Used motorhome market collapses: costs outweigh holiday freedom

From 2027, the Province of East Flanders will personally call each of the 240 owners of static caravans at the De Gavers campsite to assess the support needed for their departure. The decision to abolish permanent pitches remains, while seasonal pitches will continue. The campsite will be reduced in size because part of the provincial domain lies in a flood-prone area; treehouses will be built on the freed space. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2029 and last two years. Some owners recently invested up to tens of thousands of euros in their caravans.

Residents and users of the caravan park at the Domaine provincial de Chevetogne in Belgium have launched a petition against an annual fee increase from €1,594.32 excluding VAT to €2,152.00 excluding VAT, effective January 1, 2027. They argue the hike of over 35% is unjustified given deteriorating infrastructure and services. Demands include freezing the increase, formal consultations, and a renovation plan.

According to the Belgian Caravan-Camping and Motorhome Association, registrations of new caravans increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2025. This growth outpaces the 9.4% rise in motorhome registrations. A total of 732 new caravans were registered, with 15% of buyers purchasing a caravan for the first time. In comparison, 4,022 motorhomes were registered during the same period, with 40% of buyers being new to the segment.

From January to July 2026, Belgium registered 4,754 new recreational vehicles, up 9.9%. Motorhome sales rose 9.4%, caravans 13%.

Starting January 1, 2026, the Netherlands doubled the road tax on motorhomes, prompting owners to sell. Meanwhile, Belgium saw a rise in new motorhome and caravan registrations: 4,022 motorhomes (+9.4%) and 732 caravans (+13%) between January and July. About 35% of motorhome buyers and 40% of camper van buyers are first-time purchasers, making Belgium an attractive market for Dutch sellers, though 90% of purchases involve financing.

Jacqueline Bens, 84, is the only official permanent resident of the Belgian campsite Tulderheyde, located near the Dutch border. She moved there 50 years ago with her late husband from Antwerp, drawn to the rural lifestyle. Bens assists the campsite management by collecting entrance fees for the pond and regularly provides free meals to those in need. Her only complaint concerns the behavior of some Dutch holidaymakers.