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 - Townhouse 
SSTC

The Historic Dockyard, Chatham

Price Guide £425,000

GREENLEAF PROPERFTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented executive townhouse to the market, in the highly sought after location of the Historic Dockyards, Chatham. Boasting four spacious bedrooms over three versatile floors, three bathrooms including two en suites, balconies front and rear with new doors, a self-contained ground floor bedroom with en suite, dressing area and utility, this truly impressive and much-loved family home is available for the first time in many years, and is simply ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly consists of: Hallway giving access to stairs up to first floor, doorway into dressing area leading to double bedroom four, en suite, garage/storeroom, utility and doorway access out to patio area; The first floor leads open-plan into the spacious lounge with balcony to the front, and kitchen/diner to the rear, with access to rear balcony and garden; The second floor landing gives access to three bedrooms, (including two more doubles), an en suite to the master, and further family bathroom. To the front of the property there is off road parking in front of the garage, and to the rear a private low-maintenance garden perfect for outdoor entertaining and dining.

Located in the sought-after Historic Dockyard enjoying 24/7 security and impressive peaceful surroundings, the Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre is a short distance away providing a wealth of shopping, dining and leisure amenities, and lovely riverside walks. All A2/M2/M20 road links and highly regarded local schools are nearby, as is Chatham Station offering a 35 minute fast train service into London. Interest is sure to be strong in this ready-to-move-into family home, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to void disappointment.

(FREEHOLD- Service charge £155 and Reserve Fund £55 per quarter)

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4 Bed Bungalow - Detached 
SSTC

Primrose Close, Chatham

Price Guide £600,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this immaculately presented detached bungalow to the market, in a highly sought-after location on the Chatham/Rochester borders. Enviably tucked away in this peaceful and private close within walking distance of all local amenities, this spacious four bedroom family home boasts a wealth of fantastic features, including an en suite to the spacious master bedroom, an impressive shower room, modern kitchen/breakfast room out to the conservatory/garden room, useful WC/cloakroom, and a great size lounge open-plan to the dining room. Further benefits include a double garage with off-road parking, and beautifully established gardens to the front and rear of this impressive property. With tasteful neutral decor throughout, and the opportunity to simply move in and enjoy this much loved and well cared for bungalow, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance hall giving access to the spacious lounge open-plan to the dining area, kitchen/breakfast room out to the conservatory, WC/cloakroom, and inner hallway. From here there is access to the modern shower room, four bedrooms consisting of three doubles and one single, with an en suite shower room to the master bedroom. The property benefits from plenty of built-in storage, including two large storage cupboards to the hallway housing the boiler and water tank, and there is loft access from the inner hallway also.

Located close to the stations with fast trains to London, A2/M2/M20 road links and highly regarded schools for all age groups, the nearby historic Rochester High Street offers a selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques, along with the famous cathedral and Norman castle. Nearby Chatham and Maidstone offer a further wealth of shopping and leisure amenities, whilst Blue Water Shopping Centre is a 20 minute drive away.

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2 Bed Bungalow - Detached 
SSTC

Rochester Road, Cuxton, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £375,000

Greenleaf Property Services are pleased to present to the market this detached bungalow situated in the ever-popular Village of Cuxton, available with NO ONWARD CHAIN! Although in need of some modernisation, this property is bursting with potential and would make an ideal home!

The accommodation comprises of entrance hall, lounge/dining areas, kitchen, utility room, two bedrooms, shower room W/C and a good size useable attic room. Further benefits include a detached garage to side, off road parking and a good size rear garden.

Located between Rochester & West Malling, with quick access to M2/M20/A2. Bluewater Shopping Centre is approximately 20 minutes’ drive away, and the train station (within walking distance) serves Maidstone, the Medway towns, with fast trains to London via nearby Snodland or Strood stations, and bus links to all local areas. The nearby village of Halling also 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. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade Awaited / Council Tax Band D / Freehold

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3 Bed House - Semi-Detached 
SSTC

Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham

Price Guide £340,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this recently refurbished semi-detached house to the market, in sought-after Walderslade, Chatham, available with NO ONWARD CHAIN! Boasting three good size bedrooms, a downstairs WC, refurbished kitchen and bathroom, and a lovely kitchen/diner with separate bay-fronted lounge, this beautifully presented family home is simply ready to move into and enjoy. Further benefits include gated off road parking and side access to rear, a good size garden and three separate storage rooms underneath the house with potential for a variety of uses. There is also a spacious boarded loft with potential to create further accommodation subject to usual permissions and the new owners wishes, as others have done in the road.

The layout briefly consists of: Spacious and bright hallway giving access to the lounge, WC, and kitchen/diner with door out to garden; The first floor landing gives access to three good size bedrooms and the family bathroom; To the rear there are three useful basement-storage rooms under the house, with potential.

Located close to highly regarded local schools and all A2/M2/M20 road links, nearby Walderslade Village offers a comprehensive range of shops, takeaways and amenities, as well as a doctors surgery and post office. Woodland Walks are on your doorstep, whilst Rochester and Chatham stations with fast trains to London are a short drive away. Interest is sure to be strong in this spacious modern three bedroom family home, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
For Sale

Cecil Avenue, Rochester

Price Guide £255,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented mid-terraced house to the market, in ever-popular Strood, Rochester. Boasting three good size separate bedrooms, a modern kitchen and bathroom, separate lounge and dining room, and a low maintenance private rear garden, this recently refurbished bay-fronted family home is simply ready to move into and enjoy. Further benefits include plenty of storage throughout, many original character features, and a cul-de-sac location a short walk to town.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance into lounge with cloakroom storage to rear, through to the dining room with doorway access to stairs up to first floor, and through to kitchen, rear lobby, and bathroom; The upstairs landing gives access to three good size bedrooms comprising of two doubles and one single.

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 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 Bungalow - Semi Detached 
SSTC

Acre Close, Rochester

Price Guide £275,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this rarely available two bedroom semi-detached bungalow to the market, in a sought-after residential close in Rochester ME1, offered to the market with NO ONWARD CHAIN! Available for the first time since the 1960s and owned by the same family since new, this enviably located property has recently benefitted from a new boiler and heating system, new carpets, flooring and redecoration throughout, and is simply ready to move into and enjoy. Boasting two double bedrooms, a lounge, good size shower room, spacious kitchen and garden room to side with potential to create a utility room, further benefits include a gated driveway to private block-paved off road parking for two cars. The property enjoys a flat plot with two private lawn garden areas and patios, brick-built shed, and a quiet location within walking distance of all amenities. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Compact entrance porch into the “L- shaped” hallway, giving access to bedroom two, the lounge, shower room, bedroom one, kitchen, garden room/utility, and door out to patio and garden.

Ideally located near bus stops, a pharmacy, local amenities and leisure facilities, all A2/M2/M20 road links are nearby, as are Rochester and Chatham train stations with fast services to London. Nearby schools are within walking distance, whilst the historic Rochester High Street offers a range of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as the famous cathedral, Norman castle, beautiful river walks, and the bi-annual Dickens festivals.

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2 Bed House - Terraced 
SSTC

Savage Road, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £230,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented two bedroom mid-terrace house with NO ONGOING CHAIN. Situated in a sought-after Chatham location, this lovely family home boasts a spacious lounge/dining room, a good size garden, and the enviable additional benefit of a garage to the rear.

The layout briefly comprises of: Useful entrance hall into the lounge/dining room and kitchenette, stairs up to the first floor giving access to two good size bedrooms and bathroom W/C.

The property is conveniently located close to local schools, leisure and shopping amenities, and all A2/M2 road links and bus services. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to downsize, this fantastic property is ready to move into and enjoy, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band B.

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4 Bed House 
SSTC

Pagitt Street, Chatham

Price Guide £340,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented mid-terraced period house to the market, located on a sought-after road on the Chatham/Rochester borders, within walking distance of Chatham Station. Set over four versatile floors this impressive property boasts four double bedrooms with an en suite to the master, first floor bathroom W/C, separate lounge and dining room, a good size low-maintenance garden, and a basement with potential for further accommodation, subject to usual permissions and the new owners wishes. This imposing bay-fronted family home must be viewed at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Entrance hallway giving access to the lounge, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, and downstairs WC; The impressive first floor landing gives access to three double bedrooms, bathroom W/C, and stairs up to second floor giving access to the spacious master bedroom and en suite. To the rear, the good size garden is paved for low maintenance.

Located within walking distance of both Chatham and Rochester stations with 40 minute fast trains to London, local shops and amenities are nearby, as are highly regarded schools for all age groups. Rochester and Chatham town centres offer a vast selection of shopping, dining and leisure facilities, and all A2/M2/M20 road links to London and coast are nearby.

Council Tax Band C. EPC Grade D. Freehold

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2 Bed Apartment - Duplex 
For Sale

Sealand Court, Esplanade, Rochester

Price Guide £370,000

GEENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented ground-floor duplex apartment to the market, in the highly sought-after Sealand Court, Esplanade, Rochester. Boasting two off road parking spaces, an impressive integrated kitchen, stunning open-plan lounge/diner with equally impressive balcony offering far-reaching river views, further benefits include two good size double bedrooms with balconies, an en suite, WC/cloakroom, and a stylish family bathroom with free-standing bath and separate shower. Properties of this quality and location, and with these outstanding views really are few and far between, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The layout briefly comprises of: Good size hallway with stairs up to the first floor, giving access to the kitchen, WC/Cloakroom, and lounge/diner with sliding doors out to the spacious balcony: The upstairs landing gives access to the stylish master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, en suite shower room, further good size double bedroom with balcony to rear, and beautifully appointed bathroom with separate free-standing bath and shower.

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

New lease of 999 years applied for.
Service Charge and Ground Rent – £3,525 p.a.

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4 Bed House - Townhouse 
SSTC

Lower Fant Road, Maidstone

Price Guide £280,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this spacious and versatile townhouse to the market, in a sought-after Maidstone location close to schools and all amenities. Set over three floors, and boasting four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a good size open-plan lounge/diner, off road parking and a private low-maintenance rear garden backing onto further open space, this well presented family home is available with NO ONWARD CHAIN offering the opportunity to simply move in and enjoy.

The layout briefly comprises of: Spacious hallway with two storage cupboards giving access to single bedroom four, bathroom one, and double bedroom three/garden room with patio doors out to garden; stairs lead up to the first floor comprising of a large open-plan lounge/diner, open doorway into the spacious kitchen, and further stairs up to the second floor; The second floor landing gives access to two further double bedrooms and bathroom two.

Located a short walk to highly regarded schools for all age groups, Maidstone town centre with its vast array of shopping and leisure facilities, train stations, parks, gyms, river walks and A2/A20/M2/M20 road links are all nearby. Maidstone hospital is a short drive away, and there are bus services just a short walk away. Interest is sure to be strong in this versatile family home, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Terraced 
SSTC

Langdon Road, Rochester

Offers Over £400,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented bay-fronted period house to the market, in the highly sought-after “Bishops Square” location of Rochester, ME1. Boasting three double bedrooms over four versatile floors, original character features throughout, an impressive lawn garden and decked entertaining area, spacious kitchen/breakfast room complete with island, separate lounge and dining room, and a stylish bathroom with separate bath and shower, this lovely family home is simply ready to move into and enjoy. There is also potential to extend further to the rear, subject to usual permissions and new owners wishes.

The layout briefly comprises of: Front door into spacious lounge, open doorway into inner hallway giving access to the large bathroom, stairs down to lower ground floor, and up to the first floor; The lower ground floor comprises of a good size dining room with open doorway to the kitchen/breakfast room with island, and doorway out to the spacious garden with storage cupboard and former outside WC directly behind this room; The first floor landing gives access to double bedrooms one and two, and stairs up to the double bedroom three/loft room.

Located a short walk to the highly regarded King’s and St Andrews private schools, grammar school options are also a walk away. The nearby historic Dickensian High Street offers a selection of bars, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, annual Dickens festival, famous cathedral and Norman castle, and station with fast trains to London St Pancras. All A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away. Interest is sure to be strong in this ready-to-move-into family home, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Cottall Avenue, Chatham

Offers In The Region Of £275,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this immaculately presented three bedroom mid-terrace house to the market which would Ideally suit a first time buyer looking to get their foot on the housing ladder, or indeed a great addition to any investment portfolio.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance, lounge/dining room, modern fitted kitchen, bathroom W/C and conservatory. To the first floor there are three good size bedrooms. Benefits include a good size rear garden, double glazing and gas central heating.

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

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band B

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