For many people growing up on Merseyside a trip to North Wales was a regular fixture of summer holidays. Nowadays, putting down some more permanent roots in the area with your own static caravan or lodge is becoming more and more popular. Your Move takes a look at what you can expect to get for your money and highlights some key points you need to consider before taking the plunge.

The links between Merseyside and North Wales are well known and long standing. In the late 18th Century thousands of men from Anglesey and Caernarfonshire headed to Liverpool in search of work at the docks or on the famous Leeds-Liverpool canal.

Residents of Liverpool and its surrounding areas have returned the favour over the years by holidaying up and down the coast of North Wales in their thousands.

It’s easy to see why so many people choose to spend their free time in North Wales when in just over an hour’s drive you can be enjoying picturesque coastlines and historic architecture.

The idea of owning a static caravan or lodge has long been seen by many as something to spend your pension on, but the industry has evolved greatly over the last few decades.

The stereotypical image of caravan parks from years gone by propagated by ‘Carry On’ films and ‘Hi-de-Hi’ is long gone. Today’s parks are modern and cater for a whole range of visitors.

“Lodges are rapidly gaining in popularity thanks to their high standards, extra space and high levels of insulation and heating meaning it’s possible to take breaks all year round,” says Jon Boston, a spokesperson for the British Holiday and Homes Park Association.

Before you buy

Before you dive in and purchase your first static caravan or lodge it’s important to make sure you have considered the financial and practical factors.

“First and most important is the security of your investment, so you should thoroughly check out the organisation you are purchasing from – its financial position, its track record, and if necessary that of the directors,” says Julia Casimo, partner at John Kerr Chartered Accountants.

“You also need to think about tax – if you are planning to let out your lodge/cabin you will be liable for income tax either under the buy-to-let rules or the more favourable furnished holiday let regime.”

However, if you are thinking of sub-letting your static caravan or lodge as a way of paying for it, it’s vital to bear in mind that a significant number of parks operate a policy whereby short-term rental of properties is not permitted, limiting use to friends and family.

It is also important to check with the park owners whether the properties on site have residential or holiday home status.

A park with residential status for its properties will mean that it is your main address and you will be liable to pay council tax. Holiday homes on the other hand are not subject to council tax but there could be a limit to the amount of time you can spend at the property throughout the year.

“Lodges are rapidly gaining in popularity thanks to their high standards, extra space and high levels of insulation and heating.”

Holiday homes based in leisure parks often come with a range of amenities such as swimming pools, bars and restaurants along with the safety and piece of mind which comes with being on a secure site.

These extras don’t come for free and you will have to pay annual site fees alongside your purchase price, which start at around £2,000 and can go as high as £6,000.

Other costs to consider which are not included in the site fee may be water rates, gas and electricity charges and insurance premiums.

Lastly, it is vital for prospective buyers of lodge-style properties in particular to understand that they will not technically own the land on which the holiday home resides.

“From a legal perspective buying a lodge-style holiday home is a different procedure to buying a house or traditional second home,” says Paul Bibby, managing partner at MSB Solicitors.

“You will only rent the pitch and pay additionally for surrounding amenities but you will own the lodge structure and be responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.”

Owning a static caravan or lodge can offer great value for money – especially when compared with the amount of money that would be spent on regular family trips abroad.

Holiday properties in North Wales need not cost the earth but can still give you a comfortable home from home where you can pick up and visit at a moment’s notice.

What’s on the market?

Under £50,000

2015 Willerby Cameo

£39,995
Lyons Pendyffryn Hall Caravan Park & Country Club, Conwy

Double glazed and central heated throughout; this two-bedroom static caravan offers great value for money with an open-plan layout and well-appointed kitchen. Located on the Pendyffrn Hall Caravan Park in the Snowdonia National Park, visitors can enjoy views over the Menai Strait and Puffin Island. The park has a very family friendly feel with regular BBQ’s, live entertainment and special events all year round. There is plenty to do as you’re not far from Conwy Castle and you can also catch the famous steam railway up to the Great Orme of Llandudno.

£50,000 – 100,000

2016 Willerby Clearwater

£63,495
Ty Mawr Holiday Park, Towyn

A spacious holiday lodge situated at the foot of the Welsh mountains within a 10-minute walk of the pebble beach at Pensarm. Stand out features in this two-bedroom lodge include a family bathroom and main bedroom with an en suite shower room and a walk-in wardrobe. The Ty Mawr Holiday Park features a wealth of entertainment options including an indoor pool, adventure playground and sports court as well as quality food at the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.

£100,000+

2016 Wessex Classic

from £129,995
Coed Helen Holiday Park, Caernarfon

The first new lodge for sale in several years on the Coed Helen Holiday Park, this two-bedroom Wessex Classic is brand new for 2016 and benefits from a very modern feel and a number of high quality touches. Entering through the French doors onto the spacious open-plan living space, owners will appreciate first-rate features including a large breakfast bar, utility room and a fully integrated state-of-the-art kitchen. Set just a short 10-minute stroll from the town of Caernarfon and its historic castle, the Coed Helen Holiday Park offers commanding views over the Menai Strait and the Isle of Anglesey. On-site amenities include an outdoor heated swimming pool and a quality pub and restaurant.