Buying a Property in Folkestone

Buying a property is an exciting step, but it can also feel like a lot to manage.

From choosing the right part of Folkestone and arranging viewings to making an offer and progressing your purchase, there are many decisions to make along the way.

At Your Key Move, we help buyers understand the properties available, answer questions clearly and stay informed throughout the buying process.

Whether you are purchasing your first home, moving within Folkestone, relocating to the area or searching for an investment property, our friendly local team is here to help.

The right property is not simply the one with the correct number of bedrooms.

Your location, budget, daily travel, parking requirements, outside space and future plans can all affect which home is most suitable.

We will take the time to understand what matters to you, including:

• Your preferred property type
• Your available budget
• The number of bedrooms you need
• Parking and outside-space requirements
• Preferred areas of Folkestone
• Access to railway stations or main roads
• Whether you are part of a property chain
• Your ideal moving timescale
• Any work or improvements you are willing to undertake

Understanding these requirements helps us point you towards relevant properties rather than arranging viewings that are unlikely to suit you.

Registering with Your Key Move allows you to tell us what you are looking for.

We can record your preferred areas, price range, property type and moving position, then contact you when a suitable home becomes available through our agency.

When registering, it is helpful to let us know:

• Whether your current property is already on the market
• Whether you have accepted an offer
• Whether you are a first-time buyer
• Whether you are buying with cash or a mortgage
• Whether you have a mortgage agreement in principle
• Your preferred completion timescale
• How flexible you are on area and property type

This information helps us understand your position and communicate accurately with sellers when you decide to make an offer.

Once you find a property that interests you, contact us to arrange a convenient viewing.

Before the appointment, we recommend reviewing the property details carefully and noting any questions you would like to ask.

During a viewing, it can be helpful to consider:

• The overall layout
• Room sizes and storage
• Natural light
• General condition
• Heating and windows
• Parking arrangements
• Gardens, balconies or shared areas
• Potential maintenance
• Nearby roads and surroundings
• Whether the property meets your longer-term needs

Where possible, take time to look beyond the current furniture and decoration. These will change, while the location, layout and size of the property are more difficult to alter.

Where a property is being shown through Your Key Move, a member of our team can guide you around the home and explain its main features.

We aim to create a relaxed viewing where you have time to explore the property and ask useful questions.

We can provide available information about:

• The property layout
• Parking and access
• The garden or outside space
• Fixtures and fittings
• Tenure
• Leasehold information where applicable
• The seller’s position
• The surrounding area

Where information needs to be confirmed by the seller, solicitor or another professional, we will make that clear rather than guessing.

Flats and some houses are sold on a leasehold basis.

Before committing to a leasehold property, buyers should obtain clear information about:

• The remaining lease length
• Service charges
• Ground rent
• Planned major works
• Building insurance
• Management arrangements
• Restrictions within the lease
• Rules concerning pets or letting
• Responsibility for shared areas

Your solicitor should review the full legal documentation and advise you on the implications before exchange of contracts.

Our role is to provide the available property information and help you raise the right questions during the early stages.

When you are ready to make an offer, contact Your Key Move and tell us the amount you would like to put forward.

We may also ask about:

• Your mortgage or funding position
• Whether you have a property to sell
• The status of your current sale
• Your solicitor
• Your preferred timescale
• Any conditions attached to the offer

We will present your offer to the seller and explain your buying position accurately.

The seller may accept, decline or negotiate the offer. Although price is important, a seller may also consider how prepared the buyer is, the length of the chain and their ability to proceed.

We will communicate the seller’s response and help keep the discussion clear and professional.

An accepted offer is an important milestone, but the purchase is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged.

The next steps normally include:

1. Instructing a solicitor or conveyancer
2. Completing your mortgage application where required
3. Arranging a survey
4. Carrying out property searches
5. Reviewing legal documents
6. Raising and answering enquiries
7. Agreeing final arrangements
8. Exchanging contracts
9. Completing the purchase

The exact process and timescale can vary depending on the property, mortgage, survey findings and other transactions within the chain.

Your solicitor will provide legal advice, while your mortgage adviser or lender will deal with your borrowing arrangements.

Your Key Move will remain in contact and help keep the relevant parties updated as the purchase progresses.

Many buyers need to sell their existing home before completing their next purchase.

This creates a property chain, where several transactions may depend on one another.

If you have a property to sell, we can help with:

• A free house valuation
• Preparing your property for the market
• Agreeing a suitable marketing package
• Managing viewings and offers
• Communicating your selling position
• Supporting the transaction after an offer is accepted

Being open about your position allows us to give sellers accurate information and reduces the risk of misunderstandings later.

When you buy through Your Key Move, you can expect:

• Friendly and clear communication
• Local knowledge of Folkestone and surrounding areas
• Support arranging property viewings
• Honest answers based on the information available
• Clear communication when making an offer
• Updates as the purchase progresses
• Seven-day availability
• Support from your first enquiry through to completion

We work for the seller, but we also understand that good communication with the buyer is essential to keeping the whole transaction moving.

Our aim is to make the process feel organised, informed and as straightforward as possible.