DIY PATIO REFRESH FOR THE SUMMER
Warm days and long evenings call for an outdoor refresh.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEYOND THE PROPERTY
It’s not just the house - it’s the neighbourhood and community too.
10 THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME
What every first-time buyer should know before sealing the deal.
With buyer confidence high and the property market buzzing, now is a great time to sell. Warmer weather, longer days, and blooming gardens all help homes shine and attract more interest. Demand remains strong—especially for well-presented properties in desirable areas. If you’re considering a move, tapping into this momentum could lead to a faster sale and a better price.
Thinking of selling, buying, or just giving your place a little refresh? This month’s articles have you covered. Check out our DIY patio makeover ideas to boost your kerb appeal. If you’re house hunting, don’t miss our neighborhood guide on what to look for beyond the property. And for first-time buyers, we’ve got 10 key things to check before making that big move.
Enjoy!
John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director
Warm days and long evenings call for an outdoor refresh.
With hotter days ahead and the evenings growing longer, there’s no better time to refresh your outdoor space. A well-designed patio can become an inviting extension of your home—ideal for entertaining guests, enjoying family dinners, or simply relaxing in the sun. The best part? You don’t need a huge budget or professional help to transform your patio. Here are some creative and affordable DIY patio makeover ideas perfect for the warmer months...
Textiles are a quick and effective way to breathe new life into your patio. Choose weather-resistant outdoor rugs to define seating areas and add vibrant scatter cushions for comfort and colour. Opt for bright hues like teal, citrus, or coral to create a cheerful vibe that reflects the sunny season.
Consider repurposing old furniture or using pallets to build your own outdoor seating. Paint wooden pieces in bright shades or stain them for a more rustic look. Top them with thick cushions or repurposed mattress toppers wrapped in waterproof fabric.
Plants bring freshness and charm to any outdoor space. Incorporate container gardening with pots of herbs, flowers, or small shrubs. If space is limited, a vertical garden made from wooden pallets or hanging baskets can add lushness without crowding the patio.
As daylight fades, lighting transforms your patio into a magical retreat. String lights, solar lanterns, or LED fairy lights draped overhead, on a table, or around railings can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Candle lanterns or batteryoperated lamps offer additional soft illumination.
If your patio surface looks tired, consider interlocking decking tiles for a quick update. Alternatively, paint concrete or wooden surfaces using weatherproof outdoor paint. Patterns like chevrons or checkerboards can add a stylish, contemporary touch.
A small fire feature adds both warmth and a social focal point for cooler evenings. Build a simple fire pit using bricks or stones, or invest in a portable chiminea. Always ensure it’s placed safely and check local regulations.
Create a bit of shade with a DIY pergola, sail shade, or bamboo screen. Not only does it offer relief from the sun, but it also adds structure and a sense of privacy to your patio.
Make the space your own with artwork, mirrors, or bunting. Painted terracotta pots, wind chimes, or even a DIY water feature can reflect your style and add a sense of tranquillity. And yes, even disco balls are allowed if that’s your thing.
You don’t need a complete overhaul or a hefty budget to achieve a fresh look for your patio. With a few creative ideas and a bit of effort, you can transform your outdoor area into a stylish retreat—perfect for barbecues, garden parties, or simply sipping a cool drink under the sun.
Time to roll up your sleeves and get ready for those hotter days ahead—your refreshed patio awaits!
We cover the whole of South Essex.
Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555
Melissa Yates
Consultant
Penny Ash
Manager
Consultant
The residential estate agency market is increasingly populated by large corporations; nevertheless, our independent family-run estate agency continues to succeed and grow a loyal client base, due to our core values, ethos and flexible approach to clients’ requirements.
Mia Zetter Administrator & Sales Progressor
£390,000
Three Bedrooms
Corner Plot
Ground Floor Wc
Spacious Kitchen
Bathroom
Lounge/Diner
Garage And Off Street Parking
CALL 01268 565555
TAMARISK, BENFLEET
£560,000
Guide Price £560,000 - £575,000
Detached House
Four Double Bedrooms
Catchment To Kents Hill Infant & Junior School & The Appleton School
Sought After Location
Utility Room
CALL 01268 565555
SHIPWRIGHTS DRIVE, BENFLEET
£475,000
No Onward Chain
Three Bedrooms
Purpose Built Chalet
Ground Floor Shower Room Wc
Spacious Reception Rooms
Fitted Kitchen
Well Kept Rear Garden
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QUEENSMERE, BENFLEET
£450,000
Three Bedroom Semi Detached House
Ample Parking
Separate Dining Room
Fitted Kitchen
Separate Snug Area
Ground Floor WC and Utility Room
Large Rear Garden
LYNN VIEW CLOSE, BENFLEET
£400,000
Detached Bungalow
Immaculate Condition Throughout Driveway Garden With Outbuilding No Onward Chain
Cul-De-Sac Location
Close To Shops And Main Routes
CALL 01268 565555
£630,000
Exceptionally Large Four
Bedroom Detached House
Pool House
Gym With It’s Own Internet Connection
En-Suite To Master Bedroom
Driveway With Security Posts
Property Is Fitted With High End Features
CALL 01268 565555
It’s not just the house - it’s the neighbourhood and community too.
When searching for your next home, it’s all too easy to become fixated on the property itself—how many bedrooms it has, the size of the garden, or the style of the kitchen. But what surrounds your home can be just as important as what’s inside. The neighbourhood plays a vital role in your lifestyle, safety, future property value, and overall happiness. Here’s what to consider when evaluating an area before buying...
Take a walk around the neighbourhood and note what’s nearby. Are there supermarkets, pharmacies, cafes, or restaurants within easy reach? Proximity to everyday essentials can greatly enhance quality of life. Bonus points if you’re within walking distance of a high street or local market.
Even if you don’t have children, school catchment areas can affect property values. Homes near top-performing schools tend to retain higher value and are in greater demand. Check Ofsted reports for nearby schools and speak to local parents if possible.
How well-connected is the neighbourhood? Good access to public transport—be it rail, tube, or bus—can make commuting easier and boost a property’s appeal. If you drive, look into road networks and check how long it takes to reach the motorway or city centre during peak hours.
Feeling safe in your home is essential. Look up local crime statistics, which are often available through police websites or government data portals. Visiting the area at different times of the day can also give you a feel for the general atmosphere.
Having parks, open spaces, or nature reserves nearby can be a real advantage— whether for family outings, dog walking, or simply a bit of peace and quiet. In urban areas, even a small park or community garden can make a big difference.
Every neighbourhood has its own personality. Some are buzzing with nightlife and culture, while others are more family-oriented and quiet. Visit local shops and pubs, attend a community event if possible, and speak to residents to get an authentic feel for the area.
It’s worth researching any planned developments in the area. A new shopping centre or transport hub might boost house prices, while major construction could mean years of disruption. Local council websites often list planning applications and regeneration schemes.
This one’s often overlooked. Check for nearby motorways, flight paths, or industrial sites that could bring unwanted noise or pollution. It’s also smart to visit during different times of the day and week to get a true sense of the area’s soundscape.
The strength of the local economy can influence property prices and quality of life. Areas with thriving high streets, independent businesses, and access to employment hubs tend to be more stable and desirable.
Especially in parts of the UK prone to flooding, it’s crucial to check the Environmental Agency’s flood risk maps. Also look out for signs of subsidence or other environmental factors that might affect the property long term.
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and while the property itself is important, its surroundings can significantly impact your lifestyle and investment. A beautiful home in a poorly chosen neighbourhood can lead to regret, while a decent home in the right area can be a lifelong asset. Take the time to explore, research, and trust your instincts.
The industry has changed hugely with the development of digital technology - this has created two different styles of agency, the traditional high street agency, and the modern online agency. At Fisks, we believe that the best solution is to be both.
Fisks still do the traditional marketing methods that you are comfortable with, such as high street shop locations with window displays, applicant mailing lists, text and email facilities, linked offices, portals such as Rightmove, leaflet drops, floor plans, boards and branded cars.
These marketing tools have been tried and tested for many years, but with the ongoing digital revolution we have also embraced change. These new marketing methods come in the form of a digital property lifestyle magazine that’s produced in house and emailed to over eight thousand people a month, targeted social media campaigns across all the major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, 4k video tours of your property for our successful YouTube channel, enhanced portal marketing, and from a customer service point of view, we have vendor log-ins so you can see viewers feedback and offers on your home at any time.
Our Ethos & Values
We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.
Our comprehensive training program ensures that our staff channels their entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for the benefit of our clients, whilst maintaining the professionalism and customer service associated with our brand.
Fisks,
FISKS.CO.UK
Protecting your investment should not be taken lightly, with our full management service you can be sure to get the support you deserve...
ARLA - the gold standard professional industry body.
Audited and insured client accounts to protect your money.
Rent guarantee and legal cover - protect yourself with insurance and the increased costs of evicting (subject to status).
Legal hotline - specialised property lawyers helping to answer your questions.
Inventories - protect your deposit with a professional inventory, including time stamped photographs.
Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.
Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.
Accurate accounting - from monthly statements to overseas landlords, to expenditure and income, we hold all the information the accountant will need.
Gas certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.
Don’t just take our word for it, we have many happy customers...
“Happy customer. Very professional service. We had no problems with the sale of our house or the purchase of our new home through Fisks. Staff very pleasant, would definitely recommend.”
- Mr and Mrs Hall
“Fantastic team that pulled out all the stops and helped every step of the way. Friendly pleasant staff.”
- Mrs S Sheavyn
... come and put us to the test!
What every first-time buyer should know before sealing the deal.
Buying your first home is one of the most exciting - and daunting - milestones you’ll ever reach. With so much to consider, it’s easy to overlook some crucial details in the rush of viewings and paperwork. Whether you’re a solo buyer or purchasing with a partner, making informed decisions early on can save you time, stress, and money. Here are 10 essential things to check before signing on the dotted line...
Before falling in love with a property, make sure you’ve worked out exactly how much you can afford. This means more than just looking at the deposit and mortgage. Factor in solicitor fees, stamp duty, survey costs, removals, and any immediate repairs or upgrades. Get a mortgage agreement in principle to clarify your borrowing limit.
Don’t be distracted by staging or surface-level aesthetics. Look for signs of damp, leaks, cracks in walls or ceilings, dodgy electrics, plumbing issues, and the condition of the roof. A professional survey is a wise investment—it can reveal structural issues that may not be visible at first glance.
Research the neighbourhood thoroughly. Visit at different times of the day and week to get a feel for the area. Are there shops, parks, schools, and public transport nearby? Is it quiet and safe? Even if the house is perfect, a poor location can affect both your lifestyle and resale value.
In the UK, not all properties are sold as freehold. Flats are often leasehold, meaning you don’t own the land, and you may have to pay ground rent and service charges. Always check the length of the lease—anything below 80 years can be problematic and costly to renew.
Check the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A low rating means higher energy bills and possibly expensive upgrades in the future. Consider what insulation or improvements might be needed, especially with rising energy costs.
It might seem minor, but reliable internet and good mobile reception are essential for most buyers today, especially if you work from home. Use online tools or apps to check signal strength and broadband availability in the area.
Ask the current owners or estate agent about average utility bills, council tax band, and any service charges (for leasehold properties). These ongoing costs can significantly affect your monthly outgoings.
Check if any building work done on the property has the correct planning permission and building regulation sign-off. It’s also wise to confirm the exact property boundaries to avoid disputes with neighbours down the line.
Some areas in the UK are prone to flooding, especially near rivers or coastal zones. Use the Environment Agency’s website to check flood risk, and ask your solicitor about any past insurance claims related to flooding or subsidence.
It may seem premature, but thinking about resale value is important. Consider factors like school catchment areas, local development plans, and market trends in the area. A smart purchase now could be a solid investment in the future.
Buying your first home is a big step, but with careful preparation and the right checks in place, you’ll feel more confident every step of the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, do your homework, and rely on professional advice where needed—your future self will thank you.
£525,000
Four-bedroom semi-detached home
Spacious open-plan living throughout
Modern kitchen with integrated appliances
Large dining room and bright lounge
Additional games room/second lounge
CALL 01268 510510
Offered with no onward chain
Three-bedroom semi-detached home
Ample off-street parking & garage
Spacious lounge with double doors
Large kitchen with plenty of storage
Separate dining area off the kitchen
Downstairs shower room & modern family bathroom
£340,000 CALL 01268 510510
£325,000
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£400,000
Detached
House
Four Bedrooms
One Reception Room
Open plan kitchen diner
Garage
Off Street Parking
HAWKESBURY CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND
£625,000
Unique 6/7-Bedroom Detached Home In Hawkesbury Close, Canvey Island
Large Open-Plan Kitchen/Diner Perfect For Family Living And Entertaining
Two Bathrooms, Plus A SelfContained Bedroom With EnSuite W/C
£280,000
No Onward Chain
Two-bedroom detached bungalow in a sought-after Canvey Island location
Spacious lounge/diner perfect for relaxation and entertaining
Well-equipped kitchen with a handy pantry cupboard
Separate laundry room for added convenience
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