Static Caravan Site Fee Refunds When Selling

Will You Get a Site Fee Refund When Selling Your Holiday Home?

Money back or gone forever? Let's settle this question once and for all...

You've decided to sell your static caravan or lodge. Smart choice or sad farewell - either way, there's one burning question on your mind: "Will I get my site fees back?"

The short answer? Probably yes... but it does definitely depend.

Let us explain exactly what happens to those fees you've already paid.

The Truth About Site Fee Refunds

When you sell your holiday home, you're not just selling the structure - you're also giving up your pitch rights for the remainder of the season that you've already paid for.

Here's what typically happens:

Most parks will refund a proportion of your site fees based on when you sell during the season. The new owner then pays their share going forward.

But timing matters. A lot.

When Timing Affects Your Refund

The time of year you sell can dramatically impact your refund amount.

Sell in April right after paying your annual fees? You might get most of your money back.

Selling in October? Don't expect much.

As industry experts note: "It can depend what time of the year you decide to leave the park where the % refunded can be significantly lower." 

What's actually happening here? Parks typically calculate refunds based on unused months remaining. It's a pro-rata system that makes sense when you think about it.

How Parks Handle Site Fee Transfers

Large holiday park operators like Haven have specific policies around this. They typically:

Calculate the unused portion of your annual fees

Process a refund to you upon completion of sale

Charge the new owner their portion for the remaining season

Haven, for example, notes that site fees "are payable before the start of every season in March and if you join us from June, the fee will be reduced based on the amount of the season left." 

This same principle applies in reverse when you're selling.

4 Steps to Ensure You Get Your Site Fee Refund

Want to maximise your chances of getting a proper refund? Follow these steps:

1. Check your contract first - Some parks have specific clauses about refunds. Know what you're entitled to.
2. Notify park management early - Don't surprise them. Formal written notice helps start the refund process.
3. Ask about the refund calculation - Request a breakdown of how your refund will be calculated.
4. Get the refund policy in writing - Email is fine. Just make sure you have documentation.

While most holiday parks follow similar principles, individual park policies can differ significantly.

Some parks might:

• Offer full pro-rata refunds
• Deduct an administration fee
• Have minimum ownership periods before refunds apply
• Include refund terms as part of their buy-back scheme

Major operators like Parkdean Resorts, Away Resorts, and Park Holidays UK each have their own approach, so check with your specific park.

Can You Sell With Outstanding Site Fees?

What if you haven't paid this year's fees yet? Can you still sell?

The answer is yes, but with conditions.

"You can sell a static caravan with outstanding site fees, but you'll need to settle these fees before completing the sale. Some buyers may agree to cover the fees, but this should be negotiated upfront." 

Most parks won't transfer ownership until all outstanding fees are settled, so factor this into your selling timeline.

What About Other Running Costs?

Site fees aren't your only ongoing expense. When selling, consider what happens with:

• Insurance - Cancellable with potential partial refunds
• Utility bills - Final readings needed for settlement
• Non-domestic rates - Often handled similarly to site fees
• Winterisation fees - Usually non-refundable if already performed

Each represents potential money back in your pocket - or not - depending on timing and park policies.

The Bottom Line on Site Fee Refunds

Here's what you need to remember:

1. Most parks do refund a proportion of site fees when you sell
2. The amount depends heavily on when during the season you sell
3. Every park has its own specific policy - check yours
4. Getting your refund isn't always automatic - you will need to check this
5. Timing your sale early in the season maximises your refund potential
6. Understanding this process helps set realistic expectations and ensures you're not leaving money on the table when selling your holiday home.

What To Do Next

Planning to sell your static caravan or lodge? Start by:

• Reviewing your park contract for specific refund terms
• Contacting your park office to understand their exact process
• Calculating potential refund amounts based on your selling timeline
• Factoring this information into your asking price and negotiations

With the right preparation, you'll know exactly what to expect when it comes to getting your site fees back.

Remember, every park is different, so always check your specific park's policies rather than making assumptions. This small bit of research could save you significant money when selling your holiday home.

If you are ever in any doubt, check with industry experts such as ourselves. We offer free no obligation advice and are available on 01262 410914 or sales@caravanbuyeruk.co.uk