Babyboomers pick RV's over holiday homes

Top 10 Holiday Parks chief executive David Ovendale also said the growing popularity of luxury RVs was evident. Photo / ThinkStock

Babyboomers are increasingly buying luxury RVs instead of investing in holiday homes, a motorhome company says.

Open Road, a division of Jucy rentals, has seen significant sales of its luxury second-hand motorhomes to Kiwi retirees.

Jucy chief operating officer Dan Alpe said Kiwis 50 years and over spent more than $500,000 on RVs in a recent weekend exhibition.

"These buyers have disposable income due to downsizing from a family home, or those who are about to retire," he said.

"Traditionally they would have been the people buying a bach at the beach, but that isn't an option for a lot of people now due to property prices, while others don't want to be tied to the same location all the time."

Most buyers came from Auckland and wanted "every bell and whistle", he said.

"People want everything now -- satellite TV, an awning that comes out from the side to sit under when stopped, and solar panels."

Other buyers came from further affield locations such as Taupo and Hawke's Bay.

Top 10 Holiday Parks chief executive David Ovendale also said the growing popularity of luxury RVs was evident.

"Many parks are increasing site sizes to accommodate ever growing vehicles such as these luxury motorhomes," he said.