Clearedtakeoff
I've been down both routes. Go for LAA Permit. Don't go for EASA certification and all the hideous expense unless money is no object and even then I'd still plump for LAA Permit,
With two others I run a two seat STOL a/c at an hourly cost all in of about £45 -50 pounds per hour inc. fuel. We are on an outside tiedown. Fuel burn about 13 liters per hour at cruise of 80kts.
You can buy a Permit a/c for as little as 12K or less. Budget for 15 - 20K and you'll get a much wider choice.