Co Antrim emerges as one of the UK’s strongest locations of interest on Gumtree with 43,207 searches for camper vans
New Gumtree data shows demand for campervans, motorhomes and caravans has jumped 133% across the UK since the start of the year, as rising temperatures spark early planning for road-trip holidays.
And it has emerged that County Antrim is one of the UK’s strongest areas for interest, with 43,207 views across around 75 average daily listings on the platform.
The figures reflect growing appetite for flexible travel and touring breaks, particularly in areas close to coastlines and scenic routes.
For many travellers, campervans and motorhomes offer the flexibility to explore multiple destinations in one trip from coastal routes and national parks to countryside escapes without relying on traditional accommodation.
This flexibility is becoming increasingly appealing with 41% UK adults* citing the cost of accommodation as the biggest barrier to taking a UK holiday.
Demand on the platform is expected to accelerate further in the coming weeks.
By April, replies to listings are forecast to be double January’s levels, reflecting both the strong seasonality of the market and how quickly interest builds once temperatures begin to rise.
At the same time, supply is also ramping up ahead of peak travel season. Listings for campervans, motorhomes and caravans are up 22% since the start of the year, as sellers bring more vehicles to market in anticipation of growing demand.
Louis Maxwell, Motoring Expert at Gumtree, said: ‘’Year-on-year trends show a stable and resilient market for self-contained travel. The first weekend in March has recorded the highest level of campervan and motorhome demand on Gumtree since September, suggesting the spring buying season is already gathering momentum. With availability currently strong, buyers are encouraged to begin their search early before competition intensifies as spring progresses.’’
Regional demand shifts away from major cities.
Unlike the broader car market, where demand is typically concentrated in major urban centres such as London, Manchester and Glasgow, interest in campervans and caravans is strongest in areas with easy access to coastlines and countryside.
Fife, County Antrim, Essex, Lancashire and West Yorkshire are currently seeing the highest levels of interest reflecting strong appetite for touring and outdoor escapes as the weather starts to improve.