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

Curlew Avenue, Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne

Offers In The Region Of £400,000

Greenleaf Property services are pleased offer to the market this immaculately presented home, situated in the charming riverside village of Lower Halstow. This well-appointed house boasts three bedrooms and an office making it ideal for families or those seeking that extra room.

The property offers a lounge/dining room complete with log burner, fitted kitchen, conservatory, study and downstairs cloakroom W/C.

Upstairs, you will find the three bedrooms with an ensuite shower room W/C and family bathroom. The property also benefits from a garage to the side and off road parking.

Lower Halstow is a picturesque village, offering delightful river walks and a sense of community, while still being close to local amenities. This home is not just a property; it is a lifestyle choice, combining comfort, convenience, and the beauty of riverside living.

EPC Grade C. Council tax band D.

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2 Bed Bungalow - Semi Detached 
For Sale

Higham Road, Wainscott, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £320,000

Available with NO ONWARD CHAIN!

Greenleaf Properties Services are pleased to offer this semi-detached bungalow to the market, situated on the sought after Higham Road, Wainscott. This spacious property, whilst in need of updating throughout, boasts a lovely size rear garden, a conservatory, off road parking, double glazing, gas central heating, and potential to create a lovely family home to your own specification.

The accommodation comprises of: entrance hall, lounge area open-plan but separate to the dining area, kitchen, conservatory, two bedrooms and bathroom W/C.

Located close to highly regarded local schools for all age groups including the newly opened Maritime Academy, all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away. Strood and the historic Rochester town centres both offer a wide range of shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars, whilst the comprehensive Dockside outlet is a short drive away. Strood station provides fast, direct and frequent trains to London St Pancras and the Kent coast. The location is well-served by nearby bus routes making it highly accessible.
Opportunities such as this are few and far between, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
EPC Grade Awaited. Council Tax Band C. Freehold

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
For Sale

Bush Road, Cuxton, Rochester

Price Guide £550,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY to purchase a spacious extended three bedroom semi-detached house in a highly sought-after location, together with approx ONE ACRE of agricultural land. Built in the 1950s, this much-loved and well-presented bay-fronted family home offers space, versatility and comfort for all the family, with an approx 20ft kitchen/diner extension providing the main focal point to the interior accommodation. There is also a separate lounge with log burner, a useful utility and downstairs WC, a further family room, three bedrooms and a family bathroom upstairs. There is off-road parking to the front for several vehicles, whilst to the rear, the property further benefits from the amazing acre of beautiful land and gardens, including a substantial outbuilding storage with entertainment space, large poly-tunnel, pig pens, allotments and orchard, and potential for change of use to equestrian, subject to the new owners wishes and usual permissions. Interest is sure to be strong in this family home with space, land, and self-sustainability for all the family, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of Entrance hallway leading to reception room, utility room, WC, lounge and through to the spacious kitchen/diner and out to garden; The upstairs landing gives access to three bedrooms and family bathroom.

Located between Rochester & West Malling, with quick access to M2/M20/A2. Bluewater Shopping Centre is A 20 minute drive, and the nearby train station serves Maidstone, Medway towns, with fast trains to London via nearby Snodland or Strood stations. Cuxton itself boasts a pub, social club, co-op and a small parade of shops, whilst the nearby village of Halling enjoys the picturesque St. Andrews Lake, with a small man-made beach and water sports. There are also highly regarded local schools in the area for all age groups.

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2 Bed House 
For Sale

Redwing Road, Chatham

Price Guide £73,750

FOR 25% SHARE

Situated in a sought-after area within Walderslade Chatham, this immaculately presented end of terrace house presents an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers. With the opportunity to purchase shared ownership of 25%, this lovely family home is an ideal stepping stone into the housing market, and boasts a spacious open-plan lounge diner, conservatory, two bedrooms, off road parking, economy seven heating and an enclosed rear garden. In our opinion this delightful property should be viewed at your earliest convenience to avoid any disappointment.

The accommodation comprises of entrance hall, fitted kitchen, spacious lounge/dining room and conservatory. To the first floor there are two double bedrooms and bathroom W/C.

Located close to highly regarded schools for all age groups, leisure facilities, and nearby Walderslade Village with its range of shops and amenities, all A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast, and trains stations to London are a short drive away. A further fantastic selection of restaurants, shopping and leisure facilities can be found in nearby Chatham, Gillingham and historic Rochester. Interest is sure to be strong in this family home with so much potential, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade D. Council Tax Band D. Freehold
25% Ownership ( Monthly Rent £483.96)

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2 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Baker Street, Rochester

Price Guide £285,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this characterful mid-terrace Victorian house to the market, in a highly sought-after location within ME1 Rochester. Set over three spacious floors, and available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, this well presented family home boasts three bedrooms (with the third bedroom on the lower ground floor and currently used as an office), a separate lounge and dining room, good size attractive kitchen/diner, and two double bedrooms to the first floor. Further benefits include a well presented patio and garden, double-glazed sash windows with views to the rear, and a location within a walk of schools, transport links, the historic High Street and all local amenities.

The layout briefly comprises of: Front door into lounge, open-plan into dining room, with stairs up to the first floor separating these two areas; The first floor comprises of two double bedrooms, whilst to the lower ground floor there is a further bedroom three/office, kitchen/diner, rear lobby and bathroom. Patio doors from the kitchen/diner lead out to the pretty rear garden.

Located a short walk to Watts Meadow and beautiful local river walks, the property is also within walking distance of the historic Dickensian High Street with its range of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, Norman castle, famous cathedral, and station with 35 minute fast trains to London. Highly regarded locals schools for all age groups are all close by, as are all A2/M2/M20 road links, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House 
For Sale

Rochester Avenue, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £285,000

Greenleaf Property Services are pleased to offer for sale this immaculately presented house, conveniently situated within walking distance of Rochester Town Centre. This spacious bay-fronted three bedroom home has been updated to a high standard and must be viewed to fully appreciate what this house has to offer.

The accommodation comprises of entrance hall, lounge, separate dining room, fitted kitchen and bathroom W/C. To the first floor there are three bedrooms with the third being off the second. The property further benefits from a good size rear garden, double glazing, gas central heating and no forward chain!

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.

EPC Grade D. Council Band B. Freehold.

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2 Bed House 
SSTC

St. James Close, Isle Of Grain, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £250,000

Greenleaf Property Services are pleased to offer for sale this spacious two bedroom end of terrace property, located in the rural village of Grain, Rochester. The property is well presented throughout and would make a lovely family home. Boasting spacious accommodation, off-road parking and a good size rear garden, this property must be viewed to fully appreciate all that’s on offer.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance porch, entrance hall, lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen, utility room, a further reception area and conservatory. To the first floor there are two double bedrooms and shower/wet room W/C.

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 C. Council Tax band B.

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4 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Little Chart Road, Little Chart, Ashford

Offers Over £750,000

Nestled in the picturesque village of Little Chart, Ashford, this remarkable detached house offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a blend of history and potential. Dating back to the 17th century, this Grade 2 Listed property boasts a rich heritage and is set within a generous 2.5-acre plot, providing ample space for outdoor pursuits and the possibility of further development.

With a substantial 1,572 square feet of living space, the house features an inviting lounge/dining room with log burner, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet family evenings. The four well-proportioned bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation, while the three bathrooms ensure convenience for both residents and visitors alike.

Although the property is in need of renovation, it presents a blank canvas for creative minds to restore its former glory and tailor it to modern living standards. The surrounding outbuildings add further potential, whether for storage, workshops, or even conversion into additional living spaces.

Situated in a sought-after location, this home is ideal for those who appreciate the charm of rural life while remaining within easy reach of local amenities and transport links. This property is not just a house; it is a chance to own a piece of history and create a bespoke family home in a tranquil setting. Do not miss the opportunity to explore the possibilities that await in this enchanting residence.

Council tax band E. EPC Exempt.

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2 Bed Apartment 
For Sale

Starboard Crescent, Chatham

Price Guide £240,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this impressive and spacious two bedroom, second floor apartment to the market, in sought-after St Mary’s Island, Chatham. Built in 2020, and available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, this stylish and modern apartment boasts a large entrance hall, two double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, with the master bedroom including an en-suite shower room. There is also a main family bathroom, and a fantastic open-plan integrated kitchen/lounge/diner with patio doors opening onto a spacious balcony with plenty of space for outdoor entertaining. Further benefits include a video entry system, gas central heating, and lift access to the allocated off road parking.

The layout briefly consists of: Spacious “L-shaped” hallway giving access to a large storage cupboard, master bedroom and en suite, bedroom two, family bathroom, and kitchen/lounge/diner out to balcony.

Located close to the Dockside shopping outlet and an extensive selection of shopping, dining, and leisure amenities, beautiful riverside and marina walks are on your doorstep. Chatham station is a short drive away and offers a 35 minute fast train service into London, whilst all A2/M2/M20 road links are also nearby. Chatham itself offers a good selection of schools for all age groups, and a further selection of restaurants, bars, shopping and leisure amenities. Interest is sure to be strong in this beautifully presented apartment, one of the larger ones in this development, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Lease-246 years remaining approx.
Service charge-£2,000 p.a. approx.

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2 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Rochester Avenue, Rochester

Price Guide £250,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this bay-fronted mid-terrace Victorian house to the market, available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, in a sought-after residential location just a short walk to Rochester and all amenities. Boasting two double bedrooms both with separate access to the upstairs bathroom, a separate lounge and dining room, utility room to rear of the kitchen, and a basement room with potential, this property further benefits from the fantastic added bonus of an off-road parking space behind the rear garden, a rarity in this location! Whilst the property is vacant and available for immediate occupation, the opportunity is there to update and modernise to the new owners specification, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance porch into lounge with stairs up to first floor, through to dining room with stairs down to basement, through to kitchen, utility room and out to the garden with bonus parking space; The upstairs landing gives access to two double bedrooms, both with separate access to the bathroom via a spacious inner landing.

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 first-time buyer’s family home with potential, we look forward to hearing from you soon to book your viewing.

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5 Bed House - Detached 
For Sale

Mount Road, Rochester

Price Guide £560,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this substantially extended detached house in a sought-after location within Rochester ME1, a short walk to the highly regarded grammar schools. Boasting NO ONWARD CHAIN, and ready for immediate occupation, this property is as versatile as it is spacious, with the potential for five bedrooms (two on the ground-floor with en suite, and three on the first floor with further bathroom), a utility room with WC/downstairs cloakroom, a great size lounge/diner with log burner, and a good size established rear garden and patio. There is also ample off road parking, and the property has further benefitted from a recent redecoration inside and out. With highly regarded local grammar schools within walking distance and a spacious and versatile property ready to move into and enjoy, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly consists of: Long Entrance hallway giving access to kitchen, utility, WC, two bedrooms and en suite, garden access, and lounge/diner with stairs up to the first floor landing; From here there is access to three further bedrooms and a bathroom.

The nearby historic Rochester High Street offers a range of restaurants, bars and boutiques, Norman castle and famous cathedral, with riverside views, walks, and Priestfields Park just a short walk away. Rochester train station provides a 35 minute fast service to London, and all A2//M2/M20 road links are nearby.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Ingram Road, Gillingham

Price Guide £270,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this spacious and well-presented house to the market, in Gillingham, Kent. Available with NO ONWARD CHAIN, and boasting three/four bedrooms over three versatile floors, this substantially extended bay-fronted family home includes a stunning kitchen/diner with feature lightwell, downstairs shower room and upstairs bathroom, two spacious reception rooms with one currently used as a further bedroom, and a good size patio and garden to the rear. The property has further benefitted from a recent re-rendering, and whilst presented to a good modern standard, retains much space and character throughout.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway giving access to lounge/bedroom four, through to lounge/diner, open-plan to kitchen area, shower room to rear, and dining room area with patio doors out to the garden; Stairs from the lounge/diner lead down to bedroom three on the lower ground floor, whilst stairs from the ground floor lead up to the two double bedrooms, with an inner hallway giving both bedrooms separate access to the bathroom.

Located a short walk to the station with fast services to London, all local amenities and schools are nearby. A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, as is the High Street, and Dockside Shopping Centre offering a further extensive selection of shopping, dining and leisure facilities. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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