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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3 Bed House 
For Sale

Borstal Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £425,000

GREENLEAF Property Services are delighted to offer for sale this well presented and spacious property to the market, set on one of Rochester’s most sought-after roads. Set over three floors and offering far reaching views across the Medway, this property must be viewed to be appreciated.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance hall, cloakroom W/C, spacious lounge and fitted kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances. To the first floor there is the main bedroom and family bathroom/WC, whilst two further bedrooms are located on the third floor. The property benefits from an established landscaped rear garden, integral garage and off road parking to front.

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 and location in this condition are rarely available, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band E.

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3 Bed House 
SSTC

Shakespeare Road, Gillingham

Offers In The Region Of £265,000

GREENLEAF Property Services are delighted to introduce this well presented three bedroom mid-terrace Victorian house to the market, in Gillingham, Kent. This attractive looking property benefits from NO CHAIN, and is ready to move into and enjoy. The accommodation comprises of entrance, lounge, separate dining room, fitted kitchen and bathroom W/C. To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms. Further benefits include double glazing, gas central heating and a good size rear garden. Located within a short walk of Gillingham train station with regular services to London, the Medway Hospital, and the high street with its range of shops, cafes and restaurants, local schools for all age groups are nearby. With A2/M2/M20/M25 road links a short drive away also, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Freehold.
EPC grade D.
Council tax band B

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Priory Row, Faversham

Offers In The Region Of £355,000

Greenleaf property Services are excited to bring to market this immaculately presented property, located on the sought-after Priory Row, Faversham.

This three bedroom family home has been updated to a high standard by the current owner and is conveniently located in close proximity to Davington Primary school and a short drive from Faversham’s mainline railway station and medieval town centre, and further benefits from being just a stones throw from surrounding countryside and a short drive to the coast.

The property offers spacious accommodation throughout, and comprises of entrance porch, entrance hall, cloakroom W/C, lounge, modern fitted kitchen and separate dining room. French doors lead from the dining room onto the low maintenance, yet nicely landscaped rear garden- great for the family to enjoy during the summer months. To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms and family bathroom W/C.

Outside, the property comes with good sized insulated garage/workshop to rear, complete with inspection pit and off road parking to the front of the property. Call now to arrange your appointment to view!

EPC Grade C. Council tax band C.

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2 Bed House 
For Sale

Holborough Road, Snodland

Price Guide £235,000

GREENLEAF are delighted to introduce this characterful two-bedroom end-of-terrace house to the market, on the sought-after Snodland High Street, Rochester. Boasting surprisingly spacious accommodation throughout, this well presented property is ready to move into and enjoy, whilst also offering the opportunity to add your own stamp as you wish. The layout briefly consists of: Entrance into lounge, separate dining room and kitchen. The first-floor landing gives access to two good sized bedrooms and a generous family bathroom W/C. To the rear of the property there is a small private courtyard.
The property is set within close proximity to Halling station which has connections to Strood & Maidstone stations for direct trains to London and the south coast, and all M2/M20/A2 road links are nearby. The property is also conveniently close to Bluewater shopping centre, being just a twenty minute drive away, and well regarded local schools. Further highly regarded schools for all age groups are located in nearby Strood, Rochester, Snodland and Maidstone. This lovely property will appeal to first-time buyers, investors, or perhaps those who are looking to downsize, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. Call now to arrange a viewing!
EPC Grade D/ Council tax band B.

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3 Bed House - End Terrace 
For Sale

Thomas Street, Rochester

Price Guide £265,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented end-of-terrace Victorian house to the market, in central Rochester, within a short walk of the town and all local amenities. This lovely family home boasts three bedrooms, a recently new stylish kitchen open-plan to the dining room, separate lounge, a private low-maintenance refurbished garden, a light and spacious bathroom, and is simply ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Lounge with stairs up to first floor, through to the open-plan dining room and kitchen, with the bathroom to the rear of property; The upstairs landing gives access to double bedrooms one and two, with the third spacious single bedroom off the second.

Set in the sought-after ME1 location a short walk from highly regarded private and state schools, all local amenities and A2/M2/M20 road links are nearby. The historic High Street is within walking distance also, and offers a fine selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques, as well as the ever popular Norman castle, famous cathedral, and bi-annual Dickens festivals. Nearby Rochester station offers a 35 minute fast service into London St Pancras, whilst Blue Water shopping centre is a 20 minute drive away. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Terraced 
SSTC

Gardiner Street, Gillingham

Offers In The Region Of £230,000

GREENLEAF Property Services are delighted to introduce this well presented three bedroom mid-terraced Victorian house to the market, in Gillingham, Kent. This attractive looking property benefits from NO CHAIN, and is ready to move into and enjoy. The accommodation comprises of entrance, lounge, separate dining room, fitted kitchen and shower room W/C. To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms (third off the second). Benefits include double glazing, gas central heating and a good size rear garden. Located within a short walk of Gillingham train station with regular services to London, the Medway Hospital, and the high street with its range of shops, cafes and restaurants, local schools for all age groups are nearby. With A2/M2/M20/M25 road links a short drive away also, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Freehold.
EPC grade C.
Council tax band B

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3 Bed House 
For Sale

High Street, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £280,000

Greenleaf Property Services are pleased to offer for sale this well presented freehold end-terrace cottage, conveniently situated within walking distance of Rochester Town Centre and offering NO CHAIN. This spacious bay-fronted three bedroom character family home must be viewed at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
The accommodation comprises of entrance porch, inner hallway, spacious open-plan lounge/dining room and kitchen. To the first floor there are two double bedrooms and family bathroom W/C, whilst the third master bedroom is situated on the second floor, and boasts high ceilings and plenty of space for ample storage. The property further benefits from a courtyard style rear garden with spacious side access, double glazing and gas central heating.
Nearby historic Rochester High Street offers a range of restaurants, bars and boutiques, Norman castle and famous cathedral, with beautiful riverside views and walks. Rochester train station is in walking distance and provides a 35 minute fast service to London St Pancras, whilst all A2,M2 & M20 road links are nearby. Highley regarded local schools are within walking distance and the property is ready to move into and enjoy, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
EPC Grade D. Council Band B.

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2 Bed Bungalow - Detached 
SSTC

City Way, Rochester

Price Guide £550,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautiful two bedroom detached bungalow on the sought-after City Way, Rochester. Available with NO ONGOING CHAIN and bursting with potential, this previously much-loved family home boasts a garage, ample off road parking, a good size garden, and potential for the new owners to update and expand subject to the new owners wishes and usual permissions.

Floorplan and EPC awaited.

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2 Bed Apartment - Purpose Built 
For Sale

Conveyor Drive, Halling, Rochester

Price Guide £230,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented two bedroom GROUNDFLOOR apartment, on the sought-after St Andrews Lakes development in Halling, Rochester. Boasting allocated off road parking and a good size communal garden, this perfectly formed property boasts two double bedrooms, an en suite, spacious family bathroom, and an impressive open-plan kitchen/lounge/diner with windows to front and rear of the room to enjoy the morning and evening sunshine. This property is quite simply ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Spacious and light hallway with plenty of storage options giving access to the master bedroom with en suite, bedroom two, family bathroom, and through to the open-plan kitchen/lounge/diner.

Whilst the property enjoys a peaceful residential location with a children’s playground a short walk away, all A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast are close by. There are a selection of schools in the local area, and the historic Halling High Street, train station, Bishops Palace, local amenities, shopping facilities, and pubs are a walk away. On your doorstep are beautiful river and countryside walks, whilst St Andrews lakes provide swimming, fishing, diving and other leisure facilities. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Service charge-£1733.96 p.a.
Ground Rent-£380 p.a.
Estate Fee-£304.43 p.a.
Lease length -113 years

Lease length- 113 years
Service charge-£1,733.96 p.a.
Ground Rent-£380.00 p.a.
Estate Fee-£304.24

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Nickleby Close, Rochester

Price Guide £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. Available with NO ONGOING CHAIN, and boasting three DOUBLE bedrooms, a good size lounge with parquet flooring, separate kitchen/diner, and spacious low maintenance landscaped garden with raised patio area and far reaching views, this lovely family home is ready to move into and enjoy. Further benefits include an integral garage with off road parking, offering the potential to convert to further accommodation, subject to new owners wishes and usual permissions.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway giving access to lounge, kitchen/diner out to garden, and stairs up to first floor landing with storage underneath; The first floor landing gives access to three double bedrooms, bathroom, separate WC, storage cupboard and loft. The garden runs the full width of the property and also benefits from side access.

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.
Interest is sure to be strong in this rarely available chain-free semi-detached house, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Rochester Avenue, Rochester

Price Guide £375,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented Victorian townhouse to the market, in sought-after Rochester ME1. Built in 1894 and set over four impressive floors, this stunning terraced bay-fronted family home bursting with character boasts three/four double bedrooms, a spacious and characterful open-plan kitchen/diner/family room to the lower ground-floor, a stylish bathroom with separate shower and bath, and a lovely terrace and established garden to the rear. Further benefits include an outside WC and utility to the rear terrace, potential to create a fourth bedroom, many original features throughout, and a location within a walk of all local amenities.

The layout briefly consists of: Open-plan hallway into the lounge/reception room, through to the inner hallway giving access to the bathroom, stairs down to the lower ground floor, and up to the first floor; The stunning open-plan kitchen/diner/family room is located on the lower ground-floor with patio doors leading out to the terrace, garden and WC/utility; The first floor landing gives access to two double bedrooms, with further stairs up to the second floor landing and third double bedroom.

Located within a walk of highly regarded schools for all age groups and the historic High Street with it’s range of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, famous cathedral and castle, the nearby station provides a 40 minute fast-train service into London St Pancras. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, as are further leisure and shopping amenities. Interest is sure to be strong in this truly impressive property, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed Apartment 
For Sale

Davy Court, Rochester

Price Guide £275,000

(£275,000 – £285,000) GREENLEAF are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented apartment to the market, in a highly sought-after exclusive gated development, just off Rochester High Street. Built in 2003, and boasting versatility and space throughout, this unique apartment is set on the first floor and boasts allocated parking, three double bedrooms, en-suite shower room and family bathroom W/C. The property has been much cared for by the current owners for many years, and is simply ready to move into and enjoy.
The layout briefly consists of entrance hall, lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen, three bedrooms (with the master having an en-suite shower room W/C), and family bathroom W/C.
Located a short walk to the historic Rochester High Street and its range of quirky boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants, cathedral, castle and station with 35 minute fast trains to London St Pancreas, highly regarded local schools for all age groups are close by, including Kings and St Andrews private schools. With A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast a short drive away, river walks on your doorstep and a range of leisure and shopping nearby, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Freehold charge £300 p.a
Maintenance charge £ 2400 p.a
Lease approximately 102 years remaining.

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band D.

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