Fisks Gateway issue 43

inside this issue

ALL EYES ARE ON HER A SPRING STATEMENT LIGHT RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 43

Contents All eyes are on her Dua Lipa has taken the music industry by storm in the last few months but who is she and what has she got planned next?

A spring statement Forget about spring cleaning, this year we’ve gone mad for spring decorating so use this simple yet effective advice to breathe fresh air into your property this March.

Light recipes for the whole family As we wave goodbye to winter, thoughts may have turned to the brighter weather so why not try these easy and delicious spring meals that everyone will love?

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 March edition of our Gateway magazine.

Easter falls early this year, with Good Friday being the last Friday in March. Traditionally, the house buying season kicks off with the Easter Weekend; a trend followed by the national house builders’ launching their new sites. We have already seen an upturn of enquiry; sales are being made and a home marketed for the right price, will find a buyer. The right price is the key and to set this price, Fisks are here to help you.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

In this month’s edition our articles are focusing on Spring and the jobs that can be carried out over the Easter Weekend, coupled with a change of diet, recognising that Spring is now here.

The property news of the month is of course the Prime Minister’s speech on the “broken housing market” (the Government’s words, not ours). Setting unobtainable targets is not the answer as there are still too many roadblocks militating against development, not least the lack of infrastructure to service these new residents.

This underlying problem of lack of supply, remains a fundamental issue which will continue to underpin the current UK market if you are lucky enough to own a home.

For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our April 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

BOULDREWOOD ROAD, BENFLEET £380,000 Three bedroom detached bungalow that has been modernised throughout with a conservatory, private driveway, refitted bathroom and good sized bedrooms. Energy Band D.

CALL 01268 565555

MANOR ROAD, BENFLEET £385,000 Period three bedroom semidetached property that has been recently modernised throughout, offering a fitted kitchen, 100ft plus rear garden, two reception rooms on the ground floor and three bedrooms on the first floor.

Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 565555

MANOR ROAD, BENFLEET £425,000-£450,00 0 Large family home with a garden to match. The ground floor benefits from a stylish kitchen and dining room to the rear with a utility and shower room and an excellent size front room. All four bedrooms are fantastic sizes which is a rare find. To the rear is the 75ft garden, while to the front there is a garage and driveway.

Energy Band - C.

CALL 01268 565555

HIGH STREET, HADLEIGH £155,000 One bedroom ground floor flat with parking. Internally the property is brand new throughout with a bathroom, lounge and kitchen. Other benefits include a good location close to Hadleigh high street, and the flat is help to buy available. Energy Band Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

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SOUTHWOLD CRES, BENFLEET ÂŁ360,000 A beautiful 1930's three bedroom semi-detached house situated in a quiet crescent close to shops and schools.

The property offers buyers plenty of downstairs living space, ideal for a family who likes to entertain. Energy Band D.

CALL 01268 565555

BRECON CLOSE, PITSEA ÂŁ240,000 This semi-detached house offers two well-proportioned bedrooms, a modern lounge/diner and a fitted kitchen. The south facing garden is also a delightful feature for those barbecues come the summer months. The property is in a quiet close, ideal for families with young children. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 565555

Image credit: Markus Pritzi

All eyes are on her Dua Lipa has taken the music industry by storm in the last few months but who is she and what has she got planned next?4

All image credits: Markus Pritzi

ALL EYES ARE ON HER Britain’s favourite

Having only been signed in 2015, fast-forward 3 years and Dua Lipa is the new kid on the block. With 7 singles under her belt and 2 top-10 UK hits, it was recently announced that the 22-year old was nominated in 5 separate categories for a Brit Award. Not only that but she has also been chosen to perform at a number of high-flying events and is often papped looking cosy with some a-list friends.

to music but it could have been very different. “I got approached to do modelling when I was really young,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.

“I went there, but I was never the right size, I was never cut out to be a model and I never really got any real jobs. They were holding on to me for a while, and then they were like, ‘Oh you know, if you lose a lot of weight, we’ll be able to put you out for more jobs.’

And it kind of put me in a really bad mind-set.”

The London lady began her career by uploading videos of herself singing covers of other artists songs to YouTube when she only 14.

Raised by Albanian parents, many people are likely to believe hers is a stage name, but they’re wrong.

What’s more, whilst she is now an inspiration to many young girls, Dua has often spoken about the musical artists and styles that have inspired her.

“A lot of people never really believe that my name really is Dua,” she shared in an interview with Patrizia Pepe. “My parents are originally from Kosovo and Dua means love in Albanian, but it kind of took me a while, especially growing up, to really appreciate my name. It was only when it kind of came to the point that I didn’t really need a stage name was really when I... I really started enjoying it. I guess growing up in London and going to school in London, I just wished I had a normal name.”

It may seem that Dua has found her calling in life when it comes

“From listening to, like, Bob Dylan and David Bowie and Stereophonics that my parents loved, to Nelly Furtado and Pink and Destiny’s Child, artists that I love, and then when I moved to Kosovo at 11, everybody listened to hip-hop. It was kind of that mixture of all these sounds.”

Fans of the singer will be pleased to hear that Dua is now working on her 2nd album and rumours have suggested that she is working with music genius MNEK. She’s also currently touring the world with The Self-Titled Tour, which is expected to conclude in America in July 

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

HINDLES ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £234,500 A good sized one bedroom detached bungalow in a quiet cul-de-sac location close to amenities and bus stops. The lounge is a nice size and leads through to the fitted kitchen that overlooks the garden.

The garden is south facing and low maintenance, providing access to the single garage. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

CONISTON ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £258,000 Ideal for first time buyers and offered with no onward chain is this two bedroom detached bungalow. Situated in a popular location within easy reach of local shops, the property features a front facing lounge, modern fitted kitchen, two good sized bedrooms and a garage with off street parking. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 510510

WILRYCH AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £270,000 Located in a quiet cul-de-sac is this three bedroom end of terrace house situated on a generous plot with front, side and rear gardens. Internally the property comprises of a large lounge area, kitchen/diner overlooking the rear garden and a three piece family bathroom. Energy Band – F.

CALL 01268 510510

CLIFTON ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £240,000 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

WILLOW CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND £325,000 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

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POUND LANE, BASILDON £340,000 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

SURIG ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £335,000 This detached family home is offered with no onward chain and has plenty of living space.

The property features an Lshaped lounge/diner, three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a large garage attached to the side of the house and off street parking to the front, while both front and back gardens are grass for easy maintenance. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

A spring statement Forget about spring cleaning, this year we’ve gone mad for spring decorating so use this simple yet effective advice to breathe fresh air into your property this March4

Image credit: Africa Studio - Shutterstock.com

Image credit: Ben Bryant - Shutterstock.com

A SPRING STATEMENT Britain’s favourite

Is there a better time to uplift your interior than the beginning of a new season? Whether you simply fancy a slight refresh, want to redecorate a whole room or wish to redesign the entire property, there are a number of things to do to give your home a little spring in its appearance this March.

Choose your colour wisely As we wave goodbye to winter, now is the time to get the bright colours out. From pastels to vibrant shades, interior shops are adorned with revitalising palettes set to reinvent your home.

What’s more, you don’t need to get the paint brush out as you’ll be amazed at how different your home looks with a few extra accessories and soft furnishing pieces. Spring 2018 is all about yellow, blue, pinks and creams.

Floral is the way forward Nothing says a spring day, like a bunch of flowers on the kitchen table. Nowadays, artificial stems look just as good so invest in peonies, roses and lillies and scatter them around your abode.

Spring and floral fabric go hand-in-hand. Cushions and curtains take such fabric with ease but if you’re feeling extra daring, why not invest in a statement floral sofa?

Rearrange your room If money is still tight after Christmas and New year, and the thought of spending the cash fills you with dread, why not rearrange your furniture? Not only does it make a huge difference but you may find that the spare armchair isn’t needed and would make some money online.

Get upcycling As the world evolves, more people are making a conscious effort to lead a greener and more efficient life. What’s more, once you start upcycling, you’ll never look at items in the same way again. Got some empty bottles? Use them as vases. Got a few old candles hanging around? Melt the wax down and combine to create a new candle. Own a dress that no longer fits? Use the fabric to cover a cushion.

Art aware If you are yet to incorporate art in your home, then 2018 is the year to do it. From framed pieces to statues and dinnerware, not only will art uplift your home but it will also get everyone talking for the right reasons.

Don’t forget to spring-clean Decorating provides you with the perfect opportunity to give your home a proper clean. From top to bottom, left to right, dust, wipe, spray and mop. After all they do say, a happy house makes a happy mind 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

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THE OXYGEN, E16 £525,000-£550,000

THE OXYGEN BUILDING, E16 £499,000

Leasehold – two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a west facing living room benefiting from dual aspect and panoramic views of Canary Wharf. Energy Band – C.

Leasehold – two bedroom, two bathroom apartment offering a west facing living room with Juliette balcony, open plan kitchen and an en-suite shower room. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

NEUTRON TOWER, E14 £375,000-£395,000

PROTON TOWER, E14 £500,000-£525,000

Leasehold - one bedroom apartment including a contemporary bathroom suite and kitchen.

Occupants will enjoy south easterly views of the River Thames. Energy Band – C.

Leasehold - two bedroom, two bathroom apartment including a reception room with patio doors leading to a balcony affording views of the River Thames. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

ONTARIO TOWER, E14 £369 pw

NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £375 pw

Furnished one bedroom apartment. Occupants will benefit from use of the leisure facilities and access to the Radisson Hotel. Energy Band – C.

Fully furnished one bedroom apartment with north facing views towards the park, including a separate kitchen and a large reception room with a good size balcony. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

PROTON TOWER, E14 £310 pw

WHARFSIDE POINT, E14 £385 pw

Fully furnished one bedroom apartment with stunning views overlooking the River Thames.

The property is offered with all utility bills included. Energy Band – B.

Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment available fully furnished, boasting an open plan kitchen and en-suite bathroom. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

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CALL 0207 517 8810

LANDMARK EAST TOWER, E14 £415 pw Large one bedroom luxury apartment offered un-furnished/part furnished, with stunning west facing landscape views.

Internally the property is of an excellent specification throughout, with floor to ceiling glazing, engineered wood flooring and a kitchen with granite finishes. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

DISCOVERY DOCK WEST, E14 £535 pw Beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment benefiting from a good sized balcony affording views of the Canary Wharf skyline. The property is just a stone’s throw from the Jubilee Line providing easy access to the West End & the City. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

SCHOONER CLOSE, E14 £415 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

Image credit: Oxana Denezhkina - Shutterstock.com

Light recipes for the whole family As we wave goodbye to winter, thoughts may have turned to the brighter weather so why not try these easy and delicious spring meals that everyone will love?

All image credits: Oxana Denezhkina - Shutterstock.com

LIGHTBritain’s RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY favourite

SPRING CHICKEN IN A POT

SPRING SALMON WITH MINTY VEG

SAUSAGE & SPRING MASH PIE

Ingredients: Olive Oil 1 onion, chopped 500g boneless, skinless chicken 300g new potatoes 425ml vegetable stock 350g broccoli 350g spring green 140g petit pois Spring onions 2 tbsp pesto

Ingredients: 750g new potatoes 750g frozen peas and beans 3 tbsp. olive oil zest and juice of 1 lemon small pack of mint 4salmon fillets

Ingredients: 1.5kg potatoes | ½ savoy cabbage 100ml milk | 50g butter 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard | vegetable oil 16 pork sausages | 10 shallots 4 carrots | Fresh thyme 500g mushrooms | 400ml red wine 300ml beef stock | 2 tbsp. caramelised red onion

1.Heat the oil in a large, heavy pan.

Add the onion, gently fry for 5 mins until softened, add the chicken, then fry until lightly coloured. Add the potatoes, stock and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then bring to the boil. Cover, then simmer for 30 mins until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked. Can be frozen at this point.

2. Add the broccoli, spring greens, petit pois and spring onions, stir well, then return to the boil. Cover, then cook for 5 mins more, stir in the pesto and heat through.

1.Boil the potatoes in a large pan for 4 mins. Tip in the peas and beans, bring back up to a boil, then carry on cooking for another 3 mins until the potatoes and beans are tender.

Whizz the olive oil, lemon zest and juice and mint in a blender to make a dressing(or finely chop the mint and whisk into the oil and lemon).

2.Put the salmon in a microwave-proof dish, season, then pour the dressing over. Cover with cling film, pierce, then microwave on High for 4-5 mins until cooked through. Drain the veg, then mix with the hot dressing and cooking juices from the fish. Serve the fish on top of the vegetables.

1.Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 mins, adding the cabbage for the final few mins of cooking. Drain, then allow to steam- dry for a few mins.

Add the milk and butter to the pan, warm through, then mash into the potatoes and cabbage with plenty of seasoning. Stir in the mustard, if using.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large, shallow flameproof dish or a large non-stick frying pan. Brown the sausages, shallots and carrots for about 5 mins until nicely golden and the shallots are starting to soften.

The sausages should be almost cooked through; lift them out, then set aside. Tip off any excess fat released by the sausages.

3. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.

Turn up the heat under the pan, tip in the thyme and mushrooms, then fry until golden, about 3 mins. Splash in the wine, then let it bubble and reduce by half. Add the stock and caramelised onions, then simmer until it has reduced a little to make a shiny gravy, and the carrots are cooked through. Season, then add the sausages to the gravy.

4. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish or keep in the pan if it’s ovenproof. Top with the mashed potato, spooning it over in even dollops to prevent the gravy oozing up the sides. Can be made up to 1 day ahead and chilled. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 mins (or 45 mins from chilled), removing the foil for the final 10 mins to brown the mash.

Sprinkle with a little thyme to serve.

All recipes courtesy of BBC Good Food and can be found online.

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