Costs & Fees

Owning a holiday lodge isn’t just about the purchase price, you’ll also need to budget for pitch fees and other running costs. Below, we breakdown some of the expenses that you should consider.

Is it a good financial investment?

A lodge is a lifestyle purchase first and foremost, something that offers long-term enjoyment, a place to escape to, and the comfort of having your own lodge in a setting you love. Unlike bricks-and-mortar property, lodges generally depreciate in value over time, much like cars. To summarise, buying a holiday lodge should not be viewed as a traditional financial investment in the sense of appreciating assets or generating guaranteed returns.

Do you allow subletting?

No, we do not allow subletting. This is to preserve the peace and tranquillity that makes our park so enjoyable.

What is a pitch fee?

A pitch fee is an annual payment made to the park for the right to keep your lodge on the park. Separate from the cost of purchasing a lodge on our park, the fee also covers essential services such as grounds and communal-area maintenance, road upkeep, security etc ( this is a non- exhaustive list). Our pitch fee also includes rates.

When are pitch fees due?

Pitch fees are due on 31st December each year, invoices are sent out on 1st December.

Will my pitch fees change?

Pitch fees are reviewed annually on or after the review date. There are various factors which we may take into account e.g. inflation, park operating costs (this is a non – exhaustive list). We will always give you at least 1 months notice of any change.

How are utilities charged?

• Water – This is included in the pitch fee so there’s no additional cost for this.
• Electricity – This is charged yearly at the same rate agreed with our electricity provider. Each lodge has its own meter which is read and billed annually.
• Gas – Bottles are charged per bottle as and when you require a new one. The park supplies and fits these on request.

Do I need a TV licence?

In some cases your main home’s TV Licence may cover your holiday lodge. Please visit the TV Licencing website to find out if you require an additional licence.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, this is required by the park under your licence agreement and an up to date copy must be given to us every year.

What other costs are involved in lodge ownership?

• Gas & Boiler Servicing & safety check- These services are required yearly.
• Winterising/dewinterising – During the cold months when your lodge isn’t occupied, we would recommend it being winterised, this can be done by the park at a cost or carried out yourself.
• Wi-Fi – the park doesn’t supply wi-fi so you would need to acquire your own.
• Maintenance and Repairs – This would be maintenance and repairs to your lodge, decking and any fixtures/fittings. Some examples are: Exterior cleaning of lodge, decking cleaning/repairs, painting or staining of timber cladding, appliance repairs/replacements.

Holiday Lodge Use

How long is the park open?

High Close is open from 1st March each year and closes on 14th January.

Can I live in my holiday lodge?

No, we are a ‘holiday only’ park and owners of holiday lodges need to have a main residence elsewhere (proof is required). Even if your circumstances change, your holiday lodge must not be used as a main residence even on a temporary basis.

Can I work locally?

No, as commuting to work from this park would be taken as strongly indicating the holiday lodge is being used as a main residence.

Buying & Selling

Do we offer finance?

Unfortunately, we do not offer finance.

Do I have to sell back to the park?

No, you do not have to sell to the park. The Licence Agreement sets out your options for selling or gifting the caravan.

Who sets the resale price?

This is completely within the lodge owners control, the park does not have any input on resale price.

Does the park take a percentage of the resale price?

Yes, the park takes a transfer fee as set out in your Purchase & Licence agreement.

Can I still use my lodge whilst it’s for sale?

Yes, whilst you are still the owner of the lodge, you may use it as normal, however you may want to bear in mind that viewings can often happen out of the blue.

Purchase & Licence Agreement

What is a purchase & licence agreement?

A Purchase agreement is the contract in place between you and us for the purchase of the lodge.

The Licence Agreement is the contract which grants permission for you to station your lodge on the park for a certain period of time. It sets out the terms and conditions each party must adhere to during the agreement period.

We encourage you to take your time in reading each agreement and obtaining independent legal advice if you are unsure of your position. Please ask us any questions you may have before you sign.

What is the BH&HPA?

BH&HPA (British Holiday and Home Parks Association) also known as HARPA are a UK-wide, trade association representing the owners and managers of holiday, touring and residential parks. BH&HPA influences how parks operate by offering frameworks and expectations that many reputable parks choose to follow. Seeing the BH&HPA logo on a park is widely regarded within the industry as a sign that the park aims to run fairly, safely, professionally and in line with recognised industry norms.

Why do lodges have a limited licence term?

Lodges have a limited licence term to help us manage the safety and quality of what the park has to offer, helping to keep the standard high.

How long will my licence agreement be?

At High Close, new Lodges come with up to a 40 year BH&HPA licence agreement, new Mini lodges come with a 20 year BH&HPA licence agreement. Pre-owned lodges come with the remaining licence agreement term.

What happens at the end of my licence agreement term?

As your licence approaches its end, you’re very welcome to talk to us about the possibility of extending the licence term. Any extension would need to be agreed by both parties. While we can’t guarantee anything beyond the initial licence period, we’re always happy to have the conversation. There may also be an opportunity to upgrade your lodge, subject to availability. We can provide more details at the time. If no new agreement is in place at the end of the initial term, your lodge will need to be removed from the park.

General

Do you allow Dogs?

Yes, dogs are very welcome on the park. We have plenty of open space and great walks in the area for them.

What is winterising?

Winterising is the process of preparing your lodge ready for the cold winter months. Part of this process is draining the water system to help prevent frost damage. High Close currently offers a drain down ‘winterising’ service at an additional cost should you not want to do this yourself.

What’s the difference between a ‘Lodge’ & a ‘Mini Lodge’?

These are the terms we use to reference the general size of the lodges at High Close. A Lodge or ‘double’ is how we refer to a lodge that is delivered in two halves and fixed together (twin unit) and a Mini Lodge is a single unit. The sizes of these units can vary.