500,000 - and rising...

Did you know that over half a million people in the UK live in either vans or campervans? And, it’s a rising trend: there are over 16,000 motorhomes registered each year. To understand why they have chosen such a nomadic lifestyle, we thought we’d take a deep dive into what life is like when the holiday never ends.

The promise of an easier, trouble-free life?

Is it perhaps the allure of a 'freer' life, the call of spontaneous adventure, or the embrace of a minimalist lifestyle that has propelled van life into a prominent cultural phenomenon? Whatever the reasons behind this lifestyle choice, it's certainly not a new concept. People have been living in vans, or "vandwelling," for well over a century.

In the United States, the modern concept of living in motorised vans gained traction in the mid-1930s, especially after the Great Depression. It later became associated with the counterculture movement in the 1960s and '70s, evolving into a more mainstream lifestyle choice in recent years.

Driving away from consumer culture

The increasing popularity of van life represents a growing movement towards minimalism and rejecting consumer culture. The traditional dream of owning a house, a car, and accumulating material possessions has lost its appeal for many individuals. They have realised that living beyond their means and constantly accumulating new ‘things’ does not lead to true happiness or fulfilment.

Van life offers an alternative way of living that breaks away from societal expectations. By downsizing into a very small space, individuals are forced to prioritise what they truly need in their lives.

Living in a van also encourages self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Van lifers learn how to 'make do' with limited resources, repair things instead of replacing them, and find creative solutions for everyday challenges. This mindset shift can translate into other aspects of their lives too, resulting in reduced consumption habits overall.

Moreover, van life promotes experiences over material possessions; this allows individuals to explore new places and create meaningful memories, instead of being burdened by debt from constantly purchasing goods.

Van life forces a level of minimalism that many aspire to but rarely achieve in a fixed home, as clothing, cookware, tools, and leisure gear must be carefully curated. For many, this reduction in possessions is liberating: less to clean, maintain, and worry about.

The sustainability of van life

Where carbon footprint is concerned, van life sits in a grey area. On the one hand, smaller living spaces mean lower energy consumption and less waste. Solar panels, composting toilets, and efficient appliances can make a van remarkably self-sufficient.

On the other hand, vans rely on fuel - and unless they’re electric or hybrid, carbon emissions from frequent driving can be significant. Sustainability in van life often comes down to how the van is used, i.e.: staying in one location for longer periods, and using renewable power.

Several campervan options utilise renewable fuels or electric power to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels. These include fully electric campervans like the Proace Eco REVOLUTION, the Endeavour EV, and hybrid models like the Eco Evolution. Additionally, some campervans are designed to run on renewable diesel alternatives like HVO, or even biodiesel derived from used cooking oil.

Fully Electric Campervans:

• CampervanCo Proace Eco REVOLUTION - this all-electric campervan, based on the Toyota Proace EV, features zero emissions and independent off-grid living with solar power.
• Bailey of Bristol Endeavour EV - this concept campervan, built on the Ford E-Transit platform, utilises all-electric systems and sustainable materials.

Hybrid Campervans:

• Ecocampers Eco Evolution - this plug-in hybrid offers electric power for short distances and a petrol engine for longer journeys, with a focus on ULEZ compliance and everyday use.
• The Eco Escape and Eco Pioneer II also have hybrid powertrains, combining petrol and electric power.

Alternatives:

• Hydrogen Fuel Cells - First Hydrogen is exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology for campervans, with a focus on zero-emission vehicles.
• Wind and Solar Power - wind turbines and solar panels can be used to supplement power for campervan appliances, but they may not be sufficient as the sole power source.

Van Life vs. Tiny Homes

Van life is carving out its own category in the UK housing landscape; lying somewhere between a mobile home, a holiday vehicle, and a permanent residence. For some, it represents a transitional phase between renting and buying. For others, it’s a deliberate lifestyle choice. The lines between ‘home’ and ‘vehicle’ are blurring, especially with more people working remotely.

So, what is the difference between living in a van and dwelling in a Tiny Home? Well, both offer the appeal of minimalism, simplicity, and freedom from the constraints of a conventional home. However, there are distinct differences between these two lifestyles.

One major difference between van life and tiny home life is mobility. Van lifers have the ability to travel and explore new places at their own pace. This allows them to constantly change their surroundings and experience different cultures and landscapes. On the other hand, tiny home-owners typically stay in one location for longer periods of time.

Another notable difference is size. While both van life and tiny homes emphasise living with less space, tiny homes do tend to be larger than vans. Tiny houses usually range from 100-400 square feet while most vans have around 50-100 square feet of living space. This means that van lifers must be extremely efficient with their use of space in order to fit all necessary amenities into a smaller area. One of the hallmarks of van life is the ingenious use of space. Beds that convert into sofas, tables that fold into walls, storage hidden in steps or under benches - every inch is maximised.

As in a van, a tiny home will also have modular furniture which allows layouts to be adapted for work, cooking, relaxing, or sleeping. This adaptability is key when living in such a confined area, and it’s driving innovation in compact living design.

In terms of cost, both lifestyles can vary greatly, depending on individual choices and preferences. Generally speaking, building or buying a tiny home can be more expensive upfront compared to converting a van into a living space. However, long term costs may differ, based on factors such as fuel expenses versus property taxes.

When it comes down to daily routine, there are also differences between these two lifestyles. Van lifers often lead nomadic lives with no set schedule or routine, aside from meeting basic needs and maintaining their vehicle. On the other hand, tiny home-owners may have more structure in their day-to-day lives.

PRL Blog Post: The many benefits of choosing to live in a tiny home

The legalities of van life

With vans there is a constant need to find a legal place to park. In the UK, the infrastructure for van life isn’t as established as in countries like the USA or Australia. Caravan parks and campsites offer varying levels of facilities, from simple electric hook-ups to full-service pitches with showers and Wi-Fi. However, there’s a growing network of private landowners offering short stays via platforms like Brit Stops, as well as local councils trialling dedicated overnight parking for self-contained vehicles. These developments suggest that van life is being taken more seriously as a legitimate form of living.

Wild camping

“Wild camping” in a van can be one of the most rewarding parts of the lifestyle: waking up by a secluded beach or in a remote forest. But in the UK, wild camping laws are restrictive. It isn't legal in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, so it's best to stick to campsites and permitted spots only. In Scotland, wild camping is also not legal, but is better tolerated, provided campervanners follow Leave No Trace principles. These include: arriving late, leaving early, minimising noise, and never leaving rubbish behind.

Making the shift into van life

For many, the decision to become a van lifer is born from financial necessity. There is a notable reduction in living costs, no rent or mortgage, lower utility bills, and the ability to travel without paying for hotels. For others, it’s about flexibility: the chance to work remotely, follow seasonal work, or simply be in nature more often. Van life can also appeal to those seeking freedom from long-term commitments. Without being tied to a fixed address, it’s easier to move for work, relationships, or personal interests.

Different types of vans and campervans – from budget to stately

At the entry level, there are second-hand panel vans converted on a shoestring budget, often with DIY insulation, a simple bed platform, and a camping stove.

At the luxury end are custom-built campervans and motorhomes - fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, solar panels, Wi-Fi boosters, and even underfloor heating. Some are designed to look like tiny homes on wheels, complete with hardwood finishes and bespoke joinery.

In between lie mid-range conversions, which might use popular base vehicles like the VW Transporter or Ford Transit. These strike a balance between affordability and comfort, often with a fixed bed, small kitchen, and modular seating.

Community: is it lost or gained?

Some fear that van life means losing the sense of community found in neighbourhoods. While that can be true for those constantly on the move, many van dwellers find alternative communities online and at meet-ups, festivals, or informal gatherings. There’s a camaraderie among van lifers, often expressed through shared tips, route suggestions, and even spontaneous roadside conversations. In some ways, it’s a more 'intentional' form of community - one you actively choose rather than inherit through a postcode.

Is van life a solution to the housing crisis?

With UK housing costs at record highs, some see van life as a stopgap, or even a permanent alternative, to unaffordable rent or mortgages. It offers a degree of housing independence, but it’s not without challenges: parking restrictions, limited amenities, and the need for ongoing vehicle maintenance. While van life can be a personal solution for some, it’s unlikely to be a scalable fix to the housing crisis without major changes in planning laws and infrastructure.

What’s certain is that van life reflects broader shifts in how we define “home” - and in a changing world, that definition is becoming more flexible than ever.

Carl Dodd, Property Revolutions Ltd.