Mobile homes are emblematic of our campsites. Families, couples and groups of friends enjoy the comfort of their rooms, appreciate the quality of their layout and the modernity of their furniture and equipment. To the point that many see them as interesting alternatives to traditional second homes. Mobile homes actually cost less, both for acquisition and maintenance, than traditional country houses.
Some notions about mobile homes
The mobile home is what we call a mobile leisure residence. On many points, we can say that it is an accommodation like any other. You just can’t install it anywhere. The regulations in force prohibit in particular the installation of mobile homes on private land: mobile housing is more suitable in a holiday village, a campsite, residential leisure park (PRL) or, in certain cases, on land for fun.
There are several models of mobile homes available in campsites and holiday villages. They differ from each other in terms of surface area – some models have a surface area of 20 m2, sometimes less, while others offer a living space of 32, 35 or even 40 m2, not including the terrace. Differences also exist in terms of equipment – that of the kitchen or bathroom, multimedia equipment –, furniture or even services
However, some common points exist, starting with the mobile nature of these vacation residences. Mobile homes are installed on a towable chassis with wheels. They can thus be moved to another campsite or PRL when the rental contract for the plot comes to an end and you do not wish to renew it.
The rental contract for a plot allows the owner of a mobile home to access, against payment, the water, gas and electricity connections of the establishment. He also has access to all the activities, services and equipment of the campsite or PRL (swimming pool, children’s club, games room, bike rental service, multi-sport field, etc.)
The owner can in principle freely lend or rent his accommodation, just as he is free to resell it. But for this freedom to be there, it is necessary to ensure that the rental contract does not contain unfair clauses which can restrict the rights of the consumer or by which the manager of the establishment attempts to shirk his duties. (facilities maintenance, for example).
Why buying a mobile home is a good deal
Acquiring a mobile home has a certain number of advantages, particularly financial.
The mobile home is financially more accessible than other accommodation
The mobile home – just like the lightweight leisure home such as a chalet or bungalow – is a more economical alternative to a classic country house.
Buyers have the choice among a myriad of new or used models, many from the IRM or O’Hara brand, the references in this field. While some mobile homes are available from €20,000 or €30,000, other models are priced between €40,000 and €70,000.
Prices depend on a certain number of criteria: living space, available equipment and furniture, design and age, general condition, location, etc.
The profitability of the investment
Owning a mobile home allows you to generate significant rental income. To make the investment profitable, it is recommended to rent the accommodation with the status of “non-professional furnished rental company” and above all to opt for the simplified real tax regime. Which allows you to recover the 20% VAT paid upon acquisition of the property but also to exclude all annual charges from the taxable base.
To increase the rating of the mobile home, it is also recommended to choose a campsite or a residential leisure park that makes you dream, for example on the Basque, Landes or Var coast, or even in the Ardèche or in the valley of the Dordogne…
The acquisition of a mobile home and the constraints that go with it
If such an acquisition is a promising investment, a certain number of constraints must be taken into account. The owner, of course, does not pay housing tax and the property tax is low – the plot on which this “mobile leisure residence” is located is considered “undeveloped land”. But there is the 20% VAT on the purchase price that you will not be able to recover if you opt for the micro-BIC tax regime, which nevertheless allows you to benefit from a flat rate reduction of 50%. on the taxable base.
The choice of the installation location of the mobile home
In addition to tax considerations, the choice of location is crucial. It is also important to keep in mind that a campsite or PRL generally offers a rental contract for a period of one year, the renewal of which can only be done with the agreement of both parties. Managers most often happily agree to renew the contract, but sometimes take the opportunity to impose certain modifications, particularly in terms of the rental price.
The inevitable expenses when you own a mobile home
In addition to taxes (property tax, tourist tax), the mobile home owner must also pay maintenance and security costs – they rarely reach or exceed €100 per month. Added to this are the expenses linked to the installation of the mobile home in the campsite or the PRL – chocking, connections to access the water, gas and electricity of the area, etc.
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