Benefits of Holiday Homes over Second Properties
Holiday Home Ownership in Dorset already has many benefits over owning a second property. From 1st April 2025, Dorset Council will introduce a 100% council tax premium on second homes, meaning that the council tax charges will be double what they are currently.
With 6 Holiday Parks in the Bridport area and across Dorset, we have a range of lodge and caravan holiday homes for holiday use over a 9 month or 10.5 month season. Please note we do not allow sub-letting of holiday homes and holiday homes are for holiday use only and cannot be used to live in or as a permanent residence. Proof is required annually of a council tax bill for your main address.
Here are just a few of the reasons below to consider Holiday Home Ownership over owning a second property. Of course there are costs to owning a holiday home and we aim to make our process as transparent as possible, so you know all of the costs upfront. If you have any questions, please let you team know when you enquire and many of them may be answered on our FAQs page.
Council Tax Increase & Stamp Duty
With the doubling in Council Tax coming in 2025, this means a large increase in the cost of owning a traditional bricks & mortar second property.
For the Bridport area, this means an increase of between ÂŁ1,800 and ÂŁ10,000 per year in council tax on a second home, depending upon the Council Tax band that property falls under.
Also, no stamp duty is paid on Caravan and Lodge Holiday Homes, which can be a considerable saving!
Other Costs & Conveniences
Other costs associated with owning a second property, include maintenance costs, the upfront cost and costs during the purchasing and selling processes.
The upfront cost of Holiday Homes can be considerably lower than a second property, particularly considering the beautiful coastal locations of many of our Holiday Parks. Average house prices in the Bridport area are over ÂŁ360,000, as of 2024, whereas new Holiday Homes vary from around ÂŁ50,000 to ÂŁ300,000.
The purchase process and selling process of a second property is more expensive. With a holiday home, there is no need for estate agents and solicitors, meaning a simpler process with less bureaucracy and complexity, as well as no onward chain when purchasing and risks of the purchase falling apart.
No stigma & negativity
There can be a stigma surrounding second home ownership, particularly in more expensive and coastal locations, such as the ones our Holiday Parks are located in, in Dorset.
Second home ownership reduces the number of properties available to first time buyers and many second home properties tend to be the smaller more affordable properties that local and young people would want to buy to get onto the property ladder.
By purchasing a holiday home, rather than a second property, this issue is avoided entirely. Holiday homes are ideal for seasonal and occasional use where a second property may remain unused for much of the year and during the Winter, meaning little benefit to the local economy outside the main season.
Increased Leisure Time & Relaxation
With a holiday home on a West Dorset Leisure Holiday’s park, much of the traditional maintenance jobs are not an issue. For those that are not covered, we have a team that are available to do jobs at a reasonable cost, as well as a selection of trusted local contractors. Where approval is given, jobs can be completed without you needing to even be present at your holiday home.
An annual pitch fee covers the upkeep of the parks, VAT, rates, water & sewerage, ongoing support and a Winter “drain down” and Spring “turn on” process. Many other costs can be associated with owning a local property. Costs that aren’t included are insurance, gas & electric and an annual gas safety check.
On new holiday home purchases, a warranty will cover you for a certain length of time and for certain issues, giving you peace of mind should any issues arise. Alongside our Holiday Home Sales team who are there when you need them to help rectify any such issues.
On-Park Facilities & Community
Having a Holiday Home on a park, means you can take advantage of the facilities available, as well as other security features, such as Ramtech alarms, wardens being present on-park and barriers.
Facilities vary by park and include children’s play areas, nature trails, enclosed dog exercising meadows, a laundry room and at Highlands End Holiday Park, facilities including a Bar & Restaurant, Leisure Club, children’s soft play, SPAR shop and more.
As a Holiday Home Owner, you join a community of like-minded people and enjoy owner-exclusive events, as well as other perks like discounts and offers for local businesses and attractions, enhancing your experience of owning a second home in Dorset, both on and off-park.
What’s Included
The purchase of new holiday homes includes many features that you don’t often get with a second property. New holiday homes include the transport and siting of the holiday home and the connections to gas, water, electric and sewerage services.
A Ramtech alarm is included, except for Sandyholme Holiday Park where they are not required. As well as the warranty, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are included, a fridge/freezer, tv connection and an outside decking area with steps.
Fixtures, fittings and furniture is also included so your holiday home is ready to go and furnished!
Holiday Homes currently available
Buying a holiday home offers significant financial advantages, flexibility, and a lower-risk, lower-maintenance alternative for enjoying leisure time. It is an appealing option for those who want a more affordable, manageable, and enjoyable way to access holiday opportunities without the long-term commitment and complexities of owning a second property. You can view holiday homes we currently have for sale across 6 holiday parks, below.
Make an Enquiry
Fill in our quick form to hear back from a member of our team, or to book a visit to the parks. Visit our FAQs page to see if we can answer any questions you may have.
Published
Share: