Hopes of strong holiday home sales when lockdown ends

Park Holidays UK is finalising plans to cope with an "explosion of demand" from new holiday home buyers when it is given the green light to re-open.

It says enquiries have soared since the start of May, fuelled by the likelihood that overseas holidays will be a no-go this year and possibly next. Would-be buyers are also heeding signals that in any phased re-opening of holiday parks, private owners will probably be the first welcomed back.

Park Holidays UK director, Tony Clish, says his group hopes to avoid rationing the distribution of holiday caravans and lodges among its 31 parks. "We do carry good levels of new stock at present, and existing owners trading-up to 2020 models means that we should have plenty of pre-owned holiday homes to offer," he said.

"Sales enquiries slowed in March when government ordered the shut-down of parks – but they've since been escalating to a phenomenal extent throughout spring.

"I think there's the realisation that one of the best ways to enjoy staying in the UK is by owning a holiday home where you can take breaks throughout the four seasons.

"That, of course, and the fact that a park is perhaps the safest of all holiday destinations with completely self-contained accommodation set at least five metres apart.

"The staycation trend was already well entrenched before this present crisis, and I think it is going to come back with a vengeance," added Tony.

He added that Park Holidays UK had no plans to raise holiday home prices above their pre-lockdown levels, and will even be providing buying incentives.

Discounts of up to 20% on some models, free pitch fees this year and next, and reduced finance rates are all in place as part of a celebration re-opening event.

However, said Tony, measures are also being taken to ensure the safety of customers and the parks' staff when viewings are once again permitted.

Separate vehicles will be used to tour the park, holiday home doors will remain open, sanitising facilities provided – and the customary handshake replaced by a friendly wave.

"We are now on the cusp of UK holidays being once more in the frame, and with holiday home owners leading the march back – we can't wait!" said Tony.

For more on park and holiday homes, you can download the latest issue of Park and Holiday Home Inspiration magazine here.