Latest news with #holidayhomes
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: How Brits are being kicked out of their holiday homes in Spain by underground network of squatter gangs… and are POWERLESS to stop it
Britons are being kicked out of their holiday homes in Spain after falling prey to 'shameless' squatters who act with impunity thanks to the country's lacklustre laws, MailOnline can reveal. Homeowners this week said they have sold up or are planning to do so after spending years trying to remove illegal occupiers with 'no help' from police. The problem has become so pervasive that the profile of the squatters, once mostly limited to Spaniards and Moroccans, now includes British expats themselves - who have cottoned on to how easy it is to take over homes for months or even years at a time. The process to kick squatters out is mired by red tape and courtroom backlogs, placing a 'traumatic' strain on victims, many of them elderly. One 75-year-old Brit has developed severe anxiety and high blood pressure over her ordeal, while another 84-year-old is battling cancer as he tries to get his home back. 'It's getting worse and worse,' claims Liverpudlian estate agent Paul Stuart, 44, of Marbella-based Palm Estates. 'It's a ticking time bomb, there is so much anger that I fear we are going to see a lot more cases ending in violence. 'Since Covid there's been a perfect storm of surging rents, stagnant wages and lack of new housing; it's caused a noticeable increase in squatting. 'I've had to confront squatters myself and I have been threatened with stabbing twice.' Paul added: 'They are really clever and know how to manipulate the law, it's disgusting and horrible what they do. You feel terrible for these homeowners, most of them have saved all their lives to buy a place here and it's just been ruined. 'I know there are genuine people who fall on hard times and can't pay the rent for a while, but the majority of cases I see are just straight up criminals.' Paul explained how gangs of squatters operate on the Costa del Sol. 'They stake out properties to make sure they are empty, before breaking in and calling a locksmith to change the locks,' he explained, adding that he knows of at least one professional locksmith who is actively working for a squatter gang. He said the network then sells the keys on to a squatter family or thugs who want to use the home as a base of criminal activity - with some often becoming drug dens or brothels. This has been the experience of Emma and Ian Williams, who own a studio in Cala d'Or, Mallorca, which was broken into and occupied last December. Photos shared with MailOnline show how the Williams' clothes and other belongings were thrown into rubbish bags and dumped on the street. The Williams' were informed by concerned neighbours that the squatter moved on within a few weeks, only for a second man to occupy the flat. In the interim, neighbours filmed the disasterous state the flat had been left in, with a washing machine stolen and furniture trashed. Emma said: 'Someone else came and barely stayed, potentially storing drugs, then finally the locks were changed again by a third man who was fresh out of prison and who moved a prostitute in. She was heard having sex by our neighbours. 'The police have attended to every squatter and haven't done anything… we have flown to Spain and gone to their offices and still nothing happens. 'The squatters have illegally tampered with the electricity and water supply, and again, the police don't do anything about it.' She added: 'The same person has recently broken into a villa and made a fake tenancy agreement and it looks like they have moved prostitutes over there as it's bigger. 'Our solicitor says we can take the squatter to court but after the day of the court order another squatter could break in and we would have to start the whole process again. 'It's a vicious circle and no one wants to help.' Scottish homeowner Kathy Philip, 75, has been through the wringer after her tenant has refused to leave her two-bedroom apartment in Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, since he stopped paying rent in April 2024, owing them thousands. Her daughter Laura Wilson told MailOnline this week that her mother has developed anxiety and high-blood pressure, placing her at an increased risk of having a stroke. Kathy had been renting the property to an English estate agent at a bargain price of just €650 per month (similar properties could easily fetch three times as much). But following the death of her husband from Parkinson's in January 2023, Kathy decided she wanted to have the home they had shared so many memories in back to herself. They gave the tenant a generous six months' notice, but when Laura and her sister flew out for the handover last April, they found he had changed the locks and installed security cameras. 'He is running his business from the flat, my mum's address is on his real estate website,' said an incredulous Laura, who works as a teacher. 'Meanwhile we are still paying the electricity bills and community fees, amounting to thousands each year.' She said she is 'trying to do everything by the book' but that the lack of movements or updates from the courts is 'painful'. Her mother tried to go to the police but they essentially told her there was 'nothing they could do.' Laura added: 'We just get told to keep waiting, we feel totally powerless. My mum won't go back now, it's had real health implications for her. 'We want to sell the flat, that's it now. My mum is 75, we're keen to look after her like we promised our dad we would, and this has just been horrific for her, it's given her anxiety and she couldn't sleep for weeks. 'Her doctor said she had high blood pressure and an increased risk of having a stroke. 'We just have to hope something is eventually going to happen but we still haven't been given a court date.' In Spain, there are two types of squatters; an 'okupa', who has broken into a property with the sole purpose of occupying it, and an 'inquiokupa', who is a tenant that has stopped paying the rent and refuses to leave. When a tenant stops paying, landlords must seek an eviction order through the courts, which can take months, a year or even longer. However, there are many 'tricks' used to delay the process further, including the squatters having themselves declared 'vulnerable' by the local authorities - granting them extra time. In April this year, a new law came into effect which says 'okupas' who have broken into homes can be removed via an express eviction order within 15 days. However, squatters are creating fake rental contracts bearing the real names of the property owners - which they obtain by rummaging through trash or letterboxes. They tell the police they are tenants and have a right to stay, kicking the can down the road. The tenant had been paying rent to Susan's father, but stopped when he died in January and the apartment was left to Susan. Pictured: The exterior of Susan's home It's a legal landmine that would prove overwhelming even for the typical Spaniard, let alone an elderly Brit who can only spend a few months in the country at a time. Maureen Findell, 76, has just sold her two-bedroom apartment in Punta Prima, on the Costa Blanca, after squatters 'completely ruined' the home for her and her family. The grandmother, from London, told MailOnline she was first informed by her neighbour last December that people were in her flat, using a set of keys to come and go. 'They told them they had rented it, they had a fake rental contract with the name of another owner in the building,' she said. 'They broke in via the back doors and had been living there for months or even longer before people realised they were squatters.' Maureen hadn't been able to fly out to the home for some time as she was caring for her sick sister back in the UK. 'They must have realised mine was empty,' she said. 'I know three other properties had squatters, there are two still living there and different families come and go and they don't seem to be able to get rid of them. 'The police don't give a monkeys, and the squatters are intimidating people and often have aggressive dogs.' Given the lack of faith in the system, Maureen said her 'incredible' neighbours, mostly Brits, decided to stand outside the property day and night, waiting for the so-called 'sitter' to leave. The sitter is the person used by the squatter gangs to 'reserve' a home until one of their families move in. Often, gangs sell the keys of occupied homes to other squatters, in what has become a lucrative business in areas where properties are left empty for months at a time. As previously revealed by MailOnline, the squatters have allegedly failed to pay more than €50,000 in rent for the three-bedroom house in Mijas, since 2020 Unfortunately, it means British-owned flats or villas in holiday hotspots are among the top targets, alongside bank repos. Maureen added: 'I was one of the lucky ones, eventually they realised they could not move in another family so they left. 'But they left the place in such a mess and the whole ordeal threw me so much that I couldn't bring myself to go back there, I sold it because I couldn't cope with it.' Maureen had bought the home off plan more than 20 years ago. She said: 'The whole family used to go there, it was lovely, but this just spoiled it. 'These are not vulnerable, homeless people, these are mafia type people, they go around stealing. 'If it was genuine homeless people I could kind of understand it, but they're not.' Hundreds of kilometres away on the Costa del Sol, Susan Travers, 57, from Glasgow, is owed thousands of euros in rent. Her two-bedroom, €220,000 flat in Manilva was squatted at the start of this year. The tenant had been paying rent to Susan's father, but stopped when he died in January and the apartment was left to Susan. Susan told MailOnline how the woman, who was working for a well-known estate agency, has only recently abandoned the home after refusing to pay for over six months. 'I was emailing and texting and calling her and she just ignored me,' Susan added. 'When I did get her on the phone she was quite aggressive and told me there was nothing I could do, saying I can't get her out and "I know my rights" and all this. 'I even tried to arrange for her to pay what she owed in instalments but she was not interested. 'Then one day she just vanished without warning and we were able to get in and change the locks back.' Susan is now going through the courts to get what she is owed in rent, while the squatter is believed to have taken over another home nearby. 'I was just shocked that she was an estate agent and doing this,' added Susan. Suffering a far worse fate is fellow British victim Kenneth Jobe, 84, who has been left exhausted after trying to remove squatters from his Costa del Sol home for over five years. As previously revealed by MailOnline, the squatters have allegedly failed to pay more than €50,000 in rent for the three-bedroom house in Mijas, since 2020. In an update this week, Kenneth's son said his father has been diagnosed with cancer after the disease was detected in his liver. The shocking news has dealt a crushing blow to the family, who are now more desperate than ever to win their home back. 'We're not giving up,' his son told MailOnline, 'We're in court in September where the judge will rule on whether or not the squatters can be declared vulnerable, and we are optimistic of winning and getting an eviction date. 'But it's disgusting, my dad got diagnosed with cancer last week. He's having a biopsy right now in hospital, and he can't even go to his own house in Spain, it's breathtaking, he wants to live out there.' He added: 'The system is broken, especially for expats, if you're spanish it moves along a lot quicker.' Brits who plan to leave their home in Spain empty for any period of time are advised to install good quality security cameras and an alarm. If squatters are filmed on CCTV breaking into your home, and an alarm notifies police immediately, there will be a much stronger case for an immediate eviction.
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
‘My holiday let empire is being hit with a £270k net zero bill under Labour'
Britain's holiday home sector is taking blows from all sides. Between the scrapping of lucrative tax regimes, council tax surcharges and tourism levies, the cost of running a property business seems hardly worth it. Now, thanks to Labour's decision to slap energy efficiency targets on holiday lets, the struggle will worsen. Under laws initially proposed by the Tories, and ultimately revived by Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, rental homes must achieve a C-rated energy performance certificate (EPC) by the end of the decade. Traditional buy-to-let landlords have had years to ready themselves for the changes, even as the Tories flip-flopped on whether or not they would enforce them. But short-term let landlords were caught off guard when Labour revealed they too would be brought into the EPC guidance from 2028. Alistair Handyside, of the Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASC), has seen the panic first hand. 'I've just finished a members' meeting in Portmeirion, in Wales, and the consensus in the room was that EPCs are the biggest threat that they've seen,' he says. 'It's bigger than having to change to keep up with fire regulations, it's bigger than the abolition of the furnished holiday let regime, and it's going to be more expensive than both.' The looming targets pose a particular threat to landlords of converted farms, who were told to 'diversify' into holiday cottages by previous governments. Older buildings, including stables, annex cottages and listed buildings, are notoriously difficult to insulate or renovate. Hefty EPC bills Philip Trotter, 55, owns a cluster of 18 holiday cottages which were converted from stables 40 years ago. He anticipates Labour's EPC drive will cost him the maximum £15,000 per property – a total bill of around £270,000. 'That is an awful lot of money,' he says. 'I am looking at my profits for the seven years, and most of that will be spent achieving EPC C.' Mr Miliband's EPC drive is set to cost landlords and taxpayers billions. Previous analysis of public EPC data by The Telegraph found that it would cost between £18.5bn and £36bn to renovate the country's 1.6 million private rental properties to meet net zero targets, excluding those unable to reach the C grade. Announcing the targets, the Mr Miliband decried the 'Tory scandal' that had allowed private landlords to let 'cold draughty homes' to tenants. The move was welcomed by renters' rights campaigners, but there is confusion amongst holiday let owners as to why the targets are necessary for cottages primarily used in the summer months. Indeed, most of Trotter's bookings are in the summer, so his customers rarely use the heating. 'I'd be spending £270,000 to reduce costs by £1,000 a year,' he says. 'That would take hundreds of years to pay off. Where's the business sense in that?' For Trotter, the decision to bring holiday lets within the scope for EPC targets remains a head-scratcher. 'I totally understand why they're bringing this in for long-term lets where the tenant is paying the heating costs, but our tenants aren't going to be affected by any money I spend on reaching grade C,' he says. ' Some are listed, so I can't double-glaze – what else am I meant to do?' Residential property accounts for roughly 40pc of Britain's CO2 emissions, and efficiency targets are one of many ways Labour hopes to meet net zero by 2050. But how much difference imposing such targets on fishermen's cottages and converted stables will make is currently unclear. Ben Spier, of Sykes Cottages, says: 'If you're a family of four flying to Spain, rather than staying in Britain, you'd be producing an additional two-and-a-half tons of CO2, which is the equivalent of heating a typical house for an entire year.' A decline in holiday lets also threatens to devastate already fragile local economies. 'It doesn't stack up,' says Handyside, of PASC. 'You're forcing people to spend money and potentially harming microbusinesses for very little environmental gain'. The EPC targets are just one weapon successive governments have deployed in their war on holiday lets, which former housing secretary, Michael Gove, said were turning seaside villages into 'an almost permanent Airbnb setting'. In his final Budget, former chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, scrapped the furnished holiday let regime, forcing holiday lets owners to pay tax on their earnings in the same way as traditional buy-to-let landlords. Another is the second home council tax premium, greenlit by the Tories and ushered in under Labour this year. The barrage of tax raids are especially brutal for smaller holiday let owners like Julian Barnes, 76, who lets out the small cottage attached to his home in the Welsh village of Bodfari. 'We're paying about 40pc of gross income in council tax,' he says. 'We've been slapped with a massive bill, and unfortunately for us it's a typical one-size-fits-all approach from the Government.' In theory, Barnes could pay business rates instead of council tax, but to do that, his property must be available to let for 140 days a year – and let for 70. But Barnes's cottage rarely meets this threshold, despite being available all year round. Despite being effectively a granny flat, the property is classed as a second home for tax purposes, and will have to achieve an EPC C grade by 2028. 'The heating costs for the cottage were just £237 last year because people don't tend to come outside of the warmer months,' Barnes says. The pensioner anticipates spending the maximum £15,000 to upgrade the property – not that it would make much difference. An assessor recently told him that the most he would be able to raise his score by would be two points, which would still leave him with an F-rated certificate. 'It would be ludicrous to spend that sort of money,' Barnes says. 'What sort of savings could we make on that cost?' Since the cottage is attached to their primary home, Barnes and his wife would have to sell up and move away to avoid the hefty renovation costs. 'We thought the holiday home would provide a bit of extra income and give us a bit more control, and to make sure we aren't dependent on other things,' he says. 'We don't claim any benefits besides the state pension, and we'd prefer to keep it that way.' 'We can't work two years for nothing' Ken Williamson, 67, who runs Askrigg Cottage Holidays with his wife, Sue, has owned two holiday cottages in North Yorkshire since the mid-2000s, before the EPC regime began. The village they operate in is home to about 500 people, and around 30 holiday cottages. Most of the homes, Williamson argues, would not be suitable for people to live in full-time. If he sold up, the buildings would likely be bought as second homes. 'I've no idea what our EPC scores are,' he says. 'They're old buildings and one of them is listed, so their scores are probably between 20 and 30, which would give them an F'. Even if Williamson and his wife were to take advantage of government grants for heat pumps and the like, there is little chance the green technology would work effectively in such old buildings. 'Heat pumps are suited for continuous occupation, and we have a different customer every week,' he says. The age of the buildings means insulation is out of the question, let alone solar panels. 'I can see modern buildings have that insulation built into them, but older buildings have to be practically demolished to do that,' says Williamson. Older buildings tend to have solid walls, compared to the cavity walls of newer homes. The only way to insulate solid walls is to add a wraparound layer either externally or internally, which might spoil the exterior of the home or shrink the size of its rooms. Either way, the process is far more expensive than cavity wall insulation. Williamson estimates each of his cottages makes £15,000 annually, meaning renovations would wipe out a year's profit. 'We can't work two years for nothing. We meet some nice people, and we want to keep doing this into our old age,' Williamson says. 'But if these reforms come in as they are, we'll pack it all in.' A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: 'We have consulted widely on our plans for private rented homes to achieve energy performance certificate C or equivalent by 2030, including those representing the short-term letting industry. 'The consultation has now closed, and we will consider the evidence received. We will set out our position as part of the consultation response in due course.'
The Sun
13-07-2025
- The Sun
UK holiday homes with private swimming pools that feel more like the Med
YOU won't believe these holiday homes are in the UK. With pools, white-washed walls and bright decor, these stays look like they are in the Mediterranean rather than the British countryside. 9 9 A Romantic Folly, Devon This tiny home in Dittisham looks over the rolling hills in Devon - and it has a heated pool too. The sweet Folly is bright and airy and filled with nautical hints throughout. It even has its own boat loveseat outside that looks over a stream. The bedroom has wooden slatted walls and ceilings. Off the bedroom are white shutters that open up to a huge bathroom with a rounded bath - perfect for a good soak after a relaxing day. As for activities, outside there's a tennis court and of course a swimming pool. The pool is heated and has a mural on the wall that looks like it depicts ancient Greece - and it's open from 7am to 7pm. One happy visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "The swimming pool was crystal clear and warm, scented with jasmine flowers all around. Lovely walks through the lanes too." Another added: "We used the pool every day and it was wonderful to swim about under such lush foliage. The sauna was excellent too." The exterior looks like it could be somewhere else too with greens, pinks and blues - there's no way you'll miss it. You can stay in these six holiday homes from TV & Film 9 9 Converted Granary, Wells This beautiful self-contained holiday apartment is in Wells, Bristol and reminds us of a Grecian stay. The interior is whitewashed, which is a typical Mediterranean look along with hues of yellow, orange and blue. There are wooden beams stretching across the ceiling, and the living area has squishy sofas and a log burner for when the weather isn't quite so hot. There's an indoor pool too which feels more like outside with its wooden slatted and glass ceilings. While the pool isn't completely private, the Airbnb owner will give visitors exclusive access upon request. 9 9 Cosy Cottage, Lymington This tiny, and very pretty, cottage has a private heated swimming pool during summer months. Described as a 'secret hideaway', the Bothy has room for four guests with an open plan living room. The building doesn't look over 'Med' like, but it's the outside area that really feels like it could be abroad. There's a private garden and you even get exclusive use of the heated swimming pool which is open from May to September. Outside, the pool even has a wooden veranda with climbing grape vines. This home is in the top 10 per cent of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews and reliability and has a review average of 4.95. 9 The Blue House on the Beach, Camber So The Blue House on the Beach in Camber technically doesn't have a pool but as the house name describes, it's literally on the sands. The house is modern, in a triangle shape with glass windows and balconies and has incredible beach views. And as a result, the inside is so bright and the colour of the orange wood panels on the ceiling give it a sunny, Mediterranean feel. In the living room is huge sliding glass doors that lead out onto a private wooden deck looking over Camber Sands. Inside there are also rattan touches throughout like lamp shades and scandi-style cushions. The property is air-conditioned too so once it reaches Med temperature, visitors can still stay cool. It can take up to eight guests across four spacious bedrooms. 9
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- News.com.au
Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025 revealed
A holiday house in Bali has taken out the top spot in Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025. Aussies are obsessed with Bali so it's no surprise a Balinese villa came out on top – but in terms of dominating the top 10, New Zealand had two holiday homes and Europe had six, with a stunning stay in Hawaii rounding out the list. The winners were based on popularity with Aussie guests, glowing traveller reviews and an unbeatable location and amenities. The homes range from one to eight bedrooms with nightly average rates between $500 and $2,500. 'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation,' Stayz Travel Expert, Sarah King told 'While a pool remains the top amenity for both international and domestic holiday homes, practical features like parking, internet, airconditioning and a washing machine are in high demand when travelling overseas.' 1. Bali Villa Vienna took out the top spot on the list with the massive eight-bedroom escape in the heart of Seminyak, ticking the wow-factor box. It has a private jacuzzi, sauna, and cinema. Just minutes from Bali's best beaches and night-life, it's an ideal base for a luxury group getaway. Ms King said the island's accessibility, exceptional value and huge range of accommodation options continue to make it a top choice for travellers. 'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna.' 2. Rome, Italy Argentina Luxury Terrace in Rome came in second. It's a terrace that blends historic charm with modern indulgence. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a hot tub. All that's missing is an Aperitivo in hand. 'Location plays a big role, especially in culturally rich cities like Rome and Florence, where you can be steps from the Pantheon or tucked in the Tuscan countryside,' Ms King said. 'But it's not the only factor driving traveller demand. What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors.' 3. Queenstown, New Zealand Set in the scenic Dalefield countryside, Speargrass Lodge is a luxury alpine escape with panoramic mountain views. The four-bedroom retreat features a private pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and media room – just 10 minutes from Queenstown and Arrowtown, yet worlds away in tranquillity. 'New Zealand remains a firm favourite for Aussie travellers and on Stayz we're seeing a 35 per cent increase in interest for Queenstown holiday homes, compared to last year,' Ms King told 'In Auckland, a private apartment gives travellers the space they need to relax and unwind, while still being in the heart of the city, whereas in Queenstown, it's the private cottages and lakeside homes that are most popular with Aussie travellers, where again we see some incredible amenities like private pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.' 4. Florence, Italy Originally built in the XI century, this Montelupo Fiorentino Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration, including six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, with stunning views of the Tuscan valleys and countryside. 5. London, United Kingdom Light filled and on the ground-floor, this Contemporary Victorian Apartment is the ideal private space to unwind after a busy day of exploring – just a stone's throw away from some of London's best sights including Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington Palace. 6. Auckland, New Zealand It's all about the harbour views at this Heritage Penthouse three-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the CBD, it's the perfect private space to relax after a big day of exploring. 'The Heritage Penthouse is a standout for Aussie travellers with its central location and stunning harbour views,' Ms King said. 'Perfectly placed in the heart of the city just steps from the Sky Tower and ferry terminal, the Heritage Penthouse blends luxury and comfort. Especially when travelling with family or friends, Aussies love the convenience of having a full kitchen and laundry.' 7. Dubrovnik, Croatia Perched above the Adriatic in the peaceful village of Mlini, this Infinity Pool Villa offers panoramic sea views, a private infinity pool, and sleek modern interiors. Just a short drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town, it's the perfect blend of seclusion and access, Ms King said it's ideal for families or groups seeking a stylish coastal escape. 8. Santorini, Greece Tucked into the cliffs of Oia, Cave Suite blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. The private terrace with hot tub offers sweeping caldera views, in a serene location just steps from Oia's iconic sunset spots and cafes. 'What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors,' Ms King added. 'There's really no better way to see some of these destinations than in a unique private stay, whether that's a villa with a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or a cave suite overlooking the caldera in Santorini.' 9. Crete, Greece Set against the backdrop of Crete's rugged coastline, Modern Minimalistic villa is the ideal stay for families and groups. Beautifully landscaped, including a stunning pool, separate children's pool and nearby alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to relax and indulge. 'Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get one space that fits everyone, with more privacy and often a lower cost per person,' Ms King said. 10. Maui, Hawaii Offering all the comforts of home in a tropical paradise, this Luxury Oceanview Private Estate offers a peaceful getaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a pool, hot tub and gourmet kitchen, it has all the essentials for a laid-back island stay. 'Each property has a little bit of luxury to it, and what I mean by that is a feature or amenity that Aussies likely don't have in their own homes, such as home cinemas, hot tubs, saunas, gourmet kitchens and stunning alfresco dining areas.'
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE We're trapped in caravan site hell: Couple reveal how pitch for their £36,000 home keeps flooding - but site bosses say their only option is to pay £75,000 to move
A family who have been left 'trapped' living in a flooded caravan park claim they've been told their only option is to pay £75,000 for a new pitch – after the salesperson who enticed them to buy it did a runner. Beauty salon owner Alicia Mearns and her partner, John Hayden, who owns a building business, wanted to split their time between the UK and sunny Spain. To make their dream a reality, the couple, aged 41 and 48, who have two children, needed an easy base near to work when coming back to Britain. After doing their research, they decided to invest in a Park Lane Holiday Homes caravan, which offered year-round accommodation in Wirral. While in the process of selling their house, they snapped up a mobile home for £36,000, with plans to temporarily live there while they figured out their move abroad. All was going well – until a bout of heavy rainfall, where their pitch on Park Lane Holiday Homes was completely flooded. 'Whenever there are heavy rains, our pitch floods, which is often, due to the British weather,' Alicia, from Birkenhead, told 'The water depth can be such that we find it extremely difficult to get in and out of the caravan. '[In our opinion], it's clearly dangerous, especially when the electric meter is immersed in deep water.' The mum says that while the caravan hasn't flooded inside, the water does cover the bottom of the mobile home, causing damp – which she claims has made the family quite ill. John said: 'They [the park] told us a new water pump was installed to keep water levels down in future. 'But the flooding is actually worse now. 'It has flooded badly a total of seven times since we moved in.' The couple, who bought the caravan in 2023, were allegedly told by a salesperson from Park Lane Holiday Homes that the caravan was the only plot left – and that someone else was interested. To avoid losing out, Alicia and John committed right away and put down a £500 deposit. The rest of the money was pulled from bank loans, which they paid off after selling their family home and part-exchanging their 2013 touring caravan. Alicia says they were then billed with a £4,600 site fee charge and a further £300 a few weeks later. Due to the flooding, they asked the salesperson if they could move to a higher pitch – and were reportedly given the go-ahead to do so if they paid an additional £1,400. The couple agreed and arranged for the move to be done on their behalf while they were home shopping in Spain. But the move never happened. She said: 'It didn't happen. 'While we were in Spain, we got messages from people we know on the site telling us [the salesperson] had robbed the owners and done a runner. 'We have been told outright that they will not be moving [it]. 'A new salesperson said the only way to move to a more flood-proof location is to upgrade to one in a more preferable location for £75,000.' Alicia and John were served another blow when they were told their new kitchen, which cost £10,000, 'devalued' their home as they built it themselves. The mum said, 'Apparently, this had devalued the caravan. '[We were] told this, plus the fact it was 20 years old, which we had no idea about until this point, rendered it worthless. 'We are probably biased, but we feel that the caravan looks objectively better after John's lovingly installed kitchen replacement.' Refusing to pay for the upgrade, the pair tried to sell the caravan privately. But even though two of their friends expressed interest, the sale was hindered by the park putting the ground rent up from £4,600 to £10,500 for any new owners. Because of the caravan's age, the couple say no other park will accept the mobile home. Alicia added: 'We never would have paid so much money for a caravan if we had known the limitations caused by its age. 'We are now stuck living on a pitch that continues to flood, resulting in our electricity tripping out as our washing machine and dryer are located outside. 'The tumble dryer is now ruined due to water damage. Currently, we are in limbo. 'The park keeps sending us a new lease to sign, and we daren't sign it because it states a caravan age limit of 10 years.' The couple's dream of moving to Spain is now on hold for the foreseeable future. Greg Wilson, CEO of European Consumer Claims, which is helping the family, said: 'Alicia and John are a hard working couple trying to get on in life and do what is best for the family. 'The issues they are reporting here are sadly rife across the British holiday park industry, and many people who bought these caravans or lodges are in need of assistance.'
