Fisks Gateway issue 41

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 41

inside this issue

MATT’S NEXT STEP UP, UP, AND AWAY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

Contents Matt’s next step Celebrate the New Year in style with a brand new film from the one and only, Mr Damon.

Up, Up, and away If you’re considering selling your property this New Year, then it’s likely that you might want to add value to it’s worth - but did you know it could be easier than you think?

It’s cold outside It might not be top of your ‘to-do list’ but your garden still requires a little maintenance during the winter months to ensure that it is fighting fit for the next year.

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 our first edition of 2018. Firstly and most importantly we wish you a very happy and healthy New Year.

There are positive indications, both Internationally and Nationally, that the New Year will bring good news. Even the weather in our part of Essex has been just what we need to motivate the applicants to view both rental and sales properties.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

Our message for 2018, if you are considering a move, is not to wait to bring your existing house to the market before you look to find your new home. The current shortage of properties has become self-fulfilling, as everybody would like to find first and then sell. This is why there is not enough property for you to view as everyone wishes to find first. The other important reason, of course, is that having found your new home the first question you’ll be asked is ‘Have you sold?’ Most vendors will only seriously consider offers from buyers that can proceed.

We understand you could be worried about selling and then not finding the right home, but we are here to help you through this process.

In this edition, whatever your budget, you will find new homes for you to view, and our website is updated daily. If you have any specific requirements or would like any further information on the market, simply call one of our offices and speak to a member of our team.

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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

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 semi-detached family home with a detached garage.

Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

WINFIELDS, BASILDON £257,500 A three storey terraced property benefiting from private parking, kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and a low maintenance rear garden. The home is wellmaintained throughout and offers amazing living space on all floors. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

WOODLANDS, BENFLEET £255,000 This ground floor apartment is presented to an exceptionally high standard and comprises of an open plan kitchen/living area, fully tiled kitchen and two double bedrooms. An allocated parking space is issued to each dwelling and there is a communal garden. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

WOODLANDS, BENFLEET £245,000 This first floor two double bedroom apartment comprises of an open plan kitchen/living area, fitted kitchen and modern bathroom. The property benefits from a west facing shared garden and an allocated parking space. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

WOODLANDS, BENFLEET £255,000 This ground floor two bedroom apartment benefits from an entrance via its own private door, comprising of an open plan kitchen/living area opening out with a Juliet balcony onto the fenced communal garden.

An allocated parking space is issued to each dwelling with additional visitor parking available. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

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BARTLEY ROAD, BENFLEET ÂŁ415,000 Well-presented four bedroom detached property, with extended kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, garage and private parking. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

OAKFIELD ROAD, BENFLEET ÂŁ460,000 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 en-suite shower room.

Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

Image credit: shutterstock

Matt’s next step Celebrate the New Year in style with a brand new film from the one and only, Mr Damon4

Image credit: shutterstock

MATT’S NEXT STEP Britain’s favourite

Is there a better way to celebrate the New Year than with a new film starring Matt Damon? Downsizing was officially released at the London Film Festival back in October but it doesn’t reach UK cinemas until later this month.

Starring Matt alongside Christoph Waltz and Kristen Wiig, the film tells the story of a team of scientists who discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall as a solution to overpopulation. Paul (Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to abandon their stressed lives in order to get small and move to a new downsized community - a choice that triggers life-changing adventures.

He’s certainly had a successful career but does he have any advice? “Some people get into this business and they’re so afraid to lose anything. They try to protect their position like clinging to a beachhead. These actors end up making really safe choices.

I never wanted to go that route. If I go down, I’m going down swinging. I know that’s the way Heath Ledger feels and Ben Affleck feels the same way, too. We want to take the big swings.”

productions. He then made his professional acting debut in the film Mystic Pizza in 1998. He came to prominence in 1997 when he wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting alongside Ben Affleck, which one numerous awards. The talented actor then starred in Saving Private Ryan, The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Departed, gaining critical acclaim.

Other notable films include the Bourne franchise (2002-2016) and the Ocean’s trilogy (2001-2007). It’s no surprise that he has received various nomination and awards and we don’t think it will be the last of it just yet. In addition to this, Matt has also performed voiceovers in animated and documentary films and has established two production companies with Affleck.

He added: “It’s just better to be yourself than to try to be some version of what you think the other person wants.”

However, although he may be one of the most famous actors in America, for him, fame is just a word. “There are people who appear in the magazines and I don’t know who they are. I’ve never seen anything they’ve done and their careers are over already. They’re famous for maybe 10 minutes. Real careers, I think, take a long time to unfold…I’d had people say, “You’ll enjoy being famous for a week, and you’ll never enjoy it again”.

But I don’t think I had that week. I may have been working and missed that moment.”

Having now turned his attention to producing as well as acting, Matt began his career by appearing school theatre

Matt will also star in Ocean’s Eight in June but for now Downsizing is officially out from 19th January 2018 n

Image credit: shutterstock

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

CLEVELAND ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £285,000 This three bedroom detached bungalow is situated in the very popular Cleveland Road, and is being offered for sale with a tenant in place. The property offers a kitchen/dining room, family lounge, double glazing, garage with a driveway and a generous sized south facing rear garden.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

MARINE AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £235,000 Spacious two bedroom detached bungalow situated within a short walk to the seafront.

The property also benefits from parking, gas central heating, double glazing and no onward chain. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

CHURCH PARADE, CANVEY ISLAND £300,000 Beautifully maintained detached bungalow with two double bedrooms. The property also incorporates a good size lounge/diner, newly fitted kitchen, two bathrooms, laid to lawn rear garden and a garage currently being used as storage. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

CASSEL AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £215,000 Tucked away in a quaint position and offered with no onward chain is this spacious one bedroom detached bungalow. The property benefits from a large lounge, generous size kitchen, a lovely low maintenance rear garden and a garage. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

ELDER TREE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £250,000 A well-positioned two double bedroom bungalow situated within a short walk to the town centre and offered with no onward chain. The property comprises of a spacious lounge, lovely kitchen/dining room and a paved rear garden providing side access to a garage. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

MARLBOROUGH ROAD, ROMFORD £375,000 A well-decorated three bedroom terrace house close to travel links and Romford Station. The property offers a large lounge/diner with working open fire, a modern fully fitted kitchen, family bathroom with separate shower, private courtyard and a good sized garden. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

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HETZAND ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £345,000 Tucked away down a lovely residential road in Leigh Beck School catchment area is this three bedroom detached bungalow offered with no onward chain. Further benefits include off street parking, larger than average garage, newly fitted kitchen and an en-suite shower room. The rear garden offers a large lawn area and access to the garage. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

WILLOW CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND OIEO £324,000 This contemporary three bedroom home is located within walking distance to schools, shops and bus routes, offering an 80ft x 50ft rear garden and modern décor throughout.

Internally the property features a generously sized ground floor bedroom, bright and airy lounge/diner with French doors and a lovely fitted kitchen with breakfast bar. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 510510

Image credit: Greta Nurk Shutterstock.com

Get outside this winter

It might not be top of your ‘to-do list’ but your garden still requires a little maintenance during the colder months to ensure that it is fighting fit for the next year.4

Image credit: erni Shutterstock.com

GET OUTSIDE favourite THIS WINTER Britain’s

It’s easy to retreat to the warmth of the home instead of spending time in the garden, but it still requires a little maintenance during the colder months to ensure that it is fighting fit for the next year.

Winter is the ideal time of year to prepare an area for a new lawn; simply dig out the proposed area making sure to leave some clumps of soil on the surface. These clumps will be broken down by the frost creating a great base for the new lawn. When maintaining your existing lawn it is important to realise that, on warmer days there will be some growth, but this can be kept to a minimum by not feeding the grass. However if the grass does grow longer than you’d like you can cut it. Grass that is too short can have a hard time surviving the winter, whereas grass that is too long can become brittle with the frost, so a happy medium is required.

It is important to keep weeds and moss under control throughout winter as they can quickly take over your lawn.

It is also a good idea to regularly rake fallen leaves and other debris so that the grass still has access to the sunlight.

As the temperatures drop, the plants that are not killed by the frost prepare to go dormant until the warmer weather comes. Cut off any blackened stems and clear out any dead foliage such as annual flowers and vegetables to prevent diseases from spreading to other areas of the garden.

The lawnmower is rarely needed during January, so it is the perfect time to service it. Sharpen the blades and ensure that the engine is serviced to keep it in tip top condition.

Empty any remaining fuel or check that the electricity lead is well maintained before storing away.

Looking ahead to the brighter weather, natural landscapes are going to be big in 2018. Planting low care shrubs, grass and perennials is a relaxed attitude to gardening and can produce a plethora of colours and textures with very little maintenance. In preparation for spring, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are all great additions to any garden, but if you don’t have the space for a large bush why not try growing them in pots. In addition to this, herbs are one of the easiest plants to plant.

Finally, it was inevitable that technology would be integrated into the garden, and now there are a wide range of hi-tech gadgets available.From smart apps that remind you to water your plants and probes that tell you the health of your garden to smart lights that create ambient environments, technology has really moved on in the last couple of years and as these technology brands advance, so will the health of your garden 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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LANDMARK TOWER WEST, E14 £775,000 Leasehold - two bedroom, two bathroom apartment offering floor to ceiling glazing, comfort cooling throughout, engineered wood flooring, a kitchen with granite finishes and a bathroom with marble finishes. A secure parking bay is also included within the lease. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

THE OXYGEN, E16 £525,000-£550,00 0 Leasehold – two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a west facing living room benefiting from an impressive dual aspect and panoramic view of Canary Wharf. The master bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room and there is an additional guest bathroom. The contemporary fitted kitchen includes integrated appliances.

Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

NEW PROVIDENCE WHARF, E14 £390 pw Furnished one bedroom apartment presented in excellent condition, including a separate kitchen, good size living room with a balcony and a high quality bathroom.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

ONTARIO TOWER, E14 £290 pw Studio apartment furnished to the highest standard, located only a 7 minute walk from Canary Wharf Tube and only a 2 minute walk from Blackwall DLR. The kitchen has a fully integrated Smegg dish washer, washer dryer and cooker. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

WHARFSIDE POINT SOUTH, E14 £410 pw Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom apartment available fully furnished. The apartment features a long stretching balcony that boasts great south facing views of the O2 Dome and River Thames.

Other benefits include an open plan modern kitchen and en-suite to master bedroom. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

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DISCOVERY DOCK EAST, E14 £540 pw South facing fully furnished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment benefiting from panoramic views of the Docklands and Greenwich. The apartment also boasts wooden flooring throughout the hall and living room. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

BARRIER POINT, E16 £500 pw Three bedroom apartment featuring a south westerly aspect of the River Thames, a good size patio balcony, separate kitchen and en-suite shower room to the master bedroom. Energy Band – B.

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

Image credit: Tom Wang Shutterstock.com

Up, Up, and away If you’re considering selling your property this New Year, then it’s likely that you might want to add value to it’s worth - but did you know it could be easier than you think?4

UP, UP,favourite AND AWAY Britain’s

We’d all like more money for our property when it comes to selling but for the majority of us, it seems like a lot of hard work! However you may be surprised just how it easy it could be. We’ve rounded up the best home renovation ideas which will get you results in 2018.

Adding an extension is the most

Image credit: Rido Shutterstock.com

costly outlay but could increase the value of your home by up to 20% by expanding the living area.

The kitchen has become the hub of the home - creating a real asset by modernising or making it more open-plan can be hugely beneficial and help you achieve your target asking price.

The prospect of upgrading a bathroom may deter some buyers. So a new bathroom that needs no work can be prized asset.

Gone are the days of having one big family bathroom for the whole house.

The number of en-suites and bath/ shower rooms are key for most buyers.

Installing in an en-suite or wet room,

even in a small space, will increase the appeal of your property.

Many potential buyers have green fingers, so having an attractive garden can make a difference when it comes to valuing a property.

Don’t underestimate the flow of a house, if this means knocking down a wall or removing useless narrow corridors to make it more light and flexible to a potential buyer, it may be worth doing.

Expanding into the roof space could turn your two bed into a three bed and open up your property to a host of new buyers with higher budgets.

For an average home in the country, improving its EPC from the bottom band G up to E, or from band D to B, could add more than 14% to the value of your home.

Use your outbuildings. A shed in the garden can be turned into a useful addition, such as a home office or

a playroom, which may be practical for buyers.

Upgrade windows. There is no point having a marvellous home if the basics aren’t done properly, clean windows and replace old or broken ones to help achieve maximum price for your home.

If you have any questions or are thinking of selling, get in touch today and one of our experts will be more than happy to help 

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