Fisks Gateway issue 26

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 26

inside this issue

A PITIFUL FUTURE FOR BRAD? NEW HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN IDEAS PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

Contents A pitiful future for Brad?

He’s found himself embroiled in headlines since the abrupt ending of his marriage to Angelina Jolie was announced last September but what is next?

New homeowner checklist Moving home is one of the most stressful periods of life but with this handy guide, your move will be easy and hassle free.

Contemporary kitchen ideas It’s an area for socialising in and a place that brings people together so make the most of any space this month with these design ideas.

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.

Produced by www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Welcome to our

magazine...

Welcome to the May edition of our Gateway magazine.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

With the surprising call of an early election, not forecast by the socalled ‘experts’, the manifesto commitments of all of the parties will need to be studied to understand the parties’ policies on housing. Will the Conservatives continue with their stated aim to abolish Tenant’s Fees and if so, what will happen to the consultation which is still continuing, even though the Government cancelled a series of regional meetings with the industry to discuss the issues that this ban will highlight? Will the parties try to outbid each other in election promises (bribes), to create a favourable impression with certain sectors of the electoral roll; for instance Tenants and First Time Buyers? Will these commitments to help actually prove to be beneficial?

Everyone talks about needing more homes, but again, how are these extra homes going to be built with the current restraints on development in the Green Belt and the real shortage of skilled construction labour? The question no one can answer is how, without the massive injection of new homes that will be needed to create a more balanced market, the increase in price levels can be moderated as they are currently above the historic ratio of price to earnings.

Benfleet office launched the development at Woodlands, which has been well received. On the launch date; Saturday 29th April, over 30 viewings took place, managed by the Office with the viewers wearing high-vis jackets as it is still a working site. For more information, details are in our Benfleet section.

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.

fisks.co.uk

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

fisks.co.uk

LOCAL

WOODLANDS, CATHERINE ROAD, BENFLEET

A highly anticipated new development of stylish one bedroom and two bedroom apartments located on the edge of Benfleets residential area and overlooking Woodland. Constructed by the specialist residential developers; Argent Developers, with a sharp eye for detail they have a reputation of completing all projects to a high specification and promptly. Contemporary fixtures and fittings; all apartments are presented to an exceptionally high standard.

CALL 01268 565555

ROMSEY CLOSE, BENFLEET £435,000 Two brand new four bedroom semidetached properties in Benfleet. Built to a high specification, they include en-suite to master bedroom, fitted kitchen and ground floor cloakroom. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

KENTS HILL ROAD, BENFLEET £360,000 Modernised, three bedroom detached property on Kents Hill Road. Separate dining room, refitted family bathroom and refitted kitchen and master bedroom with shower cubicle. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 565555

GLENEAGLES, BENFLEET £227,000 One bedroom semi-detached bungalow.

Well-maintained throughout with refitted shower room and fitted kitchen. Garage in a block. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

fisks.co.uk

GRANDVIEW ROAD, BENFLEET £485,000

HALL FARM ROAD, BENFLEET £320,000

A fantastic 5 bedroom detached family home, boasting 3 reception rooms with an impressive 24ft conservatory, 100ft garden and modern fitted kitchen. Energy Band - Awaiting.

A charming 2 bedroom bungalow located less than five minutes walk to the train station and benefiting from a south facing garden in excess of 70ft. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 565555

CALL 01268 565555

KENTS HILL ROAD, BENFLEET £435,000

OVERTON WAY, BENFLEET £397,500

Recently reduced to £435,000, this modernised and well-presented three bedroom detached bungalow offers to bathrooms and log cabin in rear garden. Energy Band - D.

High specification finish, four bedrooms and a well-designed fitted kitchen with granite worktops, 3 receptions, 2 bathrooms and a detached garage. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

CALL 01268 565555

Image credit: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com

pitiful

A FUTURE FOR BRAD?

He’s found himself embroiled in headlines since the abrupt ending of his marriage to Angelina Jolie was announced last September but what is next?4

Image credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Life isn’t always easy and for the past 9 months, Brad Pitt has been dealing with a family break up and divorce as well as life’s daily stresses. In September 2016, news broke that Angelina Jolie was separating from her husband of two years, Brad and since then the couple have been involved in a bitter break up, battling for custody of their six children.

There’s no doubt that the heavily publicised divorce must be taking its toll on the American actor, but it appears he’s using work as a distraction. On 26th May, War Machine will be released starring Brad. The American war film is based on the non-fiction book entitled The Operators by Michael Hastings and is also co-produced by Brad. The film is a satire of America’s war with Afghanistan focusing on the people running the campaign. Last year, it was also announced that Brad would star in the upcoming sequel to World War Z. An actor and producer known for his versatility, Brad’s most widely recognised role is probably Tyler Durden in 1999’s Fight Club. Brad first gained recognition as a cowboy hitchhiker in Thelma & Louise in 1991. He had his first leading role a year later in River Runs Through It and has since appeared in major international hits such as Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Thirteen and 12 Years a Slave in 2013.

In a career that’s spanned over 20 years, Brad has received a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and three

Image credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Academy Award nominations. He’s also a producer under his own company, Plan B Entertainment, which has also had several nominations on its own accord.

As a public figure, Brad is one of the most influential people in the American entertainment industry and one of the highest grossing actors – we don’t think he’ll be single for long. Brad first met Angelina whilst filming their 2005 action film Mr & Mrs Smith. This in itself hit headlines as Brad was actually with Jennifer Anniston during this time. However, could there still be hope for Brad and Jen? We don’t think so, as Jennifer has since married, actor and screenwriter Justin Theroux, tying the knot in 2015 after four years of dating.

Poor Brad has certainly been through a lot but what is his life lesson? “Success is a beast. And it actually puts the emphasis on the wrong thing. You get away with more instead of looking within.”

He added: “What’s valuable to me has become clearer as I’ve got older. To me, it’s about the value of your time and your day and the value of the people you spend it with. It’s about me being a strong father and guide and a good match for my significant other. “ War Machine will be released on 26th May n

Image credits: s_bukley / 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

fisks.co.uk

LOCAL

WAARDEN ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £425,000 Perfect for a family home and offered with no onward chain is this large well-presented four bedroom detached house offering a well-proportioned lounge, a large kitchen/diner, ensuite to master bedroom and good sized rear garden. This home is centrally located close to the town centre. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

CENTRAL AVE, CANVEY ISLAND £370,000 Family home in an excellent location. The property has four bedrooms with an en-suite to master. The property benefits from a large lounge, dining room and kitchen. The rear garden is secluded, while to the front there is an integral garage and space for one further car on the driveway. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

MEREDENE, BASILDON £295,000 Three bedroom end of terrace house offering spacious accommodation in a quiet location. The property features a light and airy lounge, a further separate room which can either be used as a sun lounge, study or possible fourth bedroom. The good size kitchen opens out onto a paved and secluded garden. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

BARDENVILLE RD CANVEY ISLAND £315,000 A charming two bedroom bungalow set behind a high hedge with a 5 bar gate giving access to the driveway, leading to a detached garage and further forecourt parking. Two good size double bedrooms, centrally positioned spacious lounge and a further dining room with sliding patio doors overlooking the private rear garden. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

fisks.co.uk

SOUTHWICK GARDENS, SS8 £375,000 Good size three bedroom detached bungalow sitting on a large corner plot. Located on a quiet road, in a sought after area; the property benefits from a large lounge and fitted kitchen.

The detached garage is of a good size and there is further parking off road for at least four cars. The gardens get sun all day long. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 510510

NEVADA ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £270,000 This end of terrace two bedroom chalet bungalow offering a spacious lounge area which leads on to the conservatory. The property also boasts a modernised kitchen with its own dining area. For convenience there is a downstairs WC and the bathroom is located upstairs.

Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

NEW

HOMEOWNER

CHECKLIST Moving home is one of the most stressful periods of life but with this handy guide, your move will be easy and hassle free4

Image Credit - Imran’s Photography/Shutterstock.com

Moving into a new home? We know that it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and become focused on where to put your favourite pictures, later regretting to do that all important job. However fear not, with this useful new homeowner checklist, your move will go to plan – you can thank us later!

• Compare removal costs. Occasionally, a van and some mates

• If you are moving into a new area then notify your GP

is all it takes but when the job requires a removal company then it’s important to shop around for the best deal.

and register with a new one in your new neighbourhood.

• Take a few days off when it comes to the move. The first few days are a blur of setting things up, unpacking and phone calls so it’s best to have time to spare.

• Keep a box of essentials for when you move in. You’ll be thankful when you’re searching for a mug and plate late at night.

• Re-direct your post. Use Royal Mail’s Postal Redirection service to ensure that any bills or letters you’ve not changed your address on still reach you.

• Get in touch with the gas and electric companies and tell them you’ve moved. In most cases they’ll just transfer your account to your new address. Read the gas and electric meters – taking a photo in case. You may need this in the future if you have to get in touch with them.

• Ensure that your old home is cleaned fully and also give your new home a deep clean before moving in.

• Do any home improvements or repairs that you can before you move in. No one wants to be living in a building site.

• Change the locks of your new home. Even if you know and trust the previous owner, you don’t know who has access to keys. While doing this, get a few spare keys made and give them to trusted family and friends for emergencies.

• Remember that your TV license doesn’t automatically move with you so ring up and ensure you’re covered.

• Insure your new property and the goods inside.

• Once inside your new home, check that everything is working. You don’t want to unpack and realise you have

• Notify your Internet and telephone providers. You will

no electricity or that the washing machine, the previous

also need to change your address at the bank, the local council, employers, the schools that your children attend and the DVLA. It is a legal requirement to notify DVLA and renew your driving license and vehicle registration.

owners left doesn’t work. This is also a great time to look

Image Credit - bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com

for the fuse box.

• Relax and open that fizz! You did it, you moved in! n

Image Credit - AfricaStudioShutterstock.com

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

fisks.co.uk

ROYAL WHARF, E16 £700,000 Leasehold – Off plan sale, three bedroom apartment expected to complete in June 2017. The property benefits from a balcony and high specification kitchen and bathrooms.

CALL 0207 517 8810

OXYGEN BUILDING, E16 £320,000 Guide Price: £320,000 - £350,000 Leasehold - One bedroom apartment offering an open plan kitchen featuring attractive engineered wooden floor and floor to ceiling windows. The living room patio doors provide access to a balcony.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

AURELIA BUILDING, E16 £349,995 Guide Price: £349,995 Leasehold - Stunning one bedroom luxury apartment comprising of a fully fitted kitchen with polished granite work surfaces, an open-plan reception and dining room, private balcony, spacious bedroom and deluxe bathroom suite. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

ELEKTRON TOWER, E14 £380 pw Two bedroom, two bathroom fully furnished apartment offering a large lounge, open plan kitchen and balcony with south-west views. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

MANCHESTER ROAD, E14 £450 pw Three bedroom terrace house presented in good condition, including two double bedrooms and third bedroom or study. The kitchen and bathrooms are both finished in a contemporary style. There is ample storage and the loft is boarded. A hard landscaped rear garden is accessed via the living room. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CORDAGE HOUSE, E1W £300 pw Stunning brand new studio furnished to a high specification and offering the ultimate in stylish design. Other benefits include 24 hour concierge and an exclusive health club, restaurant, bar and private cinema within the complex. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

fisks.co.uk

DISCOVERY DOCK WEST, E14 £515 pw Furnished two bedroom apartment located a short walk from Canary Wharf Jubilee.

The accommodation offers a huge terrace which boasts direct dock views, floor to ceiling windows in all the principal rooms and benefits from a secure parking bay and a 24 hour Concierge. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CITY HARBOUR, E14 £460 pw Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment benefiting from a living room, open-plan kitchen with access to the balcony and ensuite shower room to master bedroom. City Harbour is moments from Crossharbour DLR and within easy reach of Canary Wharf.

Energy Band - C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £410 pw Fully furnished two bedroom, two bathroom (one en-suite) apartment offering stunning west facing views of the River Thames. Located walking distance from Crossharbour DLR station and Canary Wharf which provides excellent transport links to the City and West End. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN IDEAS It’s an area for socialising in and a place that brings people together so make the most of any space this month with these design ideas4

Image Credit - Imran’s Photography/Shutterstock.com

Have you heard? 2017 is all about contemporary kitchens.

Think clean lines and sleek designs, high functionality and streamlined surfaces. What’s more, it doesn’t have to be expensive to create the contemporary kitchen of your dreams.

When it comes to kitchens, layout is key. You need to prioritise your activities - if you enjoy entertaining then an open-plan layout is best. Do you enjoy retreating to your kitchen with a cup of coffee? Consider a breakfast bar. It is important to take this into consideration to ensure that your kitchen becomes one of the most cherished rooms in the home.

Small spaces don’t have to lack design but it is common that they lack creativity. Small contemporary kitchens benefit from a number of vertical storage solutions such as floorto-ceiling cupboards. Light colours will also make a space appear bigger and sleek handleless cabinets will ensure the space flows. If space permits then an open-plan kitchen creates the illusion of space and a kitchen extension is one of the best ways to add space and value to your home.

When it comes to contemporary kitchen colours, neutral and monochromatic palettes are popular but adding contrasting colours and textures will finish the room off perfectly. Copper and industrial style accessories like bottles and baskets are huge this year and look great.

Wire baskets, glass bottles, exposed brick and pipes, rustic metals and minimalist furniture are all excellent ideas as

Image Credit - 2M media/Shutterstock.com

well as mirrored tile splash backs, which immediately lift the mood of your kitchen.

Modern kitchen design focuses on clean lines so consider lino or wooden flooring for a stylish kitchen feel. Granite continues to be the most popular kitchen worktop surface for luxury kitchens but wooden worktops are not only durable but bang on trend mixing the contemporary and Scandinavian trend nicely. Wood, stone and concrete are popular materials and a combination of the trio will create a contemporary kitchen made of dreams.

Clutter free kitchen worktops are vital, as not only does it make the space seem bigger but also allows for a stressfree food-preparing zone. Hiding kitchen appliances behind cabinetry is also a great idea and if you have room, an island unit is a great style statement as well as useful extra space.

The modern world is a technical one so for a true contemporary kitchen, you need technology. In 2017, the focus is on Bluetooth controlled speakers, colour changing lights and pop-up sockets giving traditional kitchens subtle modern twists. You can even get coffee machines and kettles, which are controlled from your bed via a phone – perfect for those early mornings.

However, if this is too much for your budget and time, think about painting the walls and changing cabinetry doors for a quick fix look n

Image Credit - alexandre zveiger/Shutterstock.com

Image Credit - Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock.com

Image Credit - Anna Andersson Fotografi/Shutterstock.com

Image Credit - Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

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

fisks.co.uk

To experience our service, put us to the test! Contact your local branch at Benfleet, Canvey or Docklands