Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to buy or sell in Canterbury and have questions about the process? Our FAQs cover everything from valuations and sales to local area insights, giving you clear answers and expert advice from Charles Bainbridge Estate Agents.

General FAQs

Yes. A For Sale board increases local visibility and can attract buyers who may not have seen your property online. It also makes it easier for viewers to find the home.
Exchange of contracts is the stage where the buyer and seller sign legally binding agreements. At this point, the sale becomes legally committed and neither party can easily pull out.
Yes, you can. The Memorandum of Sale is not legally binding. Either side can withdraw until contracts are exchanged. However, pulling out can cause delays and may affect relationships with agents or solicitors.
Exchange is when contracts are legally binding. Completion is when the money is transferred, and the buyer gets the keys.

About the Area

Wincheap offers a mix of affordable homes, proximity to Canterbury city centre, and good access to road links. It’s popular with first-time buyers and families.
Areas near Blean, St Stephen’s, and Bridge are highly regarded for primary education, with schools consistently rated well by Ofsted.
Catchment areas near Simon Langton, Barton Court, and Canterbury Academy are sought after by families looking for good secondary education.
Save the Blean is a conservation initiative aimed at protecting ancient woodland near Canterbury. It highlights the area’s strong sense of community and natural heritage.
No. While the universities are a big part of the city, Canterbury has a diverse community with families, professionals, and retirees alongside students. The city has a large student population, but many areas remain quiet and family-friendly. Don’t forget, student areas often benefit from good transport and local amenities!
Recent housing developments near Tyler Hill aim to meet local demand, with a mix of modern family homes and affordable housing.
Canterbury has a thriving mix of independent shops, traditional pubs, and well-rated restaurants. Popular spots include The Goods Shed, The Dolphin, and The Foundry Brewery.
Yes. Canterbury has two stations with high-speed services to London St Pancras in under an hour, plus regular trains to Charing Cross and Victoria.
Parking varies. The city centre can be busy, but there are park-and-ride options and several multi-storey car parks. Residential streets often have permit systems.

Buyers FAQs

Typically, you’ll need at least 5–10% of the property price as a deposit. A larger deposit (15–25%) can secure better mortgage rates.
It involves: getting a mortgage agreement in principle, making an offer, instructing a solicitor, arranging surveys, exchanging contracts, and completing the purchase.
On average, 8–12 weeks from offer to completion, though this can vary depending on the chain and legal checks.
Yes, it’s recommended. It shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and speeds up the process once your offer is accepted.
The Memorandum of Sale is issued, solicitors are instructed, surveys are carried out, and legal work begins leading to exchange and completion.
Yes, until exchange of contracts. After exchange, you are legally committed, and pulling out could result in financial penalties.

Sellers FAQs

Book a free valuation with Charles Bainbridge. We assess your property based on local market data, condition, and recent comparable sales in Canterbury.
Charles Bainbridge offer different competitive packages to suit our clients. Our packages include range of services such as marketing, viewings, negotiations, and progressing the sale.
The average time in Canterbury is 8–12 weeks, depending on demand, pricing, and condition. Some homes sell faster if priced competitively.
Minor improvements such as fresh paint, decluttering, or garden tidying can make a big difference. Major renovations aren’t always necessary.
We arrange and host viewings, showing your property to qualified buyers. You’ll be kept updated with feedback after each viewing.
A Memorandum of Sale is issued, solicitors are instructed, and the process moves toward exchange and completion.
Yes. Your solicitor will arrange for the outstanding mortgage to be repaid from the sale proceeds.
At Charles Bainbridge we use professional photography, property brochures, and online exposure across Rightmove, OnTheMarket, Zoopla, and our own website. We also promote homes through social media, email marketing, and our buyer database to reach the widest audience.
Yes, to an extent. Completion dates are agreed between buyer and seller during the conveyancing process. While flexibility is important, you can usually request a date that suits your circumstances, provided both parties and solicitors can align.
Yes. By law, most properties being sold in the UK must have a valid EPC before marketing begins. An EPC rates your home’s energy efficiency and is valid for 10 years. If you don’t already have one, we can arrange this for you.