OWNER GUIDE

HOW TO SELL YOUR STATIC CARAVAN PRIVATELY

Selling privately can get you a better price than a part exchange. But a static caravan sits on a pitch you do not own, so the park has a say in the sale. This guide covers the main steps and how to keep the sale safe.

START WITH YOUR LICENCE AGREEMENT

Read your licence agreement before you advertise. It should explain how you can sell, and what the park will charge. NCC best practice guidance lists ways to sell, including selling privately on the pitch. Under that guidance, the park must be offered first refusal before a private sale on the pitch.

The park will usually charge a transfer fee or commission when the caravan is sold on the pitch. The NCC guidance says this fee can vary, and the rate should be agreed and written into the licence agreement. Ask the park for the figure in writing before you set your price.

The park will also check the buyer, in the same way as for its own sales. The NCC guidance says these checks should not be used to block or hinder a private sale. If a sale cannot go ahead, the park should give recorded reasons.

DOCUMENTS TO GATHER

• Your licence agreement, and how many years are left on it.
• Proof you own the caravan, such as the original purchase invoice.
• The make, model, year and serial number.
• Recent gas safety and electrical check records.
• Service and repair receipts.
• Proof that site fees are paid up to date.
• A list of what is included, such as furniture, decking and appliances.

WHAT AFFECTS THE PRICE

Static caravans usually fall in value over time. The price you can get depends on:

• Age, make and model.
• Condition inside and out, including any damp.
• Size and layout, and the number of bedrooms.
• Features such as double glazing and central heating.
• Years left on the licence agreement.
• The park, its facilities, and the length of its season.
• The pitch, such as views or a quiet corner.
• Site fees and running costs a buyer will take on.

Look at similar caravans for sale on the same park and on parks nearby. You can also ask local dealers what they would offer. That gives you a floor for your private price.

VIEWINGS, SAFELY

Arrange viewings through the park office if the park asks you to. Even if not, tell reception when someone is coming.

• Take the buyer's full name and phone number before the visit.
• Have someone with you if you can.
• Never put key codes or key box details in your listing, or send them to a buyer.
• Put away valuables and personal papers.
• Do not let anyone stay in the caravan before the sale is complete.

GETTING PAID SAFELY

Bank transfer is a common way to pay for a caravan. The danger is not the transfer itself. It is scams around it. Protect yourself with these steps:

• Only hand over keys once the money shows as cleared in your bank account. Check by logging in to your bank yourself.
• Do not trust a screenshot, an email or a text that says payment has been sent.
• Be wary of buyers who send more than the price and ask for the difference back. This is a known scam.
• Be wary of buyers who want to rush, or who cannot view the caravan in person.
• Do not accept cheques or banker's drafts unless your bank has confirmed the money is safe.
• Give your bank details by phone or in person, not by email that could be intercepted.

If you are the buyer, check with the park office that the seller really owns the caravan before paying anything. If you think you have been targeted by fraud, contact your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud.

COMPLETING THE SALE

Write a simple receipt or bill of sale. It should include both names and addresses, the caravan details, the price, the date, and that the sale is subject to park approval. Both of you should sign and keep a copy. Tell the park the sale is complete, and settle any site fees owed up to that date.

Sources: thencc.org.uk thencc.org.uk takefive-stopfraud.org.uk actionfraud.police.uk. Checked October 2026. Information, not advice.