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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2 Bed House - Terraced 
For Sale

Thomas Street, Rochester

Offers Over £260,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce for sale, this two double bedroom mid-terrace Victorian house, set over three floors, and situated within easy reach of Rochester’s historic High Street. The property boasts a spacious lounge with separate dining room, private rear garden, gas central heating, double glazing, and is ready to move into and enjoy.

The accommodation briefly comprises of entrance, lounge, dining room and fitted kitchen. To the first floor there is a double bedroom and bathroom with separate shower W/C. The second bedroom can be be found on the second floor, with the added benefit of useful built-in storage.

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

Council Tax Band B. EPC Grade D.

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4 Bed House - Townhouse 
For Sale

The Historic Dockyard, Chatham

Offers In Excess Of £400,000

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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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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2 Bed Bungalow - Semi Detached 
SSTC

Acre Close, Rochester

Price Guide £265,000

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 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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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

St. Lukes Way, Allhallows, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £270,000

GREENLEAF are delighted to introduce this beautifully presented three bedroom mid-terraced house to the market, in sought-after Allhallows, Rochester. Boasting attractive low-maintenance front and rear gardens with off road parking and a garage en bloc, this attractive family home is peacefully located on St Lukes Way, opposite an attractive green space and a short walk to to the village and local amenities.

The layout briefly consists of: Entrance porch into spacious hallway giving access to kitchen, a great size lounge/dining room, with patio doors to garden; Upstairs the landing gives access to three good size bedrooms with an en-suite W/C to the master, and bathroom/shower room W/C. To the rear there is access to the garage and off road parking.

Allhallows is located in a rural setting within the Hoo peninsular with the village providing a primary school, local shops and doctors. Nearby Hoo provides a more comprehensive range of amenities including leisure centre, swimming pool, secondary school, restaurants, pubs and shops. There are lovely riverside and country walks on your doorstep, with bus services and easy access to the A2/M2 road links. Railway stations with fast train services to London are available from Strood and Higham, with a high speed service from Ebbsfleet.

Council tax band B/ EPC Grade C / Freehold

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3 Bed House - Mid Terrace 
SSTC

Castle Avenue, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £250,000

Ideally suited to a first time buyer looking to get their foot on the housing ladder or equally as an investment opportunity, Greenleaf Property Services are pleased to offer for sale this good size terraced house, situated in a convenient and central ME1 location and available with NO CHAIN!

The accommodation comprises of entrance porch, lounge, separate dining area, kitchen and bathroom W/C. To the first floor there are three separate bedrooms. Benefits include double glazing, gas central heating and an enclosed low-maintenance rear garden.

Located within a walk of all local amenities, the nearby historic High Street offers an extensive range of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, as well as the added attractions of the famous cathedral, Norman castle, Medway River walks, and bi-annual Dickens festivals. Nearby Rochester station provides 40 minute fast trains to London, and all A2/M2/M20 road links are a short drive away, as are the highly regarded local schools for all age groups. We recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

EPC Grade D/Council Tax Band B.

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2 Bed Flat - Purpose Built 
For Sale

Esplanade, Rochester

Offers In The Region Of £325,000

GREENLEAF PROPERTY SERVICES are delighted to introduce this stunning and rarely available two bedroom apartment, located in a highly sought-after gated and landscaped development on the Esplanade, Rochester ME1. Boasting a fantastic balcony with partial river views, off-road parking for two vehicles, and spacious and light accommodation throughout, this impressive apartment is ready to move into and enjoy.

The layout briefly comprises of: an expansive lounge/dining room, a fitted modern kitchen with integrated appliances, a spacious master bedroom with balcony access, an elegantly designed bathroom, and a good size second bedroom.

Conveniently located opposite the River Medway with beautiful views, picturesque sunsets, and walks to enjoy, Churchfields open green space is a short walk away, as is the Dickensian High Street with its range of bars, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, biannual Dickens festival, famous cathedral and Norman castle. Highly regarded schools for all age groups are also nearby including Kings and St Andrew’s 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.

Properties of this quality and location really are few and far between, we therefore recommend viewing at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Lease 964/ Share of Freehold

Service Charge- £2,820 p.a.

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