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Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
I think I'll be tempted to get away from Cardiff for the odd week/month at a time in retirement.
I'm tempted to get an apartment small villa in Spain that I could rent in the summer and use in the winter Autumn Spring, but it's more hassle and Brexit has dampened the attraction with daft rules.
Static van would be easier, especially Saundersfoot/pembroke or the other side of the bridge, although they are a rip-off, with fees and purchase of probably £100K for ten years and then no real sell on value.
Have any of you gone down either route and thoughts and experiences?
I would imagine Caravan prices will slow back down in the coming years as demand reduces, but no signs yet?
Or maybe just use the money for plenty of holidays all over?
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Why not a static caravan in Spain - the best of both worlds! Or even a Spanish caravan?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwr3nsCHiO8
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jon1959
Too hot isn't it?
Probably miles cheaper?
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
A nice static caravan in Saundersfoot is my idea of heaven
But they are pricey so something similar in fontygary or Porthkerry would be ideal
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Surely it has to be Spain. Don't be put off by the stay allowance as you are allowed up to 90 days in a 180 day period; in other words 180 days a year. I would avoid caravans especially in the UK; I looked into it. All googling led me to the conclusion the whole thing is a rip off - expensive site fees; rules that prohibit sales unless done through the site operator; renting out through the site operator only with hefty charges and you have to change your caravan every 10 years or so. And of course the weather in the UK is so unpredictable.
I would look into renting an apartment in Spain without the hassle of ownership.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Bought a town house in Spain in the summer of 2022 - 20 minutes from the coast and 50 minutes from Málaga airport in a village of about 600 people but it has a supermarket 4 restaurants and a municipal pool
easy process as the estate agent took us around houses we had seen but then when they fully realised what we wanted found three ideal properties in our price range, organised a solicitor for us and it was all done between the end of June and the beginning of September - and really cheap fees
The estate agents have even kept spare keys for us as we had people coming back and fore to do new windows for us - not an issue - it is our little haven for now when we want to get away
I would highly recommend it.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vindec
Surely it has to be Spain. Don't be put off by the stay allowance as you are allowed up to 90 days in a 180 day period; in other words 180 days a year. I would avoid caravans especially in the UK; I looked into it. All googling led me to the conclusion the whole thing is a rip off - expensive site fees; rules that prohibit sales unless done through the site operator; renting out through the site operator only with hefty charges and you have to change your caravan every 10 years or so. And of course the weather in the UK is so unpredictable.
I would look into renting an apartment in Spain without the hassle of ownership.
I read that Spain & other countries are lobbying to change the rules so that the 180 days can be taken in one chunk.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
North Cardiff Blue
I think I'll be tempted to get away from Cardiff for the odd week/month at a time in retirement.
I'm tempted to get an apartment small villa in Spain that I could rent in the summer and use in the winter Autumn Spring, but it's more hassle and Brexit has dampened the attraction with daft rules.
Static van would be easier, especially Saundersfoot/pembroke or the other side of the bridge, although they are a rip-off, with fees and purchase of probably £100K for ten years and then no real sell on value.
Have any of you gone down either route and thoughts and experiences?
I would imagine Caravan prices will slow back down in the coming years as demand reduces, but no signs yet?
Or maybe just use the money for plenty of holidays all over?
I've often thought about investing in a small holiday place (mainly here, rather than abroad) and always concluded that your final option of using your money to try different places is the way to go. Maybe more expensive, but much more flexibility and potentially less hassle.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Just have a holiday now and again. No need for all the hassle.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
I've often thought about investing in a small holiday place (mainly here, rather than abroad) and always concluded that your final option of using your money to try different places is the way to go. Maybe more expensive, but much more flexibility and potentially less hassle.
A motorhome gives all of these options. We were in Bosnia & Croatia last summer and there were many Brits who had driven that far. I did but in a car.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
I've often thought about investing in a small holiday place (mainly here, rather than abroad) and always concluded that your final option of using your money to try different places is the way to go. Maybe more expensive, but much more flexibility and potentially less hassle.
We use the house as much as a base than a place to spend all the time so go elsewhere in Spain when there rather than just staying in the house - we just love the more or less guaranteed warmth as well lovely people
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
If it was me, I would 100% go with somewhere in Spain. Decent weather from the end of March through til November. We have had some very poor summer's here in my lifetime, and they are very very short indeed. Get some of that sun on your face and purchase something in Spain. Infact, I am looking to purchase something in Lanzarote for when I retire in a few years time. Guaranteed sun for 12 months of the year!
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
I've often thought about investing in a small holiday place (mainly here, rather than abroad) and always concluded that your final option of using your money to try different places is the way to go. Maybe more expensive, but much more flexibility and potentially less hassle.
I'd be surprised if it was the cheaper option. A cheap place in the UK is still going to be £150-200k. That's a lot of expensive foreign holidays.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Well first the bad news - 20mph applies down west too. If you can see beyond that, then a van down there is the way to go. Just means you can use it without the hassle of big costs on flights etc and it’s a home from home.
It needn’t be quite as expensive as you say, go for a quiet park, privately run without the pool, bar etc. check the site fees and don’t go for the obvious big sites because while it seems appealing now, it won’t when the big invoice comes through your door. Most importantly check the length of time a caravan is allowed on site, if you shop around some don’t have an age limit but of course except you to keep it in good condition
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
We've done the reverse - have a house in mid Wales but a flat in Cardiff so we can enjoy the gigs, theatre, football 😁 etc at weekends. We had thought we might rent it out when we're not using it but in the event didn't like the idea of people using what was effectively our home and maybe not treating it with respect. It might be worth thinking about whether you would be comfortable with that before deciding to buy abroad.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
For me, the drawback of owning a holiday home abroad would be the temptation to use it rather than go to new destinations. However, we are all God's children....
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Trecco Bay
Porthcawl
July
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Robin Friday's Ghost
I'd be surprised if it was the cheaper option. A cheap place in the UK is still going to be £150-200k. That's a lot of expensive foreign holidays.
If that's the case, then I agree with you!
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
If that's the case, then I agree with you!
You may pick up a bargain in Blaenau Gwent 👍
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Before you think of buying a van in the UK check out this fb group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1488...076/?ref=share
I live in Pembs. It's great down here. If you've got the dosh why not move down. A nice 3 bed bungalow will be less than a semi in Rhiwbina.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Thanks for the replies, some great info sand plenty of food for thought. :thumbup:
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nobody's Rep
Bought a town house in Spain in the summer of 2022 - 20 minutes from the coast and 50 minutes from Málaga airport in a village of about 600 people but it has a supermarket 4 restaurants and a municipal pool
easy process as the estate agent took us around houses we had seen but then when they fully realised what we wanted found three ideal properties in our price range, organised a solicitor for us and it was all done between the end of June and the beginning of September - and really cheap fees
The estate agents have even kept spare keys for us as we had people coming back and fore to do new windows for us - not an issue - it is our little haven for now when we want to get away
I would highly recommend it.
Nice one, sounds great :thumbup:
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Des Parrot
A motorhome gives all of these options. We were in Bosnia & Croatia last summer and there were many Brits who had driven that far. I did but in a car.
A couple of mates doing that now a few months through France and Spain, they absolutely love it but seems a bit like glorified Camping to me, I might hire one for a week and see how I get on :thumbup:
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
I've often thought about investing in a small holiday place (mainly here, rather than abroad) and always concluded that your final option of using your money to try different places is the way to go. Maybe more expensive, but much more flexibility and potentially less hassle.
And when retired can book at short notice and vary things up and grab some baragains.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
superfeathers
Well first the bad news - 20mph applies down west too. If you can see beyond that, then a van down there is the way to go. Just means you can use it without the hassle of big costs on flights etc and it’s a home from home.
It needn’t be quite as expensive as you say, go for a quiet park, privately run without the pool, bar etc. check the site fees and don’t go for the obvious big sites because while it seems appealing now, it won’t when the big invoice comes through your door. Most importantly check the length of time a caravan is allowed on site, if you shop around some don’t have an age limit but of course except you to keep it in good condition
Not bothered when i'm retired I dawdle around p!ssing off all the workers :hehe:
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Robin Friday's Ghost
We've done the reverse - have a house in mid Wales but a flat in Cardiff so we can enjoy the gigs, theatre, football etc at weekends. We had thought we might rent it out when we're not using it but in the event didn't like the idea of people using what was effectively our home and maybe not treating it with respect. It might be worth thinking about whether you would be comfortable with that before deciding to buy abroad.
Aye food for thought, governments are clamping down on 2nd home owners and trying to discourage.
Maybe Spain for a few months a year then rent it out and let the kids have free holidays when they need it?
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Former Labour leader
Yes i'd consider it, but we might get bored after a few years, A caravans good in one way, but bad investment overall, I'll take a look at that FB group, some good info I bet :thumbup:
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
As someone who owns both a static (1 year left) and a Motorhome (recent purchase) I can only advise you to steer well clear of Static caravans. The outlay is huge and many think they are buying a van worth the money they pay (say £75.000?) Your not. You are paying to rent the ground underneath it, your van is probably worth anywhere between 10 to £30,000.
A lot of vans get the age conveniently misplaced and when it comes to being sold and when its time to renew its worth a small fraction of what you paid. I would advise anyone to read this page on FACEBOOK before you buy: HOLIDAY PARK ACTION GROUP. You will be amazed at how you can get absolutely rinsed of your money.
Motorhomes are still pricing high after Covid but still a worthwhile investment in my opinion.
The static site we are on has been good for us in all fairness but there are so many who feel they have been mugged shortly after purchasing. Take my advice and steer well clear.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Left of Center
As someone who owns both a static (1 year left) and a Motorhome (recent purchase) I can only advise you to steer well clear of Static caravans. The outlay is huge and many think they are buying a van worth the money they pay (say £75.000?) Your not. You are paying to rent the ground underneath it, your van is probably worth anywhere between 10 to £30,000.
A lot of vans get the age conveniently misplaced and when it comes to being sold and when its time to renew its worth a small fraction of what you paid. I would advise anyone to read this page on FACEBOOK before you buy: HOLIDAY PARK ACTION GROUP. You will be amazed at how you can get absolutely rinsed of your money.
Motorhomes are still pricing high after Covid but still a worthwhile investment in my opinion.
The static site we are on has been good for us in all fairness but there are so many who feel they have been mugged shortly after purchasing. Take my advice and steer well clear.
Nice one, I can see you know your stuff, I haven't really looked into it yet but I would have probably come to the same conclusions as savvy with money and carefully consider any large outlay, but you and others might have saved me a lot of time :thumbup:
How the hell are they selling so many, I love caravans but the prices are crazy they seem to be able to name their price?
Maybe we will see a fall in the next few years as more and more people realise?
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Des Parrot
A motorhome gives all of these options. We were in Bosnia & Croatia last summer and there were many Brits who had driven that far. I did but in a car.
I like the idea of a motorhome, but the thought of negotiating tiny rural lanes and finding parking in tight little historical centres puts me off a bit. (I've found some places on the continent - and here - stressful enough in a medium sized car!). I guess bikes hooked to the back could be the away around that in some places though.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
I like the idea of a motorhome, but the thought of negotiating tiny rural lanes and finding parking in tight little historical centres puts me off a bit. (I've found some places on the continent - and here - stressful enough in a medium sized car!). I guess bikes hooked to the back could be the away around that in some places though.
They used to be caravanet's didn't they, they changed the names to motorhomes and put the prices up 500% lol
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Peter
I like the idea of a motorhome, but the thought of negotiating tiny rural lanes and finding parking in tight little historical centres puts me off a bit. (I've found some places on the continent - and here - stressful enough in a medium sized car!). I guess bikes hooked to the back could be the away around that in some places though.
We take our bikes, it MoHo is 7.83m long. So many pub stop overs and also pre pay sites, you can plan to go almost anywhere as long as your prepared to use public transport or a Taxi. We did Chester earlier this year, stayed by the Cheshire Oaks outlet, went in December, great weekend. Bit of shopping then into Chester for a wander on the walls.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Former Labour leader
Blimey just joined that FB group first post I read -
Handed in our keys back to the park yesterday after only owning for 8 months lost about £20,000 it's heartbreaking but slept well last night knowing its over.
Onwards and upwards we have bought an American 5th wheel and can move it wherever we want.
Almost all replies are well done and they bought a motorhome which is amazing!
Might do a new post - Where to buy in Spain Or Best place to buy a Motorhome!
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
I looked at a static when the kids were younger, got through to the contract signing and had cold feet, we were staying on Haven sites twice a month from easter to Oct ( not inc the school summer holidays ) but found we could grab a weekend for £150 last min, worked well for us
for us the better idea ( though in the end we didnt do this either ) was getting a caravan and massive awning, we saw the season pitch folks had it setup, biggest awning you could get, season pitch so no need to take it down, sofa's, TV on a stand, Ikea double kitchen base unit with worktop on it, with Gas Hob set up, they only slept in the caravan, lived in the awning, cooked, relaxed, socialised etc etc, when they left, they picked up the TV and put it in the caravan and away they went, it was like a hell of alot cheaper than a static and gave you a similar space
over the years we watched a " Brits in Spain " type of program, they had all done the same thing
I still get sent property brochures from South France, missed the boat on that, but I liked the idea
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Just read a comment, owning a static caravan is like owning a boat with only two happy moments, the first when you buy it and the second when you've sold it :hehe:
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
My mother has a villa in Alicante, all bought with the profit from selling her council house in Ely. In the last 20 years I have been there maybe 3 or 4 times. I just prefer going somewhere new for 2 weeks in the summer. Now my wife wants to spend her retirement lump sum on a caravan in Portugal. I just don't know what we will do. She was born in Belfast so can get an Irish passport and all that Brexit stuff won't matter to her.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SLUDGE FACTORY
Trecco Bay
Porthcawl
July
Nightmare
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
celever
My mother has a villa in Alicante, all bought with the profit from selling her council house in Ely. In the last 20 years I have been there maybe 3 or 4 times. I just prefer going somewhere new for 2 weeks in the summer. Now my wife wants to spend her retirement lump sum on a caravan in Portugal. I just don't know what we will do. She was born in Belfast so can get an Irish passport and all that Brexit stuff won't matter to her.
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, so Brexit will affect her as she is a UK citizen. Pleases correct me if I am wrong
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mr Soul '68
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, so Brexit will affect her as she is a UK citizen. Pleases correct me if I am wrong
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...ou%20want%20to.
If you were born in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2005, you are entitled to claim Irish citizenship. This means that you can choose to be an Irish citizen and apply for an Irish passport if you want to.
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Re: Thoughts on Static Caravans in Saundersfoot or a place in Spain ?
Go abroad, the weather here is Shiite, caravans are a rip off and you might aswell forget a 2nd home in wales completely, it’s just not allowed under the current regime. Plenty of holiday lets being forced to sell up so it’s a buyers market if u want to move there.