Vive la caravane! Key benefits of mobile home ownership in France

Do you want to focus on your lifestyle and not home maintenance? Or become part of a lively community and live each day to the full? Then why not consider buying a mobile home? This inexpensive way of getting a toehold in France allows you to experience the lifestyle and enjoy your time abroad, without the commitments of a holiday cottage.
La Belle France
Whereas with bricks and mortar holiday home, your budget may limit you to certain areas, with a budget of just £30,000, you can afford a getaway on the Cote d’Azur. The advantage of the southern regions is that your chosen park is likely to stay open all year round, but do consider other factors like park facilities and transport links before you shortlist. You may prefer to be closer to the Channel ports in Brittany, so you can get away most weekends.
A bespoke Pied à Terre
Who wants to spend their precious holiday time labouring to get their holiday home in shape? One of the great benefits of buying a mobile home is the level of customisation that’s possible. Buy from new and you’ll soon find yourself unable to choose between all the great options.
If you intend to use your mobile home year round, then double glazing is something to look out for. If your mobile home is going to be used by a family, then make sure you have your own washing machine. But try not to get bogged down in the specifications, as you’ll spend most of your time outside enjoying the park pool or visiting the tourist attractions, markets and historic buildings in the area.
A lively social life
For many of us, taking the plunge to buy property in another country can seem intimidating, thanks to the language barrier. A park home can be a great way to enjoy a full social life and create strong friendships while allowing you to experience the French lifestyle in nearby towns and markets.
The flexibility of the low maintenance lifestyle means you’ll have plenty of time to fully explore the surrounding region, rather than spending your time in DIY stores.
Easy to budget
If you buy from a British company, you’ll enjoy another benefit of mobile home ownership – the ability to pay for your lodge and your ground rent in sterling rather than Euros. That means you won’t have to follow the currency markets but can deal in a familiar currency, giving you full control over your budget.
Many parks will also rent mobile homes on the owner’s behalf, to offset your running costs, or you can organise rentals with family and friends. The important thing to remember is that you’ll pay no French taxes and you don’t have to pay the high fees involved in bricks and mortar transaction, so there are no nasty surprises.
Safe and secure
There’s always a worry when you lock the door of your holiday home. With a mobile home, you’ll have complete peace of mind, knowing that your home is being well looked after by the park management. Better yet, the next time you manage a break, you know your home will still be immaculate – ready for you to pour a glass of wine and relax!