Owning a second home is a dream for many—a place to unwind, spend time with loved ones, and escape the everyday. Traditionally, this has meant investing in a bricks-and-mortar property in your favourite destination. But increasingly, buyers are considering a different option: holiday lodge ownership.

How does a holiday lodge compare to a traditional second home? And which option offers the best value, flexibility, and lifestyle?

A Different Type of Ownership

Before diving in, it’s important to be clear on one key point: holiday lodges at Leisure Resorts are second homes for holiday use only. They cannot be used as a permanent residence.

However, because our resorts are open all year round, you can escape whenever you choose. For many owners, this increases the appeal; it creates a true “switch-off” space, separate from everyday life, in some of the UK’s most scenic locations.

Upfront Costs: Real-World Comparisons

In sought-after areas like North Yorkshire and the Lake District, property prices remain high. To provide a fair and realistic comparison, we’ve looked at actual properties currently listed on the open market (as of April 2026) alongside lodges available at our parks.

North Yorkshire (Leyburn): A one-bedroom apartment in Leyburn is listed at £175,000. In comparison, a two-bedroom Prestige Hampton Double Lodge at Aysgarth Leisure Resort is available for £159,999—offering more space and a hot tub for £15,000 less.

Lake District (Keswick): A two-bedroom apartment in Keswick is currently on the market for £239,000. Compared to Ullswater Heights, just a 25-minute drive away, an Aspire Menai Lodge is priced at £184,462—a saving of nearly £55,000.

North Yorkshire Coast (Saltburn): A two-bedroom maisonette in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is listed at £185,000. At Angrove Leisure Resort, a two-bedroom Love Whinfell Double Lodge is available for £119,528—representing a saving of over £65,000.

In many cases, lodge ownership offers more internal space, additional bathrooms, and outdoor space.

Tax and Stamp Duty

Owning a traditional property involves more than just the sticker price. In many sought-after pockets of Yorkshire and the Lake District, second bricks-and-mortar homes now attract a 100% Council Tax premium.

With bills typically pushing the £4,000 to £6,000* mark, owners are effectively paying a “double tax” simply for the right to own a second home. Crucially, this payment offers no extra services; you are still responsible for your own gardening, security, and maintenance.

The Lodge Comparison: Owning a holiday lodge with Leisure Resorts is not subject to Council Tax. Instead, you pay an annual site fee. While a Council Tax bill is purely an administrative cost, your site fee is a lifestyle investment—covering your landscaping, 24/7 security, park maintenance, and a dedicated concierge team. Find out exactly what our site fees include here.

The “Lodge Advantage” Math

When buying bricks and mortar, you also need to budget for significant upfront costs such as:

Stamp Duty (SDLT): As of the April 2025 threshold changes, a second-home buyer for the £239,000 Keswick apartment example would pay roughly £14,230* in tax alone.

Legal Fees: Traditional conveyancing, local searches, and land registry charges for that same Keswick property would typically cost between £2,000 and £3,000*.

The Result: By avoiding Stamp Duty and heavy legal fees, holiday lodge owners immediately save over £17,000* upfront. That saving alone is enough to cover your site fees at Ullswater Heights for roughly two and a half years, following your initial first year, where your site fee is included.

* The figures detailed above are for illustration purposes only. Leisure Resorts are not tax experts. Tax legislation and Council Tax policies are subject to change and can vary based on individual circumstances and local authority decisions. We recommend seeking professional advice regarding your specific situation.

Understanding Our Site Fees

Whilst lodges are more affordable upfront, they do come with annual site fees. For 2026, these are:

Angrove: £5,596

Aysgarth: £6,128

Ullswater Heights: £7,041

To give you peace of mind, our Site Fee Promise guarantees that any annual increase will never exceed 6%. These fees cover full park management, infrastructure, and utilities such as water and drainage (piped gas usage is charged, just like household bills).

A Head Start on Your Ownership

We understand that moving into a second home is a big step. To make the transition even smoother, Leisure Resorts provides a Site Fee Credit equivalent to your entire first year’s fees.

Unlike a traditional home where bills start the moment you get the keys, we give you the flexibility to apply this credit in the way that best suits your finances: you can choose to have no site fees to pay for your first 12 months, or spread that saving over two or four years to keep your ongoing costs consistently low. It’s our way of ensuring your focus remains on relaxing from day one.

A Lifestyle Investment

Unlike traditional property ownership, lodge ownership is designed around ease. Your site fee unlocks a “concierge lifestyle” that bricks and mortar rarely offers:

• Owner Discounts:15% off at our bars, restaurants, and retail outlets.
• VIP Treatment:Invitations to exclusive owner events and 20% friends-and-family discounts.
• Concierge Service:Our Owner Experience Managers can prepare your lodge before you arrive—turning on the heating, readying the hot tub, and even unpacking your grocery delivery.

Long-Term Value: A Balanced Perspective

We believe in transparency. Bricks-and-mortar properties have historically shown potential for capital appreciation. Holiday lodges, however, are lifestyle purchases. Much like a high-end car, they depreciate over time.

• Choose a traditional homeif your primary focus is a long-term financial exit strategy.
• Choose a lodge if your focus is on immediate lifestyle quality, lower upfront costs, and zero maintenance stress.

 

So, Which Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A traditional second home offers potential appreciation but comes with higher taxes, legal hurdles, and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. A holiday lodge offers a lower initial investment, simpler costs, and a managed environment where your only job is to relax.

Curious to see the difference for yourself? Explore our current lodges for sale and start imagining your own place to escape.