Q1 2026 Buyer Demand Report
What 320,000+ Buyers Are Really Doing Right Now
The leisure vehicle market has started the year with strong early demand.
Across Caravans For Sale, over 320,000 active buyers used the platform in Q1, searching, comparing and engaging with stock ahead of the peak buying season.
This report breaks down:
- What buyers are searching for
- Where demand is shifting
- How behaviour is changing
- What dealers should be doing next
Buyer Activity at a Glance
Q1 saw high levels of engagement across all vehicle types, with buyers entering the market earlier than usual.
Key highlights:
- 321,000+ active users
- 1,000,000+ page views
- 5.6 million total interactions
- 10,000+ buyer actions (calls, enquiries, clicks)
Buyer activity is not just high volume, it is high intent.
More users are progressing beyond browsing into meaningful actions such as calling dealers, requesting directions and sending enquiries.
A Shift in Buyer Behaviour
One of the clearest trends in Q1 is how buyers are approaching the journey.
Buyers are:
- Spending longer comparing listings
- Viewing more vehicles before making contact
- Using multiple touchpoints before enquiring
This reflects a more considered purchase journey, where buyers want confidence before reaching out.
Engagement is Driving Intent
Listing engagement is a strong indicator of intent, and Q1 data shows this clearly.
- 1.5 million image interactions
- 300,000+ scroll events
- High repeat visits across key listings
Buyers are not just landing on listings, they are actively reviewing them.
This behaviour suggests buyers are narrowing down options before making a decision, rather than enquiring early.
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Caravan Market Trends
Caravan buyers continue to search heavily by brand, with a clear hierarchy forming.
Top searched caravan brands:
- Swift
- Coachman
- Bailey
Insight
Swift continues to dominate early-stage research, while Coachman and Bailey attract buyers further into the decision phase.
There is also growing interest in mid-range models, suggesting a shift toward value-driven purchases.
Motorhome Market Trends
Motorhome demand remains strong, with a mix of premium and practical brands leading searches.
Top searched motorhome brands:
- Auto-Sleepers
- Mobilvetta
- Auto-Trail
Insight
Buyers are increasingly comparing UK-built motorhomes with European alternatives, particularly in the £60,000 to £100,000 range.
There is also a noticeable rise in interest for compact motorhomes, reflecting changing usage patterns and accessibility.
Campervan Demand Continues to Grow
Campervans remain one of the fastest-growing segments in the market.
Top searches:
- VW campervans
- Ford conversions
- Fiat-based campers
Insight
VW continues to dominate due to brand familiarity and lifestyle appeal.
However, Ford and Fiat conversions are gaining traction, particularly among buyers looking for more space or better value.
Static Caravan Behaviour is Location-Led
Static caravan buyers behave differently from touring vehicle buyers.
Instead of searching by brand, they search by location first.
Top searched locations:
- Wales
- South East
- South West
Insight
Demand is being driven by destination appeal and park availability, rather than specific manufacturers.
This suggests buyers are prioritising lifestyle and location over product specification.
The Rise of the Research-Heavy Buyer
Across all categories, one trend stands out:
Buyers are doing more research before making contact.
They are:
- Viewing more listings
- Comparing more vehicles
- Spending longer on site
- Returning multiple times
What this means
The first interaction with a listing is rarely the last.
Buyers are forming shortlists and revisiting options before making a decision.
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Where Dealers Are Missing Opportunities
With buyers taking longer to enquire, small gaps in the journey can result in lost opportunities.
Common issues include:
- Incomplete or unclear listing information
- Limited imagery
- Weak mobile experience
- Lack of differentiation
Insight
It is no longer just about having stock online.
It is about how that stock performs during the buyer journey.
What This Means for Q2
Q1 data shows that demand is already building ahead of the peak season.
As we move into Q2:
- Buyer volume is expected to increase
- Competition for visibility will rise
- Faster-moving stock will dominate
Dealers who will benefit most:
- Those visible early in the journey
- Those with high-quality listings
- Those capturing attention across multiple touchpoints
Final Thought
The market is active. Buyers are engaged. Demand is building.
But the way buyers behave has changed.
They are not just searching, they are researching.
Understanding this shift gives dealers a clear advantage heading into peak season.