A WOMAN has opened up about saving thousands of pounds a year by living in a caravan.
Freya Gill, 29, and her partner, Charlie Thackwray, 29, were living with their parents when they decided they needed their own space.
Ditching the idea of splashing cash on renting a flat and unable to get onto the property ladder, the couple moved into Charlie’s mum’s caravan, which they got for free.
Shortly after, the couple moved the caravan to a plot of land they are currently living on in North Yorkshire.
Since then, the couple have since purchased and live in a new caravan, which has controllable heating, towel radiators in the shower and an onboard water pump.
Keen to alert others to their cheap off-grid cost of living, Freya took to social media to reveal all.
Not only is she able to save hundreds of pounds a month by living in the caravan, but there’s also two large bills that the couple no longer have to pay.
The content creator, who is currently saving up to buy a farm, confirmed that life in the caravan is “cheaper in the summer and more expensive in the winter.”
As a result, when sharing a cost breakdown, Freya worked out her average outgoings for the year, which she then compared to renting a one-bedroom flat in the same area.
When it comes to renting, Freya shared: “Rent for a flat you’d be looking at starting from £700 per month – we pay £250 to rent the land, we then pay £130 for the finance of the caravan.”
Where gas and electricity are concerned, Freya added: “Gas and electric for the flat you’d be looking at £110 per month – for gas we pay an average of £80 a month and electric £20.”
Meanwhile, Freya got candid on the things she and her partner get for free which homeowners don’t.
She continued: “The average water bill on the flat for two people would be £40 a month – for us, it is free.
“Council tax for a flat is around £160 per month – we do not pay that, however we do pay the same to have our laundry done for us.”
Stunned by her savings, she explained: “So the total for the flat is £1,010 and the caravan is £640 per month, so over the year we save £4,440 by living this way.”
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
Social media users react
Freya’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @caravanlifewithfreya, just 13 hours ago, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 101,200 views.
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 1,806 likes and 158 comments.
Social media users were stunned by Freya and Charlie’s affordable lifestyle and many eagerly raced to the comments to express their “jealousy.”
One person said: “It’s definitely something we are thinking of for the near future. Good to have an idea of what kind of money we would save.”
I’m so jealous. I would love to live in my caravan
TikTok user
Another added: “Beautiful home! I’d love to live off-grid!”
A third commented: “Absolutely love this Freya, great info.”
Meanwhile, one user agreed: “This is well interesting as I’m looking to go down the same road shortly.”
Not only this, but one woman gushed: “I’m so jealous. I would love to live in my caravan.”
At the same time, someone else wondered: “Genuine question but what do you do about internet/wifi? Do you just have to use phone data?”
To this, Freya wrote back and confirmed: “Yes we have unlimited data plans.”
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