It usually starts on the drive home.
You’ve spent a weekend in Mid Wales.
You’ve seen the hills, breathed in the fresh air, and felt that specific kind of calm you just can’t replicate in the city.
Then the question hits you: "Could we actually buy a place here?"
It’s a simple question.
But when you start looking at static caravan holiday homes or luxury lodges, getting a straight answer on price is harder than it looks.
Search online, and you’ll find vague estimates.
Ask a park, and you might get a sales pitch before you get a price list.
Some costs are upfront; others, like insurance and drainage, sneak up later.
This guide fixes that.
We’re stripping away the sales talk to give you the real 2026 numbers for owning a static caravan or lodge in Mid Wales.
Quick Takeaways
- Purchase price: £35,000–£150,000+ (New)
- Siting fees: £3,000–£6,000 (often included if buying on-park)
- Annual site fees: £3,800–£6,000+ in this region
- Running costs: £500–£1,500/year (gas, electric, rates)
- Licence length: Typically 15–20 years for statics
- Usage: Holiday use only (you must have a main residence elsewhere)
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What This Guide Covers
- Real 2026 market prices for statics and lodges
- The difference between "off-park" and "fully sited" costs
- Typical site fees for the Mid Wales countryside
- Hidden running costs (rates, winterisation, insurance)
- Understanding the licence agreement
- The truth about depreciation
- A transparent look at Morben Isaf’s own costs
1. Why Mid Wales?
Mid Wales appeals to a specific kind of buyer.
It usually comes down to value.
In famous hotspots like Abersoch or the South Coast, you often pay a heavy premium just for the postcode.
In Mid Wales, your budget works harder.
You can often secure a higher specification holiday home here for the same price as an entry-level model in a busier tourist trap.
The parks here tend to be less commercial too.
You aren't paying for splash parks or noisy entertainment complexes you won't use.
You are paying for the landscape.
Whether you choose the coast or the countryside, the focus is on space, quiet, and getting more for your money.
2. New and Used Caravan Prices (2026)
The price tag on the window isn't always the final price you pay.
It depends heavily on the unit's age, the build quality, and where it sits.
| Category |
Estimated Price |
What to Expect |
| New Entry-Level |
£35,000–£55,000 |
Double glazing, central heating standard |
| New Luxury / Lodge |
£60,000–£130,000+ |
Residential spec (BS 3632), freestanding furniture |
| Pre-Owned (Modern) |
£28,000–£48,000 |
Typically 3–8 years old, excellent value |
| Pre-Owned (Older) |
Under £25,000 |
Shorter licence term remaining |
Critical note: Don't assume you can buy a cheap caravan online and tow it to a park of your choice. Most parks, including Morben Isaf, only sell units already on their pitches or sourced through their approved distributors.
3. The "Siting" Factor
If you see a bargain price on a trader's forecourt, ask yourself: Where is this going to go?
The "Off-Park" Trap
Buying a caravan that isn't on a park pitch creates immediate extra costs:
- Transport: £500–£2,000+ depending on distance and escort requirements.
- Siting & Connection: £3,000–£5,000 to crane it onto a pitch, jack it up, and connect gas/water/waste.
- Decking: £6,000+ for a new install.
Buying "On-Park"
When you buy directly from a park, the price usually wraps all this up.
The unit is level, connected, safety-tested, and often skirted/decked.
The key is to ask for the "turnkey price"—the amount you pay to open the door and start the kettle.
4. Location Drives Value
Just like bricks and mortar, it's about location.
A caravan on a concrete strip near a noisy road costs less. A caravan in a landscaped valley with views of the Dyfi Estuary costs more.
You are paying for the environment.
In Mid Wales, premium parks invest heavily in landscaping, wildlife conservation, and space between pitches. You're buying privacy and peace, not just a metal box.
5. Site Fees in Mid Wales (2026)
Your site fee is the rent for your patch of land. It covers park maintenance, security, landscaping, and waste management.
| Park Category |
Typical Annual Fee |
| Basic / Farm Fields |
£3,000–£4,000 |
| Standard Holiday Parks |
£4,000–£5,500 |
| Premium / Lodge Parks |
£5,500–£7,500+ |
Morben Isaf Site Fees (2026)
We believe in transparent pricing. Here is exactly what our owners pay:
| Unit Type |
Annual Site Fee (inc VAT) |
| Single Unit |
£3,800.00 |
| Double Unit (Lodge) |
£4,740.00 |
Other yearly costs to factor in:
- Local Rates: Typically £350–£500 (billed annually).
- Utilities: You pay for what you use.
6. Running Costs
Beyond the site fee, you have your household bills. These depend entirely on how often you visit and how warm you like to keep the place.
- Gas (LPG): Usually bottled (47kg). Prices fluctuate, currently £90–£110 per bottle. Central heating eats this up in winter.
- Electricity: Metered at the park's rate.
- Insurance: Specialist cover is mandatory. Budget £300–£550 per year.
- Winterisation: Essential for protecting pipes during the closed season. Roughly £100–£150.
Total annual running budget: Allow £800–£1,500 on top of your site fees.
7. The Licence Agreement
This is the contract that protects you. It dictates how long your caravan can stay on the pitch.
- Static Caravans: Usually 15–20 years.
- Lodges: Often 25–30+ years (due to higher build standards like BS 3632).
Once the licence expires, you usually have to upgrade the unit or move it off.
Always check the "remaining licence term" if buying pre-owned.
Legal Reality Check: You cannot live in a holiday caravan.
You must be able to prove you have a permanent main residence elsewhere (like a council tax bill in your name).
This protects the park's licence and ensures the community remains a holiday destination, not a housing estate.
8. The "Investment" Myth vs. Reality
Let’s be blunt: a static caravan is a depreciating asset.
It is not financial real estate. It will lose value, especially in the first three years.
If you are looking for financial return, buy a bond.
But if you are looking for lifestyle return, the maths changes.
Compare the cost of ownership against ten years of family holidays, weekend breaks, and the mental health value of escaping to the country whenever you want. That is where the value lies.
9. Smart Ways to Buy
- Go Pre-Owned: Let someone else take the initial depreciation hit. A 4-year-old high-spec model is often a smarter buy than a brand new entry-level one.
- Winter Buying: Parks are quieter in late autumn. It’s often a good time to view pitches without pressure.
- Check the Package: Does the price include the decking? The skirting? The gas bottles? These extras add up fast if bought separately.
10. Your Pre-Purchase Checklist
Don't sign until you know these three things:
- The Total Price: Is it fully sited and connected?
- The Future Costs: What are next year's site fees?
- The Tenure: Exactly when does the licence agreement end?
Spend time on the park. Walk around. Talk to existing owners if you can.
If the park is right, they’ll be happy to tell you.
Why Choose Morben Isaf?
We aren't a corporate chain. We focus on quiet quality.
- 5-Star Visit Wales grading
- David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award
- Immaculate grounds and mature woodland
- No commercial rentals—purely for owners and their families
Morben Isaf at a glance
Because this guide is published on the Morben Isaf blog, the park facts below are included for context.
Managers: Ben & Sarah
Location: Derwenlas, near Machynlleth, SY20 8SR
Season: 1st March to 2nd January
Atmosphere: We are an owners-only park. We do not allow commercial subletting. This keeps the park peaceful and the community familiar—you know who your neighbours are.
Features: Private fishing pool (residents only), bird hide, nature walks, and direct access to the Dyfi Valley.
2026 Site Fees:
- Single Unit: £3,800.00 (inc VAT)
- Double Unit: £4,740.00 (inc VAT)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a static caravan near Machynlleth?
You can find pre-owned models starting from £35,000, while new luxury lodges can exceed £100,000. It depends entirely on the age and specification you choose.
Can I rent out my caravan to offset costs?
It depends on the park. Some commercial parks encourage it. At Morben Isaf, we do not allow subletting. We prioritise peace and security for our owners over commercial turnover.
Is the park open all year?
Most parks in Mid Wales have a 10 or 11-month season. Morben Isaf is open from 1st March to 2nd January, giving you Christmas and New Year at your holiday home.
Do I own the land?
No. You own the holiday home; you rent the pitch via the annual site fee. Your licence agreement protects your right to use that pitch for a set number of years.
Are dogs allowed?
Mid Wales is fantastic dog-walking country. Most parks are dog-friendly, though rules vary on numbers. Morben Isaf welcomes dogs and offers great walks straight from the gate.
The Next Step
Buying a holiday home isn't like buying a car or a house. It’s buying a lifestyle.
The best way to judge value isn't on a spreadsheet.
It’s by standing on the pitch, looking at the view, and asking yourself: "Can I see myself here?"
If you’re ready to see what owning a place in the Dyfi Valley looks like, come and take a look.
