The 2021 motorhome inflation market report
Across the past year, prices for motorhomes have seen a big increase, similar to price increases across the used car market. In part , this is due to a lack of new motorhome supply, meaning more people turning to the second-hand market with more competing buyers pushing up prices. In addition, a new wave of first time buyers have driven used motorhomes prices up as they venture into the market for the first time.
But by how much have motorhome prices risen over the past year, are any makes and models seeing larger price hikes, and are any areas of the UK seeing higher demand for motorhomes than elsewhere? The team of analysts at Buy My Motorhome have looked at the company’s internal pricing and demand data to produce The 2021 Motorhome Inflation Market Report.
By how much have second-hand motorhome prices increased this past year?
The team first compared motorhome prices across 2020 to the values of the same makes and models in 2021.
When comparing average motorhome price increases to the property market, motorhomes are increasing in price even faster than houses. The average motorhome has seen an increase in price of £4,060, or 13.86% in the past 12 months.
The team looked into the number of second-hand motorhomes sold in each UK postcode in 2020 and 2021 and compiled a definitive list of the areas in which used motorhome sales have increased the most.
Overall, used motorhomes are gaining popularity in most areas of the UK, with almost 60% of postcodes showing an increase in sales. England experienced the most dramatic rise in sales, particularly in the Midlands.
1 – Derby
In first place with the largest increase in used motorhome sales is Derby, a rise of over 122%. With only thirty minutes separating Derby from the stunning landscapes of the peak district, it is no surprise that this Midland city has scored so highly. A popular spot among holiday-goers is Middlehills Farm in Matlock, a family-run campsite in the heart of the Peak District National Park which is only 40 minutes from Derby city centre. However, with around 80 campsites with caravan and motorhome pitching spots near Derby, there is plenty of choice.
2 – Stoke-on-Trent
Not far behind with a rise of 110% is Stoke-on-Trent. This historic city is located in county Staffordshire and is commonly referred to as the Potteries because it is recognised as the home of the pottery industry in England. Stoke-on-Trent is also one of the greenest cities in the UK, with heaps of beautiful parks, gardens and open spaces. With plenty of spots to pitch up and enjoy the scenery, Stoke-on-Trent is the perfect staycation location.
3 – Exeter
Exeter, the capital of county Devon, has experienced the third largest increase in used motorhome sales, with a 91.7% rise over the past year. The city is famous for its stunning gothic architecture and cathedral. However, Exeter also provides the best of all three worlds by also offering miles of coastline and countryside. There are lots of caravan parks dotted around the city amongst coastal views, rolling hills and farmland. These give motorhome owners the chance to either use one source of stunning scenery as a base or stop off at each, either way, no one misses out on anything.
The team looked into the number of motorhomes sold between 2020 and 2021 according to their make and discovered the best-selling brands across the year. Almost every brand enjoyed a rise in sales. While the top spots were held by the same brands as in 2020, their performances and position altered across the year.
1 – Auto-Trail:
Auto-Trail has performed impressively, holding the top spot for two years in a row after scoring the highest amount of sales in both 2020 and 2021. Auto-Trail is a British brand that began its journey in the 1980s with a signature cream coachwork and broad maroon stripes. Nowadays, the company is based in Grimsby, Lincolnshire and boasts six motorhome ranges including the Expedition, F-Line, Imala and Frontier that use chassis and the Tracker and Grande Frontier which are built from scratch.
Whether a romantic adventure for two is on the cards or a short family getaway, Auto-Trail caters for everyone. The company’s website even offers a short quiz that works out which motorhome range would best suit each customer based on their travel plans and personal situation.
Tied 2 – Volkswagen:
In joint second is Volkswagen, whose huge increase in sales climbed the brand three places up the leaderboard from their position of fifth in 2020, earning them the title of the second best-selling motorhome brand last year.
Of course, it would be wrong not to mention the iconic Type 2 Transporter Camper Van while discussing VW motorhomes. Volkswagen began producing these famous camper vans in 1949. The van borrows its style from Volkswagen’s first model, the Type 1 Beetle and has become a staple of pop culture over the years, coming to represent freedom, adventure and the outdoors. In 2017, Volkswagen even debuted its first all-electric concept which replicates the style of this original T2 model.
In 2019 the quality of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles earned the company the title of the ‘Most Reliable Vanmaker’ at the industry benchmark FN50 Awards 2019. What’s more, two of their ranges, The Caddy and Transporter, took two of the top three spots, and the entire van range featured in the UK’s list of top 10 most reliable vans.
Tied 2 – Swift:
Sharing second place with Volkswagen is the UK’s largest manufacturer of touring caravans and motorhomes, Swift. This company launched its first motorhome in 1985, focussing on the simple principle of making products that innovate in key areas: design, quality and value for money.
Swift’s head office is in Cottingham, East Yorkshire and their ranges include Swift Monza, Swift Select, Swift Select Compact, Swift Edge, Swift Escape and Swift Kon-Tiki. In 2017, Swift also launched its motorhome hire company, Swift Go, to make the liberties of motorhome travel more accessible.
Natalie Drewery, Operations Director at Buy My Motorhome, said: “Motorhomes have experienced a huge increase in public interest over the past few years. It has been fantastic to see so many people embracing the opportunity to travel that motorhomes provide.
“The growth was initially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which boosted the popularity of staycations. But , after two years of experiencing limited freedoms, many are easily frustrated by the feeling of being trapped in the house. As a result, the idea of escaping the day-to-day and exploring the world has become even more appealing.
“The motorhome industry has also seen rising second-hand prices due to the world wide micro-chip shortage. Much like a car, many of the mechanical and electrical functions of a motorhome are controlled by computer chips, which builders are struggling to get a hold of. So new motorhomes either can’t be produced, or are seeing longer waiting lists – leading to more demand for a used vehicle, increasing prices across the board.
“There has been an especially large rise in interest from younger generations, mainly that of the 30-45 age range. We can only assume that this has arisen from the positive exposure that camping, road trips and DIY motorhomes has received from influencers and Youtubers. Van to motorhome renovation projects seem to have become particularly attractive to this age group. It’s great to see the next generation embracing and benefitting from the freedom, adventures and independence that motorhomes offer.”
Buymymotorhome.com is the UK’s largest dedicated buyer of motorhomes. The team of expert buyers have been in the leisure business for many years and the group buys motorhomes and caravans from the public. They are experts in valuing and purchasing all makes, models, and ages of motorhome.
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