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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Savage Road, Chatham

For Sale
2 Bed House - Terraced -  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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1 2 1

Pagitt Street, Chatham

For Sale
4 Bed House -  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 4 2

Sealand Court, Esplanade, Rochester

For Sale
2 Bed Flat - Purpose Built -  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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1 2 2 1163sqft

Lower Fant Road, Maidstone

SSTC
4 Bed House - Townhouse -  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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1 4 2 1141sqft

Langdon Road, Rochester

SSTC
3 Bed House - Terraced -  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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2 3 1 1249sqft

Cottall Avenue, Chatham

SSTC
3 Bed House - Mid Terrace -  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 D. Council Tax Band B

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1 3 1 797sqft

Borstal Road, Rochester

SSTC
5 Bed House -  Offers In The Region Of £775,000

GREENLEAF Property Services are delighted to present this characterful and well presented period semi-detached house to the market, set over four spacious floors, and located on one of Rochester’s most sought-after roads. This imposing and substantial bay-fronted family home retains many original features throughout, and boasts five double bedrooms, and ample off road parking. Further benefits include a good size decked patio area to the rear along with an established rear garden, separate lounge and dining room, useful utility space, shower-room/ W/C and upstairs bathroom. Whilst the property has been well cared for by the previous owners and is ready to move into and enjoy, the opportunity is there to update and modernise to your own specification, with potential to further extend also, subject to usual permissions and new owners wishes.

The layout briefly comprises of: Ground floor comprising of entrance hall, lounge, and separate dining room; The the lower ground floor gives access to a fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room with storage area, bedroom and cloakroom W/C; To the first floor there are two double bedrooms, a family bathroom/shower room and separate W/C, whilst to the 3rd floor there are two further good size double bedrooms, along with a shower room W/C.

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, potential and location are rarely available, we recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. EPC Grade awaited. Council tax Band E.

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3 5 3

Common Creek Wharf, Rochester

SSTC
4 Bed House - Townhouse -  Price Guide £590,000

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

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

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

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1 4 2 1529sqft

Wood Street, Gillingham

SSTC
2 Bed House - Semi-Detached -  Offers Over £250,000

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

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

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

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

EPC Grade C. Council Tax Band B.

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2 2 1

St. James Road, Isle Of Grain, Rochester

SSTC
3 Bed House - Semi-Detached -  Price Guide £235,000

Offered with NO ONGOING CHAIN!

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

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

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

EPC Grade Awaited. Council Tax band B.

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3 3 1 1303sqft

Longhill Avenue, Chatham

For Sale
3 Bed House -  Offers Over £250,000

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

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

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

EPC Grade C.
Council Tax Band D.
Freehold.

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2 3 1

Kings Road, Chatham

SSTC
2 Bed House - End Terrace -  Offers In The Region Of £160,000

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

The layout briefly comprises of: Lounge, separate dining room, kitchen and bathroom W/C. To the first floor there are two double bedrooms.

Located close to local shops and amenities, open green spaces and parks, schools for all age groups are also nearby. The Medway hospital and station with fast trains to London are a short distance away, as is Chatham town centre with its vast array of shopping, dining and leisure facilities, whilst all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away.

Council Tax Band B. EPC Grade D.

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