I paid £200 for a filthy static caravan & made it my dream home – I even have a walk-in wardrobe

The Sun

a day ago

PAYING rent or buying a house can be a huge expense these days - but one woman shared how she bought a static caravan for £200.
While the tiny home needed a lot of work doing to it, Catherine shared how she was able to look past the dirty interior and turned it into their dream pad.
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On her @catherineelizabethb, she shared incredible before and after photos of their affordable home.
She wrote: 'A year of hard work and determination and we have our home.
'We've been actually living in here for half a year now and I love it so much.
'The best decision we've ever made.'
Catherine shared how her partner had found the property in October 2023 for £200 and were lucky enough to use family land to house it.
She showed how the interior was 'filthy and had not been looked after.'
However, it did not put them off and they set about transforming it into a cosy pad.
This included adding a new wooden floor, a rug and new curtains into the lounge.
They also added a log burner for warmth which they 'loved' during winter.
The savvy couple also gave the kitchen a facelift, and changed the old wooden cabinets and white countertop for cream units and a wooden top.
Thankfully they didn't need to replace the oven, which saved them some cash.
They then decided to transform one of the twin bedrooms into a bathroom to give them more space and said the last room had been 'too small.'
Catherine then turned the old bathroom into a stylish walk-in wardrobe.
A year after they bought the caravan they were able to move into their new chic space, with the entire renovation not costing a fortune.
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Catherine shared: 'I don't have an extra number but I reckon a couple of thousand.
'We got as much second hand as possible and luckily had friends/family who got us stuff for cheaper.'
Thousands of people have liked their video, with one saying: 'You've done an amazing job, it's gorgeous.'
A second commented: 'How you added so much character to a caravan is beyond me!
'Absolutely incredible job. What a lovely home you've made.'
According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2021 there were 104,000 households in England & Wales living in caravans or temporary structures.
This was an increase of 19,000 over the previous decade.
Meanwhile, the average UK house price in 2024 was roughly between £268,000 and £290,000.
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.