Motorhome and caravan prices on the rise as Brits opt to holiday at home

Sales are booming in the motorhome and caravan market as the uncertain future of foreign travel this summer is leading many Brits to vacation closer to home.

An investigation by Car Dealer magazine has found that motorhome dealers, classified advertising websites and manufacturers are all reporting increased interest.

With the news that the government could announce camping sites can reopen in July, one dealer reported selling a month’s worth of stock in the first week back after lockdown. Meanwhile, AutoTrader reports caravan and motorhome advert views are up 18 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

With auctions that sell to the trade reporting sales above predicted prices, Peter Vaughan, editor of Which Motorhome Magazine, told Car Dealer: “It’s a combination of people not wanting to holiday abroad, get on a plane or a cruise and looking for a safe and enjoyable holiday at home.

“Pricing earlier this year was strong as dealers could not get hold of quality used stock and that was even before coronavirus. A number of factors combined then which saw stock dry up and that has got worse now.”

Experts are suggesting the sub £25,000 sector will see prices increase the most, as this is the entry point for motorhomes so it is where those new to the sector will look first.

Also speaking to Car Dealer, used motorhome dealer Bill Hayes said: “There’s a lot of pent-up demand, but we had an amazing first week

“I’m not surprised. Many are new to the market and we’ve sold models from £30,000-£60,000.

“We have just one motorhome for sale that’s around the £25,000 mark and it won’t last. Even dealers are calling us up wanting to buy it.”

BCA held its first online-only caravan and motorhome auction last week and said every lot sold, with activity ‘frenzied’ at times.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen said requests for quotes on its popular California were up 250 per cent and Grand California up 100 per cent.