Parks prove a cool decision for Brits abroad

Expats feeling the heat - on their happiness and their health - are helping to swell caravan holiday home sales in England, according to a major holiday parks group.

Park Holidays UK says that an increasing number of buyers are couples living abroad who have decided that a low-cost base in Britain makes for an ideal lifestyle combination.

It provides an escape from soaring summer temperatures in mainland Europe, gives access to NHS treatment in the UK, and helps maintain closer links with family and friends.

Now the company, which owns 22 coastal parks in Southern England, is responding to demand by holding a series of "welcome home" seminars in Mediterranean resorts.

The first, in Punta Prima on the Costa Blanca last Friday (17 June), drew a large audience of expats keen to discover how a UK caravan holiday home could give them the best of both worlds.

According to Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish, many people say they find that the dream of living abroad can have occasional nightmarish moments, especially in summer:

"Relentless heat doesn't suit everyone, and especially some more elderly people who find themselves forced to spend large amounts of time indoors in order to stay comfortable," he said.

"A second home in the UK means that they can enjoy less ferocious summers in a more gentle environment, but still benefit from southern Europe's warmer springs and autumns," added Tony.

Health issues, he reports, are also behind the boom in expat holiday home sales:

"Those with medical conditions often say they find it easier to talk with a British doctor when they need help, and prefer to receive treatment in a more familiar environment.

"A base in Britain means they can register with a local GP practice, and return visits can be made for regular check-ups, or at short notice if there is an emergency," Tony points out.

But one of the most compelling reasons often given by buyers, he said, is that they miss regular contact with friends and family - and especially fast-growing grandchildren.

Modern two and three bedroom caravan holiday homes at Park Holidays UK, says Tony, start from as little as £10,000 complete.

However, he states, it's not just the low initial outlay which makes the case so convincingly for such properties. Each home comes fully equipped and furnished, and there is no council tax to pay.

Neither will there be any of the high and often unexpected maintenance bills which come brick-built properties, and no gardening to attend to or to pay someone else to maintain.

There is also the opportunity for expat owners to earn a second income by sub-letting the home during the weeks when they are abroad, with all arrangements taken care of by Park Holidays UK.

"Cutting yourself off entirely from Britain to live abroad is a drastic step - but we are offering an affordable exit route whenever the need for a cooling off period arises!" said Tony.

More information about the group's parks is available from: ParkHolidaysUK.com