A woman who swapped her flat for a static caravan says she’s never been happier – despite what online trolls might think.
Katrina, 31, ditched the rental market after years of dealing with poor living conditions and financial stress.
The business owner, who lives in the south of England, instead chose to invest £26,000 in a 2021 caravan – a move she calls the most freeing decision of her life.
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But despite now saving around £900 a month, not everyone agrees with Katrina’s new lifestyle and she regularly has to deal with people calling it a “waste of money” on TikTok.
“Getting a mortgage just wasn’t on the cards,” Katrina told What’s The Jam.
“I could have rented, but in my area, a basic one or two-bedroom flat is around £1,000 a month.
“With bills, you’re looking at closer to £1,700. I didn’t want to live just to pay bills.
“On average, I now save around £900 a month compared to living in my previous flat.
“I value quality of life, and the caravan offered me a more affordable, freeing alternative.
“Honestly, I didn’t have many other options, and this one made the most sense.”
After viewing a series of “cold, mouldy and badly maintained” flats, Katrina was inspired by a friend living in a caravan park.
One visit later, and she knew she’d found her new home. She moved in March 2025 – and hasn’t looked back since.
Katrina says she’s making massive savings compared to before – spending £528 a month on ground rent, Wi-Fi, gas and electric.
And while most people around her have been supportive, Katrina says she’s faced some snide comments about her choice on her TikTok page, Katrinas Caravan.
She said: “On TikTok there’s been some negative comments, but it doesn’t phase me.
“Unless you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, you can’t always understand their choices, and that’s okay.
“People who are quick to judge often have their own stuff to work through. I’m happy for them to form opinions.
“I know I made the right decision for me.
“I’d viewed a few flats that were, quite frankly, depressing. Cold, mouldy, and badly maintained.
“Then I visited a friend who lives on the park I’m now in, and I’d always loved where she was. It just clicked.
“I reached out to the park owner to see what was available, and that’s when I found my caravan.
“Everyone around me has been so supportive.
“Most people actually think it’s a brilliant idea and have even considered doing something similar.
“It’s a great option for those in a position like myself where a mortgage isn’t an option.
“It feels better than renting and being out of control of all of the things that go wrong and landlords turn a blind eye to
“Saving this much money a month’s gives you real options for the future when you are unable to gain equity in a house.
“Doing things differently is liberating’
Living alone in the caravan, Katrina says she finally feels like she can breathe – both emotionally and financially.
She’s even found an unexpected community.
She said: “Having disposable income is the best part. I hadn’t experienced that in years.
“I even managed to take a few days off and just enjoy myself – something that used to feel impossible under financial pressure.
“My 90-year-old neighbour came round every day to check on me when I sprained my knee.
“Living in a community like this can be fulfilling in so many ways.
“That sort of kindness and connection wasn’t something I ever had in previous places I lived.
“Once you’re inside, you’d never guess it was a caravan. I’m decorating room by room, adding my own touches.
“I live quite minimally, and the caravan has brilliant storage.
“Everything has its place. I’m not tripping over anything, and it actually feels spacious and calm.
“Everyone seems to want to come to mine now because they love it so much. They call it a cosy sanctuary.”
However, there are some downsides, like not having a washing machine or anywhere to dry clothes.
Katrina said: “Things like cooking is no different than when I was in a flat, except I might have to be a bit smarter with space.
“I’ve got a lovely walk-in shower in my bathroom, so no complaints there.
“Laundry is a bit more of a juggle – I either use the on-site laundry or drop a bag to my sister when I see her.
“Drying clothes was a bit annoying, so I bought a clothes line for outside.
“I’m also looking to get an outdoor washing machine too.
“Never say never, but I doubt I’d ever go back to renting.
“Even if I don’t live in a caravan forever, I think I’ll always want to live a little differently. Maybe a lodge or even something off-grid that I build myself
“I’ve gained other luxuries – peaceful surroundings, a slower pace of life, and access to lovely leisure facilities. It’s been a trade-up, not a sacrifice.”
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