Author: Jayne Cunliffe
The issue of mis-selling in the static caravan industry has gained increasing attention in recent years. Consumer forums, watchdog programmes, and news outlets have covered stories of buyers who claim they were misled about pitch fees, site rules, or the investment value of their holiday home. While these accounts are important and highlight real problems within the sector, it is also worth taking a step back and examining the counter-argument. Is “mis-selling” always a fair description, or are there other factors at play?
Understanding the Caravan Business Model
Static caravans differ significantly from bricks-and-mortar property. Unlike houses, they depreciate in value over time, and site licences or pitch agreements often come with clear terms about annual fees, resale restrictions, and site rules. From the operator’s perspective, much of this information is provided up front—often in sales brochures, written agreements, and pitch contracts.
Critics argue that buyers sometimes overlook or misunderstand these terms, leading to disappointment later. In this sense, what is sometimes described as “mis-selling” may in fact be a mismatch between expectations and reality rather than deliberate dishonesty.
The Responsibility of the Buyer
Consumer protection law stresses that businesses must be transparent and honest. However, it also assumes that buyers have a responsibility to read contracts carefully, ask questions, and seek independent advice if they are unsure. Caravan sites usually provide welcome packs, copies of agreements, and written confirmation of pitch fees. If these documents are ignored or skimmed over, it can fuel misunderstandings down the line.
Are All Sales Practices Misleading?
There is no denying that some individuals in the industry have engaged in poor or aggressive sales practices, and those cases deserve scrutiny. But to paint the entire industry with the same brush risks unfairly damaging businesses that operate ethically. Many holiday parks pride themselves on long-term customer relationships and transparent communication. For every complaint of mis-selling, there are countless satisfied owners who understand the costs and enjoy the fantastic lifestyle.
The Problem of “Expectation vs Reality”
Often, the word “mis-sold” is used when buyers discover that their caravan does not increase in value, or when they realise the costs of running it are higher than anticipated. But these factors are not hidden truths—they are widely understood features of the industry. In fact, consumer advice websites regularly highlight that static caravans should be purchased for lifestyle enjoyment rather than financial gain.
Conclusion
The conversation around mis-selling of static caravans is complex. While genuine cases of misrepresentation exist and must be addressed, it is equally important to acknowledge that not every complaint stems from malpractice. Sometimes, dissatisfaction arises from misunderstood contracts, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of due diligence on the buyer’s part.
For the industry to move forward fairly, both sides need to take responsibility: salespeople must continue to improve transparency and communication, and buyers must approach such a significant purchase with careful consideration and research.
At North Lakes Country Park we take this responsibility seriously. We are committed to being open, transparent, and honest in every interaction, ensuring that buyers have all the information they need to make an informed choice. Our goal is not just to sell caravans, but to build long-lasting, positive relationships with owners who can enjoy their holiday homes for many years with complete confidence.
If you’re considering buying a static caravan or holiday lodge with us, you can be confident that there will be no hidden surprises—just clear information and friendly support. Our goal is simple: to help you make the right choice, for the right reasons, so you can enjoy your holiday home with complete peace of mind.
Real Customer Experiences
To show the other side of the story, here are just a few examples from happy owners at our park:
“We have kept the same spot here for the last 25 years overlooking the tarn. Such a beautiful setting. We came here with our 2 daughters all those years ago just for a day out! Now our daughters & their families come here, our grandchildren adore it. We have seen many changes over the years, but we still love coming to spend time at our caravan and could not imagine being anywhere else”.
“The Park Managers Jayne & Karl are fantastic, nothing is too much trouble, they go above and beyond to make sure our experience is unique. North Lakes is our happy place, Sydney our border terrier barks in agreement”.
“Having our holiday home at North Lakes has been one of the best decisions we made… The feeling of chill hits us as soon as we turn into the winding drive and the views from our decking are simply stunning …. breath-taking even”.
Book a Viewing Today
We’d love to show you around! Come for a visit and explore the park, take in the views, and imagine yourself enjoying the holiday home lifestyle.
Start your next chapter in the Northern Lake District — where peace, beauty and community come together.
Find your perfect holiday home, static caravan, or lodge at North Lakes Country Park. Contact our team today to book a viewing or drop in to see us to check out the range of lodges and static caravans we have for sale.
We look forward to welcoming you to North Lakes soon!