Own a new caravan for $6500!

Owning a caravan outright isn't getting any cheaper or easier, with skyrocketing demand for RVs since COVID-19 not only severely limiting supply but bumping up prices across the board.

Used caravans aren't getting any cheaper either, and while renting a caravan has never been easier, daily rates can easily exceed $150 during peak times.

However, there's another option for cash-strapped and time-poor RV enthusiasts with a new Sydney business offering part ownership of a new caravan, from as little as $4270.

Banksmeadow, NSW-based Caravan Partnership is currently offering 'shares' in a big 21ft Concorde four-berth family caravan. While buying one of the Australian-built luxury vans outright would normally set you back around $65,000, Caravan Partnership is offering a 10 per cent share in ownership of the van for just $6500.

For that, each part-owner gets a minimum of 35 days each year to enjoy holidays in the van, plus an unlimited number of "standby days." After three years the van is sold, with Caravan Partnership promising a "guaranteed 50% return on resale price" and no exit fees.

Caravan Partnership's Roni Ormandlaki said there's also the option to sell the shares earlier, and the fee includes cleaning of the van after each trip and ongoing maintenance. However, co-owners will need to supply their own suitably tow-equipped vehicle.

"The van is always ready to go so includes the membership fees, insurance, cleaning, bedding, cooking and camping gear; basically everything you need, even a coffee machine," Ormandlaki said.

"We have an online booking system and you can book up to three years in advance," he said.

To avoid disputes over peak holiday periods, there are a set of rules that ensure a fair share of the van for all owners.

"All the public holidays are equally distributed, so the one person can't book it all over Christmas," he explained. "We have a set of rules; for example, Christmas school holidays everybody gets two weeks, and every member gets five week-ends every year..."

The caravan syndication scheme is designed to significantly reduce the overall costs as well as the hassles of owning a caravan outright.

"With a 10 per cent share you're saving around $34,000 over the three years compared to (the full cost of ownership of) buying the van outright," Ormandlaki claimed.

The Sydney business is also currently advertising 'expressions of interest' on a European-built Adria caravan ($4840 for a 10 per cent share) and a Chinese-built Black Series 12ft hybrid camper ($4270).

"We're not affiliated with any brand; we just need at least five people interested in a particular van before we buy it (for the scheme)," he said.

Caravan Partnership has plans to open facilities in other capital cities, and also offers other services including management of rental vehicles and RV storage.

Related:

Should you share your caravan?