28 November 2025
Buying a Caravan Park: The Process Explained
If deciding to buy a caravan park – either as a sole business venture or to add to an existing property portfolio – it is important to understand the process to ensure a smooth sale.
Before deciding to proceed, make sure you understand and complete your due diligence. Ask the agent what kind of park it is, as there are different rules for a residential park compared to touring or static holiday parks.
Inspect the site so you understand its condition, and make sure you have a comprehensive list of any caravans which are being sold as part of the deal. Check the condition of these caravans so you do not have any surprises upon completion. It is also important to check the terrain and condition of the park in case you ever want to extend the park to ensure suitability.
Alongside this, consider occupancy levels and visitor numbers over the last few years. Check what local amenities are nearby and any facilities available on-site, as these may affect the price of the park.
When buying, you should also ensure you have your funding confirmed and all details of your finances ready to share: this includes your finance deal, and proof of funds if you are a cash buyer. Instruct a property surveyor, accountant and legal representative at the outset this will ensure a smooth sale and allow you to prepare for all costs including stamp duty, land tax or land transaction tax. Budget for searches including the Local Authority search, water and drainage search, environmental, and mining if near historic mine sites.
Your solicitor will check the title, searches, all planning permissions benefitting the park, the site licence and conditions attached to the licence, occupancy agreements and occupational licences, while agreeing transitional arrangements for existing bookings and raising any other property related-enquiries with the seller. Your solicitor will also check whether any employees are to continue employment post-completion and whether any other third-party contracts are to remain in place. Following completion, your solicitor will submit the transfer of site licence form to the Local Authority once received from the seller. To ensure a smooth process, always instruct a legal expert with experience in managing caravan park purchases.
Selling A Caravan Park: Top Considerations
When preparing to sell, it is important to engage a professional valuer and/or sales agent with experience of selling caravan parks. They can help you to determine a fair price in-line with market value.
To speed up the sales process, you should also ensure that you hold copies of planning permissions relating to the park, building regulation consents, site licences, and copies of all mobile home agreements for a residential park. Ensure that you also hold copies of any third-party contracts, employee contracts (if employees are to continue employment post completion), details of pitch fees and utility costs along with other related financial information, as these will all be requested by the buyer. During this process, make sure that the site licence and accompanying conditions have all been complied with in full: for example, conduct any fire risk assessments and any other conditions which feature within the site licence.
To guide this process and manage the transaction, it is equally important to instruct a trusted, expert solicitor and accountant. These professionals will prepare the legal pack for the buyer and ensure your accounts and required financial information is in order.
As with the sales agent, check that your solicitor and accountant hold extensive experience selling caravan parks so you have access to specialist, evidence-based advice tailored to your circumstances.
JCP Solicitors has offices across Pembrokeshire and South West Wales, supporting private clients and businesses of all sizes. For advice and guidance on Commercial Property in Pembrokeshire, contact Eleri Roebuck by emailing eleri.roebuck@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or calling 01437 764 723.
