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 - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

West Park Road, Maidstone

Price Guide £350,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this spacious and well presented bay-fronted 1930s family home to the market, in a popular Maidstone location within a short walk of Mote Park and highly regarded schools. Available for the first time in many years, this impressive mid-terrace property has been much loved by the current owners and completely refurbished over the time they’ve been there, and is ready to move into and enjoy. Boasting three bedrooms, downstairs shower room/WC and upstairs bathroom, lounge, bespoke kitchen open-plan to impressive conservatory/dining room, and a good size established garden with large decked patio area perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining, this stylish family home further benefits from off road parking for two cars, and a bonus spacious loft/play room.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance porch open-plan into the spacious hallway giving access to lounge, downstairs shower room/WC, kitchen open-plan into the conservatory/dining room with double doors leading out to the large decked patio and garden; The upstairs landing gives access to three bedrooms, family bathroom, and versatile loft/play room.

Located within a short walk of the ever popular Mote Park and leisure centre, highly regarded local schools for all age groups, and the town centre with it’s abundance of dining, shopping and leisure facilities, all A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast are nearby. There are also stations offering fast services to London, and for those looking for further dining, shopping and leisure amenities Bluewater Shopping Centre is approx 20 minutes drive away.

This deceptively spacious and versatile property is ready to move into and enjoy, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Dakota Drive, Chatham

Price Guide £425,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this impressive modern mid-terrace house to the market, in the highly sought-after Horsted Park development on the Chatham/Rochester borders, with NO ONGOING CHAIN. Built in 2017, with the remaining new home warranty, this well presented family home boasts three good size bedrooms with en suite to master, stylish open-plan kitchen/diner with integrated appliances and breakfast bar, separate lounge, a useful good size summerhouse/office to rear with power and light, and allocated off road parking for two cars. Further benefits include a recent newly refurbished shower room and the possibility of existing furniture and wardrobes to stay.

The layout briefly consists of: Storm-porch with storage cupboard into hallway giving access to lounge, WC/Cloakroom, stairs up to first floor, and through to spacious kitchen/diner out to garden; The good size landing gives access to three double bedrooms, en suite, shower-room, loft and storage cupboard.

Enviably located on the highly sought-after exclusive Horsted Park development, this delightful modern three bedroom 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 into three double bedroom house with no chain, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House 
For Sale

Hawthorn Road, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £335,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this well presented three bedroom semi-detached freehold house to the market, in Strood, Rochester. The property has been much loved by the current vendors for many years and benefits from a good size landscaped rear garden perfect for entertaining, with impressive summer house/office to rear, off road parking, double glazing and gas central heating.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway with stairs ahead up to the first floor, doorway into the lounge through to the kitchen and bathroom W/C with shower. To the first floor there are three separate bedrooms.

Located close to local shops, amenities, schools, doctors surgery, bus stops and all A2/M2/M20 road links, nearby Strood town is a short drive/bus journey away, offering an extensive selection of shopping and leisure facilities, and a fast train service to London of approximately 40 minutes.
Opportunities such as this are few and far between, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC C/Council tax band C.

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4 Bed House - End Terrace 
For Sale

London Road, Rochester

Price Guide £379,995

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to present to the market this attractive mews-style end-of-terrace townhouse, located in a a sought-after gated development within walking distance of town, all amenities, and station with fast trains to London. Built in 2006, and offering four bedrooms over four spacious and versatile floors, this family home further benefits from an impressive open-plan kitchen/diner/family room, good size utility room, en suite to master bedroom, two separate WCs, family bathroom, integral garage converted to bike storage and extra space to the lounge, and a Juliette balcony to bedroom two. The property also benefits from off road parking, and a private courtyard-style south-east facing garden accessed from both the lounge and kitchen/diner. Whilst the property has been well cared for by the current owners and is ready to move into and enjoy, the opportunity is there to refresh and create a fantastic home for all the family, subject to the new owners wishes.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance hallway with integral garage to side, stairs up to first floor, doorway through to lounge, WC and stairs down to lower ground floor; The lower ground floor consists of spacious kitchen/diner/family room, utility room and WC; The first floor landing gives access to bedrooms two, three and four, and family bathroom; the second floor landing gives access to eaves storage cupboard, and master bedroom with en suite access from there.

Located within walking distance of the stations with 35 minute fast trains to London, all local shopping and leisure amenities, and highly regarded schools for all age groups, the historic Rochester High Street is also just a short walk away. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, and the popular Bluewater Shopping Centre can be accessed by car in approx 20 minutes.
Properties in this location are rarely available, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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1 Bed Apartment - Purpose Built 
For Sale

St. Margarets Street, Rochester

Price Guide £170,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to present to the market this characterful one bedroom apartment, available with NO ONGOING CHAIN, and ready for immediate occupation! This well presented property boasts truly stunning river views from the bay windows of the spacious lounge/diner, and is located on the highly sought-after St Margarets Street in the “Golden Triangle” location of Rochester ME1. Further benefits include a long lease, allocated off road parking to the rear, a double bedroom with wardrobes to stay, gas central heating, and a well presented good size bathroom. The kitchen is also well presented, and includes all appliances (untested), so is perfect for any first-time buyers looking to get their foot on the ladder, or indeed anyone looking to downsize. The property has been well cared for and much loved by the previous owner for many years, and is ready to move into and enjoy, however the opportunity is also there for the new owners to add their own stamp in due course.

The layout briefly consists of: Main front door into the well presented communal hallway with two short flights of stairs up to the apartment; The front door leads into the L shaped hallway, giving access to the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and through to the lounge/diner.

Located a pleasant short walk to the historic High Street and a wealth of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, the Vines Park is also on your doorstep, along with the ever popular castle and Rochester cathedral. The station, with 40 minute fast trains to London St Pancras is also within walking distance, as are highly regarded local schools for all age groups, including the renowned Kings and St Andrews Private Schools. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, whilst beautiful riverside walks are on your doorstep.
We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment, and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Service charge approx £1800 p.a.
Lease 155 years

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4 Bed House - Detached 
SSTC

Snodhurst Avenue, Horsted, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £550,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented detached house to the market for the first time in many years, available with NO ONGOING CHAIN! Built in 1970, and boasting a stunning lounge/diner with a spacious balcony offering far-reaching views, a separate dining room with potential for use as a fourth bedroom, a recently refitted kitchen, three bedrooms, self-contained studio/annexe to the lower ground-floor, heated swimming pool set in grounds of 0.3 acre, and ample off road parking for several cars, this impressive family home offers space, potential and versatility throughout, and is ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Good size hallway giving access to dining room/bedroom four, kitchen out to utility/lean-to area, WC/cloakroom, stairs up to first floor, and lounge out to the balcony with views; The first floor landing gives access to the three bedrooms with ample storage, and family bathroom; The utility area gives access to the self-contained studio/annexe to the lower ground-floor with separate kitchen, lounge and bedroom area, and good size bathroom; The large patio, swimming pool and gardens are also accessed via the utility area, and a gated entrance to the side of the property.

The property is ideally located close to local shops, amenities and highly regarded schools, and is a short drive/bus to Walderslade Village with a further host of shops and services. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, whilst Bluewater Shopping Centre is approx 20 minutes by car and also serviced by bus. Chatham and Rochester train stations are a short drive away and offer 40 minute fast services to London St Pancras, and a further selection of restaurants, cafes, shopping and leisure amenities. Interest is sure to be strong in this beautifully presented property with no chain, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Crow Lane, Rochester

Price Guide £465,000

GREENLEAF Property Services are delighted to offer for sale this well presented and deceptively spacious property to the market, set on one of Rochester’s most sought-after roads. Boasting secure off road parking for two cars, three double bedrooms, a separate dining room with potential for use as a fourth double bedroom, open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, separate good size lounge, and spacious accommodation over three floors, this versatile family home, located just off the historic High Street, really must be viewed to be fully appreciate the potential on offer.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room and dining room, to the first floor there is a spacious lounge, bedroom three and family bathroom W/C with separate shower, and the third floor offers two further double bedrooms. Further benefits include double glazing, gas central heating, and security shutters to the ground-floor windows.

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 are rarely available, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Freehold. EPC Grade D. Council Tax Band E.

More Details

3 Bed House - Townhouse 
For Sale

Redwing Avenue, Iwade, Sittingbourne

Offers In The Region Of £325,000

Greenleaf Property Services are please to offer to the market this well presented family home situated in the sought-after village of Iwade, Sittingbourne.
Set over three floors, this delightful property offers good size accommodation throughout and must be viewed to fully appreciate all that’s on offer. The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance hall, cloakroom W/C, kitchen with integrated appliances, and lounge/dining room. To the second floor there are two double bedrooms and family bathroom, whilst on the third floor there is the third double bedroom with dressing area and en-suite shower room W/C. The property further benefits from an enclosed rear garden and allocated parking for two cars.
The village of Iwade is a popular residential location and has many benefits including a highly regarded primary school for the growing family, a nearby doctors surgery, local convenience shops, hairdressers and public house. Iwade also provides good connections for commuters with local coach stops and direct access to the M2/A2 via the A249, giving access to London and Kent coasts.

EPC Grade Awaited .
Council Band D.

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3 Bed House 
SSTC

Jeyes Road, Gillingham

£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.
The property is conveniently located within a short walk of Gillingham train station with regular services to London. The Medway Hospital, and the high street with its extensive range of shops, cafes and restaurants are all nearby, as are local schools for all age groups. 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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1 Bed Apartment 
For Sale

Marina Point East, Chatham

Price Guide £159,995

GREENLEAF are delighted to introduce this well presented one bedroom apartment, situated on the fifth floor of the East Tower on the Chatham Maritime Marina, and offering panoramic views across the marina and the River Medway towards Upnor Castle. 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 comprising of bath with shower over, basin, W.C and built-in mirrored storage, open plan kitchen/living room, and double bedroom with 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 £406 per quarter
Ground Rent-approx £62.50 per quarter
Lease approx 135 years

EPC GRADE B / COUNCIL TAX BAND D

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4 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

New Road, Chatham

Price Guide £485,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this immaculately presented Grade Two listed Georgian townhouse to the market, complete with off-road parking for two cars, and available with NO ONGOING CHAIN. Built in 1794, and set over four spacious floors in a sought-after conservation area within a short walk to Chatham station with high-speed services to London, this characterful period property boasts four double bedrooms, a separate lounge and dining room, second-floor shower room, stunning first-floor bathroom and downstairs WC, a bonus basement/utility room with potential for a variety of uses, new engineered oak flooring, and a recently new high quality kitchen. The property further benefits from an established and attractive south-facing low-maintenance garden with access to the two off road parking spaces, a study area on the second floor landing, and is quite simply ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway giving access lounge, dining room out to garden, kitchen, WC/cloakroom, stairs up to first floor and down to basement with own front door and window; The first floor landing gives access to two double bedrooms, impressive bathroom, and large inner landing with built-in wardrobes; The second floor landing gives access to two further double bedrooms, study area, and shower room.

Located within a short walk of Chatham station with 45 minute fast trains to London, the bus station is also nearby, and all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away. There are a selection of highly regarded schools for all age groups both in Chatham and nearby Rochester, and a wealth of shopping, dining and leisure amenities in the local areas. Interest is sure to be strong in this rather special historic family home, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Chinon Grove, Rochester

Price Guide £475,000

(£475,000 – £500,000)GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce to the market this beautifully presented detached house, complete with garage, office/summerhouse, ample off road parking, and a peaceful cul de sac location a few steps from stunning riverside walks and views. Built in 2019, with the remaining NHBC warranty still in place, this well-appointed spacious and light family home boasts high quality flooring and stylish modern decoration, a lovely open-plan kitchen/diner with integral appliances, separate lounge, downstairs WC/cloakroom, utility room, and a “master suite” with its own hallway and access to the en suite shower room. There is a good size low-maintenance garden and patio, and the property further benefits from a peaceful outlook over the protected nature reserve to the side, and is just a few minutes walk to stunning riverside views and walks.

The layout briefly consists of: Spacious entrance hallway giving access to kitchen/diner through to utility room, WC/cloakroom, and lounge; The upstairs landing gives access to two double bedrooms, family bathroom, and master bedroom with own hallway and en suite. The garden is accessed via the patio doors in the kitchen/diner, and there is also rear garage/parking access from the utility room. The bonus summerhouse/office has been built to a high standard, and benefits from power and light, perfect for a variety of uses.

Located within a walk of Medway Valley Park with the Odeon, restaurants and leisure facilities on your doorstep, Strood, Rochester, and Cuxton stations with fast trains to London are a short drive away, as are all A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast. Highly regarded schools for all age groups are nearby, whilst Strood and Rochester boast a further abundance of restaurants, shopping, dining and leisure amenities. This much loved property has been well cared for by the current owner, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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