Our 2026 Holiday Home Buyers Guide is Here — Everything You Need Before Buying a Static or Lodge This Year
- Jodie
- Nov 21, 2025
- 4 min read
The world of holiday home ownership is evolving quickly, and with more buyers seeking clear, honest advice before making such a meaningful purchase, we’re excited to announce that the At Your Leisure 2026 Holiday Home Buyers Guide is officially live! This year’s guide is our most comprehensive version yet, designed to help future owners cut through confusion, avoid common pitfalls, and feel confident when buying a static or buying a lodge in 2026.
Whether you’re daydreaming about a weekend retreat, looking to invest in more quality time with family, or simply trying to understand how much it costs to own a static, this guide has been created to give you everything you need — in one simple, friendly, easy-to-read resource.
Below, we’re taking you through what the new guide covers, who it’s for, and why it’s become one of the most downloaded resources we’ve ever produced.
Why We Created the 2026 Buyers Guide
Buying a holiday home is exciting — but it can also be overwhelming. From site fees and utilities to tenure rules, park differences, and build quality, buyers often tell us that they didn’t know the right questions to ask until after they purchased. Our goal with the 2026 guide is to change that.
Inside, you’ll find clear explanations, cost breakdowns, checklists, FAQs, comparisons and practical tips — all based on real-world situations buyers face today.
As highlighted in the intro section of the guide, the purpose is simple: to help you make the right choice, avoid unexpected costs, and enjoy your holiday home for years to come.
What’s Inside the 2026 Guide?
(A Deep Dive)
Here’s a detailed look at what the guide covers and why it matters when you’re researching holiday homes this year.
1. Is a Holiday Home Right For You?
One of the first sections explores whether a holiday home suits your lifestyle. This includes:
How often you plan to visit
Travel distance and accessibility
Whether you want a peaceful retreat or lots of activities
What responsibilities come with ownership
This reflection stage helps buyers avoid rushing in based on emotion alone. As noted on page 3, thinking about seasonal availability, maintenance, site rules, and long-term lifestyle fit is crucial.
2. Understanding the Types of Holiday Homes
This year, we’ve expanded the section covering different property types, showing exactly what you can expect when buying a static or buying a lodge in 2026.
This breakdown makes it much easier for buyers to match their budget and lifestyle expectations.
3. Costs to Consider — The Section Everyone Should Read
One of the most common questions we get is: “How much does it cost to own a static?”
The guide includes a full page dedicated to cost breakdowns, and it’s one of the most important parts of the entire document.
Here’s what’s covered:
Purchase Price
The upfront cost varies hugely by type, size, and spec.
Site Fees
Your annual pitch fees — often the largest ongoing cost.The guide encourages buyers to ask:
What’s included?
How often do they increase?
Are there hidden charges?
Utilities
Electricity, gas, water, internet, and even council tax if applicable.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Think decking, winterisation, cleaning, repairs and general wear-and-tear.
Optional Extras
Furniture packs, patios, landscaping, hot tubs — it’s important to factor these in early.
This section is essential reading for anyone planning on buying a static this year and wanting a clear idea of long-term affordability.
4. Choosing the Right Park (Site Selection)
The guide reminds buyers that the park you choose is just as important as the home. In fact, many owners say choosing the right park made the biggest difference to their lifestyle satisfaction.
Key things to consider include:
Location and travel time
On-site facilities
Community atmosphere
Park reputation
Resale trends
The guide encourages buyers to visit multiple parks, meet current owners and ask hard questions before committing.
5. Resale Considerations — Realistic, Honest Guidance
Unlike estate agents who might overpromise, the guide is transparent: Holiday homes are a lifestyle purchase — not a financial investment.
Factors affecting resale include:
Age and condition
Park popularity
Economic climate
Tenure remaining
Commission fees for private or assisted sales
6. Financing Options
The guide breaks down the three main ways holiday homes are purchased:
Cash
Holiday home finance
Personal loans
Buyers are encouraged to compare interest rates, total repayment costs and contract terms carefully — a vital step for anyone buying a lodge or a high-end static.
7. Legal & Contractual Details
This section helps buyers understand:
Leasehold terms
What’s included in the contract
Parks’ responsibilities vs owners’ responsibilities
Termination clauses
The importance of reviewing documents properly
The 2026 guide strongly recommends asking for all park rules and agreements before signing anything.
8. The Complete Buyers Checklist
Towards the back of the guide you'll find one of the most valuable tools — a multi-page checklist covering:
Costs
Utilities
Tenure rules
Site fees
Gas/electric details
Selling your holiday home
Warranty information
Licence agreements
Repair responsibilities
Decorating rules
Renting out your unit
What happens at the end of tenure
The checklist (pages 9–11) ensures buyers never forget to ask important questions.
Why the 2026 Guide Is a Must-Read for New Buyers
Whether you're brand new to the idea or deep into researching buying a static, the guide offers:
✔ Clear, simple explanations
No jargon, no pressure — just honest information.
✔ Realistic cost breakdowns
Including the true long-term costs most people forget.
✔ Practical checklists for park visits
Essential for comparing parks and cutting through sales talk.
✔ Insights based on real buyer journeys
Reflecting what new owners wish they’d known sooner.
✔ Neutral, non-salesy guidance
We’re here to help you, not push you into a quick decision.
Who the Guide Is For
This guide is perfect for:
First-time buyers
Families who want somewhere to escape
Retirees considering buying a lodge for luxury living
Couples who want a hassle-free holiday base
Anyone researching how much it costs to own a static
People narrowing down parks or models
Those comparing static caravans vs lodges
If you're planning to tour parks in 2026, this guide will be your most valuable companion.
Where to Download
The At Your Leisure 2026 Buyers Guide is designed to make your holiday-home journey easier, clearer and more enjoyable. Whether you're exploring buying a static, upgrading to a lodge, or simply making sense of the costs involved, this guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to make a smart decision.
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