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You’ll need someplace to park your RV, whether you’re using it or not.
Most people think their only options are their driveway or a local self-storage company with space for their RV. However, many overlook or don’t consider an RV lot.
There are many reasons to buy an RV lot, especially if you want to use your RV often. But is an RV lot a good investment? Let’s look and see!
What Is An RV Lot?
Some RV parks will have a section of RV sites that they sell through private transactions.
Whoever purchases that RV spot will become the legal owner of that piece of property. Like any property owner, they’re typically responsible for maintaining the land and paying any taxes or fees.
This can be an excellent option for those who are tired of paying storage fees or those who return every season to the same area.
Not having to worry about where you’ll park your rig and that you’ll have a campsite waiting for you when you arrive can be worth it.
Some RVers will even set up their RV permanently on these pads to give them a place to go on weekends or vacations.
What Is a Deeded RV Lot?
Buying a deeded RV lot can be similar to buying an ordinary one. However, they differ because you don’t own the land on a deeded RV lot.
You have the right to use the spot on a deeded RV lot. If you buy a deeded RV lot, you’ll likely have to pay monthly or annual dues, taxes, and other fees for the spot.
Some resorts will allow owners to rent out their sites when they’re not using them.
Pros Of Owning An RV Lot
There are several reasons you might consider owning an RV lot. Let’s consider the benefits you can expect.
Always Have a Home Base
If the past couple of years has taught us anything, it’s crucial to have a home base.
You never know when you will need to park for the foreseeable future. If you’re a full-time RVer, an RV lot can be your home base. You won’t have to worry about booking campgrounds or making reservations.
It could be a beneficial investment if you’re planning to return yearly for the foreseeable future. You could save thousands of dollars by owning an RV lot. It could even pay for itself!
Keep in Mind: Still not fully convinced you need a home base? Here’s why we think RVers Should Have a Home Base
Can Rent It Out While You’re Gone
Some RV lot owners can rent their lot when they’re not using it. If you’re planning to be gone for nine months of the year, why not generate income off that campsite?
If you’re buying a lot in a busy area, your RV lot could pay for itself and make you money.
You’ll want to speak with the RV resort regarding your plan if this is your intention. You don’t want to sign all the paperwork and discover that you cannot rent it to others.
Some resorts will handle the process for you, including booking, but will keep a percentage of the transaction. However, some money is better than no money if your RV lot would otherwise sit empty.
Low Maintenance
Many resorts will take care of all the maintenance around RV lots. They’ll cut the grass and handle landscaping.
This is often to ensure landscapes stay maintained and taken care of, especially if many residents spend months away from their lot.
The last thing you want to worry about is who will cut your tiny piece of grass or trim the hedges while you’re away.
Cons Of Owning An RV Lot
While owning an RV lot has many perks, it’s not always the best idea. You should know some cons to owning an RV lot before you sign on the dotted line.
Let’s take a look!
Need to Return to the Same Place
Owning an RV lot means committing to returning to the same place. If you’re only spending a season there, it may get old after the first few years.
You also have to remember that you won’t control who your neighbors will be. Unlike traveling full-time in your RV, you may spend months with the people camping next to you.
If you don’t get along with them or they’re not your cup of tea, you’ll have to deal with them.
You Pay An Annual Association Fee
You will likely have to pay an annual association fee when you buy an RV lot. This is similar to a homeowner’s association fee many homeowners pay when living in a community.
These fees go toward maintenance around the resort and keeping everything in working order. If amenities like pools, hot tubs, or other items exist in the resort, association fees will typically help keep them running.
You Have to Follow Association Rules
Owning the RV lot doesn’t exempt you from the rules. You must follow all the regulations in the park or resort.
Many resorts will hold lot owners to a higher standard than guests because owners know and are very familiar with the rules for the area.
You want to understand the association policies before you sign your name on the dotted line.
You don’t want to discover that you can’t decorate for a holiday as planned or disagree with any rules. Don’t wait until after you sign and own the lot to read through the list of regulations.
Where Can You Buy An RV Lot?
If you’re in the market to buy an RV lot, you’ll want to start searching online at places like RV Property.
This resource allows you to shop potential RV lots around the country and see what properties might be available.
If you do not see any properties near you, call various RV parks and resorts in the area.
They may have sites or know places where you can consider purchasing one. Not every RV park or resort has RV lots available for sale. It never hurts to ask!
How Much Does An RV Lot Cost?
How much you’ll pay for an RV lot will vary depending on the location and available amenities. You’ll likely have some upfront cost and then a monthly or annual fee for the RV lot.
Ensure you know all fees before signing anything that will commit you to purchase the lot. You don’t want surprises when making a significant purchase.
Some RV lots can cost $5,000 to $10,000, but some in more exclusive resorts or high-demand locations can quickly skyrocket.
If you’re looking for a no-frills place to park your RV, you can find them everywhere. If you’re looking for a luxury resort with every amenity you can imagine, you can usually find those, too.
Is Buying An RV Lot a Good Investment?
RV lots can be a good investment, but it depends on the location, how long you plan to keep it, and if you can rent it out.
If you’re only planning to use it for a month or two yearly and you can’t rent it out when you’re not using it, it’s going to be challenging to recoup the costs of the lot.
It likely won’t change much in value while you own it. You may have to drop the price to get rid of it when you no longer want the lot.
On the other hand, if you can buy an RV lot somewhere like Florida, which has practically year-round RVing potential, the lot can pay for itself.
If you want to spend a couple of months in Florida away from the snow and cold weather, you can rent it for the rest of the year.
You may not be able to rent it constantly throughout the summer, but you’ll likely find yourself with investment property if you can get sporadic bookings when you’re not using it.
Do RV Lots Go Up in Value?
RV lots can increase in value, but only if the surrounding area has some appeal. Florida has many of these communities, and the RV lots typically do relatively well.
They retain or increase in value, and if you can rent them out when you’re not using them, you can put more money in your pocket. Who doesn’t love that?
Keep in Mind: Can you rent out your RV on Airbnb? Let’s find out!
Buying An RV Lot Is a Personal Decision
Buying an RV lot is a very personal decision. It would be best to decide what location works for you and what you’re looking for.
However, it can be an excellent option if you’re willing to return to the same spot for months throughout the year.
You can avoid paying expensive camping fees and dealing with sold-out campgrounds. Many RV owners enjoy owning an RV lot and consider it a worthwhile investment.
Do you plan to purchase an RV lot in the future?