Buying a Lake District holiday home – your questions answered
Thinking of buying a holiday lodge or caravan at Waterfoot Park?
If you're thinking about holiday home ownership in the Lake District, we expect you'll have lots of questions. We've put together a handy list of frequently asked ones to help you get started. If there's anything else you'd like to know or you'd just like to chat about your plans, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
-
Why buy a holiday home in the Lake District?
Holiday home ownership offers a relaxed and stress-free holiday experience, enhanced by the conveniences of a holiday park. Unburdened by advance bookings or fixed stay durations and designated arrival/departure days or times, enjoy spontaneous escapes from the everyday hustle and bustle, allowing you to recharge, reconnect and enjoy quality time with friends and family.
-
When do I pay site fees?
Site fees are due annually and paid in November or December ahead of the forthcoming season. Our season runs from the beginning of March until the beginning of January.
-
What’s included in site fees?
Site fees include park maintenance, water, and the use of facilities such as the play area, reception, and owner services. Electricity is metered, and gas is either bottled or supplied via a metered connection.
-
What's not included in the site fees ?
Local authority rates, insurance, Wi-Fi, winter drain-downs, servicing, and exterior cleaning are charged separately.
-
Is Waterfoot a dog-friendly holiday park?
As a holiday home owner at our park, you're welcome to bring your dogs along to enjoy the beautiful Lake District with you! We simply ask that you have no more than two dogs per unit and that they're kept on a short lead while walking around the park.
-
I'm interested in one of your caravans/lodges. How do I arrange a viewing?
Just use the contact form below, email us at info@waterfootpark.co.uk, or call us on 01768 425593, and we’ll happily arrange a visit.
-
How long is the tenure or licence for a caravan or lodge?
Caravans and lodges are sold with a licence agreement that sets out the length of tenure, which varies depending on the unit. For example, new lodges often come with a 30-year licence, while caravans typically have a shorter term of 15 years. Full details are always provided before purchase.
-
What happens when my licence is expiring?
As your license agreement nears its end, we'll reach out to discuss your options. These may include upgrading to a newer holiday home, purchasing a new caravan/lodge and moving to a different pitch, or removing your current holiday home from the park. In exceptional cases, we may be able to extend your agreement if both the holiday home and its pitch are still suitable. We are committed to working with you to find the best solution.
-
Can I live in my caravan/lodge?
No, our parks are licensed for holiday and recreational use only, not as permanent residences. This means your holiday home cannot be your main residence. We will ask you to confirm your residential address when you buy, and may request proof of this from time to time, as required under our site licence.
-
How long can I stay each time I visit?
There’s no set limit on how long you can stay during each visit, so long as your use is genuinely for holidays or recreational breaks. Your holiday home must not be your main residence, and you must have a permanent address elsewhere. From time to time, we may ask for proof of this address as required by our site licence.
-
Can I sublet my caravan or lodge?
No, we do not allow letting or subletting of caravans or lodges at Waterfoot Park. Holiday homes are for the sole use of the owner, their family and friends.
-
When is the best time to upgrade or part exchange?
You can part-exchange at any time if something takes your fancy, you need more space, or your needs change. That said, many owners choose to upgrade before the end of their licence term, or to take advantage of new stock or seasonal offers.
-
Do you offer finance?
We don’t offer finance directly, but we work closely with a specialist broker who provides tailored finance solutions for holiday home purchases. Please contact us for details.
Buying a holiday home hints, tips and FAQs from the BH&HPA
This resource-packed page, created by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, offers many answers to frequently asked questions, along with a short, informative video and expert guidance to support you on your journey to owning a holiday caravan or lodge. To support consumers, it covers everything from contracts and running costs to usage rules, as well as choosing the right park for you.
The BH&HPA are the UK’s national trade body representing and supporting the holiday park industry along with consumers.