I traded in my flat for a £26k caravan, everyone tells me I made a huge mistake but I'm laughing all the way to the bank

The Sun

27-06-2025

SINKING back into her plush sofa, Katrina flicks on her electric fire while she admires the gorgeous interiors of her dream home.
With her chic open plan living space complete with a stylish kitchen and coordinating sitting room you would be forgiven for thinking Katrina lives in a posh London flat.
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But the reality is that Katrina's perfect pad is a static caravan.
Katrina, 31, ditched the rental market after years of dealing with poor living conditions and financial stress and says she has never been happier.
The business owner, who lives in the south of England, instead chose to invest £26,000 in a 2021 caravan – a move she calls the most freeing decision of her life.
But not everyone agrees and Katrina regularly has to deal with people calling her decision a 'waste of money' on TikTok.
'Getting a mortgage just wasn't on the cards,' Katrina says.
'I could have rented, but in my area, a basic one or two-bedroom flat is around £1,000 a month.
'With bills, you're looking at closer to £1,700. I didn't want to live just to pay bills.
'I value quality of life, and the caravan offered me a more affordable, freeing alternative.
'Honestly, I didn't have many other options, and this one made the most sense.'
After viewing a series of 'cold, mouldy and badly maintained' flats, Katrina was inspired by a friend living in a caravan park.
Watch the video to see inside the family-of-seven's caravan home
One visit later, and she knew she'd found her new home. She moved in March 2025 – and hasn't looked back since.
Katrina says she's making massive savings compared to before – spending £528 a month on ground rent, Wi-Fi, gas and electric.
'I know I made the right decision for me,' she says.
'I'd viewed a few flats that were, quite frankly, depressing. Cold, mouldy, and badly maintained.
'Then I visited a friend who lives on the park I'm now in, and I'd always loved where she was. It just clicked.
'I reached out to the park owner to see what was available, and that's when I found my caravan.
'Everyone around me has been so supportive.
'Most people actually think it's a brilliant idea and have even considered doing something similar.'
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However, Katrina says she's faced some snide comments about her choice on her TikTok page, Katrinas Caravan.
She said: 'On TikTok there's been some negative comments, but it doesn't phase me.
'Unless you've walked in someone else's shoes, you can't always understand their choices, and that's okay.
'People who are quick to judge often have their own stuff to work through. I'm happy for them to form opinions.'
Living alone in the caravan, Katrina says she finally feels like she can breathe – both emotionally and financially.
Having disposable income is the best part. I hadn't experienced that in years
Katrina
She's even found an unexpected community.
She said: 'Having disposable income is the best part. I hadn't experienced that in years.
'I even managed to take a few days off work and just enjoy myself – something that used to feel impossible under financial pressure.
'My 90-year-old neighbour came round every day to check on me when I sprained my knee.
'That sort of kindness and connection wasn't something I ever had in previous places I lived.'
Katrina says that hers is far from a stereotypical caravan.
She explains: 'Once you're inside, you'd never guess it was a caravan. I'm decorating room by room, adding my own touches.
'I live quite minimally, and the caravan has brilliant storage.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities)
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120
Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80
Internet and TV: £20 - £50
Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40
Other Potential Costs
Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25
Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
Pitch Fees: £400
Utilities: £80
Maintenance and Repairs: £40
Internet and TV: £40
Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
Insurance: £500
Maintenance and Repairs: £480
Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
'Everything has its place. I'm not tripping over anything, and it actually feels spacious and calm.
'Everyone seems to want to come to mine now because they love it so much. They call it a cosy sanctuary.'
However, there are some downsides, like not having a washing machine or anywhere to dry clothes.
Katrina adds: 'Things like cooking are no different than when I was in a flat, except I might have to be a bit smarter with space.
'I've got a lovely walk-in shower in my bathroom, so no complaints there.
I've gained other luxuries – peaceful surroundings, a slower pace of life, and access to lovely leisure facilities.
Katrina
'Laundry is a bit more of a juggle – I either use the on-site laundry or drop a bag to my sister when I see her.
'Drying clothes was a bit annoying, so I bought a clothes line for outside.
'I'm also looking to get an outdoor washing machine too.'
Despite a few minor headaches, Katrina says that she can't imagine herself going back to bricks and mortar.
'Never say never, but I doubt I'd ever go back to renting,' she says.
'Even if I don't live in a caravan forever, I think I'll always want to live a little differently. Maybe a lodge or even something off-grid that I build myself
'I've gained other luxuries – peaceful surroundings, a slower pace of life, and access to lovely leisure facilities. It's been a trade-up, not a sacrifice.'
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