What is a holiday lodge park?

A holiday lodge park, or holiday lodge complex, is a development of timber lodges used for holiday accommodation, typically with additional amenities or activities such as a fishing lake. Larger parks, particularly those aimed at families, may also have an indoor or outdoor swimming pool. 

The quality of lodges has improved in recent years, with many offering central heating or wood burners, televisions and hot tubs. The natural materials used to build these lodges, along with the cosiness that can be achieved, often mean they resemble ski chalets.

One of the appealing factors for owners and operators is that they are relatively cheap and quick to install – they sit between a static caravan and a permanent building in this respect. One downside is that do require more upkeep, and have a shorter life than a permanent structure. 

They range in size from one- to four-bedroom, and offer year-round income due to the warmth and comfort they can offer. 

Looking to buy a holiday lodge? Find our available rural leisure properties here.

The holiday lodge UK market

Demand for UK holiday lodges is going from strength to strength, boosted by the growth in domestic tourism caused by the pandemic.

There are various features that will affect popularity of a particular site. Location is of course paramount, with those near the coast being naturally more popular.

Facilities and amenities are key too; when helping clients design holiday lodge complexes, I will always advise them that coarse fishing lakes will really draw in the customers – ideally they will be able to fish directly off the back of their lodges. 

Angling is a hugely popular sport in the UK, and is enjoyed all year round, whatever the weather! Typically holiday lodge complexes which offer angling would offer it as a package with the accommodation – the angling is not profit-making per se, but it draws in the holidaymakers. 

Who is buying holiday lodges for sale?

Single holiday lodges are bought by private individuals as a second home.

At the other end of the scale, we deal with the sale and purchase of many holiday lodge parks as going concern businesses. We work on behalf of national lodge developers to find sites for them to grow their businesses. 

Existing holiday lodge complex sites will appeal mainly to corporate operators looking to expand their portfolio of developments. Smaller sites will also be of interest to buyers as a lifestyle investment, to facilitate a move away from a town or city.

The market at the moment for this type of property is very strong, from the larger operators to new entrants to the market – who might even be looking at buying bare land to develop into a holiday lodge complex. 

2020 was a fantastic year for staycations and we see no reason that this won’t continue, and the market for these investments is reflective of that confidence. 

Are people more likely to buy or rent a holiday lodge with a hot tub?

There is no doubt that holiday lodges with a hot tub appeal to a larger pool of potential holiday makers. They’re a luxury item that offers a real treat.

From an operators perspective, they also extend the season, allowing visitors to enjoy their lodges and decks even during cooler weather. 

Are you thinking of selling a holiday lodge?

If you’re thinking of selling a holiday lodge complex, there are various things to think about from the outset – or even up to two or three years in advance! These are:

• Make sure that your site is tidy and presentable
• Get a professional to take good quality photographs that show the site in its best light
• In the current climate, you may also benefit from a virtual tour
• Examine your accounts – buyers will look and profit and loss, rather than turnover, so make sure that your business is working as hard as it can prior to bringing it to the market
• If you lodge complex is likely to appeal to the lifestyle buyer, consider whether your owner’s accommodation is up to scratch. If it’s not, you might consider building (or at least getting planning permission for) new accommodation.

Holiday lodges for sale

We are currently marketing a range of holiday lodge parks, as well as other leisure facilities. You can check out all our rural leisure properties here, or contact Stephen Richards to discuss your requirements. 

Holiday lodges for sale in Devon

Higher Shorston Lakes is a holiday lodge business near Holsworth, in Devon, less than 10 miles from the sea. See more >>

This 7.4-acre site with sea views would be ideal for development into a lodge park. See more >>

Holiday lodges for sale in Devon

Sunbrae Holiday Lodges is holiday letting business in the heart of Worcestershire. See more >>

Carter Jonas leisure offering

Interesting in buying, selling or developing a leisure business? Find out more about our rural leisure team at carterjonas.co.uk/rural-leisure, or contact Stephen.