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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4 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
SSTC

Warden Road, Rochester

Price Guide £375,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this substantially extended double-aspect semi-detached house to the market, in a sought-after residential location a short walk from the Rochester Grammar Schools. The property boasts a double-storey extension to the rear with a further ground-floor extension, a recently new impressive conservatory/dining room and new front door, a utility room, two bathrooms, and four double bedrooms. Further benefits include established front and rear gardens, off road parking with potential to create more, double glazing and a recently new boiler. Whilst this spacious and versatile family home has been well cared for by the current owners for many years and is ready to move into and enjoy, the opportunity is also there however, to update and modernise to your own specification. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Compact entrance hall with stairs up to first floor, into lounge, open-plan to conservatory/dining room out to garden, kitchen/breakfast room, through to utility room/dining room, and inner hallway through to bedroom four and WC/bathroom; The upstairs landing gives access to three further double bedrooms, the family bathroom, and the loft.

Peacefully located in a quiet residential area, a short walk from Maidstone Road Rochester, and all major A2/M2/M20 road links and bus stops, local amenities and highly regarded schools including the Rochester Grammar Schools are all a short distance away. The historic High Street with its range of boutiques, restaurants, bars, famous cathedral, Norman castle, and station with 35 minute fast trains to London is within a 20 minute walk. Call now to book your viewing!

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2 Bed Apartment 
For Sale

Ward View, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £200,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented and spacious two double-bedroom apartment, enviably located in the sought-after Ward View, Chatham. This stylish property, located on the first floor, boasts a spacious hallway giving access to two generously sized double bedrooms, a modern bathroom W/C, and a stunning open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, all tastefully decorated and simply ready to move into and enjoy. Further benefits include allocated off-road parking, a long lease and integrated appliances.

Ideally located close to all amenities and the town centre offering a range of dining, leisure and shopping facilities, the bus and train stations are nearby with fast services to London, as are all A2/M2/M20 road links. The nearby historic Dockyard offers a further extensive range of dining, leisure and shopping facilities, whilst local schools and parks are nearby. Properties of this quality and in this location are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC B. Council tax band C. Lease – Approx. 139 years – Management fee – £1842 P.A – Ground Rent – £250 P.A

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Quixote Crescent, Rochester

Price Guide £365,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY! – CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR VIEWING TIME!

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented semi-detached house to the market, in the sought-after Frindsbury location of Strood, Rochester. Boasting off road parking for two cars, three good size bedrooms, an office/spare room, and a loft room with potential to create further accommodation subject to usual permissions, this lovely family home is available with a complete chain above, and the opportunity to simply move in and enjoy. Further benefits include a spacious open-plan lounge/diner with tasteful herringbone oak flooring, and a well cared-for good size low maintenance garden perfect for entertaining, featuring an impressive summerhouse with potential for a variety of uses.

The layout briefly comprises of: Compact hallway with stairs up to first floor, and doorway giving access to the spacious open-plan lounge/diner, with double doors out to the patio and garden; From the dining area, a doorway leads into the kitchen leading through to the office/spare room; The upstairs landing gives access to three good size bedrooms, bathroom, and loft with potential.

Located close to highly regarded local schools for all age groups, Strood station with 35 minute fast trains to London is a brisk walk away, as is the town centre providing a wealth of shopping, dining and leisure facilities. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, whilst there are beautiful local walks on your doorstep at the nearby Broom Hill Park. The nearby Dickensian Rochester High Street offers a further variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques and clubs, as well as the ever popular castle, cathedral and highly sought-after schools. Interest is sure to be strong in this ready-to-move-into family home, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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2 Bed Apartment 
For Sale

Dock Head Road, Chatham

Offers Over £200,000

GREENLEAF are delighted to introduce this well presented apartment, situated on the third floor of the East Tower on the Chatham Maritime Marina, and offering panoramic views across the marina, with the added benefit of NO CHAIN! This modern luxury apartment is complimented by high quality fixtures and fittings to both the bathroom and kitchen, including integrated appliances. The spacious accommodation briefly comprises of: Entrance hallway with utility cupboard, well appointed bathroom and ensuite shower room, open plan kitchen/living room, and two double bedrooms with the master having fitted wardrobes. The Dockside complex has a vast array of activities including shopping, a cinema, gym, restaurants and bars, and the property further benefits from secure undercover parking with direct lift access. Interest is sure to be strong in this perfect first-time buyer or investment purchase, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Service charge-approx £3600 P.A
Ground Rent-approx £100 P.A
Lease approx 132 years

EPC GRADE B / COUNCIL TAX BAND E

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4 Bed House - Townhouse 
SSTC

Common Creek Wharf, Rochester

Price Guide £590,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented semi-detached townhouse to the market, on a sought-after waterside development in Rochester ME1. This substantial family home is set over three spacious and light floors, and boasts an integral tandem (double) garage with potential for further bedroom/office to rear, utility room, impressive integrated kitchen/lounge/diner, four double bedrooms with a master en-suite, and direct river views over the river Medway and beyond. This imposing property was built in 2021 (with the remaining NHBC guarantee) and features high quality fixtures and fittings throughout. Further benefits include stylish Juliette balconies to front and rear, downstairs WC/cloakroom, utility room, ample storage and built-in wardrobes, off street parking, and a spacious west-facing, low maintenance patio and garden.

Brief layout: Good size hallway with ample storage, WC/cloakroom, utility room, and access to the tandem double garage; the first floor landing gives access to bedroom four and the open-plan kitchen/dining area/lounge, and second floor giving access to the master bedroom and en suite, family bathroom, and bedrooms two and three.

Located within a 5 minute walk of the historic Rochester High Street with its range of cafes, restaurants boutiques, cathedral and castle, the mainline station is even closer and offers hi-speed services to London Bridge (40mins), Cannon Street (45mins), Victoria (45mins) and St Pancras (38 min) where you can catch the Eurostar. A local CO-OP store, Costa coffee and riverside walks and playgrounds are on your doorstep, and there are a range of schools, private and state, with the new Rochester Riverside primary school and Kings School all within walking distance. There are also excellent road links via the A2, M2, M20 and M25 to Maidstone, Canterbury, London, and Bluewater shopping centre. Stansted, Gatwick and London City airports can all be reached within 60-90 minutes by car

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2 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
SSTC

Wood Street, Gillingham

Offers Over £250,000

Available with NO ONGOING CHAIN, Greenleaf Property Services are delighted to offer this spacious semi-detached property to the market, situated in the sought-after Brompton location, conveniently nestled between Gillingham and Chatham.

Accommodation comprises of hallway giving access to the lounge and spacious kitchen/dining room with doors leading out to the patio and garden. The lounge is also open-plan to the kitchen/diner. To the first floor there are two good size bedrooms and shower room W/C.

Located close to local amenities and the town centres offering a range of dining, leisure and shopping facilities, the bus and train stations are nearby with fast services to London, as are all A2/M2/M20 road links. The nearby historic Dockyard offers a further extensive range of dining, leisure and shopping facilities, whilst local schools and parks are nearby.

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

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band B.

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
SSTC

St. James Road, Isle Of Grain, Rochester

Price Guide £235,000

Offered with NO ONGOING CHAIN!

Greenleaf Property Services are please to offer for sale this spacious three bedroom semi-detached property in the rural village location of Grain, Rochester. Whilst in need of modernisation and refurbishment throughout, this family home with potential boasts a separate lounge and dining room, a utility room and conservatory, garage to side with further potential, and offers the opportunity to to create an ideal family home to your own specifications.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance porch, entrance hall, lounge, separate dining room, conservatory, kitchen, garden room and utility room. To the first floor there are three bedrooms and family bathroom W/C. Further benefits include a garage to side and off road parking.

Situated on the outskirts of Rochester, the village of Grain boasts a range of amenities, including local convenience stores, school, pubs, and a post office—all within close proximity. There is a nearby beach, perfect for leisurely walks and family outings, and a lovely park area a short walk from the house itself.
For those commuting into London, a reliable coach service operates nearby, offering convenient collection points, whilst Strood and Rochester stations offer a 35 minute fast train service into London, and are approx a 20 minute drive away. Strood and Rochester towns also offer a further extensive range of shopping, restaurants and leisure facilities, with A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast nearby.

EPC Grade Awaited. Council Tax band B.

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3 Bed House 
For Sale

Longhill Avenue, Chatham

Price Guide £265,000

Available with NO ONGOING CHAIN, Greenleaf Property Services are delighted to offer to the market this spacious semi-detached property to the market, situated in a lovely quiet, sought-after location in Chatham.

Accommodation briefly comprises of: Hallway giving access to the spacious lounge/dining room and fitted kitchen; To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms and a family bathroom W/C. Further benefits include a tiered garden with decked patio area, gas central heating, and double glazing.

Located close to local amenities and the town centre offering a range of dining, leisure and shopping facilities, the bus and train stations are nearby with fast services to London, as are all A2/M2/M20 road links. The nearby historic Dockyard offers a further extensive range of dining, leisure and shopping facilities, whilst local schools and parks are nearby.
Properties of this quality in this location are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade C.
Council Tax Band D.
Freehold.

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2 Bed House - End Terrace 
SSTC

Kings Road, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £160,000

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

The layout briefly comprises of: Lounge, separate dining room, kitchen and bathroom W/C. To the first floor there are two double 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 Chatham 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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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

The Coppice, Vigo, Gravesend

Offers In The Region Of £325,000

AVAILABLE WITH NO ONWARD CHAIN!

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are pleased to offer for sale this good size family home situated in the sought-after Vigo Village.

The accommodation briefly comprises of: Entrance porch into entrance hall, spacious lounge/dining room and kitchen; To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms, family bathroom and separate W/C. Further benefits include an integral garage with potential, off road parking, double glazing and gas central heating. Although this family home is in need of some general TLC throughout, the property is ready to move into and enjoy, whilst providing the potential to update, modernise and even extend, subject to your own personal taste, and usual permissions.

Vigo Village is a sought-after location close to a variety of local amenities, and is located just a short drive from the M25/M20 motorways, which provides easy access to London and Kent coasts. There are also regular bus services to nearby towns and villages, a selection of schools for all age groups, and a train station in nearby Meopham, providing direct services to London. Interest is sure to be strong in this family home with potential, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade D/Council Tax Band C.

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4 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Little Chart Road, Little Chart, Ashford

Price Guide £950,000

We are delighted to offer this stunning 4 Bedroom Detached Period house.
Orchard Cottage is a 17th Century Grade II Listed Property with many original character features.

The downstairs accommodation has limestone flooring throughout. It comprises of a modern kitchen including an island, study, large hallway/boot room with stairwell and gallery landing, downstairs shower room and an exceptional main reception room which boasts a dual aspect fireplace with a log burner in situ.

Upstairs are 4 good size bedrooms two of which have recently been re-decorated with warm inviting colours, an en-suite shower room to the master bedroom. It also has a recently installed family bathroom complete with a roll-top bath and shower.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

St. Lukes Way, Allhallows, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £280,000

GREENLEAF are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented three bedroom mid-terraced house to the market, in sought-after Allhallows, Rochester. Boasting attractive low-maintenance front and rear gardens with off road parking and a garage en bloc, this attractive family home is peacefully located on St Lukes Way, opposite an attractive green space and a short walk to to the village and local amenities.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance porch into spacious hallway giving access to kitchen, a great size lounge/dining room, with patio doors to garden; Upstairs the landing gives access to three good size bedrooms with an en-suite W/C to the master, and bathroom/shower room W/C. To the rear there is access to the garage and off road parking.

Allhallows is located in a rural setting within the Hoo peninsular with the village providing a primary school, local shops and doctors. Nearby Hoo provides a more comprehensive range of amenities including leisure centre, swimming pool, secondary school, restaurants, pubs and shops. There are lovely riverside and country walks on your doorstep, with bus services and easy access to the A2/M2 road links. Railway stations with fast train services to London are available from Strood and Higham, with a high speed service from Ebbsfleet.

Council tax band B/ EPC Grade C / Freehold

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