I was sick of spending £1k a month on rent so bought a £26k caravan – it’s bigger than my flat & bills are cheaper too
A WOMAN has revealed how she was sick of spending £1,000 a month in rent so bought a caravan instead.
Katrina splashed out on her £26,000 static home, as she didn’t want to get a pricey mortgage.
On her @katrinascaravan account, she toured around her new home, which includes access to a swimming pool and spa.
She said: “If you’re wondering ‘why didn’t you just buy brick and mortar and use the £26,000 as a deposit?’ – I couldn’t.
“I’m self-employed, and it would have meant giving up my dream and getting a job that sucked the soul out of me.
“And I didn’t fancy doing that.”
She shared how paying £1,000 for rent in her area was “standard”, so she decided to buy the caravan instead and now saves lots of money.
Katrina continued: “So when I was renting: £26,000 = 26 months of living in my flat.
“Whereas in this caravan, I have a minimum of nine years on this site guaranteed.
“So if I break that £26,000 down to what it would cost per month to live here, that’s £240—which is a massive saving compared to the thousand pounds I was paying.”
However, she did point out how there were some drawbacks.
Katrina shared: “Have I just wasted £26,000? Just like a car, this caravan is not an investment.
“I know it’s gonna depreciate by the year—about £3,000 per year now.”
However, she pointed out that the money she has saved will make it worth it in her opinion.
Katrina explained: “And after nine years, the site is entitled to ask me to remove the caravan or get a new one.
“But with all the money I’m going to save on rent, I’m gonna be able to afford to buy another one—or something else—if I want to.
“And who knows where I’ll be in nine years’ time?
“And for the 26 grand, I’ve got more than you can get in most of the flats around here—not to mention all my bills are cheaper.
“Apart from my Wi-Fi, which is £70.”
Katrina lives in the south of England in her caravan, and previously revealed she pays £291 for her pitch, water, waste, swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub.
Katrina bought the caravan outright so she has no need to put money aside for the property.
She also spent £55 on electric, £70 on internet and £12 on insurance.
“It might be a bit less because I do not have a washing machine or a TV, which most households have,” she continued.
So if I break that £26,000 down to what it would cost per month to live here, that’s £240—which is a massive saving compared to the thousand pounds I was paying
Katrina
“I should be using a little bit less but I am using an electric fire, gas per month is looking to be about £100, now this will depend on the time of year, so I will keep you updated with that one.”
In total, Katrina was spending just £528 a month including her bills.
Her spending was a fraction of the price of living in a house where the average family spends £1,223 a month on rent and bills.
“Overall I think the cost of living in the caravan is much cheaper than living in the house,” she added.
The clip quickly went viral on her TikTok account @katrinascaravan with over 46k views and 570 likes.
People were quick to take to the comments in awe of her savvy lifestyle.
One person wrote: “I wish I could do this. Well done you, the world is broken and living day to day with how much things cost is just not quality of living. This is making your own way, love it.”
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.