You are faced with so many options when buying your first ever holiday home that it can sometimes feel like a daunting task. It is important to take everything into consideration before taking the first leap into holiday home ownership.
Just like making any big purchase, there are advantages and disadvantages of buying a new or second-hand holiday home. We have put together a list of pros and cons to help you take the first steps into making the decision of whether you would rather buy a new or a second-hand home.
New
Pros
Design and layout options
One of the main draws of buying a brand-new holiday home is that you may be able to have some input on the design and layout for the way that best suits your family’s needs. If things like having an integrated kitchen or new bathroom, or even French doors are important to you, you may lean towards buying a new home.
Manufacturer backed warranty
Most of the holiday homes in our parks are built by UK manufacturers and come with generous warranties. The scope of the warranty provided varies between make and manufacturer but provides added protection on your investment as well as peace of mind. Get in touch with us to find out more about what each manufacturer offers.
Energy efficiency
When you buy a new holiday home you will have peace of mind that it has been built with the most up to date technology, construction methods and materials and built in line with recognised standards. A new holiday home will contain the most up to date appliances and thermal insulation and heating options; most of our new homes will come with central heating and a fireplace as standard to keep you toasty over winter.
Cons
Higher cost
Understandably, a brand-new holiday home will come at a higher initial price than one which has been used.
Long term value
Just like with a new car, the cost of a brand new holiday home usually depreciates quicker the newer they are, however, with the recent staycation boom holiday homes are holding their value more than ever before and buying a new holiday home in the current climate is a great investment to allow you spend invaluable time making memories with your loved ones on vacation.
Pre-owned
Pros
First time owner
Buying a used holiday home is a great option for first time buyers to road test and work out whether owning a holiday home is actually for them, and what they want and don’t want in a future holiday home. You will generally get more space and a higher specification for your budget than if buying new.
Lower cost
It is usually more cost effective to buy an older holiday home. If you are on a budget you can still get a high specification that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to afford brand new. This also allows you to make interior changes to make it your own, for example you can paint the walls and bring in furniture to your taste. An older holiday home, even one that is only a year or two old usually depreciates slower than a new holiday home providing a better long term investment opportunity.
Bonus extras from previous owner
Often second-hand holiday homes will have extras fitted that the previous owner has added on to the original specification during their ownership meaning that you will often get a higher specification holiday home than what you could afford new. For example, some of our Meridian Parks preloved holiday homes come with decking already fitted.
Way to get onto well-loved parks
In the era of staycations it is becoming increasingly difficult to find plots on the most popular sites as the pitches are finite. It may be that the only available holiday homes left for sale in the park are pre-loved. This is why it is important to consider location very carefully too. Being a second hand holiday home may be a great way to get into the popular park of your choosing.
Cons
Limited warranty cover
Buying an older holiday home may mean that the property has limited warranty left and may require more maintenance than a new caravan. However, Meridian Parks always carry out thorough gas and electric checks on our holiday homes prior to listing them for sale, so you know that they have been well maintained prior to purchase.
Energy efficiency
Not all older holiday homes are fitted with the latest techniques in double glazing or central heating so it may be worth checking this out if you are hoping to use your holiday home in the winter months.
Age
Meridian Parks doesn’t have an age limit on our holiday homes, and as long as they are maintained in a good condition your pre-loved holiday home will be able to be used on our parks for many years. However, some other parks may have age restrictions on used holiday homes meaning that upgrading may come around sooner than if you buy a new model.
By considering all of the above you will be well on the way to deciding whether a new or preloved holiday home is for you and one step closer to making your holiday home dream a reality. Whether you buy a new or a pre-loved holiday home it will provide the chance to make memories with your family and friends for years to come. We have a wide range of new and used holiday homes available at various price points at our parks at the moment. To view our available holiday homes, you can visit our website here
