If you’ve considered buying a holiday home but feel a little unsure or overwhelmed by all the options, this guide explains just how simple (and enjoyable!) the process can be!
Buying a holiday home should be exciting! We believe that when you take the first steps toward your new leisurely lifestyle, the fun should start right from the off! Whether you’re researching the best location and on-park facilities, or choosing the perfect plot, we’re here to support you through the whole process.
We’ve broken down the process of buying a holiday home into 5 easy steps, so you know exactly what to expect on your journey to holiday home ownership.
Have you been returning to the same special place for decades? Or do you fancy a completely new holiday destination to explore for years to come? Choosing the right location for your holiday home is the first, and most important step in the buying process.
Things to consider:
- What is important to you? Everyone has different motivations when they decide to purchase a holiday home. Perhaps you’re looking for a place to spend more time with family, or you want a convenient base from which you can explore your favourite area. It’s important to choose somewhere that you’ll want to keep returning to time and time again.
- A place to escape the everyday Choosing a location that is the complete opposite to where you live is a great way to enhance that ‘getaway’ feel of your holiday home. A change of scene is always a good way to reset and refresh, so consider a location that offers you something completely different from home. All our parks are set in spectacularly beautiful locations, with their own unique character – you can take a look at what makes each of them special here.
- How far are you willing to travel to your holiday home? Most of our owners live within a 2–3 hour drive from their chosen park. This means they can visit often and really make the most of their holiday home.
Once you’ve shortlisted your favourite parks, book a park tour to find out everything you need to know about life on-park.
It’s time to book some visits! The only way to be sure that a park is right for you is to visit and see for yourself.
A park tour gives you the opportunity to have a good look around and view some of the available holiday homes. You’ll meet the team and have a chat about what is it that you and your family are looking for. During the tour, you will get to have a good look around the caravan park and all its facilities. Find out about local attractions, areas of natural beauty, as well as the best local restaurants, pubs, and any clubs that may be of interest to you, such as golf or walking groups.
Things to consider
Have a list of questions ready Note down any questions you have before you visit, and list all the things that you want from your holiday destination. It’s easy to get completely caught up in the tour and forget to ask those all important questions!
What is your budget? Make sure you’ve got a clear idea of your budget before you visit, both for the holiday home itself and for the ongoing site fees and running costs.
Once you’ve viewed the park, it’s time to look at the numbers. We’ll explain all the costs and payment plans to you in depth – but don’t be afraid to ask questions!
At this stage, you may decide you need some time to think it over, which is absolutely fine. There is no pressure – take as much time as you need come back to us if you decide we are the right choice for you.
This is when it starts to get real! The reality of owning your own holiday home is just within reach!
Once you are happy that the running costs are affordable, then it’s time to look at caravans or lodges to suit your needs and budget. We have a great selection of holiday homes from all the major manufacturers.
Things to consider:
- How many beds do you need? Who will be visiting? Do you expect to host family and friends, or is it a private retreat just for you?
- What layout will work best for you? Are you a kitchen wizard who needs space to create an array of culinary delights, or do you want a living area that’s separate from the kitchen where you can relax in peace? Holiday homes come in all sizes and layouts, so keep an open mind – and be sure to view a few different options.
Take your time and enjoy looking at what could become your future holiday home!
You’re almost there!
So, you’ve found the perfect park and chosen a holiday home – now it’s time to review all the information and make sure your holiday home will be sited in exactly the right spot on your preferred park. Perhaps there are additional features that you’d like, such as a balcony or decking.
Things to consider:
- No holiday home is the same Though you can source the same make/model holiday home in multiple locations, the specific details that you decide on – such as the park and plot will make your holiday home completely unique.
- Trust your instinct Review all the info and double check the facts – and if you feel that it’s right, then it’s time to say YES to your new life as a holiday home owner!
- Are you ready to buy? Though is never any pressure for you to purchase a holiday home on your park tour, it’s always advisable to be ready to buy when you visit. If you do decide that it’s the perfect park AND there’s the perfect holiday home available to suit your budget, then don’t take the risk of losing what you have spent so much time finding!
Congratulations! You’ve found the perfect holiday home and are on your way to enjoying holiday freedom!
Once all the details have been agreed and paperwork signed, you’ll receive an Owners Welcome Pack. This includes all the important info relating to your purchase.
Once we’ve agreed a convenient date for the handover, we’ll make sure everything is ready for you when you arrive for your first holiday! You will be free to sit back, relax and enjoy your new lifestyle!
Things to consider
- Holiday home insurance It’s important to make sure you have insurance in place before handover. You want to ensure your special place is covered for every eventuality! We’ll provide a no-obligation quote, but you’re welcome to source your own cover.
- When can you move in? The time it takes to get the keys to your new holiday home will vary depending on the choices you make. Does your holiday home need to be transported to your chosen park? Is there a waiting list for your chosen model of lodge – these are factors to consider.
We hope this information has been helpful and that the process of buying a holiday home is now less daunting. If you’d like to discuss the process in more depth or have specific questions, why not call the team at our Holiday Home Advice Centre who’ll be happy to help. They are experts on all things Thornley and knows our parks inside out! Whatever you need to know – they’ll be able to help! Call 0800 917 3170 and start your ownership journey today!
