Newbie looking for advice

I don't know where your job in Europe will be based, but if you decide to buy a caravan you will also need to find a campsite where you can park it for six months. Not always easy.  Frankly if your job is lasting six months in one place then I would rent a room or an apartment. And bear in mind the outcome of Brexit and whether you will need a long stay visa and a work permit of some sort. 

 Layout and decor probably sway most purchases, my advice would be to do some homework on the technical side, weights of van and towcar, load margin, construction and chassis etc. As you are planning long term travel  it will be advisable to check that the load margin ( = MTPLM minus MRO Kg) is sufficient for your needs or if the van can be upgraded to your requirements. Most UK vans have as standard a minimal load margin. Check what is defined in the MRO (Mass Running Order) it probably allows for one gas bottle, mains cable and other sundries amounting to around 25Kg. So an extra gas bottle or a motor mover will be using up the load margin allowance.

I do like your choice of layout, here are a few similar layout vans that may be worth a look.

the Adria and Knaus can all be upgraded to a decent load margin.

https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/caravans/phoenix/phoenix-640

https://uk.adria-mobil.com/technical-data/501/309

https://uk.adria-mobil.com/technical-data/494/312

https://www.knaus.com/en-uk/caravans/starclass/layouts-data/690/standard-equipment/

Thanks Euror, the job will be working on a campsite with pitch supplied free of charge.  Should the current Brexit deal go through then anyone living in a European country will be able to remain there and claim citizenship after 5 years.  One of the main reasons we are doing this now. 

Thanks Via, that is very helpful and I will do some more research now.

I wish you good fortune.

Go and try your campsite job for the summer season if you wish, although I think you are unlikely to get the French legal minimum pay, and you may quickly come to the conclusion that the site owners are using you as cheap labour. 

But I think you will need a more permanent residence for five years over there if you are seriously thinking of eventually applying for citizenship. Good wishes. 

Once again, appreciate the concern but we are not actually working for the campsite, we will be hosts for one of the glamping operators (Eurocamp/Vacansoleil etc.)  I have been travelling with them for many years and have spoken extensively to people who currently do hosting for them so am aware of the pros and cons,  You are also correct that we will need to also have permanent accommodation and will be doing that too.

Sounds great, hope you have a great time. The Swift looks good, and you are definitely right about the bed layout. I would also go new if you can afford it. Best of luck!

We have an Elddis Affinity 550 which is the same layout on a single axel.

We have found the layout great. I would just add if you can, consider a twin axel for the extra space esp considering how long it will be your home.

A good quality full awning is great for adding space as well.

Trini thank you for the response, I actually really like the look of the Elddis.  I would consider the twin axle but am struggling to find one with that layout.

There is no question that we would definitely get a full awning for all sorts of reasons.

One other factor to remember is any replacement parts you may need. A lot of caravan makers use the same heating and fridge's and fittings but if you buy new you will need to use the warranty and get repair's done out there, which I would think will not be easy. So maybe think on the lines of a European built van because the Germans make lot's with the layout you will require,  and if you do come back to the UK then it's not a problem here.