Caravan and Motorhome Finance

What is a caravan loan?

A caravan on finance is a type of personal loan that raises money to buy a caravan or motorhome, either new or used. Although it means you can fund a new vehicle as soon as the loan is approved, you should be certain you could afford monthly repayments before making an application. You’ll own your caravan or motorhome outright, but you will have to pay back the loan monthly.

How does static or touring caravan finance work?

Static caravan loans are like regular personal loans in that you agree to borrow a lump sum from a lender, which you then pay back over time. You’ll usually make monthly repayments. The total amount depends on how much you borrow and how much you can afford to pay back each month.

There are three ways you can finance a motorhome or caravan:

• Apply for a personal loan and shop for a vehicle with the money raised
• Agree to a loan from the registered seller which is paid off over time as a finance agreement
• Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – at the end of your term, you have the option to part exchange, return or own your caravan/motorhome via an optional final repayment, which can also keep your monthly repayments down.

Once you find a suitable caravan loan, apply and are accepted, you’ll receive the money to shop for your vehicle. You’ll then repay the borrowed amount in regular instalments over an agreed timeframe.

New vs used caravan

Although you’ll have the choice between buying a new or used caravan, how much you borrow may determine what you can afford. Find a vehicle that suits your needs and is in good working order before applying for a caravan loan. See the Caravan Club’s checklist for buying a second-hand caravan.

Have an idea of your budget before applying and always be certain that you have the finances to cover the monthly payment plan.

You should do plenty of research on any caravan or motorhome you may want to purchase. It’s best to go and view the vehicle before making any financial agreements with the seller if you can. This way, you can be certain the vehicle has no major defects and become aware of any work or repairs that may need doing.

Which caravan dealer?

If you are approved for a caravan loan, you can use the funds to purchase any caravan within your budget from your dealer of choice. This includes:

• Static caravans
• Used caravans
• Motorhomes
• Touring caravans

While you’re free to purchase from any dealer, some lenders may have certain criteria for approving your caravan purchase. These criteria might consider things like the age, condition and mileage of the caravan.

Some dealers may also ask for a holding fee (which should be refundable) or a deposit, usually taken off the total purchase price, to take the caravan off sale. So, it’s always good to check the terms and conditions of the sale before handing over any cash.

Should I get finance for a campervan, motorhome or caravan?

If you’re not sure what type of vehicle to get a loan for, here’s a brief summary and a few considerations. Whether you’re considering static caravan finance, or finance for a motorhome, we can help you decide:

• Campervan – a small motorhome. Campervans are more nimble and easier to drive than motorhomes. But their smaller size makes them less easy to live in and they don’t have as much storage space.
• Motorhome – similar to caravans, but with a front cab section and engine, which means you don’t need a separate tow vehicle – simply drive to your destination and park up.
• Caravan – a wheeled trailer with no engine. The fibreglass panelled body, can offer lots of living space. You can tow a caravan to your destination, then use your vehicle separately.

Applying for a caravan loan

Applying for finance for a static caravan is the same as applying for any personal loan. You’ll need to complete an application with some personal details and, if asked, say how you’re planning to use the money.

We’ll consider the information you provide and let you know if you’re likely to be approved or not. If everything goes well, the money will be transferred into your bank account to cover the cost of your new wheels.

Take a look at our secured caravan finance calculator to see how much you might expect to repay per month with a caravan loan.

Am I eligible for a motorhome or caravan loan?

Every lender has its own tick list for eligibility, so we search our wide range of loan products to find the one most suited to your circumstances.

If County Court Judgements (CCJs) are causing you problems, or you’re self-employed and need help qualifying for a loan, we can help. Retired? There are plenty of caravan loans for pensioners too. We’ll help you find the right one, so you can enjoy your new vehicle.

Frequently asked questions about motorhome and caravan loans

• How much can I borrow?
  You can borrow from £1,000 up to £100,000, or a larger loan from £100,000 to £500,000. The amount you are approved for will depend on your individual circumstances.
• How long are the repayment terms?
  You can pay back a loan over a period between one to 30 years (10 years, unsecured). These flexible loan terms mean you can spread the cost of your new holiday home over a period that suits you.
• What are the interest rates?
  This will vary depending on the lender you select, your financial history and current circumstances. Our rates for homeowners start at 6.7%.
• How long will it take?
  You will receive your loan in 1-2 weeks for a secured caravan loan, once approved, but we do offer an instant decision in principle. If you qualify for an unsecured caravan loan, then you could receive the money within 1-2 days.
• Are there any loan fees?
  There are no fees on unsecured loans but there is a broker fee of up to 12.5% on secured borrowing amounts, capped at £3,995.