The Short Answer
There is no single “best” static caravan for every situation.
The right choice depends on:
- •Garden size and access
- •Budget
- •Intended use (full-time vs occasional)
- •Comfort and insulation requirements
Key Factors to Consider
Before looking at specific units, it helps to think through the factors that will most influence whether a caravan will suit your situation:
Size
Both width and length matter. Larger units offer more space but may be harder to deliver and place.
Access to the garden
Gate width, overhead obstructions, and the route from road to final position all affect delivery feasibility.
Layout and bedrooms
Open-plan vs separated rooms, and how many bedrooms are actually needed for long-term use.
Insulation and build standard
Significantly affects year-round comfort, condensation, and running costs.
Heating systems
Gas central heating, electric, or combination systems each have different practicalities.
Proximity to main house
Closer placement may simplify utility connections and daily access, but affects privacy.
Common Caravan Sizes Explained
Static caravans come in a wide range of formats. The sizes below are the ones most commonly seen in the UK market, described in general terms:
28x10
Compact
A smaller footprint that can suit tighter gardens and simpler needs. Often used where access is restricted or for single occupancy.
32x10 / 32x12
Mid-size
A common middle ground between compact and full-size units. Often used where some extra space is helpful but full dimensions are not needed.
36x12
Popular for annex use
Frequently chosen for annex-style living. Typically offers two bedrooms, a separate bathroom, and comfortable living space.
38x12 and above
Larger family units
More spacious layouts suited to longer-term or larger-household use. May require wider access and more substantial groundworks.
Dimensions are given in feet and are approximate — exact footprints vary by manufacturer and model.
Static Caravan vs Lodge for Garden Use
Both caravans and lodges can work well for garden annex living — the right choice often comes down to space, budget, and intended use.
Static Caravans
- •More flexible on size and budget
- •Often easier to place in average garden plots
- •Generally quicker to deliver and install
Lodges
- •Typically larger and higher specification
- •Usually better insulated for year-round comfort
- •Higher price point and may need wider access
You can explore our available static caravans and lodges to see current examples across both categories. If you are still deciding between a caravan and a built option, our caravan vs extension comparison walks through the trade-offs.
What Works Well for Annex Living
- Open-plan living areas — feel more spacious and adapt better to daily use for different family members
- Good insulation — essential for comfortable year-round use and manageable heating costs
- Easy access layouts — level floors, wider doorways, and simple room-to-room flow matter particularly where elderly family members will be using the space
- Space efficiency — thoughtful storage and well-proportioned rooms often matter more than pure square footage
What to Avoid
- Oversized units that cannot be delivered — always verify access width, turning circles, and overhead clearance before committing
- Poor insulation — older holiday-spec units are often not built for year-round living and can be expensive to run
- Layouts that reduce accessibility — narrow corridors, tight bathrooms, or steps may cause long-term problems
- Assuming all caravans are suitable for long-term living — specification, age, and build standard all vary meaningfully
New vs Used — What’s Better?
Neither option is universally better — each has clear trade-offs.
Used
- •Lower upfront cost
- •Wider availability at different price points
- •Condition, age and specification vary — always worth checking carefully
New
- •Generally better insulation and build standards
- •Typically cleaner condition and modern fittings
- •Higher upfront cost, but may offer longer usable life
See our cost guide for typical price ranges across both categories, or our planning permission guide for the rules that can apply to either type. If you are considering this specifically for a parent or relative, our family living guide may also help.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all static caravan for garden annex use. The model that will feel comfortable, compliant, and practical in your garden is the one that matches your specific space, access, intended use, and long-term needs.
Matching the caravan to the situation — rather than the other way round — is the most reliable way to get a good outcome.