Answers to questions we are frequently asked
Yes, Merley Court is for those aged 45 years and over. This is a requirement of the site license for anyone residing in the property. Visitors are welcome at any time and can stay with you for shorter periods of time throughout the year. Please ask for more information.
Yes, these are residential homes built to a BS3632 standard with planning permission for full a residential license, meaning they are for permanent use only.
All of our homes are UK built and will be BS: 3632 standard, so will come with a 10 year Insurance backed guarantee on the structure, just like a new build house.
A BS:3632 residentially built home can last decades with proper care and maintenance. According to Goldshield Warranty, a new residential park home could last between 70 – 80 years when correctly maintained.
The tenure of your plot is classed as a Licence in Perpetuity. This means that, rather than being a fixed-term lease (for example, 99 or 125 years), the licence continues indefinitely without an expiry date. In practical terms, it gives you ongoing rights to occupy and use the plot for as long as you wish, provided you continue to meet the terms and conditions of the licence. It is essentially an indefinite lease, offering long-term security and peace of mind.
The Park Home is owned by you outright, and the lease that your home will come with has no end date, as long as pitch fees are paid up to date, and park rules are followed.
There are a number of park rules that we kindly ask residents to abide by when living at Merley Court. A copy of our park rules will be provided together with a copy of the written statement under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amended 2013) at least 28 days prior to the purchase of your residential park home with us. The rules have been implemented to ensure all our residents can live in peaceful surroundings.
As our residential park homes are classed as 'mobile homes/chattels', they are exempt from needing an Energy Performance Certificate.
Yes, these homes come fully furnished for a fresh start and a hassle free re-location.
Yes, each home benefits from its own garden area and privacy hedging for a more secluded setting.
Absolutely, every home is sold with 2 private parking spaces. These will offer easy access with pathways as well as plenty of visitor parking available on park to ensure our roads are kept clear.
Of course! While Merley Court itself is a peaceful residential park, residents benefit from access to leisure facilities at nearby sister parks, including swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, activities and entertainment. The nearest sister park to Merley Court is Oakdene Forest Park, being just a short drive away. As an owner within our company you will be given 10 annual passes for you and your family to make the most of all facilities.
Yes, the park will be set up with fibreoptic cabling for top of the range internet speed.
Visitors are welcome at any time and can stay with you for shorter periods of time throughout the year. Please ask for more information.
Every plot will be sold with a substantial 6’ x 8’ shed offering plenty of storage. These are to be built of non-combustible materials to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Yes, however, you must ensure that it is placed in a secluded section of your property so that it is not visible from the street (Please see park rules for further information).
Merley Court combines peaceful, private living with access to high-quality leisure facilities, bespoke homes, and a well-connected Dorset location. With longevity in mind, our homes and plots come with unmatched quality and attention to detail giving you peace of mind for many years to come.
Yes we do! We allow pets in limited numbers to ensure everyone lives within peaceful and unspoilt surroundings. (Please refer to our park rules for more information)
Absolutely, with woodland surroundings and direct access to nearby walking trails, it’s ideal for daily dog walks.
Merley Court is located on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset, surrounded by woodland and countryside while remaining close to essential amenities and major road links.
Wimborne town centre is just a 5 minute drive away, offering a range of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and essential services.
Yes, Merley Court has easy access to the A31, making it convenient to reach Bournemouth, Poole, and other parts of Dorset.
Daily essentials, including shops, a barber, butcher, newsagents, and takeaway options, are within a 12 minute walk in Merley, making everyday errands simple and accessible without a car. Other amenities such as supermarkets, doctors, dentists, petrol stations, and cafés are all within a short drive of the park. Merley Court also benefits from the neighbouring Cobham sports and social club.
Yes, Merley Court is conveniently connected. The nearest bus stop is just an 8 minute walk away in Merley, providing access to local towns and services.
Yes, there is a local pub and restaurant within around half a mile which can be reached via the Castleman Trailway walking route from the park.
Yes, the Castleman Trailway runs directly adjacent to the park and provides miles of walking and cycling routes through the Dorset countryside.
Popular coastal destinations such as Bournemouth, Sandbanks, and Studland are all within easy driving distance.
Yes, the New Forest National Park is around 12 miles away, offering beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Yes, it is designed for relaxed, tranquil living, surrounded by nature while still being close to local amenities.
Residents can enjoy beaches, nature reserves like Brownsea Island, theatres, parks, and a variety of leisure and cultural attractions nearby.
Unfortunately, due to the classification of the homes and the nature of the tenure, you cannot secure a mortgage to purchase.
Yes. Site fees are primarily for leasing the land on which your home is located. While you will have full ownership of your home, the park operator retains ownership of the land therefore site fees will apply.
The site fee for 2025/2026 is £304.70 per calendar month. The pricing is subject to annual review, and Shorefield retains the authority to adjust it in accordance with the CPI.
There is no service charge applicable.
Typically, park homes will have a low council tax band - expected Band B.
You can sell your park home through a traditional estate agent, or a park home specialist, as you would any other home. Please note it is currently government legislation that a 10% commission of the sale price is payable to the Park Owner upon completion.
No. One of the main benefits of part-exchange is that you do not need to sell your current home privately. Merley Court will value your property and make you a competitive offer, allowing you to move straight into your new home without the stress of a private sale.
The timeline for part-exchange depends on the complexity of your sale and your chosen new home. On average, the process can take 4–8 weeks, from valuation to moving in with an additional two weeks ‘Licence to occupy’ post completion, allowing you to gradually move into your new home rather than all in one day. Our advisors will guide you through each step to make it as smooth and predictable as possible.
If you’re happy to have valuations with the property in its current condition, then any unfinished works or defects may be factored into the valuation. We understand that timing can be tricky. Merley Court can coordinate the sale of your existing home and the move-in of your new home to minimize overlap or gaps where possible. If your current home needs repairs or improvements before sale, our team will provide guidance to ensure a seamless transition.
No. Part-exchange offers you the opportunity to bypass the market, taking the added stress out of viewings, long sale chains, and potential fall-throughs.
No, if a part-exchange offer is agreed, then there will be no need to market your property with an agent, therefore, no fees are applicable. If, however, you are already on the market, you will need to refer to your agency agreement to confirm any terms and conditions with your existing agent.
No. Our part-exchange partners usually instruct valuations from your local estate agents with the best knowledge of your home and area. If you would prefer, you can recommend an estate agent of your choice for them to consider.
Unfortunately, not every home is eligible for an offer. Part-exchange is on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to your advisor for further details.
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