Caravan Valuation

Valuing a touring caravan in the UK. What drives caravan values and where to get firm valuations.

What affects caravan values

1. Make and model

Premium brands (Bailey, Swift, Lunar, Elddis, Coachman) hold value better than budget or unknown makes. Limited-edition or discontinued models can command premiums if they're sought after.

2. Age

Caravans depreciate fastest in the first 5 years, then level off. A well-maintained 10-year-old Bailey or Swift might still be worth 30–40% of its original price.

3. Berth and layout

4-berth and 6-berth are most popular. Fixed bed vs convertible dinette, end washroom vs mid-washroom, twin axle vs single axle—all affect demand and price.

4. Condition and damp

Damp is the number-one issue. Water ingress through seals, windows, or floor can cause structural damage costing thousands. Professional damp checks are standard for buyers. A caravan with damp readings above 20% on a moisture meter loses significant value or becomes unsellable.

5. Service history

Annual servicing (brakes, tyres, gas, electrics, seals) is expected. Full service history adds value; missing records raise red flags.

6. MTPLM and towing weight

Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) affects who can tow it. Heavier caravans (over 1,500 kg) need a more powerful tow vehicle and exclude buyers with smaller cars.

7. Specification and extras

Motor mover (remote-control manoeuvring)
Awning
Solar panel
Air conditioning
Upgraded upholstery or kitchen
Al-Ko chassis (premium, better ride)

Where to value and sell caravans

Specialist dealers

Caravan dealers (Glossop Caravans, Lowdhams, Marquis, etc.) offer part-exchange valuations. Get 3+ quotes—they can vary widely. Expect trade offers 20–30% below private sale prices.

webuyanycaravan.com

Launched 2023 by BCA (British Car Auctions), webuyanycaravan offers free online valuations and nationwide collection. Similar model to We Buy Any Car but for caravans.

Private sale

Selling privately (eBay, Caravansforsale.co.uk, Preloved, Facebook) gets you 15–25% more than trade but takes longer. Expect buyers to:

Inspect thoroughly with a damp meter
Check service records, gas certificates, and V5C
Test all appliances (heating, hot water, fridge, cooker)
Negotiate hard if any issues found

Caravan clubs and classified sites

Caravansforsale.co.uk: Largest UK caravan classified site
The Caravan Club / Camping and Caravanning Club: Member classifieds
eBay Motors (Caravans & Motorhomes): Auction or Buy It Now

Valuation guides

Glass's Guide (Leisure): Industry-standard valuation guide (subscription, used by dealers)
Caravansforsale.co.uk: Search sold listings for ballpark figures
Practical Caravan magazine: Classified ads and market reports

Should I buy a caravan as an investment?

No. Caravans depreciate, especially in the first 3–5 years. Buy one to use, not as an asset. Premium brands and well-maintained examples lose less, but they still lose value over time.

Static caravans

This guide covers touring caravans (towed behind a car). Static caravans (permanent holiday homes on sites) are valued differently:

Tied to site fees (typically £3,000–£6,000/year)
Rapid depreciation (10–15 year lifespan for budget models)
Site owner often has first refusal on sales
Limited market—only buyers who want that specific site

For static caravan valuations, speak to your site manager or a specialist static caravan broker.

Related guides

Documents needed to sell a van (principles apply to caravans too)