The Short Answer
In many cases, the total cost of putting a static caravan in a garden in the UK may range from approximately £30,000 to £100,000 or more.
This depends on:
- •The type and size of the caravan
- •Whether it is new or used
- •Groundworks and installation
- •Utility connections
- •Site access and complexity
Cost of the Static Caravan Itself
Prices vary significantly based on specification, size, and manufacturer. The figures below are general guidance only and can change over time.
Used
£15,000 – £40,000
Used static caravans
New
£30,000 – £80,000+
New static caravans
Higher Spec
£60,000 – £120,000+
Lodges and higher-spec models
Specification, layout, insulation standard, bedroom count, and age all influence price meaningfully. You can browse our available static caravans and lodges to see current examples. For more on how to match a unit to your specific garden and needs, see our guide on choosing the right caravan for garden use.
Groundworks and Base Costs
A stable, level base is essential. The scope of work depends on site conditions and may include:
- •A concrete pad or alternative base preparation
- •Levelling uneven ground or removing obstacles
- •Preparing a clear route for delivery
Typical guidance: £2,000 – £10,000+. Costs can vary significantly depending on site conditions, ground type, and the amount of preparation required.
Delivery and Installation
Moving a static caravan to site is specialist work. Typical elements include:
- •Transport to the site on a low-loader or specialist trailer
- •Crane or specialist positioning where direct access is limited
- •Final setup, levelling, and connection preparation
Typical guidance: £1,000 – £5,000+. A crane requirement, distance from the supplier, or awkward access can increase this meaningfully.
Utility Connections
Connecting the caravan to services is often one of the more variable costs:
- •Electricity – extension from the main house consumer unit or a new supply
- •Water supply – pipework run from the existing mains
- •Waste and drainage – connection to foul drainage or a compliant alternative
Typical guidance: £2,000 – £15,000+. Costs vary heavily depending on distance to the main house, ground conditions, and existing infrastructure.
Planning and Professional Costs
Depending on your intended use and local authority, you may need professional input. Common costs include:
- •Planning application fees (if a submission is required)
- •Drawings or support from a planning consultant
- •Site or drainage surveys where relevant
Typical guidance: £200 – £3,000+. Planning outcomes cannot be guaranteed and vary between local authorities. See our planning permission guide for more detail.
Ongoing Costs to Consider
Beyond the one-off installation, it is worth budgeting for:
Utilities
Electricity and water use, which may appear on the main household bill or on a separate meter
Maintenance
Roof checks, sealant, skirting, heating servicing, and general upkeep
Insurance
Specialist static caravan or residential policies where appropriate
Council tax
May apply in some cases depending on how the unit is used and the local authority decision
Ongoing costs depend on how the caravan is used and on local authority decisions, so individual circumstances can vary.
Hidden Costs People Often Miss
- Upgrading access routes — widening a gate, temporary fence removal, or surface reinforcement for delivery vehicles
- Landscaping after installation — restoring lawn, paths, or borders that were disturbed during works
- Insulation upgrades — if the unit will be used year-round, older caravans may benefit from improvements
- Furniture and internal setup — appliances, soft furnishings, window dressings, and any finishing touches
Static Caravan vs Extension (Quick Comparison)
Traditional Extension
£50,000 – £150,000+
Typically requires full planning or permitted-development compliance, structural work, and longer build times.
Garden Static Caravan
£30,000 – £100,000+
Can often be lower cost, but with different planning considerations and site-suitability factors that may apply.
Both options depend on individual circumstances. Neither is universally "cheaper" or "better" — it depends on use, site, and long-term needs. See our full caravan vs extension comparison for a side-by-side view.
Is It Worth It?
- Can be cost-effective in some situations, particularly compared with extending or moving house
- Often well suited to family use such as elderly parents, adult children, or dependent relatives living close by
- Whether it is ultimately worth it depends on your long-term needs, intended use, and any planning constraints on your site
If you are specifically looking at this for a parent or relative, our guide on family living considerations covers the day-to-day and planning angles in more detail.