First a few definitions – what is a ‘luxury lodge’? Is it a posh mobile home? Or a palace in a picturesque country setting. Ask people in the street for their definition of luxury and you will a different answer every time. And the word is very frequently used when selling holiday homes from mobile caravans upwards.
There is are a growing number of holiday parks offering properties for sale in the UK. Prices range from £50,000 to £160,000 depending on size, position on the park and quality of construction. They are in-between the static caravan sales and freehold and leasehold properties usually bought through an estate agent.
Advantages
Better value for money
At this price level, on average around £100,000 to £120,000, they offer a more affordable route to holiday home ownership than a cottage or apartment. In todays climate (2011) the average price of a property is over £160,000 with desirable holiday areas costing mush more.
Great locations
Holiday parks selling lodges are typically in peaceful coastal and countryside locations. So the immediate vicinity of a holiday home will be greenery, away from busy road sand crowds, which will create a peaceful and relaxing environment for owners.
A sense of escapism
That peaceful environment comes a sense of escapism fulfilling one of the key aims of a holiday home purchase. The holiday home is a retreat; a refuge from the pressures of the working week and daily routine. It is the chance to enjoy hobbies, such as golf, fishing, painting or cycling in beautiful surroundings.
Modern construction standards provide luxury and longer usage
BS3632 is the standard for park holiday home construction which most adhere to. This will provide insulation and living standards of a standard comparable to residential buildings. Features such as central heating and double glazing will make the holiday habitable all year round, while new-build features include fitted kitchens, complete with integrated appliances, and hi-spec en-suite bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths. Wi-fi internet access and hot tubs on the balcony further add to their appeal.
Outdoor living / verandas and barbecues
Many luxury lodges have floor to ceiling windows and French doors bringing the outside in and making the most of the views.Stepping out onto a spacious balcony for a barbecue or to relax in the sun is a strong selling point.
On-site facilities
These can range from a shop and storage facilities for bicycles to swimming pools and spas, coffee shops and restaurants, all available to owners on the park.
Rental income
Some sites offer a guaranteed income stream for the first few years of ownership, at the moment around 4-6% of the purchase price. This is done by letting the property for holidays which limits the owners usage, but provides a set return on an investment.
