We answer your frequently asked questions

This guide aims to answer the questions you may have about buying or owning a lodge at Mercia Marina. We hope that it covers most of your queries. However, please do not hesitate to speak to one of our team if there are other things you wish to know. They will be happy to help.

Purchasing your lodge

What am I actually buying?
You are buying your lodge outright. You will also receive a 100 year licence which gives you the right to site your lodge in the development for up to 100 years.

What protection do I have?
We will give you a written Contract and a Licence Agreement which explain all the terms of your purchase and occupancy. These agreements are based on the industry standard documents produced by the British Holiday and Home Park Association, of which we are a member. We recommend that you obtain independent legal advice and a full explanation of its terms.
It is important to understand that the terms of the Licence Agreement may vary over time with changing circumstances.

Do I own the land the lodge is sited on?
No, the licence is a right to occupy a pitch within the Marina for up to 100 years. We can substitute a different pitch, if we need to, of similar quality.

Why 100 years?
Lodges are sold by different companies on a variety of terms and lengths of licence, some as short as 20 years. Our lodges are sold with a 100 year licence because we believe that a longer licence is likely to provide better value to the owners.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
To secure a lodge we will ask for a small deposit when you decide to proceed and then 10% of the total price within two weeks. The balance has to be paid before you take possession of your lodge.

What choices do I have?
Four choices in most cases: the type of lodge, the layout, the pitch and the furnishings.
You may be able to select an existing lodge we have carefully chosen and sited which will be available to you as soon as you’ve paid in full. Some owners prefer this quick and simple approach.
However, you may prefer to specify a particular pitch, lodge, layout and furnishings.
Early on there will be a good choice of pitches available to reserve whilst you choose your lodge.

How long will it take to complete a purchase?
Not long at all. If you are buying a lodge that is already sited it’s just a case of sorting out the paperwork and payment. If you choose to specify a lodge to be built for you it will take longer, perhaps 3 to 4 months, depending on the build time mainly.

Can we buy our lodge as a family or a group, or is it only one person on the agreement?
Our lodge ownership documents have been designed with individuals or couples in mind. However, if you would like to buy with other members of your family we will try to help.

Can we part exchange anything against a lodge?
Yes, we will consider the part exchange of caravan holiday homes, touring vans or motor-homes.  We will make you an offer for your part exchange subject to our assessment of the value of your part exchange.

Is finance available?
We can give you information about several banks that will be happy to talk about financing your holiday home.

Who can help me?
Our team will be delighted to offer you whatever assistance you may require. Your solicitor can explain the legal effect of the documents to you. The Office of Fair Trading, Trading Standards Departments and Citizens' Advice Bureaux may be able to provide guidance on lodge contracts.

Owning and enjoying your lodge

What facilities can I use?
The Marina is for the exclusive use of lodge owners, berth holders and their visitors. The facilities include a shop, tea room and Wi-Fi internet throughout the site. In the near future, a pub/restaurant and a spa are planned. Exclusive fishing opportunities for our lodge owners are planned.

Can I keep a boat at the Marina?
Berths are available at the Marina and we do offer a discount for lodge owners. The Marina is designed for canal boats but is also be suitable for GRP cruisers, small inflatables, canoes and so on but is not suitable for jet-skis. If you have a boat in mind, please ask about suitability.

Can I use my lodge as a permanent home?
No, our lodges are restricted to second home/holiday home use. All our owners must have a residential address, either in the UK or overseas. The lodge development will close for part of each year (14th January to 14th February) and you will not be able to use your lodge during that time.

What about car parking?
We allocate two parking spaces to each lodge. Usually they will be adjacent to your lodge. There is also communal parking around the site for any guests that may be visiting. We do not accept trailers or mobile caravans.

Are dogs allowed on the lodge development?
Dogs and other pets are welcome, but they must be well behaved, quiet, and, for dogs, be kept on a lead at all times when outside the lodge. We do limit the number of pets to two per lodge and, of course, dog owners are required to clean up after their pets.

What are the running costs for a lodge?
Our lodges have a small number of annual charges, and full details of their current levels are on our price and availability sheets or can be explained by any member of our team. The charges include pitch fees and rates. As you would expect, you must insure your lodge and pay for the metered gas and electricity you use.

Do we have to pay insurance?
Holiday home insurance is compulsory for our lodges. Details of the type and amount of insurance required are available from the lodge team.

Do we have to pay council tax?
No, as your Lodge is a holiday home it is not liable to council tax. However, a small rates charge is payable as mentioned above. We cannot, of course, guarantee that government rules will not change in the future.

Can the annual charges change?
Yes, where our costs increase, the facilities change or with inflation.

Does our lodge come with a guarantee?
All our lodges come with a full manufacturer’s guarantee for the first year and a ten-year structural warranty. Full details are available on request.

What about maintenance and repairs?
We will look after all landscaped areas in the development but you will be responsible for the upkeep of your lodge. Details will vary according to which lodge you choose to buy. Of course we can help with lodge maintenance if you prefer.

Can we sell our lodge ourselves?
Yes, the Licence Agreement explains all of your options if you ever decide to sell your holiday home.  If you sell it on the lodge development, we will need to approve the buyer and will charge a commission.

Can I sublet my lodge?
Yes, many lodge owners like to rent out their lodges when they are not using them.  It can be a way to generate income from your lodge to cover some or all of its running costs or even to generate extra income. Many people view lodge ownership as an investment.

Are there any regulations for the lodge development?
We aim to create an exclusive, bespoke and relaxing lodge development and we are committed to delivering that vision to everyone who owns a lodge at Mercia Marina or visits. Consequently there are regulations to protect the development and, most importantly, our lodge and boat owners. These regulations cover areas such as noise, parking, plants and general conduct. A full copy is available on request.

The notes above are correct at the time of printing but please bear in mind the context of long term ownership when reading these points.