An excess of campervans and motorhomes in dealerships across Germany have dealers offering significant discounts. Here’s why now could be a good time to buy, and what to consider before you do.
Germany’s trade publications are in agreement: the fates are smiling on anyone thinking of buying a campervan or motorhome in 2025.
Why are campervans cheap now?
Germany loves motorhomes. In 2024, the country accounted for just under half of all new registrations in Europe.
There are over a million motorhomes registered in Germany, and nearly two million people living in motorhome-owning households.
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According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the number of registered motorhomes in Germany has doubled since 2017, with a surge in ownership after 2020.
Manufacturers appear to have overly ramped up production to compensate, with the result that dealerships have been left with an excess of inventory to clear.
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From a consumer perspective, this has translated nicely into some of the best deals seen in over a decade, according to a recent report by Focus online.
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What’s on offer?
The Fiat Ducato is comfortably Germany’s best-selling motorhome. Photo: picture alliance /dpa/halloAnwalt GmbH & Co. KG / Nik Shuliahin
The discounts currently available are substantial and appear to affect all classes and models, although Focus stresses that the potential savings tend to rise in line with the size of the camper van.
Promobil lists various offers currently available, from a Knaus Tourer Van Vansation 500 MQ reduced from €93,205 to €59,890, to a 2023 Weinsberg Carasuite 650 MEG on a Ford chassis reduced from €90,735 to €66,500.
Even luxury liners like the Morelo Loft 87 G are on offer with extras worth €71,000 included at no extra charge, according to Focus.
Reasons to be cautious
The discounted prices on offer are tempting but may have an impact on resale value. With prices falling seemingly across the board, buyers are likely to face a loss if they want or need to resell in the future.
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Buyers are also urged to check whether a campervan or motorhome is actually new – or whether it’s previously been used as a display or rental model.
Campervans which have been sitting unused for long periods can develop “flat spots” on tires or other age-related defects.
Above all, anyone thinking about buying a camper van should try and calculate how often they’re likely to use it. Auto-medienportal.net says that a purchase only really makes sense if you’re planning to use the vehicle for at least 30 days a year. Otherwise, renting may well end up being more economical.
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Pro tips for buyers.
Before signing a contract, you’re advised to make sure you:
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of long-term storage or previous use.
- Check the year of manufacture and clarify whether it’s a new, demo, or ex-rental model.
- Calculate how much the camper van will really cost, once you include insurance, maintenance, and storage.
- Assess your own usage realistically – if you won’t use the camper for at least 30 days a year, renting may make more sense.
- Consider market trends: At the moment Caravanmarkt24suggests that further price declines are expected in the short and medium term
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