Well-specified Volkswagen Transporter vans are seeing strong demand from motorhome converters.

Well-specified used vans are rising in value thanks to strong demand from the motorhome conversion market, according to online remarketing specialists Autorola.

An increasing number of trade buyers are buying used vans to supply to motorhome converters, according to Autorola,  and are willing to pay top dollar for the right vans. Air conditioning, electric windows, metallic pain are all desirable, as are tailgates, where possible.

Commenting on the trend, Neil Frost, Autorola’s head of operations, said:

“The campervan is making a welcome return and many of our trade buyers are purchasing vans specifically to sell to consumers as a base vehicle for conversion into a camper van,” explained Neil Frost, Autorola’s head of operations.

“Demand for high spec Transporter vans continues to rise, as do prices, despite the eventual owner not being able to recover the VAT on the van’s purchase.

“As a fleet operator it makes the investment in options such as electric windows, metallic paint and air conditioning worth it as they are pushing up values when it reaches the used market,”

The most popular van for campervan and motorhome conversions is of course the Volkswagen Transporter. It may not be the most practical choice (speaking as someone who has converted two vans into motorhomes), but it is undoubtedly the most fashionable and sought-after model, thanks to its iconic image and everyday usability.

Autorola says that a 12-plate VW Transporter with a high specification can sell for between £14,000 and £15,000. If it’s converted to a professional standard, then it may be worth more than £30,000 as a campervan.