Dutch camper market: record caravan sales amid motorhome tax crash

Since January 1, the Netherlands has doubled the road tax on motorhomes, adding €1,000–1,200 per year for owners. Sales of new and used motorhomes have dropped sharply: at Euro Camper in Elst, no motorhomes have been sold since April, compared to a normal pace of 3–4 per month. The supply of used motorhomes has increased by 300% since the start of the year, while sales fell by 7%. Experts note that for buyers spending €80,000 on a motorhome, an extra €1,000 in tax is unlikely to matter, but motorhomes are significantly cheaper in Belgium.

The Netherlands has reached a record 637,000 caravans and motorhomes. In March-April, over 2,150 new caravans were registered (+18% year-on-year), and in the first four months of 2026, about 1,300 new motorhomes were delivered (+9%). Popularity among youth is growing: the number of caravan owners aged 18–26 increased by 6%. Unlike other European countries where caravan sales are declining, both segments are growing in the Netherlands, despite a doubling of road tax for motorhomes since January 1.

In March and April 2026, 2,152 new caravans were registered in the Netherlands, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Total sales since the start of the year reached 2,985 units (+10%). This growth contrasts with declining caravan sales across the rest of Europe, where buyers are shifting to motorhomes. Motorhome sales in the Netherlands also rose by 9% in the first four months of 2026 (1,297 units).

Since January 1, 2026, the Netherlands has doubled its road tax on camper vans. The secondary market has crashed: listings for used vehicles surged 300% (from 500 to 1,500 per day), while sales dropped 7% year-on-year. Owners of compact, older models are hit hardest, facing extra annual costs of €1,000–1,200. Over 55,000 camper vans (a quarter of the national fleet) have been temporarily taken off the road to avoid the tax.

According to data from industry bodies Kampeer en Caravan Industrie (KCI) and BOVAG, 2,152 new caravans were registered in the Netherlands in March and April 2026, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Motorhome sales also rose, with 1,297 units registered in the first four months of 2026 (+9% year-on-year). The growth is driven by strong demand from young families choosing caravans for holidays with children.

In March and April 2026, 2,152 new caravans were sold in the Netherlands, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Year-to-date sales reached 2,985 units (+10%). The Dutch caravan market is growing while declining elsewhere in Europe; motorhome registrations also rose 9% in the first four months of 2026 to 1,297 units.

According to KCI and BOVAG, 2,152 new caravans were registered in the Netherlands in March and April 2026, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The growth is driven by rising camping popularity, particularly among young families. Motorhome sales also rose: 1,297 new units were registered in the first four months of 2026 (+9% year-on-year).