New vs Used Static Caravan: The 2026 Guide for Buying a Holiday Home in Mid Wales

You want a static caravan holiday home or lodge in Mid Wales, but you’re stuck on the big decision: new or used?

This guide walks you through buying a new vs used static caravan if you're considering buying a caravan holiday home in Mid Wales. 

Key Facts: New vs Used at a Glance

If you only read one section, make it this one.

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1. Introduction: The Question We Hear Most at Morben Isaf

You’ve found the park. You’ve pictured the weekends.

Now there’s one question left.

New or used?

It sounds simple. But it’s the decision that trips up more first-time buyers than any other.

Go new and you get warranties, modern spec, and maximum years on the park. Go used and you’re in sooner, for less money, with cash left over to explore the local area.

Both options work. The right answer depends on how you’ll use it — and how long you plan to stay.

Here at Morben Isaf Holiday Park, in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere near Machynlleth, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers make this decision.

This guide gives you the honest, “manager’s eye view” — the pros, the cons, and the questions most people forget to ask.

Whether you’re looking at a brand-new lodge or a well-loved static, we want to help you make a calm, confident decision for 2026.

2. New vs Used at a Glance

When a New Caravan Makes Sense

A new static caravan or lodge usually suits you if:

• You plan to use it heavily (almost every weekend).
• You are playing the long game (owning for 10+ years).
• You want modern "residential spec" insulation for winter visits.
• You want zero maintenance headaches for the first few years.

When a Used Caravan Can Be the Better Fit

A used static caravan often suits you if:

• You want to dip your toe in without committing a huge sum.
• You want a premium pitch (e.g. river view) but need to offset the higher site fees with a cheaper van.
• You want to move in next week, not next month.
• You want extras included (decking/skirting) that often come with used sales.

3. Key Things to Decide Before You Pick

Before you fall in love with a specific caravan, be honest about:

• Frequency: Will you be here in November? If so, prioritize a warmer unit (New or High-Spec Used) over a cheaper one.
• Budget: Remember to factor in annual site fees (£3,800+) alongside the purchase price.
• Timeline: Is this a 3-year experiment or a 20-year retirement plan?

The Case for Buying a New Static Caravan

4. Modern Features & Energy Efficiency

New models are built differently.

It isn't just about the new carpet smell. It's about how they handle a Welsh winter.

Most new units are built to BS3632 Residential Specification. That means:

• Better insulation in the walls and roof.
• High-performance double glazing.
• Efficient condensing boilers.

If you plan to use your holiday home in the shoulder seasons (March or November), a new unit will be noticeably warmer and cheaper to heat.

5. Manufacturer Warranties

With a new unit, you get the full factory warranty.

This covers the chassis, structure, and fittings. If a tap leaks or a door sticks, it's covered. For the first few years, your running costs (beyond site fees and energy) should be practically zero.

6. Maximum Licence Term

This is the big financial factor.

Buying new gives you the longest possible time on the park (e.g. 15 years for a static, up to 30 for a lodge). You are buying a long-term future.

The Case for Buying a Used Static Caravan

7. Lower Upfront Costs

Someone else has taken the initial depreciation hit.

You can often pick up a high-spec used model (with central heating and double glazing) for the same price as a basic new model. It lets your budget stretch further.

8. Immediate Entry

A used static on Morben Isaf is usually sitting on its pitch right now.

It is connected to gas, water, and electric. It has been safety checked. You can sign the papers and move in. No waiting for factory slots or transport lorries.

9. The "Hidden Value" of Extras

New caravans are sold as "unit only." You pay extra for the steps, the skirting, the aerial, and the decking.

Used caravans often come as a package deal. If it has a large wraparound deck (which can cost £10k+ new), that is included in the price. That is huge value.

10. The Critical Check: Remaining Life

Always check the licence agreement. When viewing a used static, ask:

• "When does the licence expire?"

If a 10-year-old caravan is on a park with a 15-year age limit, you only have 5 years of use. At Morben Isaf, we are transparent about this date so you can calculate the true value.

11. The Money: Cost per Year

Don’t just look at the price tag. Look at the cost per year of ownership.

Example A (New): £60,000 ÷ 15 years on park = £4,000/year (plus site fees).

Example B (Used): £25,000 ÷ 5 years on park = £5,000/year (plus site fees).

Sometimes, the "cheaper" caravan actually costs you more per year of use because the lifespan is shorter. Do the maths.

12. Lifestyle: Working from the Park?

If you plan to use your holiday home as a "work from anywhere" base, check the connectivity.

Newer models often have better internal wiring and dedicated USB points. Older models with thick aluminium cladding can sometimes block mobile signals (Faraday cage effect), so check your 4G/5G reception inside the van before you buy.

13. Why Morben Isaf Holiday Park?

We are a quiet, owners-focused park.

Crucially, we do not accept private "bring-ons" (caravans bought from a third party and moved here). Every used unit on our park has been inspected, vetted, and approved by us.

This protects the quality of the park and protects you from buying a lemon.

14. Viewing Checklist

For New Models

• ☐ Does the layout work for your family? (e.g. separate lounge vs open plan).
• ☐ Is the heating system adequate for winter use?
• ☐ Does the price include siting and connection?

For Used Models

• ☐ The Sniff Test: Does it smell musty? (Damp is the enemy).
• ☐ The Floor Test: Walk in every corner. Is it spongy?
• ☐ The Paperwork: Are the gas/electric certificates up to date?
• ☐ The Decking: Is the timber sound or rotting?

15. Decision Framework

Buy New if: You want a 15-year view, low maintenance, and modern warmth.

Buy Used if: You want a bargain, you want to start next weekend, or you want decking included.

16. FAQs: New vs Used Static Caravans

Do used caravans have a warranty?
At Morben Isaf, we typically provide a park warranty on used units (e.g. 3-6 months) to cover major faults. Private sales elsewhere often have zero warranty.

Is finance available on used caravans?
Yes, subject to status. However, the repayment term may be shorter than for a new unit because the asset is older.

Can I trade in my touring caravan?
Yes. We accept tourers and motorhomes in part-exchange against both new and used static caravans. It’s a great way to fund your deposit.

17. Conclusion: The Right Choice for You

There’s no wrong answer here. Just the answer that fits your life.

New gives you the long term security. Used gives you the immediate value.

Either way, you’ll be waking up to the same view of the Dyfi Valley. The same peace. The same escape.

That’s what matters.

Come and see us at Morben Isaf. We usually have both options available to view. Walk through them. Compare them. See what feels like home.