Fisks Gateway issue 42

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 42

inside this issue

MR GREY IS BACK! PROPERTY PLANNING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD FIFTY SHADES DARKER PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

Contents Mr Grey is back!

This month, the third and final instalment of the Fifty Shades trilogy is set for release and it’s expected to be more gripping than ever.

Property planning for the year ahead Whether you are buying, selling or renting in 2018, there are a number of things to do in preparation.

Fifty Shades Darker With the release of the new film from the Fifty Shades trilogy, things in the interior world are about to take a dark turn...

Our properties Last, but certainly not least, you can find all of this month’s feature properties throughout the magazine.

Enjoy!

© iceberg-digital.co.uk; Tel +44 (0) 1992 766 637; Web: www.iceberg-digital.co.uk This magazine is published by iceberg-digital.co.uk, hereinafter referred to as “the publisher”. The publisher retains the right to all ‘work’, hereinafter defined as such work is wholly the property of the publisher and may not be copied, quoted or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this work, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise there from. The publisher reserves the right to revise or reject, in whole or in part, any advertisement or submission without notice and for any reason. All advertisers agree to release the representations of any advertisement herein, including, but not limited to any claim arising from any negligence and/or fault on the part of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for the condition or for the performance of any services advertised in the magazine. All rights are reserved.

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Welcome to our

magazine...

Welcome to the February edition of our Gateway magazine.

February: a month of grey skies. So, grey is a fitting theme for this month’s edition. Grey is the new black and the various shades have become very popular. You only have to look at refurbishments and any new homes in your local area; from newly painted front doors to coloured rendering and cladding, to see that the colour of choice has become grey. Our article ‘Fifty Shades’ does provide some very useful tips on the use of colour.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

If you are thinking of moving rather than redecorating, then look at our article on planning to move in the year ahead. This advice should be heeded by landlords as well as home buyers – planning is the key.

On the theme of planning ahead, are you the owner of a leasehold property and are thinking of moving? Talk to an expert now, but with the basic facts at your fingertips: length of lease, ground rent and – now as importantly – the review dates of the ground rent, together with details of the service charge. These items will affect the value, and we at Fisks are here to advise you. Leasehold, as you may be aware, is the next current topic being put under the Government microscope. New builds with new leases are now firmly in the mortgage lender’s sight, with onerous lender’s rules being adhered to. The resale market, as yet, is unaffected. We await the conclusion of the Government’s consultation.

For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our March Gateway magazine or for further advice, please contact your local Fisks branch.

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Meet our

Benfleet Team Our centrally located estate and letting agency branch offers a professional sales, lettings and property management service for Benfleet and the surrounding areas benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ESTATE AGENTS BUT ONLY ONE FISKS “We gave our property to Fisks when we decided to move as Ian seemed the most professional of the three agents who we asked to value our property. Boy are we glad we did house sold to the first viewers in 36 hours from instructing Fisk’s. We were kept up to date with regular calls and nothing was too much trouble. Now we have moved Ian is collecting post from our old address for us and calling for us to collect from the office. Beyond the call of duty Great service thanks again Martin and Melanie Bagnall “

Located some 30 miles east of the City of London on the north bank of the Thames Estuary, Benfleet is primarily based around three historically separate settlements; South Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh. which gradually merged during the 20th century. The residential areas are now said to have the highest proportion of owner occupancy in the country which speaks volumes for the quality of life here!

The mainland station in South Benfleet services the entire area and is the busiest commuting station on the Fenchurch Street C2C line.

AWARD WINNING

2016

Fisks 146 London Road, Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T 01268 565555 F 01268 566291 E benfleet@fisks.co.uk

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LOCAL

OAKFIELD ROAD, BENFLEET £460,000 An attractive Tudor style four bedroom, two reception room detached residence benefiting from many features including a 19ft 5in x 14ft 5in lounge, fitted kitchen and ground floor cloakroom. To the first floor the master bedroom benefits from an ensuite shower room. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

OAKWOOD CLOSE, BENFLEET £359,995 Within the Appleton School catchment and within easy access of the A13, local amenities and bus routes is this extended and modernised three bedroom semidetached family home with a detached garage. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

ROMSEY CLOSE, BENFLEET £399,950 Brand new four bedroom semi-detached property in Benfleet. Built to a high specification, including an en-suite to master bedroom, fitted kitchen and ground floor cloakroom. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

MANNA HEIGHTS, BENFLEET £249,995 This second floor two bedroom apartment is a staggering 775sq ft, one of the largest on the development, offering buyers vast living space and two ample double bedrooms, each with their own en-suites.

An allocated parking space is issued to each dwelling. Sold with a brand new lease of 99 years. Energy Band - B.

CALL 01268 565555

SPENCER ROAD, BENFLEET £499,995 Refurbished and modernised four/five bedroom detached property with three ensuites, family bathroom on the ground floor, a refitted kitchen and good sized garden at the rear. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

SOUTHWOLD CRESCENT, BENFLEET £360,000 A beautiful 1930's three bedroom semidetached house, situated in a quiet crescent, close to shops and schools. The property offers buyers plenty of downstairs living space, while externally the west facing rear garden is easily maintainable.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

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ST CLEMENTS CRES, BENFLEET £310,000 Ideal for first time buyers and families alike. Situated in a quiet turning, close to the shopping facilities at Tarpots is this three bedroom semi-detached house benefiting from generous bedroom sizes and an extended kitchen/diner to the rear. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

LOUISA AVENUE, BENFLEET £335,000-£340,00 0 A highly presentable four bedroom home close to the shops and amenities at Tarpots and within a short distance of Appleton & Jotmans Schools.

Versatile accommodation includes a bright lounge opening onto the kitchen/diner and a beautifully modern bathroom. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

Image credit: Fifty Shades Freed

Mr Grey is back!

This month, the third and final instalment of the Fifty Shades trilogy is set for release and it’s expected to be more gripping than ever4

Image credit: Tinseltown _ Shutterstock.com

MR GREY favourite IS BACK! Britain’s

The wait is finally over! This month, the third and final instalment of the Fifty Shades trilogy will be released and it’s expected to be even better than the rest. Based on the novel of the same name, Fifty Shades Freed stars Jamie and Dornan and Dakota Johnson, once more as the world’s most interesting couple.

Following the events of Fifty Shades Darker, Christian and Ana are now married. However, Ana’s life is threatened when her former boss, Jack Hyde, swears revenge for being fired from SIP. Elena also returns to haunt Christian and makes the couple’s lives a lot more troublesome. Depicting themes of danger, passion and fear, the final film is expected to get pulses racing.

What’s more, Liam Payne and Rita Ora are also bringing a little romance to the big screen. As well as a challenging love story, the Fifty Shades films are known for a fantastic and starstudded soundtrack. After much anticipation and one special tease, Rita and Liam debuted their collaboration for the new film. Titled “For You,” the new track is an upbeat dance number and is sure to make it into the top 10.

Irish actor, Jamie Dornan may be most known for his part in the romantic series yet he is also working hard on an adaption of the classic, Robin Hood. Set for release later this year, the film is said to be a gritty take on the classic tale. Other notable roles that the 35-year old has under his belt include Axel von Fersen in Marie Antoinette (2006), Sheriff Graham Humbert in the ABC series Once Upon a Time (2011 – 2013) and RTE ONE crime drama series, The Fall.

However whilst women up and down the country swoon over him, in reality, Jamie doesn’t understand the fuss. “I guess I’m just lucky with my genes… I’m probably the worst person for Men’s Health to interview… I don’t like my physique. Who does? I was a skinny guy growing up, and I still feel like that same skinny kid.”

Yet when it comes to his co-star, Dakota, praise couldn’t be higher. “Dakota is very funny - and humour on a film set goes a long way. But she also had the ability to be a very strong dramatic actress. She’d be telling a joke one minute and breaking your heart on-screen the next, so she was perfect.”

Catch Fifty Shades Freed from 9th February 

Image credit: Joe Seer_Shutterstock.com

Image credit: Joe Seer_Shutterstock.com

Image credit: Joe Seer_Shutterstock.com

Meet our

Canvey Team Our office located at the heart of Canvey Town Centre offers a sales, lettings and property management service for Canvey Island and the surrounding areas and benefits from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

GREAT PROFESSIONAL YET FRIENDLY AGENT “Gemma North & the Fisks team were incredibly easy to work with .....even from 3000 miles away in Canada. .Gemma was always available, polite ,freindly & returned calls swiftly . .The whole transaction went smoothly with many excellent recommendations for other professionals ie solicitors, inspectors etc We would not hesitate to recommend or use Fisks in the future. Thank you so much for all your hard work !!!!�

AWARD WINNING

With excellent rail connections into the City from neighbouring Benfleet station, Canvey is today permanently connected to the mainland via two road bridges, offering fast access to the M25 and East Anglia via the A12 trunk road. However the island still manages to preserve an independent character and a vibrant community spirit all its own.

Thanks to development in recent years, Canvey offers a wide range of exceptionally reasonably-priced property, from first time buyer apartments to detached executive homes - many with stunning views across to the wooded Hadleigh Downs, and along the estuary towards Southend.

2016

Fisks 85 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7AY T 01268 510510 F 01268 697126 E canvey@fisks.co.uk

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LOCAL

CLIFTON ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £260,000 Two bedroom detached bungalow located close to Canvey Town Centre and local schools. The property offers a large lounge, good sized kitchen and a low maintenance block paved rear garden. Further benefits include gas central heating, double glazing, off street parking and no onward chain.

Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

HARVEST ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £295,000 Three bedroom semi-detached house featuring an open plan living area and fitted kitchen overlooking the rear garden. The property also benefits from a converted garage that is now an annexe containing a wet room and an extra bedroom. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

LINCOLN WAY, CANVEY ISLAND £275,000 Mid-terraced house that has been impeccably decorated throughout and features three bedrooms, a modern bathroom, a lovely fitted kitchen and a large and airy lounge/diner that opens out onto the rear garden. The property also offers a garage and off street parking. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

DENHAM ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £240,000 This three bedroom detached bungalow is ideal for first time buyers and offers a lounge, generously sized kitchen, conservatory/lean-to and a three piece bathroom. The property also features off street parking, gas central heating and is located close to Jones’ Corner.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

POUND LANE, BASILDON £350,000 A spacious three bedroom semidetached home featuring a beautiful and well-maintained garden and a good sized driveway to the front. The property benefits from a ground floor cloakroom, lounge/diner overlooking the rear garden and a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

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WILLOW CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND £335,000 This beautiful four/five bedroom semi-detached family home offers a lovely east facing garden and is located close to all amenities. This property has everything the growing family needs, including a ground floor cloakroom/utility room, ground floor bedroom, separate dining room and kitchen with breakfast bar. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

FOSTER ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £360,000 A beautiful and truly unique property offering three good sized bedrooms and an open plan downstairs living area measuring an impressive twelve and a half meters in length, combining the kitchen, dining area and lounge. Outside the rear garden is a good size and the front is paved providing off street parking. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

Image credit: Shutterstock

Property planning for the year ahead Whether you are buying, selling or renting in 2018, there are a number of things to do in preparation4

Image credit: erni Shutterstock.com

PROPERTYBritain’s PLANNING favourite FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

To stay ahead it’s often important to think ahead so, as another year is in full swing, it’s time to start planning out your strategy for 2018…

•

Visiting times. Renting, buying or selling, inspections play an important part in any calendar. For a landlord, regular routine inspections are a must in order to protect your property and ensure the tenant is living within the terms of the Tenancy Agreement. Pre-scheduling these at the beginning of the year can be useful. Likewise if you are searching for a property, it’s a good idea to get numerous viewings booked in for the next few weeks.

•

Maintenance management. It’s surprising how many landlords and homeowners only have a reactive positioning to maintenance as far as their rental property is concerned. A car, for example, costs a fraction of what a property does and will usually depreciate in value, yet we carry out annual MOTs and services in order to maintain and protect it. A property is one of the biggest investments you’ll make and it’s important that its welfare is approached in a similar manner. Think seasonally about what will need addressing and when.

•

Financial thoughts. Make sure your finances add up in 2018…

Keep a track of any mortgage payments and if you are thinking of applying for one, thoroughly research the market, know what’s out there and be aware of your eligibility. As part of your financial review it’s also important to monitor the levels of rental return other properties are achieving in the area in which your property is located. If you are looking to buy a home, then it is crucial to create a monthly budget and stick to it.

•

Portfolio plan. Investing in property is a journey and if you’re starting a portfolio (or growing one) in 2018 it’s vital to start off with a defined idea of what you’re looking to achieve. It’s also essential to have a timeline in terms of how and when you’re going to acquire the next property, plus when you’re likely to release each investment too.

•

Agent help. If you’re thinking about placing your property in the hands of an agent or changing your current one in 2018 it’s important to plan ahead. When choosing or changing an agent research is key so advance planning is vital in order to allow adequate time to carry this out. Look at online reviews, assessing the authenticity of these by the number and range of comments. Also find out if your chosen agents are members of any industry bodies, plus validate your findings. Planning ahead allows you to thoroughly research a cross-section of agents and filter down your shortlist before each is approached saving valuable time, energy and resources n

Meet our

Docklands Team Located at South Quay, at the foot of the pedestrian bridge to Canary Wharf, our Docklands office offers sales, lettings and property management services for the Docklands and Royal Docks area benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

GOOD PROMT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE “Fisks have found 3 good tenants for me over 5 years, each time they handled the transaction with high professionalism, promptness and doing more than their job description to get the deal done. All details were accurate and checked thoroughly. Good team support.

Happy landlord, happy tenant. “

The London Docklands area has been transformed into one of the most exciting commercial and residential environments in the world.

Alongside the glittering office towers of Canary Wharf, a rich mix of developments, purpose-built luxury apartment blocks and warehouse conversions full of period character all making the maximum use of the spectacular waterside setting - have helped to make today’s Docklands the last word in sophisticated urban living.

Transport links with the City via the Docklands Light Railway and the West End via the Jubilee Line are first class.

AWARD WINNING

2016

Benfleet & Canvey

Canary Wharf, Docklands & Royal Docks

Fisks Docklands Suite 2 Parker House, Admirals Way, Marsh Wall, London, E14 9UQ T 0207 517 8810 F 0207 517 7902 E docklands@fisks.co.uk

fisks.co.uk

PROTON TOWER, E14 £500,000-£525,000 Leasehold - Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment offering an en-suite shower room to the master bedroom and a guest bathroom. Occupants will enjoy a south facing reception room with patio doors leading to a balcony. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

REGENTS GATE HOUSE, E14 £450,000-£475,000 Leasehold - Two bedroom, one bathroom apartment located just off Narrow Street.

Accommodation measuring 68msq731sqft including a separate kitchen. The lease includes use of a secure allocated parking bay. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

THE OXYGEN, E16 £525,000-£550,000 Leasehold – Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment offering a west facing living room with dual aspect views of Canary Wharf and a contemporary fitted kitchen.

Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

PERRY COURT, E14 £380 pw Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment including an en-suite shower room, guest bathroom and separate kitchen. The balcony is accessed from both the living room and master bedroom. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

EQUINOX BUILDING, E14 £315 pw Furnished one bedroom apartment that has been recently painted and decorated. The living room benefits from access to a balcony. Accommodation includes a good quality kitchen and bathroom and a generously proportioned bedroom. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

WESTGATE APARTMENTS, E16 £390 pw Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment featuring a living room and both bedrooms that benefit from access to a good sized balcony. Other benefits include a 24 hour concierge, secure parking bay and a communal gymnasium. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

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SCHOONER CLOSE, E14 £450 pw Two bedroom, two bathroom maisonette presented in a good condition.

Accommodation includes two double bedrooms with the master bedroom affording an en-suite bathroom. The kitchen and bathrooms are both finished in a contemporary style. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £650 pw Large three bedroom apartment with amazing views of the River Thames and the City. The apartment comes fully furnished to a very high specification and offers two balconies, a great size separate kitchen and two bathrooms. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

ORION POINT, E14 £450 pw Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom furnished apartment benefiting from stunning views across the River Thames towards the City. Other benefits include use of a well-stocked gymnasium, a secure parking and 24 hour concierge service.

Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

Image credit: Homes4Media_United_Kingdom

Fifty Shades Darker With the release of the new film from the Fifty Shades trilogy, things in the interior world are about to take a dark turn‌4

FIFTY SHADES DARKER Britain’s favourite

This Valentine’s Day, things are expected to take a dark turn; Fifty Shades Darker to be precise! With the release of the third instalment from the Fifty Shades trilogy scheduled to hit cinemas this month, it’s time to get seriously sexy…. with your interior décor!

Introducing darker shades in to the home can seem a little daunting, but don’t get tied up as Rust-Oleum

Image credit: Homes4Media_United_Kingdom

has the answer! With products such as Satin Finish Furniture Paint and Painter’s Touch Spray Paint there’s never been a smoother way to whip your furniture into action for the intriguing 2018 dark colour trend.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK Use Rust-Oleum’s Gloss Finish Furniture Paint in lustrous Liquorice, or try Rust-Oleum’s Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in an inviting Ink Blue,

to give your bedroom furniture a confident makeover. The colours look even better against a candlelit backdrop, which will also enhance the romantic ambiance.

BRING YOUR BATHROOM INTO THE SHADOWS Transform everyday objects in your bathroom into statement pieces by using colours from the deep end of the spectrum. Black is the colour of

sophistication, power, elegance and modernity – everything we expect from the Fifty Shades movie series!

Rust-Oleum’s Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in Graphite, can work as a theatrical accent or to ground an otherwise airy space. When paired with passionate pink walls and luxurious gold accessories, it becomes the ultimate setting for you both to enjoy.

THE TITANIUM TUB Your bathroom is an area of serenity but why not add a little Fifty Shades-

style drama and let it get a bit steamy with Rust-Oleum’s Universal Spray Paint in Titanium Silver? A quick spray to your roll-top bath will create an indulgent effect that will be sure to encourage you to have a sensual soak in the tub.

SHADES OF GREY Using different shades of grey throughout your home will stir up excitement in any room. The interior and upcycling experts Rust-Oleum’s fifty shades might not all be neutral, but with the likes of the Gloss Finish Furniture Paint in Dove and Mineral

Grey and Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in Winter Grey, Flint, Anthracite and Graphite to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect match in time for Valentine’s Day! ACCESORIZE Finally, don’t forget to give your room the finishing touch. Accessorize with silver and grey for a sophisticated abode or alternatively blush pink, white and pale pastel colours will uplift your interior for spring.

All paints are available from Homebase 

2016

Benfleet Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 F: 01268 566291 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk

Why use Fisks?

Canvey Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY

Members of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) and ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents).

T: 01268 510510 F: 01268 697126 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk

Audited clients account

Docklands Fisk Docklands Ltd Suite 2 Parker House Admirals Way Marsh Wall London, E14 9UQ

Free rent guarantee insurance with management plus Option to spread payments over the length of lease (subject to Terms of Business) Three levels of service offered: Let Only, Management and Management Plus

T: 0207 517 8810 F: 0207 517 7902 E: docklands@fisks.co.uk Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 F: 01268 758921 E: office@fisks.co.uk Property Management: 0207 517 8811

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To experience our service, put us to the test! Contact your local branch at Benfleet, Canvey or Docklands