Should I Buy a Static Caravan or a Holiday Lodge? A Complete Comparison

1. Introduction

Walk onto almost any holiday park in the UK. You'll usually see two main types of holiday home:

1. One that looks like the caravan you remember from childhood.
2. One that looks more like a timber bungalow or villa.

Choosing between a static caravan and a holiday lodge is a big decision. It affects your upfront budget, your annual running costs, and how many years you can keep the holiday home on the park.

This guide is written for buyers looking at parks in Shropshire and Mid Wales, but the principles apply across the UK. We will focus on clear, practical comparisons, not sales talk.

2. Understanding the Basics

What is a static caravan?

A static caravan is a single-unit holiday home — delivered in one piece and sited on a fixed pitch.

• Width: Typically 10–12ft. Length varies from around 28ft to 40ft.
• Exterior: Aluminium or vinyl cladding on a steel or timber chassis. Low maintenance, wipe-clean.
• Spec: Most are built to EN 1647 (the European holiday standard). Some newer models now meet BS 3632 residential spec.
• Foundation: Usually hardstanding with axle jacks. Increasingly, parks in Shropshire are moving to full concrete pads.
• Legal status: Holiday use only — you'll need a main residence elsewhere.

In short: A static gives you a comfortable, affordable base without the outlay of a lodge. Ideal if you want flexibility and value while you explore the Shropshire countryside.

What is a holiday lodge?

A holiday lodge is a twin-unit holiday home — delivered in two halves and joined together on your pitch.

• Width: Usually 14–22ft, with most modern lodges around 20ft wide. That's nearly double a standard caravan.
• Exterior: Often timber or CanExel composite cladding for a chalet-style finish.
• Spec: The majority are built to BS 3632 residential specification — thicker walls, higher insulation, domestic-grade glazing. Always confirm the spec before purchase; a handful are still EN 1647.
• Foundation: Typically a concrete raft, giving a solid, permanent feel underfoot.
• Interior: Think small house rather than caravan. Full-height ceilings, freestanding furniture, utility rooms, and kitchens you'd expect in a flat.

In short: A lodge suits buyers who want more space, better insulation for year-round visits, and the feel of a proper home — whether that's a rainy half-term in October or a long Christmas break near Shrewsbury.

What they have in common

Despite the differences, statics and lodges share some key points:

• Both are classed as mobile structures, not bricks-and-mortar houses.
• Both are sold for holiday and recreational use only.
• You pay site (pitch) fees to keep them on the park.
• You need specialist holiday home insurance.
• You must have a main residential address elsewhere.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

If you're short on time, start here.

4. Cladding, Colours & Local Authority Rules

The outside of your holiday home is more important than it looks. It affects planning permission and how well the home blends into the local landscape.

How colours are often decided

Local authorities may set conditions on colours, cladding materials, and roof finishes. This is especially common in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Typical patterns we see:

• Shropshire & Mid Wales: Environmental greens and muted tones are common to blend into woodland and hillside settings.
• Coastal areas: Cream, light grey and sand tones are popular to soften the visual impact near beaches.

The lodge advantage (with a big caveat)

• Static caravans: Usually aluminium or vinyl cladding.
• Holiday lodges: Often offer CanExel (composite wood) or timber cladding for a "premium" chalet look.

5. Cost Comparison

Initial purchase cost

Static caravans

• Pre-owned: Often available from £15,000–£25,000.
• New: On quality parks in Shropshire and Mid Wales, often start from £35,000–£45,000.
• High-spec: Can reach £70,000–£80,000+.

Holiday lodges

• New: Typically start around £90,000–£110,000.
• Premium: Models with hot tubs and large decking can reach £200,000–£250,000+.
• Location: Lakeside or scenic lodge pitches often command a higher price.

Running costs

• Site Fees: Lodge pitches are usually larger and often on newer developments, so they often carry higher site fees. At Spring Lea, site fees start from £3,600/year (single) or £4,215 (double).
• Utilities: Lodges are larger to heat, but their superior insulation means a modern lodge may actually cost less to heat in winter than an older caravan. Spring Lea includes piped gas and wired broadband as standard on all pitches.
• Maintenance: Aluminium caravan cladding is wipe-clean. Timber or CanExel lodge cladding may need occasional treatment or staining.

Depreciation & long-term value

Both are depreciating assets, not bricks-and-mortar property.

• Static caravans: Tend to depreciate faster in early years. Shorter licence terms (10–15 years) mean you may need to upgrade sooner.
• Holiday lodges: Built to last longer with longer licence terms (25–30+ years). They often retain residual value better on well-run parks.

6. Lifestyle & Comfort Comparison

Space and layout

Space is where many buyers feel the biggest difference.

• Static caravan (12ft wide): Open-plan lounge/kitchen with a corridor to bedrooms. Smart use of space, but compact.
• Holiday lodge (20ft wide): Wide open-plan living with full-size domestic furniture. Often includes a utility room and dining table for six. On a wet weekend in Shropshire, the extra width makes a huge difference.

The parking factor

• Statics: Usually one private space or shared parking.
• Lodges: Frequently two private spaces right outside. Ideal for families travelling in two cars.

Soundproofing

Lodges built to BS 3632 usually have thicker walls and better acoustic performance. This means less noise from rain on the roof and less noise from neighbours.

Length of stays & season use

• Static caravan: Perfect for short, frequent trips. Warms up quickly; easy to lock up.
• Holiday lodge: Better for longer stays (2–3 weeks), Christmas breaks, or off-peak visits where you spend more time indoors.

7. Ownership Experience

Licence tenure (the "lease")

Your pitch licence agreement sets out how long your unit can stay on that pitch.

• Static caravans: Commonly 10–15 years (sometimes up to 20).
• Holiday lodges: Frequently 25–30 years (sometimes longer).

A longer licence spreads the higher upfront cost over more years of enjoyment.

Pitch availability & scarcity

• Caravan pitches: More widely available across most parks.
• Lodge pitches: Lodges are twin units and take more space. Prime lodge pitches (lakeside at Spring Lea, or rural views in Mid Wales) are scarce and in high demand.

Park types

• Caravan areas: Often family-focused with more buzz and facilities.
• Lodge developments: Often quieter, landscaped, gated areas. May restrict subletting to protect the peace.

Legal & planning – the golden rule

BS 3632 (Residential Spec) ≠ Residential Status.
If your holiday home is on a holiday park, you cannot use it as your main home. You must pay Council Tax elsewhere. Parks may ask for proof of this regularly.

Subletting & letting income

Lodges usually achieve higher weekly rental rates due to their size and spec. However, always check if your specific park allows subletting before buying. Spring Lea is an owners-only park with no holiday rentals.

8. Who Should Choose a Static Caravan?

A static caravan makes sense if:

• You're exploring ownership for the first time. Lower commitment, lower risk. See if the lifestyle suits you before investing more.
• You visit little and often. Weekends, bank holidays, half-terms — a static warms up quickly and locks up easily.
• You want to keep costs simple. Lower purchase price, lower site fees, minimal upkeep. More budget left for enjoying Shropshire.
• You don't need space for a crowd. A couple or small family will find a 12ft static perfectly comfortable.

9. Who Should Choose a Holiday Lodge?

A lodge is worth the step up if:

• You plan to visit year-round. October half-term. Christmas week. A lodge built to BS 3632 stays warm when the Shropshire hills turn cold.
• You regularly host family or guests. Grandchildren, friends, extended stays — the extra width means everyone has breathing room.
• You want a long-term base. A 25–30 year licence means you're not thinking about upgrading again for decades.
• Two parking spaces matter. Adult children visiting in their own car? A lodge pitch usually accommodates two vehicles.
• You value peace and quiet. Lodge developments at parks like Spring Lea are often separate, landscaped, and lower-density.

10. Key Trends in the Sector (2024–2025)

• Eco-friendly specs: Manufacturers like Willerby and ABI now offer "Green" upgrades on statics that narrow the insulation gap.
• Heat pumps: Parks are moving toward electric heating and air-source heat pumps, away from gas bottles.
• Smart tech: App-controlled heating is becoming standard in high-end lodges.

11. Decision Framework

Still weighing it up? Ask yourself these five questions.

1. What's your budget? Under £60k points to a static. Over £90k opens up lodge options.
2. When will you visit? Mainly March to October? A static is ideal. Year-round, including Christmas? A lodge earns its keep.
3. Who's coming with you? Just the two of you? A 12ft static is plenty. Grandchildren, guests, or a dog? The extra width of a lodge makes wet weekends far easier.
4. How long do you want to own? A 10-year plan suits a static. Thinking 20–30 years? A lodge with a longer licence makes more sense.
5. Is this your first holiday home? If yes, a static lets you test the lifestyle. If you're upgrading from a previous caravan, you already know what you want — and it's probably more space.

12. Conclusion & Next Steps

There is no single "better" option. There is only the option that fits your budget, your visit pattern, and your long-term plans.

• A static caravan offers an accessible, flexible starting point.
• A holiday lodge offers space, luxury, and longevity.

Best next step: Don't decide from photos alone. Visit one of our parks in Shropshire or Mid Wales. Step into a 12ft static caravan and then a 20ft lodge. Sit down, walk around, stand in the kitchen. You will quickly feel which space fits your life.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Is a lodge worth the extra cost over a static?
It depends on how you'll use it. If you visit mainly for summer weekends, a static offers excellent value. If you want winter stays, space for family, or a 25-year pitch, the lodge's higher price often makes sense over time.

Which is better for autumn and winter visits?
Lodges, generally. BS 3632 specification means thicker walls, better insulation, and domestic-grade double glazing. A modern lodge in Shropshire will stay warm and quiet even when the weather turns. High-spec statics are catching up, but lodges still have the edge.

Can I upgrade from a static to a lodge later?
Yes, many owners do exactly this. A static is a sensible way to test the lifestyle. If you find yourself visiting more often — or wanting more space — upgrading to a lodge pitch is a natural next step. Speak to the park early, as lodge pitches at sites like Spring Lea are limited.

Are lodge pitches harder to find?
Usually, yes. Lodges are twin-units, so they need larger plots. Prime pitches — especially lakeside or with countryside views — are scarce. Static pitches are more widely available across most parks.

What's the real difference between BS 3632 and EN 1647?
EN 1647 is the European holiday standard — fine for spring-to-autumn use. BS 3632 is residential specification — thicker walls, higher insulation, better for year-round comfort. Most lodges are BS 3632. Most statics are EN 1647, though some premium models now offer the higher spec.

Can I have a hot tub at Spring Lea?
Yes — hot tubs are permitted on owner pitches, subject to park guidelines. This is rare among quality parks in Shropshire and applies to both static caravans and lodges.