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Property investment stats for Merley, South West

A complete guide to property investment in Merley.

Last updated: 18 September 2025

Investment summary

Merley sits quietly on the edge of the South West, where the pace is slower and owner-occupation is the norm. The area’s property market has seen capital growth of 11.1% over three years and annualised growth of 3.6%, which points to a steady if unspectacular trajectory. With median prices at £404 per sq ft per square foot, affordability is a mixed bag — especially when you weigh it against a price-to-income ratio of 6.3. There’s a distinct lack of younger adults, but the population is heavy on retirees, which shapes demand and the type of housing that shifts.

Liquidity is moderate, with annual sales at 51 and homes typically spending 73 days on the market, so things don’t move at a breakneck pace but buyers do eventually appear.

Image of Merley, South West

Key investment stats for Merley

Median price per sq ft

£404 / sq ft

Average rental yield

-

Capital growth (1y)

-

Sales in past year

51

* Property stats calculated for last full calendar year (2024).

Live property stats in Merley

Live prices in Merley, South West

* Extreme prices clipped for legibility

Properties for sale

Median price

£575,000

25% of properties below...

£462,500

75% of properties below...

£695,000

Most expensive property

£3,750,000

Live listings

71

Median days on market

73

Should you invest in Merley?

Opportunities

  • The rental yield in the top postcode district stands at 4.3%, which could appeal to investors seeking steady income in a stable market.
  • Median asking rents for a 3-bedroom house are £1,700, suggesting that family rentals may be a viable option given the area’s demographic skew.
  • The median sale price for a 2-bedroom flat is £190,000, which could be attractive for those looking to enter the market at a lower price point.

Risks

  • The extremely high owner-occupation rate (in the 98th percentile) means the private rental sector is tiny, which could limit tenant demand and rental growth.
  • The population aged 60+ is in the 96th percentile, so the area may see slower long-term growth and less vibrant demand from younger buyers or renters.
  • With homes spending 73 days on the market, liquidity isn’t especially high, so investors may need patience when selling.

Outlook

Looking ahead, I’d expect the market in Merley to stay steady rather than surprise. The capital growth of 11.1% over three years shows there’s been movement, but not the kind that grabs headlines. Most buyers are likely to be older, established households, so the demand profile won’t shift dramatically unless there’s a change in local amenities or employment.

Rental investors will need to be realistic about the small size of the local private rented sector, but for those who value stability and low volatility, Merley could fit the bill. The numbers suggest a market that rewards patience and a long-term view, rather than quick wins.

Live properties in Merley

Investment properties in Merley, South West

4 bedroom detached house for sale
24% below median price

£450,000 - Guide Price

4 bedroom detached house for sale

Gravel Hill, Wimborne

Properties needing refurbishment in Merley, South West
Needs Refurb
4 bedroom detached bungalow for sale
13% below median price

£450,000 - Guide Price

4 bedroom detached bungalow for sale

Sopwith Crescent, Merley

Priced to sell properties in Merley, South West
Priced to Sell
6 bedroom detached house for sale
On market for 174 days

£2,750,000

6 bedroom detached house for sale

Arrowsmith Road, Wimborne

Slow to sell properties in Merley, South West
Slow to Sell
5 bedroom detached house for sale
1,831 sq ft

£975,000 - Guide Price

5 bedroom detached house for sale

Delph Road, Merley, Wimborne, Dorse...

Properties with planning granted in Merley, South West
Planning Granted
3 bedroom cottage for sale
36% below median price

£635,000

3 bedroom cottage for sale

Gravel Hill, Wimborne, BH21

Low price-per-sq-ft properties in Merley, South West
Low Price per Sq Ft

Best places to invest in Merley

Top postcodes for rental yield and (annualised) capital growth

Rank
Postcode
Yield
Capital growth
Median £/sq ft
1BH214.3%1.6%£403 / sq ft

Data sources

GeoGlider calculates property investment stats by blending official and proprietary datasets. Here's a quick overview of key sources and how we use them:

  • HM Land Registry: Property transaction and sold-price records for England & Wales used to calculate historical capital growth, price levels and comparables.

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Demographic and economic indicators for the UK, including Census 2021, supporting area profiling and market context.

  • Ordnance Survey: Authoritative UK geospatial data powering accurate boundaries, roads and terrain for mapping and spatial analysis.

  • GeoProp: Our proprietary AI pipeline that processes millions of property listings to extract rich features and live market signals.

  • Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities: Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scores and property floor areas.

  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC): Household income and employment data to understand local affordability and economic conditions.

Data is updated continuously, matched across sources and rigorously validated.