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Thinking about taking the plunge into holiday home ownership? It can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make, but like any significant purchase, it pays to go in with your eyes open. Here’s our honest guide to the ten things worth thinking about before you commit, and exactly where we stand on each one.
First, it’s never too early to start asking questions. For some people, the journey from first enquiry to collecting the keys takes a couple of weeks; for others, it takes a couple of years. Building a rapport with a park is the best way to gather everything you need to know. One useful tip: if the park offers holiday stays, book a short break there first. Nothing gives you a better feel for a place than waking up in it.
At Coast & Country Parks, you can book a stay at Notter Bridge, Tamar View or Lynmouth Holiday Retreat. Yellow Sands is owner-exclusive, so the best way to see it is a visit with our team.
1. What do you actually want from it?
Start here. Are you buying for weekend escapes, longer holidays with your family, a seasonal retreat for retirement, or somewhere to simply switch off whenever life gets too loud?
Being clear about how you plan to use your holiday home shapes every decision that follows – the park you choose, the type of caravan or lodge that suits you, and how much benefit you’ll genuinely get from it. It’s a personal purchase, so make sure it fits your life.
2. Location – be honest about the journey
3. Visit the park – more than once
No brochure, website, or virtual tour can tell you what a park actually feels like. Visit in person, at different times of year if you can. Walk around. Talk to people. Get a feel for the team and the community. You’re not just buying a caravan or lodge – you’re buying into a place.
Also consider if the park is family run or part of a big group. Having direct communication with the operators of the park may be something you value over a bigger national operated park.
At Coast & Country Parks: We actively encourage you to visit as many times as you need. Meet the team, walk the grounds, and speak to existing ownersand the owners of the park. Operating for nearly 40 years, there’s no obligation and no hard sell – ever.
4. Read the licence agreement carefully
This is the document that governs everything – how long you can keep your unit on pitch, what you can and can’t do, and what happens when the license ends. It’s not the most exciting read, but understanding it fully before you sign could save you significant surprises or headaches later. Ask questions until you’re completely clear.
At Coast & Country Parks: Our license agreements typically run between 6 and 20 years, depending on the park and the unit. We walk every prospective owner through the agreement in full – no jargon, no small-print surprises.
5. Understand what you can and can’t do
Holiday park ownership comes with rules that differ from park to park – and they exist for good reason. Subletting independently, using your holiday home as a primary residence, and making structural alterations are all things to ask about before you buy.
At Coast & Country Parks: Our holiday homes are for personal use and enjoyment only. Subletting independently isn’t permitted – this protects the quality, security and community feel of our parks for every owner. We’ll always be upfront about what the licence covers before you commit.
6. No hidden costs – what you see is what you pay
One of the most common concerns we hear is the fear of unexpected costs down the line. It’s completely understandable – and it’s exactly why we’re upfront about everything from day one.
At Coast & Country Parks, here’s what to budget for:
- Purchase price – fixed and agreed upfront, with a fully refundable deposit to secure your chosen home
- Annual site fees – payable annually, in two installments, or monthly with a small admin charge
- Utilities – gas, electricity and water usage on your pitch
- Insurance – holiday home insurance is a standard requirement and straightforward to arrange
- General maintenance – keeping your holiday home in good condition, in line with the licence agreement
That’s it. No hidden charges, no unexpected fees, and no nasty surprises.
7. Season length matters more than you think
All four of our parks operate on 10 or 11 month seasons – among the longest in the South West.
That means spring wildflowers, summer sunshine, golden autumn mornings, and crisp winter escapes – almost year-round.
8. New vs pre-owned – keep an open mind
A brand new lodge is exciting, but a well maintained pre-owned unit can offer outstanding value – often on a premium pitch that a new unit simply wouldn’t be available on. Don’t dismiss it. This may also give you the chance to affordably ‘dip your toes in’, and there is always the option to upgrade and part exchange at any point in your license.
At Coast & Country Parks: We offer both new and pre-owned holiday homes. We’ll always be honest about the condition, history, and value of every unit we show you – and we’ll help you find the right fit for your budget and your expectations. On all holiday homes being sold by the park, we offer a 6-month warranty, giving you peace of mind on your purchase. For all sales on park, we also provide a minimum of 6 months on utility safety certificates.
9. Talk to existing owners
No sales team – ours included – will give you a more honest picture than someone who already owns on the park you’re considering. Ask what surprised them, what they’d do differently, and whether they’d buy again.
At Coast & Country Parks: We’re proud of our owner community and happy to introduce you to existing owners before you make any decision. Their experience speaks for itself.
10. Don’t let anyone rush you
The right team will never pressure you. They’ll answer every question, invite you back as many times as you need, and want you to feel completely comfortable before you commit. If anything ever feels rushed or unclear – pause.
At Coast & Country Parks: Chris, who leads our ownership sales, has built his approach around honest conversations and long-term relationships. Take all the time you need. We’d rather you made the right decision than a fast one.
Why choose a Coast & Country park?
We’re a family run business that has been welcoming owners since 1988 and that longevity means something. Our parks aren’t loud, commercial, or corporate. They’re quiet, nature led, and community rooted – the kind of places where you actually want to spend your time.
All four parks sit in some of the most beautiful corners of the South West. Notter Bridge and Tamar View are nestled in the Cornish and Tamar Valley countryside, close to South East Cornwall’s best beaches and Dartmoor. Lynmouth Holiday Retreat sits within Exmoor National Park above Lynmouth Bay. And Yellow Sands offers direct private access to seven miles of golden beach in Somerset.
But what makes our parks different isn’t just the location. It’s the atmosphere. The team that knows your name. The owners who look out for each other. The quiet evenings, the wildlife, and the feeling that this place is genuinely yours to come back to. All parks are fully dog-friendly and operate on 10 or 11-month seasons.
How to start your ownership journey
The best first step is simply coming to have a look. Walk around, get a feel for the park, and ask as many questions as you like – no obligation, no pressure. We’d always recommend visiting more than once and at different times of year so you get a real sense of what life on the park looks like day to day.
When you’re ready, Chris will talk you through everything – what’s available, what’s included, licence agreements, site fees, and the honest costsyou need to know. If you’d like to speak to existing owners before deciding, we can arrange that too.
When you’re ready to take the next step, a fully refundable deposit secures your chosen holiday home while you finalise everything.
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