Our heart goes out to all those who have lost their holiday homes to storm damage over the last few years. This year we have endured Storm Eowyn with numerous holiday caravans and lodges being destroyed or badly damaged along the South Coast. Ireland and Scotland were also badly hit with similar losses.
These all-powerful storms also create major problems for the park operators in their quest to have parks ready for their Spring/Summer season. The past five years or so has seen an increase in storm damage which is having an adverse affect through out the industry. In particular – the Insurers – who are becoming increasingly nervous about the vulnerability of holiday homes during these storms.
Anchoring and skirting caravans and lodges is becoming virtually mandatory with insurers today, in an attempt to secure them. But this does not always stop them from being badly damaged.
In an attempt to create new business, parks up and down the country are once again offering free 2025 pitch fees when purchasing new caravans / lodges – nothing new here. Although some are also fixing their pitch fee rates for 2026 / 2027. Unfortunately, these rates seem to have increased over this current year by between 12% – 18% : Defeating the objective it seems.
I am sure the small independent park owners will be looking very closely at the dilemma holiday home owners are currently facing. High pitch fees, increased costs in new caravans / lodges and theconstant storm and flood damage that now seem to threaten us most Winters. Is the confidence in buying a holiday home being threatened and having an effect on our industry?
A sharp increase in the attraction to rent the small glamping pods that are becoming popular throughout the UK may also have an affect on our market and if we are looking to return to growing our market, then drastic action is required.
‘How about fixing the cost of pitch fees or three years? It is a start!’
Can we really rely solely on the British true grit attitude when owners return to their holiday homes in the spring ?
After all, they are the lifeblood of this industry and without their commitment and investment – parks and manufacturers would cease to exist.
Let us show how much we really appreciate them.
SIDE NOTES
Two holiday home owners overheard discussing…
RESCUE ME!
File No.12
I think I’m going to need a second mortgage.
Is it something I’ve said?
Yes, you said, “Have you seen the new pitch fee prices?”
Oh yeah. I thought you knew.
Clearly not! I nearly had a heart attack.
To be fair, they did warn us.
A note in the small print at the bottom of the “Exciting Park Updates” email is NOT a warning!
Well, they never like to lead with bad news.
Bad news? It’s daylight robbery!
It’s only gone up a little bit… Bad news? It’s daylight robbery!
A little bit? My bank account just sent me a sympathy card!
Alright, alright. What are you going to do?
I don’t know. Sell a kidney? Sell the dog? Sell my soul to the devil?
I think the park management already has first dibs on that.
True. Maybe I should complain.
And say what?
That it’s outrageous! Unaffordable! A disgrace!
And then what?
Probably pay it. And cry.
Sounds about right
Fancy a cup of tea?
Can we afford the electricity?
Good point. Better make it quick before the next price increase…
