Fisks Gateway issue 57

inside this issue

PLACES TO TAKE THE KIDS THIS MAY HALF TERM HOLIDAY! HOME BUYING SCHEMES AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU ONTO THE PROPERTY LADDER THE HISTORY OF BENFLEET PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 57

Contents Places to take the kids this May half term holiday!

Keep the little ones busy for yet another holiday with these local fun days out!

Home buying schemes available to help you onto the property ladder If you’re wanting to make that first step into ownership, ensure you know the government schemes available to help.

The history of Benfleet Not even the locals will know some of the history that comes along with this beautiful town!

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 May edition of our Gateway magazine.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

There is no doubt that the property market recovery is underway after the winter pause; it is almost as if buyers and sellers hibernated while waiting for spring. In reality the truth is that people were waiting for the 29th March and when Brexit did not happen this signalled the wakeup call.

Brexit did affect the market, but now that the decision has been postponed people are no longer prepared to put their lives on hold and are in the mood to make decisions. There is now a different feel to the market place; new stock is being offered and new buyers are wishing to view, providing that they see value. The market is still price sensitive.

We have a variety of topics in this month’s edition to keep you both informed and entertained. If you’re finding it difficult to entertain the kids this half term holiday, then perhaps you’ll find our list of half term holiday ideas a great help. Elsewhere in this edition, we give you a little Benfleet history lesson and also have a very informative read on home buying schemes for those of you trying to get onto the property ladder.

As always, if you have any questions regarding any of the properties featured in this magazine, then please do not hesitate to call us. We’re always here to help.

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

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Image credit: Huw Penson

Places to take the kids this May half term holiday!

Although it may feel as if the kids have only just gone back to school after the Easter holidays, the May half term is almost upon us. We’ve picked a bunch of the best places to take kids locally, so you can pack your calendar with must-dos4

Image credit: oneinchpunch

From exciting castles to high-powered go-karting, there’s loads to keep them busy. Book ahead wherever possible, get there nice and early and stock up on snacks.

What: Hadleigh Castle Where: Castle Lane, Hadleigh, Essex The ruins of the two ancient towers and part of the curtain wall are all that remain standing of Hadleigh Castle, but of course the destruction of the ages as wrought on such an indomitable seeming structure is fascinating for kids, and the backdrop of the Thames estuary and Essex marshes make for great nature walks while they role play knights and kings (or indeed queens!).

What: Rayleigh Indoor Karting Stadium Where: 13 Brook Road Ind Estate Rayleigh, Essex Arrive and Drive sessions provide a great introduction to karting, where anyone over 10 can be taught to handle their Honda 200cc 4 stroke karts! Ideal for improving your racing skills and trying to beat your previous fastest lap times, and everyone else’s too!

What: Base Jump Where: 26a Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex Base Jump is the largest trampoline park in the entire South East, boasting over 185 interlinked trampolines and 35,000 square feet of fun for all ages. It offers more than any other trampoline park, including Ninja courses, battle beams that pit friend versus friend in a fun ‘fight’, Base Jump platforms up to 2 metres high, and the UK’s first trampoline half-pipe.

What: Museum of London Docklands Where: No1 Warehouse West India Quay, Docklands Dive right into history as you uncover London’s secret past at the Museum of London Docklands. When you arrive, make sure you pick up an activity pack. This is filled with exciting activities for your kids to enjoy as you explore the exhibitions.

Make sure you don’t miss the exciting Tunnels, Trains and Tools exhibition and other interactive exhibits and shows for kids up to 8 years.

What: Legacy XS Centre Where: Richmond Park, High Road South Benfleet Boasting a 4,500 sq ft indoor skate park and 5,500 sq ft outdoor park, some of the star features of Legacy XS Centre include a 6ft volcano, 90° and 45° hips, 8ft quarter pipe, vert wall and rails, and that’s nowhere near all of it! Skaters over 4 years are welcome with parental supervision.

What: Leisure Island Fun Park Where: Eastern Esplanade, Canvey Island Leisure Island Fun Park is a little world of fun, made especially for the youngest adventure-lovers (from 18 months to 9 years). Located on the beautiful Canvey seafront, the park is a great place to visit during warm weather. Leisure Island Fun Park is filled with mini-coaster and funfair entertainment, designed for young kids.

What: Castle Point Transport Museum Where: 105 Point Road, Canvey Island Canvey Island’s vintage Castle Point Transport Museum is now home to over 35 tremendously old and rare buses, coaches, vintage commercials, military and emergency vehicles. True Train Spotters will love this place to bits!

What: Rayleigh Mount Where: Rayleigh, Essex The dramatic Rayleigh Mount is the atmospheric remnants of an early medieval motte and bailey castle site, built by Sweyn of Essex.

However these days this whole area is an urban wildlife haven great for some family exploration and offers sweeping views across the Crouch Valley n

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

TAMARISK, BENFLEET £447,500 This beautifully presented detached property in South Benfleet is located in a quiet cul-de-sac and has been decorated to show home condition. The home comprises a downstairs cloakroom, lounge leading onto an open-plan fitted kitchen with dining area, four bedrooms on the first floor and family bathroom. The master bedroom benefits from a refitted en-suite and you also have the added benefit of an integral garage and private driveway. The rear garden is west facing and has been looked after to a good standard with artificial grass and a patio area, backing onto Villa Park. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

SEAMORE AVE, BENFLEET £320,000 This modern, semi-detached, open-plan home offers a large lounge, fitted kitchen/diner, three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property also benefits from an integral garage which could provide an option to extend (STPP). The 60ft rear garden has both lawned and patio areas while to the front there is a driveway for two or three cars. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 565555

MALWOOD DRIVE, BENFLEET £320,000 This three bedroom semidetached property has been redecorated and modernised throughout offering good living space on both floors. The benefits include a good sized lounge/diner, fitted kitchen and a boutique-style bathroom. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn and there is also a garage with a private driveway for up to four vehicles. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

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HIGH ROAD, BENFLEET £350,000 A fantastic sized three storey, semi-detached house located within walking distance to the train station. The property features a lounge, separate dining room, brick-based conservatory, fitted kitchen, four bedrooms and family bathroom.

The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn and there is a driveway to the front. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

MEADWAY, BENFLEET £375,000 This is a great opportunity to buy a 1339 sq.ft extended semidetached home. The property is well-presented internally, offering a large open plan lounge/diner, utility room and downstairs cloakroom to the ground floor, plus three good sized bedrooms to the first floor.

The rear garden is a very good size and there is also a 20ft x 10ft garage. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 565555

NORTHERN AVE, BENFLEET £299,995 This spacious, two double bedroom semi-detached bungalow benefits from a kitchen extension creating space for an open plan 20ft lounge/diner. The property has a lovely 40ft west facing garden and is located in a quiet cul-desac situated close to local shops.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

KENTS HILL ROAD, BENFLEET £450,000-£475,000 A fantastic four bedroom detached property comprising an extended lounge/diner, refitted kitchen, ground floor cloakroom and utility area. On the first floor there are four bedrooms with an en-suite to master, and a high specification family bathroom. The rear garden is a good size and the front drive offers parking for four vehicles. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

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TAMARISK, BENFLEET £450,000 This immaculate detached property is perfect for buyers wanting close access to the train station and families wanting to get their children into the "outstanding" schools that the area can offer. Internally the property features a downstairs cloakroom, lounge, dining room, fully fitted kitchen, four bedrooms on the first floor with the master bedroom having a shower en-suite and a family bathroom. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn, perfect for children, and has a shed that will stay. The front garden offers the same with a hard standing driveway for up to five vehicles. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 565555

Image credit: KieferPix

Home buying schemes available to help you onto the property ladder Across the UK, there are a number of different schemes on offer designed to help first-time buyers step onto the property ladder in what is an expensive housing market for many people.4

Image credit: Romolo Tavani

Whatever your circumstances, there should be an option below to help you obtain your very first property, and while it may seem an impossible feat these days, with the support outlined below, you can take that first step into the world of property ownership.

Shared ownership Under shared ownership, you buy a portion of a property and pay rent on the part you don’t own. Shares start as low as 25%, which reduces the deposit you need to buy a home.

Once you are in, you can staircase the portion you own bit by bit as your income grows and you are able to afford a larger mortgage.

£250,000 outside of London and £450,000 within the city.

Rent to buy The scheme enables aspiring buyers to live in a rented property for five years paying below the market rent, which is subsidised by the government.

This gives the renter the financial space to save for a deposit.

Help to buy: equity loan This government-run scheme offers first-time buyers in England a loan of up to 20% of a property’s value, which is interest-free for the first five years.

At the end of the five years, the renter must buy all or part of the property (under shared ownership). If they choose not to buy the property, they must move out.

Not only does this reduce borrowing costs for first-time buyers, but it also means they only need a 5% deposit to secure the rest of what they need as mortgage.

Right to buy If you live in a council home you may be eligible to buy it subject to certain criteria and conditions.

Help to buy: ISA Another branch of the help to buy scheme is an ISA available at a variety of banks. With a help to buy ISA, for every £200 you save the government will add £50.

You might even be eligible if your home is no longer owned by the council but is still social housing.

The maximum the government will add is £3,000. But that is a significant boost to your savings if you’re working towards a deposit.

Starter homes In England, the much-anticipated starter homes scheme is due to begin soon and you can register your interest online (https://www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/scheme/starter-homes/).

It will offer first-time buyers a 20% discount on new-build homes in participating developments up to a maximum of

And if you’re a housing association tenant, you might be able to buy your property under the right to acquire, which works in a similar way to right to buy.

Finding out which scheme could be right for you is the first step towards one day owning your dream home! If you do your research, and take advantage of the support being offered, there’s no reason why you can’t make that dream come true sooner rather than later!

For support buying your first home, or if you would like to see what we have available to buy, visit our website or get in touch today! We’re here to help 

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

KINGS PARK, CANVEY ISLAND £184,995 This superbly located park home occupies a double plot and boasts a 19ft lounge, dining area, kitchen and separate utility area, two double bedrooms, en-suite to master and family bathroom.

CALL 01268 510510

RATTWICK DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND £195,000 This one bedroom detached bungalow is being offered with no onward chain and features an extended 16ft lounge and a 14ft extended kitchen. There is a garage with potential to convert (STPP) and ample off street parking. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

HALLET ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £270,000 Guide Price: £260,000 - £270,000 Situated on a spacious corner plot is this two bedroom detached bungalow offering a good sized lounge, fitted kitchen and wet room. Externally, there is a car port, garage, a wrap-around front garden and a low maintenance rear garden. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

WILMSLOWE, CANVEY ISLAND £260,000-£280,000 This fantastic sized family home boasts a 22ft lounge and a 60ft rear garden (approximately). Upstairs there are three double bedrooms and a beautiful three piece bathroom suite. The property is located in one of the quietest areas on the island with local amenities only a short distance away. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

EASTERN ESPLANADE, CANVEY ISLAND £325,000 This well-maintained semi-detached home features modern décor throughout, featuring a fitted kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom to the ground floor, while upstairs there is a further double bedroom, shower room and a spacious lounge with views of the sea. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

ATHERSTONE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £286,995 New to the market is this lovely mid-terrace property located in a very sought after road on Canvey Island. Internally the property benefits from a good sized lounge, fitted kitchen/diner, three spacious bedrooms and a three piece bathroom. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

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KINGS PARK, CANVEY ISLAND £132,500 Delightfully kept and well-decorated one bedroom park home with great square room sizes and attractive bay windows located within walking distance to the shop and lake. Internally the property offers a 12 x 10ft kitchen and 12 x 11ft lounge, while outside there is off street parking to the side.

CALL 01268 510510

CRAVEN AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £239,995 This bungalow was originally a two bedroom property but was turned into a one bedroom so that it now has a 33ft lounge/diner, however it can be easily turned back. The property also benefits from a modern fitted kitchen and a lovely 40ft rear garden. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

VILLAGE DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND £245,000 This lovely detached bungalow is full of character, offering a 10ft x 8ft kitchen, two double bedrooms (the second is currently being used as a study) and a 14ft lounge.

The property is situated in a quiet street and is on an extra wide plot providing a patio garden to the rear and a lawn garden to the side. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

GAINSBOROUGH AVE, CANVEY ISLAND £299,550 Located on a generous plot with potential to extend (STPP), this semi-detached bungalow offers plenty of space and modern living. The property has a large kitchen, good sized lounge and a conservatory, plus three bedrooms and a fitted bathroom. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

GAFZELLE DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND £375,000-£400,000 This deceptively spacious detached chalet features a spacious hallway with the lounge and third bedroom with en-suite to the left, and the fourth bedroom/office, downstairs bathroom and 16ft kitchen/diner on the right. On the first floor are a further two bedrooms both in excess of 17ft in length.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

HAWKESBURY ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £265,000-£280,000 This three bedroom semi-detached bungalow has a 73ft west facing garden backing onto fields. Internally the property is well-decorated with a modern kitchen and bathroom plus an 11ft x 9ft extension at the rear. The home also offers plenty of off street parking and is being sold with no onward chain. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

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WESTWOOD ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £295,000-£325,000 This detached family home is presented in good condition and offers a 16ft family kitchen leading into a large conservatory, a well-presented lounge with solid wood floors, three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally there is off street parking, a garage and a 40ft garden.

Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

STRASBOURG ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £280,000 This spacious semi-detached chalet has an open plan lounge/diner overlooking the south facing garden, a conservatory, downstairs cloakroom, three double bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. The property also benefits from solar panels, off street parking and a large garage. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

CRESCENT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £425,000-£450,000 This generously proportioned detached family home boasts a double garage, four spacious double bedrooms, two en-suites and a sunny roof terrace. Internally the property also offers a spacious lounge, separate utility room and a light and airy kitchen leading into the dining area. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

Image credit: JMAV

The history of Benfleet While many people live in the popular and beautiful area of Benfleet in Essex, not many know about the interesting history of the town4

By learning more about the past of where we live, we can all appreciate and love certain landmarks and historic sites more than ever.

So here’s a brief overview of the history of Benfleet and how it came to be the town it is today!

Benfleet from the start Up until the time of the first Great War, Benfleet was a country townlet of four to five hundred people. Most of them lived in cottages grouped about the lovely (mainly 13th century) Church, with three inns – the Hoy, the Crown and the Anchor – as focal points. Below the Church was the railway station on the main line from Fenchurch Street to Southend. Beyond that was the Creek separating Canvey Island from the “mainland”.

Behind the village rose the wooded hill near the top of which the Vicarage had been built in 1852. There were a few outlying farms and a scattering of houses; but the main impression must have been of a sleepy, isolated country parish, overlooking Canvey to the broad waters of the Thames Estuary.

The inhabitants mostly made their living by agriculture, with a few boatmen and boat-builders and small tradesfolk.

Canvey Island Canvey Island was once little more than a mud-flat, reaching out into the Estuary, partially covered by water at high tide. In the 18th century, Dutch engineers built a strong earth wall all round it, where half a dozen farmers tilled the rescued soil.

Growth of the population

After the war the attractions of both Benfleet and Canvey as places to retire to brought along an increasing number of residents, mostly from the eastern parts of London; others found that, with a one-hour train service to London, it was practicable to live in the country and work in town.

Further, Canvey’s possibilities as a seaside resort were discovered and exploited to good effect. For the East End Cockney there was a lot to be said for beaches little more than an hour’s journey from Bethnal Green.

By 1927 this post-war “development” was in full spate. Planning was primitive to non-existent; restrictions on type and quality of building were ignored.

A dozen or so tracks, compact of

Image credit: Sargis Zubov

grass, weeds or dust in summer, and of squelchy mud in winter, were designated as roads and lined irregularly by bungalows and villas, often of the cheapest materials and crudest design.

So it was that by 1927 Benfleet’s population had risen to two thousand, and the majority were new-comers.

The Battle of Benfleet The Battle of Benfleet took place between the Vikings and Saxons in 894 A.D. This was towards the end of the Saxon period, and the Thames and other waterways made the area vulnerable to Viking attacks.

Benfleet was used as a Viking base. However the Vikings were defeated in the battle by the army

of King Alfred under the command of his son Edward the Elder and his son-in-law Earl Aethelred of Mercia.

Subsequently a church was built by the Saxons in thanksgiving for the victory over the Vikings. St Mary’s church is the most recent church building occupying this site.

South Benfleet School South Benfleet School was opened on its current site on April 9th 1926 as an ‘all age’ school, to serve the educational needs of the whole of South Benfleet.

The school was built to replace the ‘Old School’ situated in School Lane near the station (now a car park!).

Benfleet Downs

The Benfleet Downs are also known as Hadleigh Downs, and they form an escarpment overlooking Benfleet creek and Hadleigh Marshes. The public had been allowed access to Benfleet Downs by the Barnes family who owned some of it. One of the last acts of the Benfleet Parish Council was to purchase 30 acres of The Downs in 1929, with a view to it becoming a public open space.

Today the downs and the marshes form part of the Hadleigh Country Park, or Hadleigh Castle Country Park, which affords walks, cycle routes and bridle ways. They give an impressive panorama over the River Thames to the hills of Kent and imposing views of Hadleigh Castle 

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.