The ultimate guide to buying a holiday lodge

Perhaps you're starting to think about retirement and how you want to spend your time, or you simply want to make the most out of your weekends and leisure time. No matter the reason, buying a holiday home on a holiday park offers you and your family the lifestyle you've been dreaming of.

More affordable than a second home, and much easier to maintain, luxury holiday lodges give a peaceful place to escape – whether you prefer a coastal retreat or a countryside hideaway. Being able to enjoy a break in an idyllic location with minimal travel or fuss is just one of the benefits of park home ownership.

But of course, buying a holiday lodge is still a big investment, and it's only natural that you might have questions so you can make an informed decision.

In this article, we want to demystify holiday lodge ownership, how it works and what you need to know.

Benefits of owning a holiday lodge at Woodland Park

Here at Woodland Park, our aim is to make owning a holiday park property as easy and stress-free as possible. As a privately owned park, we pride ourselves on personal, friendly service, in fact many of our owners know our team members by name.

From your very first visit, we want you to feel welcome and at ease, as we guide you through the purchase process.

Our holiday homes

We are fortunate enough to be able to offer potential owners a wide range of models from three outstanding manufacturers; Victory, Carnaby and Willerby. With the choice of new or pre-owned properties, every budget is catered for.

Whether you're after room for muddy boots and giggling grandkids, or a tranquil retreat for two with high-spec interiors and hot tubs, we'll help you find your perfect fit.

All of our properties mean every stay at Woodland Park is memorable, comfortable and familiar.

And, because we don't allow sub-letting, as an owner, you will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your neighbours – in fact many of our lodge owners have found life-long friends!

Our location

Tucked away in 80 acres of peaceful, wooded parkland, Woodland Park feels like a world apart – a gentle retreat from the rush and noise of everyday life. Here, the rhythm of the seasons is beautifully on display, inviting you to slow down and savour the shifting colours, the varied plant life, and the magic of wildlife sightings that are often spotted in the park.

But it’s not just our tranquil setting that makes Woodland Park so special. We're also just a short drive from the breathtaking North Norfolk Coast. Whether you're drawn to the windswept beauty of the coastal path or dreaming of relaxed day trips on the beach, it’s all just moments away.

And when you’re ready to explore further, North Norfolk’s treasures await, from charming market towns and historic landmarks to nature reserves teeming with life.

Our facilities

When you’re thinking about owning a holiday home, one of the first things that often comes to mind is, “What’s right here on the park?” Because sometimes, the most restful moments come when you don’t need to go anywhere at all.

At Woodland Park, we’ve created a space where comfort and ease are always close at hand. Just a short wander from your door is our welcoming restaurant, Marlings, which offers a daily menu of delicious home-cooked meals, tasty treats, and drinks – perfect for those days when you’d rather relax than cook or tidy up.

And when it’s time to truly unwind, our on-site leisure club is here to help you recharge. Take a gentle swim in the indoor pool, relax in the warmth of the sauna or steam room, or ease into a quiet moment of movement in the gym.

Buying a holiday lodge - how does it work?

Owning a luxury lodge or park home on a holiday park is a true lifestyle investment, as it means you have the freedom and flexibility to down-tools and head to your very own retreat whenever you like. No more searching for availability, no more booking processes, simply pack what you need and head to your second home.

And because buying a holiday lodge doesn’t affect local housing stock, they’re a thoughtful and more sustainable way to own a second home.

Ultimately, you are buying the caravan or lodge outright, and will be required to pay site fees to the park owner. Let's take a closer look at the process.

What to consider when buying a holiday lodge

• Where do you want to be? With over 3,000 holiday parks in the UK that offer holiday lodge ownership, you're spoilt for choice in terms of selecting the park that suits your needs. Not only will you want to think about location, but amenities, community feel and the number of weeks the park is open for each year.

• Which is your perfect property? Depending on budget, you may prefer to buy a new static caravan or lodge, or ask the park if they have any pre-owned properties. Decide how much space you need (two or three bedrooms) and what sort of interior you'd prefer, contemporary or classic.

• Find out about your park's license agreement. Most parks will have a maximum number of years that you're allowed to keep your home on their site, usually between 10-20 years. It's also good to understand park rules around subletting and pets.

• Running and maintenance costs. Because a holiday lodge or static caravan isn't a main residence, you won't have to pay council tax, but you will have to pay annual site fees as well as general running costs such as utilities, insurance and maintenance.

• Is the park reputable? Take time to research the park you like before finalising the purchase. Is it trustworthy and safe? Have other owners had a good experience with them?

FAQs

Is buying a holiday lodge worth it?

A holiday lodge or park home is much cheaper than buying a holiday cottage, and the upkeep is easier too. Subletting to bring in additional income may help to cover the site fees, but not all parks allow it to ensure consistent, high-quality stays for owners.

Bear in mind that, similar to cars, depreciation is a natural part of owning a static caravan or lodge, especially as models age or newer versions are released.

In terms of enjoyment, a holiday lodge can be a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enjoy more quality time with family in a holiday-style location.

What is the lifespan of a holiday lodge?

With care and regular maintenance, new holiday lodges and park homes have a lifespan of around 20 years. The models we have here at Woodland Park are all made using the highest quality materials and are well-insulated, making them the perfect home away from home, all year round.

However, as stated earlier, lodge parks often have a maximum number of years your property can remain on-site.

Can I live in my holiday lodge?

You can't live in your holiday lodge all year round, owners must have a primary residence elsewhere. Here at Woodland Park, our 46-week season means owners can enjoy unlimited access to their holiday home within this time.

Can you get a mortgage on a static caravan or lodge?

It's not usually possible to have a mortgage on a new lodge or static caravan as you're not buying land. There may be finance options available from the park you are interested in, so this is a question to ask when you visit them. Please note that we do not offer finance or mortgage options here at Woodland Park.

Relax – let us make the process simple

If you're dreaming of lazy mornings, woodland walks and slow evenings in your own North Norfolk hideaway, we're here to help – we make holiday home ownership a breeze.

We've got a range of beautiful properties available, spread across 12 distinct areas of the park, so you can choose your perfect spot.

And with a range of properties available throughout our 12 areas, you can choose where you want to be on park depending on your preferences.

Start choosing your perfect property now, we'll pop the kettle on.