Buying a Stacaravan in the Netherlands: Your Complete 2026 Guide
At Green Village a stacaravan costs from EUR 14,576, and each listing shows the delivered price for the destination you choose. Where you may place it in the Netherlands depends on the municipality's omgevingsplan and the recreatiepark's rules: each municipal council (gemeenteraad) adopts a single omgevingsplan for its whole territory (Omgevingswet art. 2.4). Green Village handles transport and installation end-to-end.
The Netherlands is one of Europe's most dynamic markets for stacaravans (the Dutch term for static caravans and mobile homes). With recreatieparken (holiday parks) spread across provinces like Gelderland, Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, Limburg and the Veluwe region, the country has a unique culture of holiday and second-home living built around these units.
Demand for stacaravans in the Netherlands has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the rise of domestic tourism, the appeal of countryside retreats and the increase in remote working. Well-maintained used units are available from €14,576. This guide covers the entire process — from Dutch regulations to transport, real costs and investment potential.
Green Village operates as an end-to-end importer and logistics operator, handling transport, customs documentation (where applicable) and delivery to your destination park. Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division, ensures your unit arrives safely and on the agreed schedule.
The Dutch stacaravan market
The Netherlands has a historical relationship with mobile homes dating back to the 1950s, when the first vakantieparken (holiday parks) began offering permanent accommodation in static caravans. Today, the Dutch market is one of Europe's most mature, with a diverse range of offerings from compact 1-bedroom units to luxury 3-bedroom chalets with all modern amenities.
The most popular provinces for stacaravans include Gelderland (especially the Veluwe region, famous for its forests and national parks), Zeeland (with its coastline and beaches), Noord-Brabant (combining nature with proximity to cities like Eindhoven and Tilburg), Limburg (the hilly southern region with unique landscapes) and Friesland (lakes and outdoor living). Each region offers a different lifestyle and attracts distinct buyer profiles.
Stock available in the Netherlands includes both locally sourced and UK-imported units (the UK being the largest European source of used stacaravans). Well-known brands in the Dutch market include both British and continental manufacturers, with models varying in size, finish and age. Green Village supplies units from both origins.
Legal framework: omgevingsplan and gemeente regulations
In the Netherlands, placing a stacaravan on land is regulated by the omgevingsplan (zoning plan, under the Omgevingswet since 1 January 2024 — the former bestemmingsplan) of the local municipality (gemeente); always check via the Omgevingsloket before buying. This plan defines what type of use is permitted in each area — residential, recreational, agricultural, etc. The vast majority of recreatieparken have a recreational classification, meaning stacaravans can be used for holidays and leisure but not always for permanent living.
The distinction between recreatief gebruik (recreational use) and hoofdverblijf/permanent wonen (permanent residence) is fundamental in Dutch law. Whether permanent habitation of a recreation home is allowed depends on the municipality's omgevingsplan; always check with the gemeente.
Before buying, it is essential to verify three things: (1) the municipality's omgevingsplan (via the Omgevingsloket) permits your intended use, (2) the recreatiepark's parkreglement accepts the type and size of unit you wish to install, and (3) if you intend to live permanently, whether the omgevingsplan allows it.
Real costs: purchase, standplaats and running expenses
The total investment in a stacaravan in the Netherlands goes beyond the purchase price of the unit. It is important to consider all costs for a realistic budget.
Purchase prices vary significantly depending on age, size, condition and specifications. Lowest catalogue price right now: used £6,450, new £27,700; each listing shows the delivered price for the destination you choose.
| Expense | What it depends on |
|---|---|
| Purchase (used) | Lowest catalogue price now: £6,450 |
| Purchase (recent used) | Year, size and condition; each listing shows the delivered price for your destination |
| Purchase (new) | Lowest catalogue price now: £27,700 |
| Standplaats rent | Varies by park; according to RECRON, normally an annual contract that renews automatically |
| Park charges (parkkosten) | Vary by park; ask for them before you buy |
| Insurance | Depends on the value and the cover |
| Municipal charges | Ask the gemeente which charges apply |
| Electricity + gas | Depends on consumption and the park |
How to choose a recreatiepark
Choosing the right recreatiepark is as important as choosing the stacaravan itself. Each park has its own rules, atmosphere, facilities and costs — and the experience of living or holidaying in a park depends greatly on these characteristics.
The ANWB classification (the Dutch automobile and tourism association) is a good starting point. Parks are rated from 1 to 5 stars based on their facilities, maintenance, atmosphere and services. A park with 4-5 ANWB stars typically offers a swimming pool, restaurant, playground, reception, entertainment and regular maintenance of communal areas.
RECRON conditions (the Dutch recreation industry association) are the standard contractual framework for most recreatieparken. The RECRON contract defines the rights and obligations of both parties — stacaravan owner and park operator — including rules on maintenance, renovation, transfer of ownership and eventual removal. It is essential to read and understand the RECRON conditions before signing any standplaats contract.
Other factors to consider: an age limit (according to RECRON, a park may include restrictions on the age of the stacaravan in its park rules), size restrictions (maximum length and width of the stacaravan), permission for subletting (verhuur), year-round access vs. seasonal only (typically March-October), and proximity to natural attractions, beaches or cities.
Transport and delivery to the Netherlands
Transport of a stacaravan to the Netherlands depends on the unit's origin. For units from the United Kingdom (the most common source of competitively priced used stacaravans), transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division, and is included in the delivered price to the park.
For units from other European countries (France, Belgium, Germany), delivery times are generally the fastest.
Green Village manages the entire logistics process as an end-to-end operator: coordinating collection at origin and delivery to the destination recreatiepark, and handling customs clearance for imports from outside the EU. The goal is for the client to receive their stacaravan installed on their standplaats, ready to use.
Living in a stacaravan in the Netherlands: climate, insulation and comfort
The Dutch climate presents specific challenges for those living or spending extended periods in a stacaravan. Winters are cold and damp (temperatures between -5°C and 5°C from December to February), with frequent rain and strong winds, particularly in coastal areas. Summers are moderate (18-25°C), with long days that make the outdoor experience very enjoyable.
Thermal insulation is the most important factor for year-round comfort. Modern units (manufactured in the last 5-10 years) generally come with double or triple insulation in walls, floor and roof, double glazing and central gas heating systems (CV-ketel). Older units may need insulation upgrades — an investment that typically pays for itself in 2-3 winters through energy savings.
Winterisation (winterklaar maken) includes: checking the heating system, insulating water pipes against freezing, sealing windows and doors, inspecting the roof and gutters, and potentially installing underpinning (base cladding) that protects the bottom of the unit from wind and cold. Many recreatieparken offer winterisation service as part of their maintenance package.
Utilities (electricity, gas and water) are typically supplied by the recreatiepark or via direct connection to the municipal network. Costs vary depending on consumption and the park. Some modern parks offer fibre-optic broadband, which is essential for remote workers.
Investment potential and rental income
A stacaravan in the Netherlands can be an interesting investment, particularly in tourist areas with strong seasonal demand. Regions like Zeeland (coast), Veluwe (nature), Limburg (landscape) and the Frisian Islands attract millions of Dutch and international tourists every year, creating consistent demand for holiday accommodation.
Rental potential (verhuur) depends on several factors: park location, available facilities, unit quality and size, time of year and the recreatiepark's rules on subletting. Whether and how you may let the unit is set out in the park rules (parkreglement); ask the park before you buy.
What letting earns depends on the location, the occupancy and fixed costs such as the standplaats, park charges and insurance; work with the park's own figures rather than an average return.
For the tax treatment of rental income, consult a Dutch tax adviser (belastingadviseur). On the purchase itself, BTW (Dutch VAT) is only charged on supplies by a business (Wet OB 1968, art. 1), so a private seller charges no BTW; when a dealer sells a used stacaravan it bought from a private individual, BTW is calculated on the profit margin (Wet OB 1968, art. 28b).
How to Buy a Stacaravan in the Netherlands
- Choose a recreatiepark and verify conditions. Research recreatieparken in your preferred region, check ANWB ratings, read RECRON conditions, confirm maximum dimensions allowed and rules on permanent residence and subletting. Visit the park in person if possible.
- Select the ideal stacaravan. Based on the dimensions permitted by the park and your budget, choose between new and used. Green Village offers a catalogue with hundreds of options and can recommend units suited to your chosen park.
- Handle the contract and financing. Sign the standplaats contract with the recreatiepark and the purchase contract for the stacaravan. If needed, Green Village can advise on available financing options for the unit purchase.
- Transport and delivery. Green Village coordinates all transport, including customs documentation. The unit is delivered and positioned on your standplaats.
- Installation and connections. Once placed on the standplaats, the unit is connected to the park's electricity, water and gas supply. Check the underpinning, external access (steps, terrace) and carry out a final inspection. Your stacaravan is ready to use.
In summary
- According to RECRON, the standplaats contract on a recreatiepark normally runs for one year and renews automatically.
- Always check the municipality's omgevingsplan (via the Omgevingsloket) and the park regulations before buying — not all parks allow permanent residence.
- Total costs include purchase, standplaats, park charges, insurance and utilities; compare final prices that include transport and placement, with VAT shown separately.
- Transport is included in the delivered price for UK units; delivery times vary by origin for European sources.
- Insulation and winterisation are essential for comfort during the Dutch winter.
- Whether you may let the unit is decided by the park rules; ask the park before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live permanently in a stacaravan in the Netherlands?
It depends on the municipality and the recreatiepark. Each municipal council (gemeenteraad) adopts a single omgevingsplan for the whole municipality (Omgevingswet art. 2.4), and the park has its own rules. Check the specific situation with the municipality and the park before buying.
Is there an age limit for stacaravans on a Dutch holiday park?
According to RECRON, a park may include restrictions on the age of the stacaravan in its park rules; whether there is an age limit, and which, varies by park. This rule aims to maintain the visual and functional quality of the park. When buying a used unit, check the maximum age permitted by the park regulations and negotiate an extension if needed.
What insurance do I need for a stacaravan in the Netherlands?
A combined insurance policy (combinatieverzekering) is recommended, covering fire, storm, theft, flood and liability. Specialist insurers for recreational vehicles (recreatievoertuigen) offer stacaravan-specific policies; the premium depends on the unit's value and coverage level.
Are there size limits for stacaravans in the Netherlands?
Yes, each recreatiepark defines maximum dimensions for its standplaats. Common limits are 12m length and 4m width for single units, and up to 20m × 6.5m for twin/chalet units. Units exceeding standplaats dimensions may simply not be accepted by the park.
Can a foreigner buy a stacaravan in the Netherlands?
Yes, there are no nationality restrictions on purchasing a stacaravan in the Netherlands. EU citizens can buy and use freely. Non-EU citizens can also purchase but should check residence permit rules (verblijfsvergunning) if planning extended stays. Green Village has clients from across Europe and can guide international buyers through the entire process.
What BTW (VAT) applies to buying a stacaravan in the Netherlands?
If you buy from a private individual, you pay no BTW: only supplies by a business are taxed (Wet OB 1968, art. 1). A dealer charges BTW at the standard rate of 21% (art. 9); for a used stacaravan it bought from a private individual, BTW is calculated on the profit margin (art. 28b). For a stacaravan of UK origin, import into the EU adds customs duty (0% with proof of origin) and the VAT of the destination country.