaks?

Open 1st March to 14th January.

Can I sublet at Seven Oaks?

No. It’s owners-only with no subletting and no rentals.

The Bottom Line

In 2026, buying a static caravan isn’t about chasing rental profit.

It’s about buying a better weekend.

Owners-only parks protect you from rental churn, noise, and constant turnover.

Yes, exclusivity can cost more upfront.

But the calm?

That’s what you’re really paying for.