Live in a Holiday Lodge: Can You Stay There Month After Month?
If you’ve ever stayed in a luxury holiday lodge, you’ll know just how tempting it can be to make it more than just a getaway.
Many buyers fall in love with the idea of owning a lodge, a peaceful retreat where you can escape to nature or the coast whenever you like.
But one of the most common questions people in the UK ask is – how long can you actually live in a holiday lodge each year?
Holiday Home Ownership: Can You Live in Your Holiday Home All Year?
The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think, because it depends on the specific holiday park where your lodge or holiday home is based.
Only lodges located in a residential park with a residential licence allow year-round living as your main residence.
Otherwise, you can only use your lodge for holiday use, not as your main address.
Can a Holiday Lodge Be Your Main Address?
Residential park homes are designed for permanent living and are typically found in residential parks that have the appropriate residential licence.
This allows you to use them as your main home.
But, most holiday parks don’t allow lodges to be used as a permanent residence.
Holiday lodges are usually intended for short-term or seasonal use, and are located in parks with holiday licences, which do not permit full-time residence.
If you want to live in a holiday lodge year-round, you’ll need to choose a lodge on a residential park.
Caravan Parks: Designed for Leisure, Not Full-Time Living
Most UK holiday parks operate on a seasonal licence.
This means they are intended for holiday use only, not as a permanent residential address.
Unlike residential parks, holiday parks don’t usually allow you to live in your lodge 365 days a year.
The key thing to remember is that holiday lodges are classed as leisure accommodation.
While they offer the look and feel of a high-quality home – often with stylish interiors, modern kitchens, and even hot tubs – they are legally different from a bricks-and-mortar house.
It’s important to always check if the park is licensed for residential use before considering year-round living in a holiday home.
You’ll find that most caravan parks are designed for holiday retreats, not primary residences.
How Many Months Can You Stay in a Park Home?
The length of time you can stay in your holiday lodge will vary depending on the park operator and their licence from the local authority.
It’s important to check with the local council for specific regulations, as they may set limits on the maximum number of consecutive days you can stay in your lodge without breaching holiday use restrictions.
Owning a Holiday Home on a Seasonal Park
Many holiday parks close for a short period – often 4 to 8 weeks – each year, usually in January or February.
This period is often referred to as the off season or winter closure, and staying in your lodge isn’t an option.
Year-Round Holiday Home Access
Some parks offer year-round access, meaning you can visit your lodge in any month of the year.
However, even in these cases, it’s still designated for holiday use only.
That means you can’t live there as your main residence, and you’ll usually need to provide proof of a separate permanent address.
There may also be restrictions on how many consecutive days you can stay before needing to leave temporarily.
Lodges for Holiday Use: Why the Rules Matter
Holiday park licences are in place to make sure lodges are used for leisure purposes, not as permanent homes.
If you buy a lodge on a holiday park, you’ll normally need to sign paperwork agreeing to use it only as a holiday property.
Councils and park owners carry out checks to ensure compliance, which could include asking for council tax or utility bills linked to your main residence.
Choosing the Right Lodge and Park
If you’re considering holiday home ownership, it’s essential to ask the park operator:
- How long is the season?
- Are residential park homes an option?
- Is the park open 10, 11 or 12 months of the year?
- What are the restrictions on staying in the lodge?
- Do you need to show proof of a permanent residential address?
- Is this park the right option for your family and lifestyle needs?
By clarifying this from the start, you’ll know exactly how often you can use your lodge and whether it fits with your lifestyle.
Always Confirm Holiday Park Rules Before Buying a Lodge Holiday Home
Choosing the right choice of lodge or park involves considering if it is suitable for your family, the types of properties available, and whether you can stay there during the months you want to.
The majority of parks are open solely for holiday use, but you have the freedom to visit as much as you like throughout the year.
Though you can’t live in a holiday lodge, you can take multiple holidays throughout the year, especially if you choose a park that’s open year-round.
Holiday Parks vs. Residential Communities
Keep in mind the differences between holiday parks and residential communities.
While holiday parks are typically for leisure stays, residential communities may allow permanent residence and offer different ownership options for everyday life.
Always speak to your chosen park before buying a holiday home, to ensure the park rules align with what you’re looking for.
So, How Many Months of the Year Can You Live in a Holiday Lodge?
The honest answer is, it depends.
Some holiday parks are open all year-round, while others close for a month or two.
But, across the board, holiday lodges in the UK are almost always for holidays only, not permanent residency.
If what you’re looking for is a luxury escape that you can enjoy multiple times a year, then a holiday lodge or static caravan can be a fantastic investment.
Just make sure you understand the park’s licence and rules so you can make the most of your home-away-from-home.
If you decide to move into a lodge, careful planning will help ensure a smooth buying process.
You’ll be enjoying holidays in the great outdoors before you know it.
