I’ve been contemplating getting just a small motorhome with some of dad’s inheritance. Slightly worried that I might not be up to driving one and coping with the maintenance, etc. I do love the prospect of just being able to set off when you feel like it though.
My advice would be to think carefully about how you intend to use Motorhome. If for "short" outings, ie say upto 2-4 weeks, then a small panel van conversion type is fine, but, if you plan on longer trips (eg we often do three months away), then, you would probably find a panel van conversion type too small.
The "layout" is very important (IMHO) and is very much down to personal preference and how YOU are going to use it.
We have a small (6.5 metre) Coachbuilt, with dropdown bed. It is slightly larger to drive, but, you soon adapt to that. The biggest limitation (IMHO) with a camper van/Motorhome is transport when "away". We use public transport or bicycles exclusively once we have reached our destination, since, parking (particularly in UK) is problematic. A small van conversion type would have advantages in that respect.
There is little difference in price between a panel van conversion and a small coach built.
I would echo previous advice about having any potential purchase checked for damp, particularly coach built, or, should you aspire to it, an "A" class.