Mobile home, static caravan, park home, lodge or chalet — which to choose?
"Mobile home", "static caravan", "park home", "lodge", "chalet", "modular home" — the names overlap and don't always mean the same thing in every country. Choosing wrongly is costly: a leisure unit is not suited to permanent living, and a residential unit can be oversized (and more expensive to transport) for someone who only wants a holiday home.
This guide clarifies what sets each type apart in terms of size, insulation, permitted use and price — so you can choose the right unit for your plot and your goal.
Static caravan
The most common type in British stock and the most popular on holiday parks. It is a leisure unit built on a chassis, typically 10 to 12 metres long in a single version, or up to ~6 metres wide in a twin version (transported in two halves). Insulation and heating are designed mainly for seasonal use, though better-insulated "residential" models do exist.
It offers the best price-to-space ratio for anyone wanting a holiday home or a seasonal second home. Good-condition used British units are the most affordable entry point on the market.
Park home
A park home is the residential evolution of the static caravan: built to insulation and durability standards for permanent, year-round living, with an aesthetic closer to a traditional house. It is more robust, better insulated and designed to be a main residence — which is reflected in the price, higher than that of a leisure static caravan.
It is the choice for anyone wanting to live in the unit all year round, not just spend holidays there.
Lodge and chalet
Lodges are premium-finish units, often in timber, with generous dimensions and refined styling — the typical choice for glamping and high-end tourist accommodation. Chalets and cabins follow a Scandinavian or Alpine language, with a strong presence of wood, ideal for mountain or forest settings.
Both prioritise comfort and design over price, and are more expensive than a static caravan of equivalent floor area.
Mobile home, modular home and capsule
"Mobile home" is the umbrella term for any prefabricated dwelling transported ready-assembled — it covers many of the types above. The modular or container home uses industrialised construction (sometimes with a recycled shipping container) and allows greater layout flexibility. Living capsules are minimalist, compact-design units, popular as garden offices, studios or distinctive tourist accommodation.
Quick comparison
Summarising the types by the variables that weigh most in the decision:
| Type | Typical use | Price position |
|---|---|---|
| Static caravan | Holidays / seasonal use | Entry level |
| Park home | Permanent living | Mid-to-high |
| Lodge | Glamping / premium tourism | High |
| Chalet / cabin | Mountain / premium leisure | High |
| Modular / container home | Flexible housing | Variable |
| Capsule | Studio / design tourism | Mid |
In summary
- Static caravan = best price-to-space for holidays and seasonal use.
- Park home = designed for permanent, year-round living.
- Lodge and chalet = premium finish for glamping and tourism.
- Size (single vs twin) directly affects the transport cost.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a static caravan and a park home?
A static caravan is a leisure unit, designed mainly for seasonal use on holiday parks, and is the more affordable option. A park home is built with the insulation and durability for permanent, year-round living, with an aesthetic closer to a traditional house and a higher price.
What's the difference between a single and a twin mobile home?
A single unit is typically up to ~12 metres long and travels in one piece. A twin is wider (up to ~6 metres) and is transported in two halves, assembled on site. The twin offers far more interior space, but transport and assembly are more complex and costly.
Can I live in a mobile home all year round?
Yes, especially in residential units (park homes) with good insulation. The rules on use and installation vary by country and municipality, so you should confirm with the local council or authority before buying.