Fisks Gateway issue 54

inside this issue

WHY SO MANY PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE WHY EXPERIENCE COUNTS FOR SO MUCH IN LETTINGS THE BENEFITS OF DOWNSIZING ACCORDING TO OUR PROPERTY MARKET STATS PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 54

Contents The benefits of downsizing according to our property market stats Enormous benefits await for those looking to downsize in Canvey Island and Benfleet.

Why experience counts for so much in lettings Whether you’re looking to become a landlord or a tenant, choosing someone with experience to help can make all the difference.

Why so many people are choosing to move to the seaside The pull of the sea and the sand in home buying!

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.

At long last the afternoons are beginning to lengthen with dusk arriving well into the evening after 5 o’clock. Spring is on the way, snow drops abound and even the daffodils are breaking cover. Hopefully the bad weather that was forecast for the beginning of February will miss South Essex as there is definitely a feeling of spring in the air.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

The debate regarding the banning of tenant fees in the lettings market has been concluded. The Government has announced that, from the 1st June 2019, lettings fees are to be banned.

There are two other measures contained within this Act that will also affect the lettings market. Security deposits are to be limited to five weeks’ rent. Holding deposits, which must be returned to the tenant in most circumstances, are to be limited to one week’s rent. These changes will be closely monitored

by Trading Standards, so landlords should take care. The stock available to let in the market has reduced although the demand from tenants remains the same. Some landlords have taken the opportunity to sell as they are beginning to feel the pain of additional tax on their rental income due to interest payable to lenders not being totally allowable, plus of course the additional 3% stamp duty land tax should they wish to increase their portfolio. With interest rates still historically low there is still a case to be made for investing in residential property. For further advice please call one of our offices.

More and more couples are considering downsizing and we have recently added research to our website on this subject in Benfleet and Canvey. There are some interesting statistics and are well worth a look.

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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Image credit: Watchara Ritjan

The beneďŹ ts of downsizing according to our property market stats Looking through statistics from the property market over the last few years, we have found enormous benefits for those looking to downsize within Canvey Island and Benfleet

‘Downsizing’ is the term that is used to describe moving from a larger property into one that is smaller and generally more economical.

Typically seen as a solution for the retired, those whose homes now feel too big to manage once their children have moved on to homes of their own. Yet today, in an era when people are starting to re-focus their lives around the idea of working to live, we are seeing

Image credit: Syda Productions

more and more people looking to ‘downsize’ for a wide range of reasons.

Discovering the reasons why a person wishes to buy or sell a property can be really enlightening.

We are blessed to be able to gain an insight into their lives, their wants, their needs, and how this move will be the solution they seek, whether that is due to location, needing more space, or even helping to create a specific lifestyle.

Instead of the stereotypical ‘downsizers’ we are now seeing people from all generations looking to move somewhere smaller.

Having too much space is not the main driver for this new generation of downsizer; instead, their focus is creating a better life for them and their family. Becoming mortgagefree is a dream for many, and by downsizing you will more than likely reduce your monthly outgoings, enabling you to be able to pay off your mortgage quicker.

The Stats Let’s start with the basics – how much cash could you free up? In Canvey Island, the average twobed costs £225,000, three-beds cost £275,000 and four-beds cost £365,000. In crude terms, this means that each room a homeowner sacrifices could free up about £70,000.

In Benfleet, the average two-bed costs £280,000, three-beds cost £350,000 and four-beds cost

£515,995. This means that each room a homeowner sacrifices could free up about £118,000!

When you add to that the money saved from reducing your bills in a smaller home, and possibly selling some of the excess belongings which used to clutter up the extra rooms in your larger home, that’s plenty more money in the bank to raise your standard of life, and give you peace of mind you deserve. The smaller mortgage can be the difference

between huge stress, and happiness.

While downsizing used to be synonymous with a reduction in homeowners’ standard of living, today it’s seen as the opposite, and for those chasing the mortgage free dream, it could be the right choice.

If you would like to talk about the possibility of downsizing in Canvey Island or Benfleet, pop into our office or give us a call today for a friendly chat. We’re here to help! 

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.

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!

THERE ARE A LOT OF ESTATE AGENTS BUT ONLY ONE FISKS

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

“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 “

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

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LOCAL

SWEET BRIAR AVE, BENFLEET £365,000 Well-maintained semi-detached property within walking distance to Benfleet train station. The accommodation comprises a lounge, separate dining area, fitted kitchen, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a well-presented west-facing rear garden and a private driveway. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

LONDON ROAD, BENFLEET £325,000 Extended semi-detached house presented in a fantastic condition throughout. The property benefits from an extended dining/living space, lounge, modern kitchen, ground floor cloakroom, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property also has a private rear garden plus a garage with power and a driveway for up to four cars.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

KILN ROAD, BENFLEET £470,000 This extended detached property is offered in excellent condition and features a cinema room/second reception room plus a good sized lounge, dining room, downstairs shower room, galley-style kitchen with utility room and a study to the ground floor. There are four double bedrooms and a family bathroom to the first floor while outside the rear garden is approximately 127ft long and offers three wood-built outbuildings. The front of the property doesn't disappoint with its electric gate, garage and private driveway for up to six vehicles. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 565555

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JOTMANS LANE, BENFLEET £260,000 Modernised and refurbished first floor maisonette close to local shops and Benfleet train station.

Internally the property offers a good sized lounge/kitchen space, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property also benefits from newly fitted carpets, a new combi boiler and the lease length is 125 years.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

RAYMONDS DRIVE, BENFLEET £330,000-£340,000 Fantastic sized, three bedroom semi-detached chalet style property consisting of a fitted kitchen, lounge, shower room, separate dining room and fourth bedroom/reception room on the ground floor. The rear garden is approximately 130ft long with a gated area featuring a swimming pool and wooden outbuilding. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

ELOUNDA COURT, BENFLEET ÂŁ615,000 Executive five bedroom detached property benefiting from a great sized lounge, a modernised kitchen, study, dining room, utility room and ground floor cloakroom.

The master bedroom includes an en-suite, and there are a further four double bedrooms and a refitted four piece bathroom. The rear garden is approximately 130ft long while to the front there is a garage and a driveway for up to three cars. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 565555

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STANLEY ROAD, BENFLEET £325,000-£340,000 This simply stunning semidetached home comprises a luxurious kitchen/diner and dual aspect lounge to the ground floor. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a white three piece bathroom suite. To the front of the property you have ample off street parking and to the rear you have an easily maintainable garden.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

LONDON ROAD, BENFLEET £415,000-£425,000 Immaculate link-detached property featuring a good sized lounge, refitted kitchen, dining room, second reception room and cloakroom to the ground floor, while to the first floor there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. The garden is low maintenance with a hard standing patio area and astro turf. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

Why experience counts for so much in lettings Whether you’re looking to become a landlord or a tenant, choosing an experienced realtor to assist you in finding the ideal building or tenant is always a good decision4

Image credit: Evgeny Atamanenko

So, why exactly should you choose an experienced realtor for letting?

Well, aside from the obvious reasons of ensuring you’re paying a fair price, your tenants are going to be well screened and all the proper documentation will be present there are a few benefits you don’t commonly find people talking about.

1: Accurate and Up to Date Information It is all too easy to just say what people want to hear. It isn’t anybody

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in particulars fault. It is simply human nature. With a Realtor at your back, you can ensure that all the details, certificates and inspections are up to date, valid and accurate.

and neighbourhood value, you can ensure you’re charging or paying the exact right price to attract the best possible tenant or accept the best possible offer.

A Realtor can provide you with insights and information on the history of a unit, building history and neighbourhood history. Not to mention an Experienced Realtor can help you design a fair and attractive rental proposal. With inside information on local real estate value

2: Access to Specialised Services In addition to the other benefits we have covered, Realtors can also help to get you into contact with other professionals and services. From legal help with Leases to Advertising for your listing, Real Estate Agents can bring all manner of valuable services to your

fingertips. Always make sure to ask your Realtor what other services there are for you to take advantage of, to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

There is always another way to make your unit or proposal more attractive to prospective tenants or landlords.

3: Advice on how to Make Your Proposal/Unit More Attractive If you’ve searched for a rental or tried to find a tenant in the past, you know sometimes it can be hard to get your proposal accepted or your unit leased

successfully. One of the many advantages of having an experienced realtor helping you, is that, a realtor can provide you insight on what current shoppers or landlords are looking for. What they are most commonly willing to accept.

This information can be absolutely invaluable to you as a renter or landlord. Knowing what it is that makes a unit worth what it is and how to raise its value can take your proposal from “enticing” to a “must accept” and an “Ok” unit to a “Must have” unit.

We could only touch on a few key details here but there are many many more advantages to hiring an experienced realtor when you are letting. It is, of course, possible to do it on your own. Many have done it. However, if you’re looking for a “home” you deserve the best. The best is only achievable if you have the power of knowledge on your side.

The power of knowledge is the most important tool in any endeavour. A realtor can offer this to you and more in spades 

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 !!!!�

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.

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

HOLMSWOOD, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ325,000 This four bedroom mid-terraced house has plenty to offer a growing family. From the stunning 20ft kitchen/diner to the luxurious 17ft four piece bathroom suite, there has been no expense spared in transforming this home into what it is now. The rear garden has a decked patio area and a brick built gym/summer house.

The property also benefits from an integral garage and off street parking. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

NORTH AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ260,000-ÂŁ280,000 Residing in a popular location within walking distance to local amenities and bus links is this superbly extended semi-detached bungalow. The property comprises an spacious entrance hall, a modern wet room, lounge with open fireplace leading onto what could be used as the second bedroom or dining room, a spacious kitchen, sun room and finally the master bedroom. Externally there is a private and secluded rear garden with mature shrubs and pond. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 510510

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SOUTHWICK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ250,000-ÂŁ270,000 This link-detached bungalow has been redecorated and resides in a sought after location. The property offers two double bedrooms, a spacious lounge, modern three piece bathroom suite and a kitchen with access to the sunny rear garden. The property also has a garage and its own driveway with further potential for more parking, Local shops are only a short distance away as are local schools and bus links. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 510510

HENSON AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ245,000-ÂŁ260,000 Beautiful link-detached bungalow that has been redecorated throughout. This modernised and extended property features a contemporary decorated lounge, refitted kitchen, modernised shower room and two good sized double bedrooms. The rear garden is west-facing and the property also benefits from a garage and parking. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 510510

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CHERRYDOWN EAST, BASILDON £215,000-£225,000 This stunning apartment is being offered with no onward chain, boasting a 21ft lounge/kitchen, two bathrooms and two bedrooms. The property is located only a stone’s throw away from Basildon train station with links into Fenchurch Street. Externally there is a spacious roof terrace and communal grounds as well as a secure remote accessed underground parking for residents only. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 510510

Why so many people are choosing to move to the seaside Have you ever sat back and thought “Why is it that so many people want to live near the sea?�4

Image credit: lzf

Image credit: LeManna

This is the question we aim to answer today. We will run through the various benefits to living near the sea and why it is that so many people seem to be infatuated with seaside living.

air you’re breathing.

1: A Feeling of Inner Peace One of the things that should immediately come to mind when thinking about seaside living is the peacefulness of it. Living near the sea is lie living with a white noise generator right next to you at all times. The sounds of the ocean are well known to be incredibly relaxing when you hear them.

They have proven affects in Therapy and Meditation for grounding yourself and being present and in the moment.

3: Feeling Closer to Nature Removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city can help us feel close to nature. Being closer to nature can make us feel more relaxed and more at peace within ourselves. There is no better way to get closer to nature than to be next to the sea.

2: Breathing Clean, Healthy Air There is absolutely nothing better, than waking up and inhaling a big breath of that fresh sea air! That salty sea air does wonders for our respiratory system. It can result in less frequent sickness (The common cold and allergies etc) and overall just a much cleaner feeling to the

Have you ever seen commercials for sea water powered nasal spray? It’s true that it does work.

A couple ways you can feel closer with our beautiful planet is to go swimming or boating in the sea.

There is nothing more cathartic than swimming with the fishes!

4: Less Daily Stress There are all kinds of things in our daily lives that simply wear on us.

When you work hard, you deserve to relax! Nothing is more relaxing than lounging on the shore next to your

seaside property! Relax and unwind with beautiful views and therapeutic sounds!

There is obviously, many reasons people move to the sea side.

Whatever they might the answer is simple. Seaside living is simply better.

Who doesn’t want to feel more relaxed at home? No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone can benefit from seaside living!

Every single year, countless people move to the seaside to enjoy the many benefits of living there. You could be one of them! Living at the seaside isn’t nearly as expensive as a lot of people seem to think it is. As with living anywhere the prices vary greatly. With some searching, you too can find your perfect seaside home and start enjoying the thousands of different benefits that living near the ocean provides to you, your family and your friends! We can promise you won’t regret the choice. Your better life, waits at the seaside 

Why use Fisks?

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

Audited clients account 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

Benfleet Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 F: 01268 566291 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk Canvey Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY T: 01268 510510 F: 01268 697126 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk Lettings & Management 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ Tel: 01268 638425 Email: alex@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.