With more than 840,000 campsites across France, life in the great outdoors appeals to millions of French people every year. Among them, residential stands out, with nearly 200,000 locations occupied for a period of more than a month, the vast majority of which, around 160,000 plots, accommodate a mobile home all year round. “ Attracted by the promise of an affordable pied-à-terre, some imagine themselves making a clever investmentwarns Nicolas Dayot, president of the FNHPA, the National Federation of Outdoor Hotels. However, the purchase of a mobile home is not a heritage investment, it is a tourist consumption choice “.
Buying a mobile home does not mean acquiring a classic second home since it is legally and fiscally different: “ In this case, you become only owner of the wallsthe law prohibiting the acquisition of the campsite on which it is parked. The State refuses the sale of campsites on a piecemeal basis, protecting their exclusively tourist vocation “, he explains. No capital gains to hope therefore. Knowing that, like a car, a mobile home undergoes a rapid and inevitable mechanical downgrade.
Buying a mobile home: pay attention to the rent and the signed contract
To appreciate its real profitability, it must be evaluated under the prism of a vacation budget smoothed over the long term. The acquisition, between 35,000 and 65,000 euros on average for a new model, half as much for second-hand models, must be correlated with the cost of the rental of the location, i.e. the rent. “ This varies greatly depending on the standing of the campsite: count 1,500 euros for the most modest structures and up to 7,000 euros for high-end parks », continues the president. This includes making the plot available, including during the winter closure period, and full access to the infrastructure (aquatic complexes, slides, entertainment). Without forgetting the energy chargesbetween 50 and 100 euros per year for water, electricity if it is not included in the rent.
Since you are entirely dependent on a third party to park your property, reading and negotiating the space rental contract is essential. “ Moreover, a ministerial decree requires the signing of a prior information notice before any commitment, aiming to awaken the consumer to the realities of residential », he confirms. The president also advises to be vigilant on the duration of use of the plot : “ Modern contracts encourage setting a deadlinegenerally between 15, 20 or 30 years, at which time the mobile home must leave the establishment so that the campsite maintains its visual standard “.
Mobile home: what are the rules for subletting and for beneficiaries
It is also possible to sublet your mobile home for amortize or make profitable the cost of the annual rentbut be careful, this is not an automatic right because the campsite owner retains the power to prohibit it in the internal regulations. “ If subletting is accepted, it is frequently accompanied by rental management feesremarks Nicolas Dayot. The campsite manager charges a commission in return for real services: welcoming summer tenants, handing over keys or end-of-stay cleaning, etc. »
Before buying a mobile home, there are essential information to ask at the campsite: “ Is subletting accepted? What is the maximum time allowed for parking the mobile home? What services are included in the rent amount? Is the campsite planning major works or new equipment? How many people can I lend my mobile home to for free? What we call beneficiaries (children, grandchildren) authorized to occupy the premises in your absence », Lists Nicolas Dayot. Note that it is the owner of the land who decides to renew, or not, the location contract with the new buyer. “ In the event of a dispute or major misunderstanding, users can, however, contact a dedicated National Conciliation Commission. », he concludes.
