Buy

If you are looking for a property to buy then you will know it is likely to be one of the largest purchases you will ever make and for that reason it can seem very daunting. However, it does not have to be a long and confusing process, particularly if you buy through a professional and experienced agent.

  1. Decide if buying a home is right for you
  • Although 86% of people in the UK want to own their own home, it’s not always right for everybody all the time
  • There are a number of things you need to think about before setting off on your home hunting quest – not least whether you can actually afford it. To arrange a call from one of our recommended independent financial advisors contact us on 01634 730672.
  1. Decide if you should sell first
  • If you are already a homeowner, decide whether you want to sell your house or flat before you buy. It can be dangerous in a rising market, but there are upsides. In particular, you will be able to pounce quickly when you do find the home of your dreams, and you won’t be trapped in a housing chain
  • If you decide to buy and sell at the same time we can advise you on the steps you can take to make things run more smoothly.
  1. Decide on your budget
  • How much do you want to spend? This might be dependent on how much of a deposit you can get together. See our useful mortgage calculator. 
  1. Get your finances in place
  • If you are a first-time buyer,work out how much of a deposit for the mortgage you can get together. Think about savings, the “bank of mum and dad”, the “bank of Granny and Grandpa” and If you have any savings on long term deposit that you plan to use, cash them in.
  • If you are selling your property in order to purchase a new one, get a valuation in order to see how much you would get if you put your current home on the market and how much equity you could use towards the next purchase.
  • Decide what sort of mortgage you want.
  • While you can’t get a mortgage before you buy, you can get a mortgage in principle, which will put you in a stronger position.
  • A mortgage broker can be particularly helpful if you would like advice on mortgages, they are able to search the full range of mortgages available in the market or if you have special circumstances such as being self-employed.
  1. Decide where you want to live
  • If you want to move to a new home close to where you already live, there is little to decide.
  • If you want to move to a different part of town, or across the country, then deciding on the area is more difficult and time consuming.
  • This is a very important decision – get it wrong and you will either be unhappy with where you live or face the costs of moving again. You must do your research thoroughly.
  • You may be considering whether to buy a new build or an existing older or period property.
  1. Choose a specific property
  • Once you know the area you want to live, you should start researching the properties in that area thoroughly, so you really get to know the local market well
  • You then need to contact local estate agents.
  • You need to visit as many properties as possible, and make sure they are no hidden surprises.
  • It’s also important to understand whether the property is freehold or leasehold, and that it is not on a short lease.
  1. Make an offer – and get it accepted
  • Make sure you are in the strongest possible position as a buyer. Having your finances in place will certainly help with this.
  • Decide how much you want to pay, including for fixtures and fittings.
  • Make the offer to the estate agent and seal the deal.
  • Hopefully your offer will be accepted by the seller.
  1. Arrange a mortgage
  • You should ideally have got your finances in place as much as possible before making an offer. If so, you now just need to go back to your mortgage company with the agreed offer and complete the process
  • If you haven’t got your finances in place, you must now scramble to do so as quickly as possible, before the seller loses patience.
  • You will need to get the lender to make you a formal mortgage offer before you can exchange contracts.
  • If buying with a mortgage, it is also a good time to consider getting life insurance advice.
  1. Appoint a solicitor or conveyancer
  • Once you have agreed an offer on your house, you need to get a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal work to transfer ownership of the property to you.  Greenleaf have a panel of recommended solicitors who are able to assist with your purchase.
  • Your mortgage company might require you to go with one that is on their panel, which might make the decision for you, however with our extensive panel we are sure to be able to place your case with an acceptable solicitor.
  • Work out how much conveyancing will cost with our free quotation system.
  • The solicitor or conveyancer will do the searches, such as with the local authority and Environment Agency, to ensure there are not any major problems with the property.  
  1. Decide if you want a survey
  • Your mortgage lender will require a valuation by a surveyor, to ensure that the property is a good enough to lend against. This is not a proper survey, and will only look very superficially at the property, if at all
  • You can usually either get the valuation upgraded to a full survey, or you can commission a separate survey. This should tell you everything you need to know about the property, and alert you to any potential problems you will face once you move in. Unless you are very experienced with property, it is usually worth getting a survey done.
  1. Arrange a deposit
  • Before you can exchange contracts, you need to arrange your deposit for the property to be transferred to your solicitor or conveyancer.
  1. Exchange contracts
  • When you exchange contracts with the seller you become legally committed to buying the property – and they are legally committed to selling it to you.
  • If you pull out after this without due reason, your deposit can be forfeited.
  • You should only exchange contracts after you have received the surveyors report, and any necessary action has been taken.
  • Before you exchange contracts, you need to agree a completion date with the seller.
  • You can only exchange contracts after the solicitor/conveyancer is satisfied with the searches, a formal mortgage offer has been received, and arrangements made for the deposit
  • You need to ensure that you take out buildings insurance for the property from the date of exchange, as you are responsible for it from then on. Indeed, it is usually a condition of the mortgage that you have buildings insurance in place.  
  1. Final arrangements and negotiations
  • You need to make arrangements for the supply of electricity, gas, water and telephone service. Often, it is easiest simply to change the account name for the existing suppliers to the property, rather than change suppliers, which you can do at a later date.
  • The solicitor/conveyancer will inform the land registry that they are in the process of transferring ownership of your property
  • Your solicitor/conveyancer should be liaising with the mortgage company to ensure the money will be ready for completion.
  1. Complete the sale
  • Completion is when you pay for the property and take ownership of it, and takes place at a certain time of day – often midday
  • On the day of completion, the money is transferred, and the deeds of the property are transferred, between each side’s conveyancer
  1. Take possession of your new home
  • The seller must leave the property by the time of completion, and you should then be able to collect the keys, normally from the estate agent
  • You are now free to move in.
  1. Pay stamp duty and settle with the solicitor and conveyancer
  • After completion, your solicitor or conveyancer will send you an account, covering all their costs and disbursements, as well as the purchase price of the house and stamp duty. Please see our handy stamp, duty calculator.
  • Your solicitor or conveyancer will normally pay the stamp duty for you, and ensure that the change of ownership is registered with the land registry.

 

If you require any advice or assistance the sales team at Greenleaf are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Search

Properties

Sort By:  
3 Bed House 
For Sale

Love Lane, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £500,000

GREENLEAF Property Services are delighted to present this deceptively spacious mid-terrace house to the market, enviably located on one of Rochester’s most sought-after no-through roads, Love Lane. This well presented family home, set over four versatile floors, enjoys far reaching views across the River Medway, and is offered to the market with NO ONWARD CHAIN.

Set over four floors, the accommodation briefly comprises of: Entrance hall with access to garage, cloakroom W/C, utility room and further storage room with potential for a variety of uses; To the first floor, there is a lounge with balcony overlooking the Medway, kitchen and separate dining room; The second floor comprises of two double bedrooms with the master boasting an en-suite shower room, and a further family bathroom W/C. The third double bedroom is located on the top floor.

This beautiful home is located a short walk to highly regarded schools for all age groups including the renowned Kings and St Andrews private schools, the station with 35 minute fast trains to London St Pancreas, and the historic High Street offering a wealth of cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, the famous cathedral, Norman castle and beautiful river walks. All A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast are a short drive away. Properties of this calibre and in this condition are rarely available, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade Awaited. Council tax Band F.

More Details

4 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Wouldham Road, Wouldham, Rochester

Price Guide £815,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are proud to introduce this stunning four bedroom barn conversion, located in a rarely available and highly sought-after semi-rural location in Rochester, ME1. Available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, this unique and contemporary property offers characterful and well-proportioned accommodation throughout, and is quite simply ready to move into and enjoy. Boasting four double bedrooms, an en-suite, office/study, utility room and downstairs WC, this impressive family home includes a stylish open-plan kitchen/dining area with a generous separate lounge, with potential to add a balcony or extension to the rear subject to usual permissions and new owners wishes. Outside, there is a beautifully established garden with countryside and paddock views, a double garage with a recent new roof, and a fantastic courtyard entrance to this exclusive development consisting of just four properties, with ample off road parking.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway with stairs up to first floor and double doors into the dining area open-plan to kitchen, access from here to lounge, office/study, and rear lobby to WC and utility room; The upstairs landing gives access to four double bedrooms, en suite, and family bathroom. The garden can be accessed from the lounge, kitchen and utility room, whilst the double garage is located near the entrance providing further off road parking also.

Whilst the property is located in a semi-rural location with far-reaching countryside views, it is also within just a 10-15 drive of historic Rochester and all amenities, highly regarded schools for all age groups including including the renowned Kings and St Andrews private schools, and the station with 35 minute fast trains to London St Pancreas. The historic High Street offers a wealth of cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, the historic castle and cathedral, and all A2/M2/20 road links to London and coast are just a short drive away.

More Details

2 Bed House - End Terrace 
For Sale

Maidstone Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £280,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well-presented end of terrace house to the market, on the sought-after Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1. Boasting two good size double bedrooms, a stylish upstairs bathroom W/C and modern kitchen/dining room, this lovely family home further benefits from an attractive good size garden with patio and brick-built storage shed, and the added bonus of off-road parking to the front. The property has been well cared for by the current owners and offers the potential for the new owners to simply move in and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway with storage cupboard, giving access into the kitchen/dining room out to the garden, and lounge with stairs to rear up to the first floor; The upstairs landing gives access two double bedrooms and the well-appointed bathroom W/C.

Located within walking distance of Rochester’s sought-after grammar schools, further schools for all age groups are a short distance away. All A2/M2/M20 road links and bus stops are nearby, as is the historic High Street with its range of cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and famous cathedral and Norman castle. Rochester and Chatham stations offer a fast service into London St Pancras, whilst all local shops and amenities are within walking distance also.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to add to your portfolio, this end of terrace property is sure to be of interest, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Council Tax Band B. EPC Grade awaited.

More Details

4 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Hill Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £525,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well presented four bedroom semi detached house to the market, in sought-after Rochester ME1, which must be viewed internally to appreciate all that’s on offer! The current owners have maintained this beautiful family home to a high standard throughout, including updated kitchen and bathrooms, and quite simply the property is ready to move into and enjoy! Further benefits include block-paved off road parking for several vehicles, a 7.82 x 2.71 garage/workshop, and a stunning rear garden in excess of 100ft.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance porch, cloakroom W/C, entrance hall, lounge, fitted kitchen and conservatory/dining area; On the first floor there are two double bedrooms with the master having an en-suite shower room W/C, and a further family bathroom W/C; To the second floor you will find two further bedrooms.

The nearby historic Rochester High Street offers a range of restaurants, bars and boutiques, Norman castle and famous cathedral, with riverside views, walks, and Priestfields Park a short walk away. Rochester train station provides a 35 minute fast service to London, and all A2//M2/M20 road links are nearby. With highly regarded local schools within walking distance and a property ready to move into and enjoy, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

More Details

3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Pennant Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £320,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well-presented semi-detached house to the market, on the sought-after Pennant Road, Rochester ME1. Boasting three good size bedrooms, an upstairs bathroom W/C, a spacious kitchen/breakfast room, separate lounge and dining room, this lovely family home further benefits from an attractive good size rear garden, NO CHAIN, double glazing, and gas central heating. The property has been well cared for by the current owners for the last 73 years and offers the potential for the new owners to simply move in and enjoy.

Located within walking distance of Rochester’s sought-after grammar schools, further schools for all age groups are a short distance away. All A2/M2/M20 road links and bus stops are nearby, as is the historic High Street with its range of cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and famous cathedral and Norman castle. Rochester and Chatham stations offer a fast service into London St Pancras, whilst all local shops and amenities are within walking distance also.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to add to your portfolio, this semi-detached property is sure to be of interest, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade Awaited. Council Tax Band B.

More Details

2 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Catherine Street, Rochester

Price Guide £299,950

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this immaculately presented Victorian mid-terrace house in central Rochester, ME1. This truly impressive family home has been lovingly refurbished and extended in recent years, including an additional bathroom, triple-glazed anthracite windows and front door, carpets and flooring, and offers the fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a stunning property ready to move into and enjoy. Boasting two double bedrooms, the downstairs shower/wet-room extension and upstairs en-suite bathroom, the property further benefits from two separate reception rooms giving the option of using one as a further bedroom perhaps, and a characterful kitchen/diner with open archway to the dining area to the rear, which leads out to the private and established east-facing rear garden.

The layout briefly comprises of: Hallway giving access to lounge (currently used as an office), stairs up to first floor, further reception room/lounge with doors from here to the extended shower/wet-room, and kitchen/diner; The compact upstairs landing gives access to two double bedrooms, with the en suite off the master bedroom.

Located within a walk of local shops and amenities, Rochester High Street is also a walk away with its further extensive range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and cafes, the ever-popular castle and famous cathedral, and station with 35 minute fast trains to London. Highly regarded schools for all age groups are nearby, as are all A2/M2/M20 road links.

Properties of this calibre in this location are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

More Details

3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Cottall Avenue, Chatham

Price Guide £260,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well presented three bedroom mid-terrace house, in the ever popular Chatham, Kent. Available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, and boasting a recent brand new boiler and a re-render to the front of the property, this lovely family home benefits from three double bedrooms, a modern well presented bathroom, separate lounge and dining room, and a bright and light kitchen to the rear leading out to the low maintenance garden. Whilst the property has been well cared for by the current owner for many years and is ready to move into and enjoy, the opportunity is also there to add your own stamp to your own specification, with the potential also to add off-road parking, as others have done in the road, subject to usual permissions.

The layout briefly consists of: Front garden with pathway leading to the front door into the compact hallway, with stairs ahead up to the first floor, and a door on the left into the lounge through to the dining room, bathroom, and kitchen out to garden; The upstairs landing gives access to three double bedrooms, with an extensive range of built-in wardrobes and storage.

The property is within a short walk of a local convenience store, and also conveniently located close to the town, bus stops and all shopping and leisure facilities. The station with 40 minute fast trains to London is within a brisk walk, whilst all A2/M2/M20 road links, the Medway Hospital, and well regarded schools for all age groups are also nearby. The historic Rochester High Street is just a short drive away, offering a further selection of dining, shopping and leisure facilities. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

More Details

2 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Pilots View, Chatham

Price Guide £375,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented modern DETACHED house to the market, on the sought-after and ideally located Horsted Park, Chatham. Built approx 2012, and available to the market for the first time since then, this fantastic family home boasts two double bedrooms, an en suite, fitted wardrobes, a recent new fully integrated kitchen, and an open-plan layout downstairs with tri-fold doors out to the garden. Further benefits include a useful downstairs WC/cloakroom, a low-maintenance private rear garden, allocated parking, and the opportunity of simply moving in, unpacking, and enjoying.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway giving access to WC/cloakroom, open-plan kitchen/dining area and lounge out to garden, and stairs up to first floor; The upstairs landing gives access to the master bedroom with en suite, double bedroom two, and family bathroom.

Enviably located on the highly sought-after exclusive Horsted Park development, this delightful modern two bedroom detached house is close to all shopping and leisure amenities, A2/M2/M20 road links, and highly regarded schools for all age groups. Nearby Chatham and Rochester stations offer 35 minute fast trains in to London, and for those looking for further extensive shopping and leisure facilities Bluewater Shopping Centre is approx 20 minutes drive away. Interest is sure to be strong in this ready-to-move-in property, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

More Details

3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Cecil Road, Rochester

Fixed Asking Price £325,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this spacious and immaculately presented family home, located within walking distance of highly regarded schools for all age groups! This lovely family home boasts a large kitchen/dining room, separate good size lounge, modern first floor bathroom W/C and an en-suite shower room to the master bedroom. Further benefits include a useful garage to the rear, a spacious patio, and a beautifully established lawn garden complete with 5.99m x 2.03m summer house. Properties of this calibre and location are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance porch, entrance hall, lounge and open plan kitchen/dining room; The upstairs landing gives access to three good size bedrooms with the master having an en-suite shower room W/C, and further bathroom W/C.

Located close to all local amenities, the station with fast trains to London is a walk away, as is the historic High Street with its range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, castle, cathedral and riverside walks. All A2/M2/M20 road links are nearby, and highly regarded schools for all age groups are a walk away.

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band C. Freehold.

More Details

3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Valley View Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £385,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce to the market this extended and beautifully presented property, enviably located just a short walk to the Rochester Grammar Schools. Boasting three bedrooms, a modern kitchen and bathroom W/C, and a stunning open-plan lounge/dining room, this spacious and light family home further benefits from off road parking with electric charging point, and an easily maintainable back garden. Properties in this location are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance hall, cloakroom W/C, fitted kitchen and open plan lounge/dining room; The upstairs landing gives access to three bedrooms and the family bathroom W/C.

Located within a walk of the highly regarded Rochester Grammar School and Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away. Nearby historic Rochester High Street offers a range of restaurant, cafes, boutiques and independent shops, as well as the Norman castle and famous cathedral. Leisure and shopping amenities are also nearby, whilst Rochester station offers a 35 minute fast train service to London St Pancras.

More Details

2 Bed House 
For Sale

Church Lane, Newington, Sittingbourne

Offers In The Region Of £235,000

Offered to the market with NO ONWARD CHAIN!

Greenleaf property services are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented two bedroom period cottage, located in the semi-rural village of Newington, which would ideally suit a first time buyer looking to get their foot on the housing ladder!

The accommodation briefly comprises of: Lounge, separate dining room and modern fitted kitchen; To the first floor there are two double bedrooms and bathroom W/C. The property further benefits from two cellar areas with a further separate W/C, double glazing, gas central heating and a low maintenance courtyard style back garden.

Newington is perfect for someone who wants a taste of semi rural village life with local shops, a pub, and wonderful country walks nearby, but also within easy access to the M2/A249, and a short drive to Rainham and Sittingbourne. Newington also has a mainline railway station with direct trains into London Victoria.

EPC Grade D. Council Tax Band B. Freehold

More Details

5 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Silver Tree Close, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £575,000

Situated in the desirable Silver Tree Close in Walderslade Woods, this impressive and versatile five-bedroom detached house is immaculately presented and must be viewed to fully appreciate all that’s on offer.

Set over three floors, the accommodation comprises of: Entrance hall, spacious lounge and modern fitted kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances; To the first floor you will find four bedrooms with en-suite to the master, and family bathroom W/C. The fifth bedroom can be found on the lower ground floor along with a separate shower room W/C.

Externally, the property continues to impress with a generous rear garden, offering an excellent setting for family life, outdoor entertaining and relaxation. The kitchen/diner opens directly onto a private balcony, creating a wonderful extension of the living space and providing the perfect setting for alfresco dining, morning coffee or enjoying summer evenings with friends and family.

The garden features a spacious patio area, ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining, together with two further smaller patio areas, providing a choice of spaces to sit, relax and enjoy the garden throughout the day. The combination of the balcony, multiple patio areas and generous garden creates a versatile and attractive outdoor space, perfect for making the most of the warmer months.

To the front, the property benefits from a garage and private driveway providing off-road parking for up to three cars, adding further convenience to this appealing family home.

One of the area’s significant advantages for families is its access to a wide choice of schools. The property falls within the Maidstone Borough Council area, providing access to Kent’s education system, while its location close to the Medway boundary also offers access to Medway schools.

EPC Awaited. Council Tax Band E.

More Details