Home Ownership Costs: Motorhome Living vs Buying a House

If you’ve ever wondered whether a motorhome can replace a traditional house, you’re not alone. Many people think a motorhome is just a fancy van, but the cost picture is more complicated. Below we break down the biggest expenses you’ll face whether you buy a house or hit the road in an RV.

What a House Really Costs

Buying a house is more than the mortgage payment. You’ll pay mortgage interest, property tax, insurance, and maintenance. In the UK, average council tax for a three‑bedroom home can be £1,200‑£1,800 a year, and routine upkeep (gardening, repairs, boiler service) can easily add another £1,000‑£2,000 annually. If you rent, you still face rent rises, deposits, and utility bills that often exceed £10,000 a year for a family home.

Motorhome Living: The Real Expenses

A motorhome has its own set of costs. The purchase price ranges from £30,000 for a basic model to over £150,000 for a luxury coach. Add insurance (about £500‑£1,200 a year), MOT tests, and annual service. Fuel can be a big bite – a 150‑mile round trip might cost £30‑£40 depending on fuel price.

Camping fees vary. A campsite in Nottinghamshire can be £20‑£35 per night, while wild‑camping (where legal) is free. If you plan to boondock on beaches, you’ll need to check local restrictions to avoid fines.

Don’t forget the “hidden” costs: portable power stations, solar panels, extra water tanks, and a good waste‑disposal system. These can add a few hundred pounds up front but save you money in the long run.

When you add them up, a full‑time motorhome lifestyle can run between £12,000‑£25,000 a year, depending on how often you stay in paid campsites and how much you travel. That’s often cheaper than a mortgage‑plus‑expenses package for a modest house in many parts of the UK.

Ultimately the right choice depends on your lifestyle. If you love flexibility, want to explore the countryside, and can handle occasional campsite fees, a motorhome might be the smarter financial move. If you need stability, a garden, or plan to stay put for years, a traditional home still makes sense.

Whichever path you pick, keep a simple spreadsheet: list your big expenses, track monthly outgoings, and compare the totals. Seeing the numbers side‑by‑side makes the decision clear and helps you stay on budget.