Hopes of strong holiday home sales when lockdown ends
Park Holidays UK is finalising plans to cope with an "explosion of demand" from new holiday home buyers when it is given the green light to re-open.
It says enquiries have soared since the start of May, fuelled by the likelihood that overseas holidays will be a no-go this year and possibly next. Would-be buyers are also heeding signals that in any phased re-opening of holiday parks, private owners will probably be the first welcomed back.
Park Holidays UK director, Tony Clish, says his group hopes to avoid rationing the distribution of holiday caravans and lodges among its 31 parks. "We do carry good levels of new stock at present, and existing owners trading-up to 2020 models means that we should have plenty of pre-owned holiday homes to offer," he said.
"Sales enquiries slowed in March when government ordered the shut-down of parks – but they've since been escalating to a phenomenal extent throughout spring.
"I think there's the realisation that one of the best ways to enjoy staying in the UK is by owning a holiday home where you can take breaks throughout the four seasons.
"That, of course, and the fact that a park is perhaps the safest of all holiday destinations with completely self-contained accommodation set at least five metres apart.
"The staycation trend was already well entrenched before this present crisis, and I think it is going to come back with a vengeance," added Tony.
He added that Park Holidays UK had no plans to raise holiday home prices above their pre-lockdown levels, and will even be providing buying incentives.
Discounts of up to 20% on some models, free pitch fees this year and next, and reduced finance rates are all in place as part of a celebration re-opening event.
However, said Tony, measures are also being taken to ensure the safety of customers and the parks' staff when viewings are once again permitted.
Separate vehicles will be used to tour the park, holiday home doors will remain open, sanitising facilities provided – and the customary handshake replaced by a friendly wave.
"We are now on the cusp of UK holidays being once more in the frame, and with holiday home owners leading the march back – we can't wait!" said Tony.
For more on park and holiday homes, you can download the latest issue of Park and Holiday Home Inspiration magazine here.
Recent Updates
Polmanter Touring Park: campsite review
A campsite review of Polmanter Touring Park, Cornwall ...
A top choice of accommodation for hire
Have a relaxing spring getaway with all the comforts of home ...
Save on your next camping or touring holiday with ACSI
The ACSI discount card saves you money at 3,000 campsites across Europe ...
Top campsites for the Easter holidays
Easter availability for a cracking getaway ...
Red Kite Touring Park: campsite review
A campsite review of Red Kite Touring Park, Powys ...
New luxury glamping pods at Blair Castle Caravan Park
Enjoy a home away from home while glamping in Highland Perthshire ...
Elie Holiday Park: campsite review
A campsite review of Elie Holiday Park, Fife ...
The Woods Caravan Park: campsite review
A campsite review of The Woods Caravan Park, Clackmannanshire ...
Your Dream Destination, a guide to the best of Britain, is available now
Download your comprehensive travel guide to the best locations around Britain for planning a 2024 touring and ...
Beaconsfield Holiday Park: campsite review
A campsite review of Beaconsfield Holiday Park, Shropshire ...
Other News
AA annual campsite awards crowns Somerset campsite as Holiday Centre of the Year
The AA has announced its Caravan & Camping Awards winners for 2023-24 ...
Premier Parks announces the 100 best UK campsites for 2024
The high-quality campsites group, Premier Parks, which soon celebrates its sixteenth anniversary, has just ...
Strictly winner named Club president
Broadcaster, Hamza Yassin, has been appointed the new President of the Camping and Caravanning Club ...
Wooda Farm Holiday Park: campsite review
A campsite review of Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall ...
South Wales Touring Park, Llwynifan Farm: campsite review
A campsite review of Llwynifan Farm, Carmarthenshire ...
Durdle Door named UK’s best dog-friendly beach
Recent research by bath retailer, Showers to You, has revealed the UK’s top ten dog-friendly beaches ...
Waleswood Caravan & Camping Park – campsite review
A campsite review of Waleswood Caravan & Camping Park, South Yorkshire ...
New section of new King Charles III England Coast Path opens in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Coast boasts the addition of a further 21 miles of coastal path as the section from Bridlington ...
Cumbrian campsite takes Gold in VisitEngland awards
The Quiet Site in Ullswater, Cumbria, has been awarded Gold in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023 ...
Big Little Touring Festival comes to Holkham Hall
The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Holkham Hall pop-up campsite will host the Big Little Touring Festival from ...