The Buying Journey
From first viewing to moving in
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a residential park home is simpler than you might think. Our guide walks you through every stage, from your first visit to moving in and enjoying your new home.
Expert guidance from start to finish
Everything you need to know before you move
Find Your Perfect Location & Initial Viewing
Merley Court offers an ideal countryside setting for your new home. Begin by considering your needs: size, layout, and preferred features. We have a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom show homes available, and we can also work with you to design a bespoke home tailored to your lifestyle. Visiting the park in person is essential. This allows you to get a feel for the community, explore the local area, and ask important questions. Seeing the homes and surroundings firsthand ensures you make an informed decision.
Costs to Consider & Financial Planning
Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the costs involved in becoming a resident at Merley Court such as site fees, council tax, utilities, and home insurance (see our Fees & Finance page). Assessing your finances early helps make the process smoother. Consider a personal loan if required, and explore the part-exchange route if you are selling your current home (see our Part-Exchange page).
Making an Offer
Once you’ve found the home that suits you, it’s time to make an offer. At this stage, you can negotiate the purchase price. Submit the required documentation such as ID and proof of funds. If you are using part-exchange, the offer on your current home can be factored into the purchase to simplify the process and reduce stress.
Legal Process & Contracts
Conveyancing ensures your purchase is legally protected. Contracts will include a 'Sales Purchase Agreement' – confirming your details and the sale price, and a 'Written Statement' closer to completion – a key legal document defining the pitch agreement and outlining your responsibilities and rights as a resident. Completion timelines usually range from 4–8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your purchase. Our team will guide you through the legal process to make it as transparent and stress-free as possible.
Moving In
Moving into your residential park home is the final step. Key considerations include arranging utilities, insurance, and postal services, planning transportation and logistics for your furniture and belongings, and getting familiar with the park community, amenities, and rules. Of course, our team is on hand to help you settle in, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Understand common costs and financial considerations by reviewing our Fees & Finance page, or explore part-exchange options if you need to sell your current home seamlessly (see our Part-Exchange page).
Frequently asked questions
Just some of the common questions our team get asked about park home ownership
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As you will own your home but not the land on which it is situated, a monthly site fee is payable to the park operator for leasing the pitch. For the 2025/2026 period, the site fee is £304.70 per calendar month. This fee is subject to an annual review, and Shorefield may adjust it in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). There is no separate service charge applicable.
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Unfortunately, due to the classification of the homes and the nature of the tenure, you cannot secure a mortgage to purchase.
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Typically, park homes will have a low council tax band - expected Band B.
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