A COUPLE have revealed that they have ditched the UK to live in a caravan in Benidorm.
Brits Gemma and Nicky now don’t have to pay for council tax, energy bills or a TV licence, whilst they soak up the sun in the popular Spanish tourist city.
Gemma and Nicky ditched the UK for sunny Benidorm[/caption]
They love Benidorm because of the balmy weather and budget prices[/caption]
The duo are delighted with their decision to purchase an old caravan for £2500, and are planning on obtaining Spanish residency, so they can live in it full time.
Taking to TikTok, Gemma and Nicky revealed that their decision to move to the tourist hot spot has a lot to do with the city’s budget friendly prices.
They also boasted that their new home gets “300 days of sun a year.”
They shared that a ticket back to the UK costs them just £24, which they said is less than the cost of a taxi in to town back home.
The couple have parked their caravan at the Villamar camping site, and have already made pals with the “friendly staff and residents.”
Describing the campsite, they said it has “lovely cheap food, no big bills, no stress, [and] no problems.”
They added that is also boasts “cheap beer”, “three beautiful pools, and an onsite supermarket and hairdressers.”
Currently, the couple are only allowed to stay at the caravan for 90 days in a 180 day period, as this is how long Brits can stay in Europe without a visa.
However, they hope to soon obtain residency, so they can make a permanent move to the caravan site.
When the couple first purchased the caravan, it had been left abandoned for seven years, and featured outdated upholstery and a grubby exterior.
However, determined to turn it into their dream home, Gemma and Nicky revamped the caravan into a stylish pad featuring two bedrooms, a stylish kitchen, a living room and a bathroom.
They have even installed an air conditioning unit to help them cope with Benidorm’s scorching temperatures.
Despite the cheap cost of the caravan, the couple also have to pay £5000 a year to place their caravan on the campsite, and to use its facilities.
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.
However, their beaming faces in their TikTok videos suggest that they believe it’s worth every penny.
Gemma and Nicky have been documenting their Benidorm journey via the @villamar.gemmanicky TikTok page, and their videos have proved popular with fans, racking up 97,000 likes in total.
Social media users have flooded the video’s comments section to share their thoughts on the couple’s move abroad.
One person said: “Good for you, I’d love to do this.”
A second person said: “My dream. Congratulations. I love it. I want one.”
A third person said: “I would love this!
“Much better than living in the UK!”
