Falling in love with a holiday park is the easy part.
You find the spot. You pick out the perfect static caravan or luxury lodge. You can almost smell the coffee on the decking.
But buying the holiday home is just the start.
To make the dream work long-term, you need to look past the price tag in the window and be realistic about the ongoing commitment.
It brings up the one question every new owner asks:
"How much is this actually going to cost me every year?"
The annual site fees are the biggest part of that puzzle, but they aren't the whole picture. When you factor in insurance, gas, and winter maintenance, the total cost of static caravan ownership can look very different from the brochure price.
This guide fixes that. We’re giving you the plain numbers for 2026, the hidden costs to watch for, and a simple way to budget for your holiday home in Mid Wales.
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The Short Answer (Mid Wales, 2026)
- Typical total yearly running cost: £5,000–£8,000 (Site fees + all bills)
- Typical annual site fees: £4,000–£7,000+ (Rent for your pitch)
- Running costs: £1,000–£1,800 (Gas, electric, insurance, rates)
- Council Tax: Zero. You do not pay Council Tax on a holiday home (though some parks charge a small contribution to business rates).
- The Rule: You must have a main residence elsewhere to pay Council Tax on. You cannot live in a holiday caravan.
Terminology note: We use "Annual Site Fee" to mean the rent you pay the park to keep your holiday home on its pitch.
What This Guide Covers
- The difference between the "headline fee" and the real cost
- Typical price ranges for Mid Wales parks in 2026
- How to spot "bill shock" before it happens
- Key questions to ask about resale, licences, and exit fees
- A printable checklist to take with you to viewings
Related guides:
- How much does a static caravan cost to buy?
- Choosing the right park in the Dyfi Valley
The 3-Step Budget Formula
Don't overcomplicate it. Use this model:
- The Site Fee (The fixed rent to the park)
- The Essentials (Gas + Electric + Insurance + Rates + Safety Checks)
- The Buffer (Repairs + Upgrades + WiFi)
Your Total Cost = 1 + 2 + 3.
Source: The figures below are based on real 2026 market averages for Mid Wales holiday parks. Always get a written quote for your specific pitch.
Morben Isaf at a glance
Because this guide is published on the Morben Isaf blog, the park facts below are included for context.
- Location: Derwenlas, near Machynlleth
- Park Type: Owners-only (Quiet, nature-focused, no subletting)
- 2026 Site Fees: £3,800 (Single Unit) / £4,740 (Double Unit)
- Total annual budget: Most owners spend between £4,800–£6,500 all-in.
Real 2026 Site Fee Ranges
Typical Mid Wales Site Fees: £4,000–£7,000+ per year.
If you include all your running costs (gas, electric, insurance), most owners budget roughly £5,000–£8,000 a year total.
Three common price bands
Rural / Countryside Park (Good Value)
Site fee: £4,000–£4,500
Running costs: £1,000–£1,500
Total / year: £5,000–£6,000
Standard Holiday Park (Facilities)
Site fee: £4,500–£5,800
Running costs: £1,200–£1,700
Total / year: £5,700–£7,500
Premium Coastal / Lodge Resort
Site fee: £6,000–£8,000+
Running costs: £1,500–£2,000+
Total / year: £7,500–£10,000+
Remember: These are estimates. A specific sea-view pitch will cost more than a standard pitch on the same park.
The "Cost-Per-Night" Reality Check:
If your total annual cost is £5,000 and you visit for 60 nights a year, that’s £83 per night for your own private holiday home.
Morben Isaf Fees (2026)
- Single Unit: £3,800 (inc VAT)
- Double Unit (Lodge): £4,740 (inc VAT)
Tip: You might notice our fees start lower than the regional "Typical" average shown above. We keep our fees simple and competitive by focusing on the environment rather than expensive commercial facilities.
What Your Site Fees Actually Cover
Included in the fee
- The Pitch: Rent for the land your holiday home sits on.
- Park Upkeep: Landscaping, mowing, road maintenance, refuse collection.
- Security: Staff presence, barriers, CCTV.
- Facilities: Access to walks, fishing pools, and communal areas.
Usually charged separately
- Utilities: Gas, Electricity, Water (usage based).
- Protection: Insurance and winter drain-downs.
- Safety: Annual gas and electric certificates.
- Connectivity: WiFi or broadband.
The Gist: The site fee covers the park environment. You pay for what you consume inside your caravan.
The "Hidden" Running Costs
These aren't really hidden, but they are often forgotten in the excitement of buying.
- Electricity: £250–£500 (Metered – you pay for what you use).
- LPG Gas: £300–£600 (Usually bottled 47kg cylinders for heating/cooking).
- Insurance: £300–£550 (Specialist "New for Old" cover is standard).
- Rates Contribution: £300–£500 (A share of the park's business rates).
- Winterisation: £90–£150 (Protecting pipes from frost in winter).
- Safety Tests: £80–£150 (Annual gas/electric checks).
Budgeting Rule: Set aside £1,200–£1,800 a year for these essentials.
Are Lodges More Expensive to Run?
Generally, yes.
- Site Fees: Lodges take up two pitches worth of space, so fees are often higher (e.g., £4,740 vs £3,800).
- Heating: A larger space requires more energy to heat, though modern lodges usually have superior residential-grade insulation (BS 3632).
- Maintenance: More decking and exterior surface area to keep clean.
Tip: If buying a lodge, ask to see an example winter electricity bill from a similar unit so you know what to expect.
The Risks: Increases & Licence Terms
Buying a holiday home is a commitment. You need to know the exit strategy before you enter.
Get these in writing:
- Fee Reviews: How often do fees rise? (Usually annually, linked to inflation/costs).
- Licence Length: How long can the caravan stay? (Statics: 15–20 years. Lodges: 25–30 years).
- Resale Policy: Can you sell on the pitch? What is the park's commission? (Industry standard is 15% + VAT).
- Exit Costs: What is the disconnection fee if you decide to leave?
Warning: If a park relies on a "handshake deal" rather than a written licence agreement, walk away.
The "No Surprises" Checklist
Screenshot this list and take it with you when you view a park.
- Atmosphere: Is it owners-only or are there fleets of rental guests? (Morben is owners-only).
- Age Policy: What happens when my caravan is 15 years old?
- Maintenance: Who cuts the grass around my pitch?
- Resale: What are the fees if I sell privately?
- Upgrades: Can I add decking later? Who are the approved contractors?
- Rules: Are dogs allowed? (We welcome them!). Can I sublet? (We don't allow it).
- Billing: Can I pay site fees monthly or is it one lump sum?
Why Choose Morben Isaf?
- Transparent Costs: We publish our fees clearly. No hidden bands.
- Owners-Only: A quiet community. No stag dos, no commercial rentals.
- Natural Setting: 5-Star grading, conservation awards, and dark skies.
- Stability: Family-owned and managed for the long term.
Thinking of ownership?
Morben Isaf is an owners-only holiday park near Machynlleth, overlooking the Dyfi Valley.
We offer peace, privacy, and a simple fee structure.
- 2026 Single Unit Fee: £3,800
- 2026 Lodge Fee: £4,740
Want to discuss the numbers? Our team can build a personalised budget for you based on the pitch you like.
Value vs. Price
Why do fees vary so much?
- Location: A sea view commands a premium. A valley view offers value.
- Facilities: Swimming pools and clubhouses cost millions to run. You pay for them in your fees.
- Exclusivity: Owners-only parks often cost slightly less than big commercial resorts because the infrastructure is simpler and quieter.
The Bottom Line: Don't just look for the cheapest fee. Look for the park you actually want to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are site fees at Morben Isaf in 2026?
Single units are £3,800. Twin units (lodges) are £4,740. Prices include VAT.
What else do I need to pay for?
Budget around £1,200–£1,500 a year for insurance, gas, electricity, rates, and winterisation.
Can I live in my caravan?
No. You must have a permanent residence elsewhere. Our park is for holiday use only.
Can I rent out my caravan?
No. Morben Isaf does not allow commercial subletting. This ensures the park remains quiet and secure for our owners.
Do I pay Council Tax?
No. Holiday homes are exempt from Council Tax. However, you will likely pay a small contribution to the park's business rates (local authority rates).
Are utilities included?
No. Electricity is metered (you pay for what you use). Gas is sold by the bottle.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and reflects typical industry practice as of 2025/2026. While we aim for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information provided, and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Costs, policies, licence terms, and facilities vary between parks and manufacturers and may change without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk — always confirm details directly with the park manager before making any purchase decision. This content does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a qualified professional.