La Yole
La Yole
Buying a mobile home in a campsite is attracting more and more French people looking for freedom and comfort for their vacation. This alternative to traditional real estate allows you to own a leisure residence at a lower cost, while benefiting from the infrastructure and services of a campsite. But is it really a good investment? What are the costs to expect? What taxation applies to mobile homes? Here is a complete guide to help you make the right choice.
Owning a mobile home on a campsite offers many advantages. First of all, it is an excellent compromise between a second home and tourist accommodation. Unlike buying a house or apartment, a mobile home is much more affordable, with a price range ranging from €20,000 to €60,000 for a new model, and sometimes less for second-hand ones.
By purchasing a mobile home, you also benefit from all the campsite services and infrastructure : swimming pool, children’s club, entertainment, restaurants and access to nearby beaches or natural areas. It is an ideal choice for families who want to enjoy comfortable vacation without the constraints of maintaining a traditional second home.
The other great asset is the flexibility. Unlike traditional real estate, the mobile home can be put on sale more easily, moved in certain cases from one plot to another or from one campsite to another and rented out to generate additional income when you don’t use it, for example.
If buying a mobile home is above all a pleasure, some also see it as a profitable investment. However, you must understand the specificities of this type of property before getting started.
From a financial point of view, the mobile home does not increase in value over time if not properly maintained! Unlike traditional real estate, it can depreciate, a bit like a car. At the end of 10 to 15 years, a poorly maintained new mobile home can lose part of its purchase value.
However, the possibility of rent it in season can help absorb a large part of the costs. Many campsites allow the subletting of your mobile home, which allows you to cover part or all of the annual costs (location, maintenance, services). Depending on the location of the campsite and tourist demand, you can expect a very attractive return for a rental property.
The investment is therefore interesting if your objective is to enjoy your mobile home regularly while renting it for part of the year to cover costs.
In addition to the purchase price of the mobile home, several costs must be taken into account to avoid unpleasant surprises.
When you buy a mobile home, you do not become not owner of the land on which it is installed. You must therefore pay an annual rent to the campsite for the pitch. The price varies depending on the region, your maintenance contract, the standard of the campsite and the services included.
In addition to the rent for the location, other optional costs may be added:
Although the mobile home is not real estate in the strict sense, it is advisable (and sometimes obligatory) to take out a home insurance specific, covering risks such as theft, fire or water damage.
Campsites may impose an age limit on mobile homes. Some request their replacement after 15 to 20 years, which nevertheless leaves a very long period to anticipate in the event of the presence of such a clause in your contract.
One of the major advantages of the mobile home is that it is exempt from property tax and housing tax, since it is considered a mobile asset and not a fixed construction.
However, certain taxes may apply:
Purchasing a mobile home follows several essential steps.
First of all, you must select the campsite that meets your expectations in terms of location, services and pitch rental conditions. Make sure that it authorizes the purchase of mobile homes by individuals and find out about the rules in force (lease duration, resale, subletting, period of access to the campsite, etc.).
New or second-hand, several criteria come into play:
As mentioned previously, the purchase price is not the only cost to plan for. It is important to understand the annual fees related to the rental of the location and the campsite services.
Banks do not always grant real estate loan strictly speaking for a mobile home. It can therefore be financed via a consumer credit, which is sometimes simpler!
If the mobile home is new or moved from another site, you must provide for the costs of transportation and installation, which can range from €1,500 to €5,000 depending on the distance and the necessary arrangements.
Buying a mobile home on a campsite is an excellent solution for enjoying a vacation spot while benefiting from the infrastructure and friendliness of a campsite. It’s a profitable investment if you plan to use it regularly and possibly rent it to cover costs. However, it is necessary to take into account the annual costs, the depreciation of the property and the constraints imposed by the campsite. By choosing the location carefully and anticipating costs, you will be able to take full advantage of your mobile home without unpleasant surprises.
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