purchase on Haven site

[DAVE]

Hi everyone, iam new to this forum and as yet have not purchased a van, but are very near to doing so. we are planning to purchasing a 2 year old van on a Haven site, with a view of renting it out 95% of time, but not sure if this would cover the ground rent of about £4,500 per annum and whether it is best to let Haven sublet the van or for us to do it ourself. Would appreciate any feed back on this, as Haven said that it could cover some of the ground rent for the next year.:confused:

[Darren]

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum.

This is actually a topic that has been covered on a few occasions and some fantastic adivce has been given.

Check out http://www.gostatic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=562 (http://www.gostatic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=562&highlight=sublet) & http://www.gostatic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=255

Are there any specific areas that you are wondering about?

[DAVE]

Thanks Darren, just viewed those two.
not sure we should buy on an Haven site now, but might be better off purchasing on a smaller site ?
are subletting agents a good way of letting your van ? and do they take care of things like gas, cleaning, etc?

[littlestar]

Hi dave,

I hope I can be of some help here,as this is my first season of renting and we are on a north wales haven site.

We have used the caravan for approx 4 weeks and 5 weekends through out this season (2 of the weeks have been peak weeks) and i have more than covered my site fees.

It can be very worrying at first, but DO NOT LET HAVEN RENT YOUR VAN FOR YOU! You will not make as much money plus people will not look after your van.

All you need is a good cleaner (either by word of mouth or advertising eg jobcentre,gumtree etc) and good advertising eg direct holiday homes,uk caravan hire and make use of free advertising like gumtree,uk classifieds etc.

ALWAYS TAKE A DAMAGES BOND INCASE,AS YOU NEVER KNOW.
Create your terms & conditions, booking form and i also have a confirmation letter too (telling people when their balance is due,where the caravan is,arrival times & departure etc)and thats it.You don't need a letting agent.

You will also have to budget for gas & electric,caravan ins and rates and any repairs and replacements (eg quilts/mattresses/general wear and tear).Your cleaner and Haven do a 'key release' scheme where you pay £3.50 for them to release the keys to your guest,so you don't need to worry about keys!

I really enjoy my little caravan letting business as i am a full time mum! I'm even thinking of maybe starting my own letting agency myself (must be mad) as i know so many people who just don't have the time to do it all themselves! But if you do, go for it you will be ok!

Sarah x

[DAVE]

Thank you Sarah, Some excellent advise which i will take on board. Without being too nosey, any idea what cleaning costs are likely to be per let ?

[littlestar]

Hi Dave,

It really depends on what site you are on, and what you expect your cleaner to do. I don't leave linen in my van just pillows and duvets,but if you do want to provide linen then you will have to pay more to your cleaner for washing. What site are you going to be on?

sarah

[DAVE]

Hi Sarah,
Hopefully Primrose Valley or Devon Cliffs, we live in South Shields so Devon Cliffs might be too far away ?

Dave

[littlestar]

Hi Dave,

I believe Devon Cliffs is a beautiful site and have only heard good things about it.However I know from another forum that some owners are not happy at PV.Personally i haven't been to either,so unfortunately I can't comment

With regards to a cleaner, I think you should look to be paying anywhere from £15-£30(max) depending on the level of service you require.

Hope i've helped

Sarah x

[DAVE]

Thank you very much Sarah you have been very helpful. Going to see them on Saturday at PV. speak soon.

dave

[DORRIAN]

Hi Dave and welcome to the site , we have our caravan at Ingoldmells nr Skegness so probably a little too far down the east coast for you , but in the shop near the camp there are usually adverts for cleaners they charge around £15 for a 2 bed van and £20 for a 3 bed , hope this gives you some sort of idea what you should be paying for a cleaner :):)

Dorrian