Here’s what’s happening in the Southeast Queensland caravan market as we head into 2026, based on our direct buying experience and market data. The Big Picture After the pandemic-era boom (2020-2022) where prices surged 30-40%, the market has been gradually normalising. Prices in 2025 settled about 15-20% below peak levels, and we’re seeing stabilisation heading into 2026. What We Do Differently We work at your pace. If probate isn’t granted yet, we’ll wait. We can provide a valuation now and hold it while you sort the paperwork. We understand that this caravan might represent years of happy memories, and we treat it accordingly. What’s Selling Well Family tourers (18-22ft) remain the strongest segment. Jayco Journey and Silverline models hold their value exceptionally well. Off-road capable vans continue to command premium prices as more buyers seek outback-ready options. Compact campers (under 16ft) are seeing increased demand from younger buyers and downsizers. What’s Struggling Large motorhomes are slower to move, particularly older models with high fuel consumption. Budget-brand vans with known quality issues are being discounted more aggressively. Vans needing significant work are harder to place as reconditioning costs have increased. Price Trends by Age 0-3 years old: Holding steady, 5-10% below new pricing. Strong demand. 4-7 years old: The sweet spot for value buyers. Prices stable with good turnover. 8-12 years old: Gradual decline of 5-8% annually. Condition matters enormously. 13+ years old: Highly condition-dependent. Well-maintained examples still find buyers. Our Forecast We expect 2026 to be a stable year for caravan values in SEQ. No major price drops on the horizon, but don’t expect values to climb either. If you’re thinking about selling, the current market is fair — and waiting another year is unlikely to change things significantly. What This Means for Sellers If your caravan is in good condition and a popular model, you’re in a strong position. The market is active, buyers are looking, and fair prices are achievable. Use our free valuation tool to see where your van sits in the current market.
Selling a Deceased Estate Caravan: A Compassionate Guide
Selling a loved one’s caravan is never just a transaction. It’s emotional, often complicated, and the last thing you want to deal with is a buyer who treats it like a routine flip. We understand, and we’ve helped dozens of families through this process. Understanding the Process Before you can sell a deceased estate caravan, certain legal steps need to happen. You’ll need grant of probate or letters of administration, authority to deal with the asset (as executor or administrator), and the original registration papers (if available — we can work without them). What We Do Differently We work at your pace. If probate isn’t granted yet, we’ll wait. We can provide a valuation now and hold it while you sort the paperwork. We understand that this caravan might represent years of happy memories, and we treat it accordingly. The Practical Steps Contact us with whatever details you have — we don’t need everything upfront. We’ll provide a preliminary valuation based on the information available. Once paperwork is in order, we’ll arrange a respectful inspection. We handle the transfer of registration and all admin. Payment is made to the estate account. Common Questions “Can we sell if the van isn’t in our name?” Yes. With the right probate documents, we handle the transfer. “What if we can’t find the registration papers?” Not a problem. We can work with the VIN and verify ownership through transport authorities. “Can you collect from storage?” Absolutely. We’ll come to wherever the caravan is located. A Final Thought This caravan was someone’s pride and joy. We never forget that. If you’re going through this, please reach out — even if you’re not ready to sell yet. We’re happy to answer questions and help you understand your options, with zero obligation.
5 Things That Actually Increase Your Caravan’s Value
Before you sell your caravan, there are a few things that genuinely move the needle on price — and plenty that don’t. Here’s what actually matters. 1. Fix Water Damage (If Minor) Water damage is the #1 value killer for caravans. If you have minor sealing issues or small areas of damage, getting them repaired before selling can add thousands to your offer. However, if the damage is extensive, it’s usually not worth the investment. 2. Deep Clean the Interior A thorough clean costs $200-400 but can add $1,000-2,000 to perceived value. Clean carpets, wipe down all surfaces, remove personal items. First impressions matter enormously. 3. Ensure Everything Works Test every appliance, light, and system. Replace blown fuses, dead batteries, and burnt-out bulbs. A caravan where everything works signals “well-maintained” — which translates directly to higher offers. 4. Gather Your Paperwork Having service records, manuals, compliance plates, and registration papers ready signals ownership pride. It also speeds up the process, which buyers appreciate. 5. Be Honest About Issues This might seem counterintuitive, but disclosing known issues upfront actually builds trust and can lead to better outcomes. Buyers respect honesty, and it prevents nasty surprises during inspection that could tank a deal. What NOT to Spend Money On Don’t repaint, don’t buy new awnings, don’t upgrade appliances. These are “retail” improvements that rarely return their cost in a wholesale sale. Let the buyer handle those decisions.
How We Price Your Caravan (Behind the Scenes)
Most buyers won’t tell you how they come up with their offer. We’re not most buyers. Here’s exactly how we value your caravan. Step 1: Market Data We start with current wholesale market data — not retail listings (which are often inflated). We look at actual sold prices from the last 3-6 months for comparable makes, models, and years across Queensland. Step 2: Condition Assessment Condition is the biggest variable. A well-maintained 2015 Jayco is worth significantly more than one that’s been sitting unused for three years. We assess: bodywork and chassis integrity, water damage (the big one), appliances and systems, tyres and running gear, interior condition and cleanliness. Step 3: Demand & Desirability Not all caravans are equal. Some models sell quickly at good margins; others sit for months. We factor in current buyer demand, popularity of the model, time of year, and our current inventory needs. Step 4: Reconditioning Costs Unlike most buyers, we can recondition caravans at roughly 1/3 of what a dealership charges. This means we can pay you more because our costs are lower. We estimate what it would take to bring your caravan to retail-ready condition. The Final Number We combine all four factors to arrive at a fair wholesale price. Then we explain every factor clearly, so you understand exactly why the number is what it is. If you disagree, that’s perfectly fine. We’ll show you the data, and you can make an informed decision. That’s transparency.
How We Price Your Caravan (Behind the Scenes)
Most buyers won’t tell you how they come up with their offer. We’re not most buyers. Here’s exactly how we value your caravan. Step 1: Market Data We start with current wholesale market data — not retail listings (which are often inflated). We look at actual sold prices from the last 3-6 months for comparable makes, models, and years across Queensland. Step 2: Condition Assessment Condition is the biggest variable. A well-maintained 2015 Jayco is worth significantly more than one that’s been sitting unused for three years. We assess: bodywork and chassis integrity, water damage (the big one), appliances and systems, tyres and running gear, interior condition and cleanliness. Step 3: Demand & Desirability Not all caravans are equal. Some models sell quickly at good margins; others sit for months. We factor in current buyer demand, popularity of the model, time of year, and our current inventory needs. Step 4: Reconditioning Costs Unlike most buyers, we can recondition caravans at roughly 1/3 of what a dealership charges. This means we can pay you more because our costs are lower. We estimate what it would take to bring your caravan to retail-ready condition. The Final Number We combine all four factors to arrive at a fair wholesale price. Then we explain every factor clearly, so you understand exactly why the number is what it is. If you disagree, that’s perfectly fine. We’ll show you the data, and you can make an informed decision. That’s transparency.