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.

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Properties

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2 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Langdon Road, Rochester

Price Guide £365,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well-presented two bedroom period property to the market, in the highly sought-after Bishops Square location of ME1 Rochester. Available with vacant possession and NO ONWARD CHAIN, this spacious terraced family home boasts a separate lounge and dining room separated by double doors, a downstairs shower room and upstairs bathroom complete with free-standing bath, a basement with potential to create a third bedroom (subject to planning permission), and an attractive established low-maintenance garden. Bursting with many original character features throughout, this delightful property is ready to move into, whilst also offering the opportunity to update and personalise to your own taste. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Spacious hallway giving access to the dining room with double doors into lounge, patio doors out to garden, access to basement, and doorway into kitchen and through to the downstairs shower room; The good size landing gives access to double bedrooms one and two, and the impressive upstairs bathroom.

Enviably located a short walk to the highly regarded King’s and St Andrews private schools, grammar school options are also a walk away. The nearby historic Dickensian High Street offers a selection of bars, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, annual Dickens festival, famous cathedral and Norman castle, and station with fast trains to London St Pancras. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away. Interest is sure to be strong in this ready-to-move-into family home with potential, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

More Details

2 Bed Flat - Purpose Built 
For Sale

Harriet Drive, Rochester

Price Guide £225,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented two bedroom apartment to the market, in a sought-after location within Rochester ME1, available with NO ONWARD CHAIN and a 972 year lease! Located off the popular Esplanade and enjoying a tucked away position with partial river views, this spacious first-floor apartment boasts two off road parking spaces directly in front of the property, a Juliette balcony, recently new stylish kitchen and bathroom, impressive wood-effect flooring, and two good size double bedrooms. Further benefits include a long lease of 972 years and the opportunity of being able to simply move in and enjoy, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly consists of: Spacious hallway giving access to the bathroom, two double bedrooms, storage cupboard, and open-plan lounge/diner through to the kitchen.

Situated in an elevated position behind the riverside Esplanade in Rochester, this delightful apartment enjoys a peaceful and quiet position at the end of a cul de sac, with partial river views. The historic High Street with its range of restaurants, bars and shops, and the station with 35 minute fast trains to London St Pancras are all a walk away, as are lovely riverside walks and open spaces. There are a selection of highly regarded local schools for all age groups nearby, and all A2, M2, M20 road links are a short drive away.

Lease- 972 years
Service Charge and Ground Rent-£170 p.c.m approx

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5 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Borstal Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £865,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are proud to introduce this imposing and well-presented semi-detached period house to the market, situated on the sought-after Borstal Road in Rochester. Built in the 1870s, and enjoying stunning far-reaching river views to the rear, this substantial family home has been well maintained by the current owners for the past 30 years, and offers versatile and spacious accommodation throughout.

Set over four floors, and boasting three generous reception rooms, five bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, utility room, bathroom W/C, separate shower room, two further W/C’s and ample storage areas including a handy cellar, further benefits include a good size rear garden and off road parking for two cars.

This beautiful family 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, potential and location are rarely available, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade C. Council tax Band E. Freehold.

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3 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Roebuck Road, Rochester

Price Guide £575,000

ROEBUCK ROAD!

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented link-detached house to the market, enviably located in one of Rochester’s most sought-after roads, and available with NO ONGOING CHAIN! Boasting three double bedrooms, a lovely open-plan lounge with raised dining area, a garage partially converted to a useful utility, off road parking with potential for more, and a spacious conservatory/dining room, further benefits include beautifully established gardens front and rear, an upstairs bathroom and downstairs WC/cloakroom, and lapsed planning permission for a kitchen extension to the front elevation of this impressive family home. Detached properties of this calibre and location with off road parking are few and far between, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance porch into main hallway, giving access to the kitchen through to utility room, WC/cloakroom, raised dining area through to the lounge, spacious conservatory/dining room, and stairs up to first floor; The upstairs landing gives access to three double bedrooms, bathroom and loft; The garden is accessed from the utility room and conservatory, and there is gated side access also from the front of house.

Located a short walk to highly regarded schools for all age groups 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, as well as the famous cathedral and Norman castle. A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast are all close by, as are beautiful river walks.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Napier Road, Gillingham

Price Guide £200,000

(GUIDE PRICE £200,000 – £220,000)

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this three bedroom house to the market, in a sought-after residential location in Gillingham, Kent, available with NO ONGOING CHAIN. Whilst in need of refurbishment and modernisation throughout, this property boasts three good size bedrooms, two reception rooms and a generous rear garden, and would ideally suit an investor looking to add to their portfolio.

The layout briefly comprises of: Hallway, lounge, separate dining room, kitchen and bathroom W/C. To the first floor there are three separate bedrooms.

Located close to local shops and amenities, open green spaces and parks, schools for all age groups are also nearby. The Medway hospital and station with fast trains to London are a short distance away, as is Gillingham town centre with its vast array of shopping, dining and leisure facilities, whilst all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away.

Council Tax Band B. EPC Grade F.

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3 Bed House 
SSTC

Nickleby Close, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £350,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well presented and enviably located three bedroom semi-detached house to the market, in a sought-after residential cul de sac in Rochester ME1. Boasting three good size bedrooms, three reception areas, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and spacious low maintenance raised garden with patio area and far reaching views, this lovely family home is ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway giving access to lounge, kitchen, dining room, family room, bedroom and shower room W/C. The first floor landing gives access to two double bedrooms with eaves storage and bathroom W/C.

Located within walking distance of highly regarded schools for all age groups, there is also a recreation park a short walk away. The nearby historic High Street offers a wealth of restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutiques, as well as the famous cathedral, Norman castle, and regular festivals and markets. Rochester station offers a 40 minute fast train service into London St Pancras, and all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away.

EPC Grade D. Council Tax Band C.

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3 Bed House 
SSTC

Saunders Street, Gillingham

Offers In The Region Of £160,000

CASH BUYERS ONLY!

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this three bedroom mid-terrace house to the market, in a sought after residential location in Gillingham, Kent, available with NO ONGOING CHAIN. Whilst in need of modernising and updating throughout, this property boasts three bedrooms ( with the third off the second), two reception rooms, and a useful cellar. The property further benefits from a good size rear garden, and a convenient location close to all local amenities. In our opinion, this vacant property would ideally suit an investor looking to add to their portfolio.

The layout briefly comprises of: Hallway, lounge, separate dining room, cellar and kitchen. To the first floor there are three bedrooms (third off the second) and bathroom W/C.

Located close to local shops and amenities, open green spaces and parks, schools for all age groups are also nearby. The Medway hospital and station with fast trains to London are a short distance away, as is Gillingham town centre with its vast array of shopping, dining and leisure facilities, whilst all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away.

Council Tax Band B. EPC Grade D.

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2 Bed House 
For Sale

Semple Gardens, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £250,000

Offering NO CHAIN! GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well presented two bedroom mid-terrace house to the market which would Ideally suit a first time buyer looking to get their foot on the housing ladder, or indeed a great addition to any investment portfolio.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance, lounge/Dining Room and fitted kitchen.. To the first floor there are two good size bedrooms and family bathroom W/C. Benefits include a good size rear garden, off road parking, double glazing and gas central heating.

Conveniently located close to the town, bus stops and all shopping and leisure facilities, the station with fast trains to London, A2/M2/M20 road links, and well regarded schools for all age groups are all close by, whilst the Medway Hospital and the historic Rochester High Street are just a short drive away. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band C.

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
SSTC

Leeward Road, Rochester

Price Guide £350,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this spacious, much loved and well presented semi-detached house to the market, for the first time in approximately 40 years! Available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, and located within walking distance of highly regarded schools for all age groups, this lovely family home boasts a large kitchen/diner, separate good size lounge, impressive conservatory with pitched glass roof, three generous bedrooms and an upstairs family bathroom. Further benefits include block-paved off road parking for two cars, a spacious patio, and a beautifully established lawn garden complete with built-in fishpond and outbuilding. The property has also benefitted from a recent roof refurbishment, including insulation, ridge-tiles and chimney. Properties of this calibre and location with no chain are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Hallway giving access to kitchen/diner through to conservatory, lounge which is also open-plan to kitchen/diner, and stairs up to first floor; The upstairs landing gives access to three good size bedrooms and bathroom. The generous patio and garden can be accessed from the conservatory, and via a gate to the side of the property.

Located in a quiet residential road yet 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 (including Crest Infant Schools at the end of the road), are a walk away.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Longfellow Road, Gillingham

Price Guide £250,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this spacious bay-fronted house to the market, situated in a sought-after location just a short walk from the Medway Hospital. Available with vacant possession and NO ONWARD CHAIN, this recently refreshed and well presented Victorian property boasts a separate good size lounge and dining room, downstairs WC, kitchen and separate utility area to include all white goods (untested), and a stylish modern upstairs shower room. Further benefits include a good size patio and garden, and three good size bedrooms with new carpets. Quite simply, this property is ready to move into and enjoy, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Spacious entrance hallway giving access to the bay-fronted lounge, dining room, kitchen through to rear lobby and WC, with the utility area accessed from the patio; The upstairs landing gives access to three good size bedrooms (two double and one single), and the stylish modern shower room.

Located within walking distance of the Medway Hospital and Gillingham train station with regular high speed services to London, the high street with its range of shops, cafes and restaurants, and local schools for all age groups are nearby. All A2/M2/M20/M25 road links are a short drive away, with a multitude of further shopping, dining and leisure amenities to be found in nearby Chatham and Rochester.

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2 Bed Apartment 
SSTC

St. Margaret’s Street, Rochester

Price Guide £75,000

CASH BUYERS ONLY! NO CHAIN! IN NEED OF FULL REFURBISHMENT!

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this rarely available two bedroom second floor apartment to the market, located in highly sought-after St Margaret’s Street, Rochester ME1. The property boasts a long and spacious hallway with plenty of storage options, two good size bedrooms, and a lounge leading to the balcony with stunning river and countryside views. Whilst in need of complete refurbishment throughout, the opportunity is there to create a fantastic home or investment property in this highly regarded location. Interest is sure to be strong in unique opportunity, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Enviably located overlooking the river Medway with beautiful views, sunsets and walks to enjoy, Churchfields open space is a short walk away, as is the Dickensian High Street with its range of bars, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bi-annual Dickens festivals, famous cathedral and Norman castle. Highly regarded schools for all age groups are also nearby including Kings and St Andrews Private Schools, with grammar school options a short drive away. The station with fast trains to London St Pancras is within walking distance, whilst all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away.

Council Tax Band B. EPC Awaited.

Lease – 38 years approximately
Service Charge- £1400 p.a.(TBC)

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3 Bed House 
SSTC

St. Williams Way, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £325,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well presented three bedroom semi-detached house to the market, in a sought-after residential location within Rochester, ME1. This bay-fronted family home boasts a good size rear garden, off road parking, a study/office, downstairs WC, good size rooms throughout and is available with NO ONWARD CHAIN!

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance hall, lounge, fitted kitchen/dining room, study/office room and cloakroom W/C. To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms and family bathroom W/C.

Located within walking distance of highly regarded schools and a short drive to all A2/M2/M20 road links, nearby historic Rochester offers a fine selection of restaurants, bars, boutiques, the famous cathedral and Norman castle, and beautiful riverside walks, whilst the bi-annual Dickens Festivals provide a great weekend for all ages. Also close by are Rochester and Chatham stations, offering a fast service into London St Pancras, whilst all local/shopping amenities are a short walk/drive away.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to downsize, this immaculate property needs to be viewed to see the potential on offer, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade Awaited. Council Tax Band C.

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