Fisks Gateway issue 121

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 121

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Start Fresh In 2025 Time To Become A Landlord Choosing The Right Type Of Property This Month’s Properties

CONTENTS START FRESH IN 2025

Fresh beginnings and new opportunities are waiting.

TIME TO BECOME A LANDLORD

Not ready to sell your home?

Consider letting it out instead.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF PROPERTY What type of property should you choose?

Welcome to our

magazine Firstly, and most importantly, I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year. Now that Christmas is over and the Boxing Day bounce is in full swing with new listings on the portals, including our own brought to the market on Boxing Day, now is the time to connect with us. If you’re ready to sell, we have eager buyers waiting. If you’re looking to buy, we have a selection of stunning properties for you to explore. Don’t wait - make 2025 the year you turn your dreams into reality.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Gateway.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

START FRESH IN 2025 Fresh beginnings and new opportunities are waiting.

The new year symbolises fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and the chance to turn the page on the past. For many, it’s a time to set resolutions and plan for the year ahead. But have you ever considered that the new year might also be the perfect time to move? Whether it’s finding a bigger space, downsizing, or simply seeking a change of scenery, moving at the start of the year offers unique advantages. Here’s why the new year is an ideal moment to embark on this life-changing journey.

A FRESH START FOR A FRESH SPACE There’s something inherently refreshing about starting the year in a new home.

Moving allows you to reassess your needs and priorities - whether that’s more room for a growing family, a shorter commute, or a neighbourhood that better aligns with your lifestyle.

The symbolism of leaving behind the old to embrace something new can be a powerful motivator. A fresh environment can energise you to take on challenges, set goals, and build the life you’ve envisioned for yourself.

OFF-SEASON MARKET ADVANTAGES The housing and rental markets often slow down during the winter months, particularly around the holidays and into January. This quieter period can work in your favour in several ways: Less Competition: With fewer people moving during the colder months, you’ll likely face less competition for homes, giving you a better chance to secure your ideal property.

Potential Discounts: Many landlords, sellers, and even moving companies offer incentives or lower rates during the off-season to attract clients. This can help you save money on everything from rent to moving services.

THE PERFECT TIME TO DECLUTTER A move at the beginning of the year provides a natural opportunity to declutter and let go of items that no longer serve you. This aligns perfectly with the common New Year’s resolution to simplify and organise your life.

As you pack, you’ll find yourself naturally evaluating what’s worth keeping and what can be donated, sold, or discarded. The result? You start your life in your new home with a lighter, more intentional mindset.

A STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITY FOR LIFE GOALS Moving isn’t just about changing your address - it’s about positioning yourself for future success. The new year is an ideal time to align your living situation with your goals for the year ahead: Career Growth: Moving closer to work or relocating to a city with better career opportunities can support your professional ambitions.

Personal Well-Being: A move to a quieter neighbourhood, a home with more natural light, or closer proximity to nature can boost your mental and physical health.

New Opportunities for Connection: Starting fresh in a new community opens doors to meet people, build relationships, and engage in new social activities.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BOOST OF CHANGE The act of moving can be invigorating. While the process might feel overwhelming, it also signifies growth, progress, and the courage to embrace change. Psychologists often emphasise how changes in our physical surroundings can positively impact our mental state. A move can reignite your creativity, inspire new routines, and encourage you to break old habits.

By starting the year in a new home, you’re signaling to yourself that you’re ready for growth and transformation. This mindset can set the tone for the rest of the year.

A CHANCE TO RESET YOUR SPACE The new year often inspires resolutions like getting organised or creating healthier routines. Moving gives you the chance to build these habits from the ground up: Design Your Ideal Layout: Arrange furniture and organise your belongings in a way that maximises functionality and comfort.

Incorporate Sustainability: Moving gives you a chance to adopt eco-friendly practices, like energy-efficient appliances or reducing clutter.

Set Up New Systems: Start fresh with systems for tidying, meal prep, or managing finances, free from the baggage of old habits.

IN CONCLUSION Moving at the start of a new year isn’t just a logistical decision - it’s a symbolic and strategic one. It’s a chance to align your living environment with your goals, refresh your mindset, and open the door to new opportunities. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or simply ready to embrace change, the timing couldn’t be better.

As you settle into your new space, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve taken a bold step toward shaping the life you want in the year ahead. Here’s to new beginnings and making the most of 2025.

Meet the team...

Ryan Stanton Area Manager

John Pring Director

Tayla McKinnon Office Administrator

Leanne Wright Administration Manager

FISKS.CO.UK

Albie Poole Property Consultant

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant

Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.

Tina Webster Management Accountant

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

OUR VISION & STRATEGY

Melissa Yates Junior Property Consultant

Penny Ash Property Manager

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.

BENFLEET OFFICE

CANVEY ISLAND OFFICE

Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex SS7 5SQ

Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex SS8 7AY

FEATURED PROPERTIES

STANSFIELD ROAD, BENFLEET £450,000 Corner Plot Huge Potential Stpp Low Maintenance Rear Garden Outbuilding With Power Garage Three Double Bedrooms Good Condition Throughout

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HIGHFIELD CRESCENT, RAYLEIGH £625,000 Less Than 10 Minutes Walk From Rayleigh Train Station Immaculate Condition Throughout Utility Room Four Bedroom Chalet Downstairs Shower Room Large, Unoverlooked Rear Garden

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CHURCH WAY, BENFLEET £395,000 Three Double Bedroom House Refurbished Throughout Low Maintenance, Landscaped Garden Close To Shops & Schools Open Planned Living Accomodation Garage

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GREAT MISTLEY, BASILDON £325,000 Three Bedroom Terraced House Fitted Kitchen Lounge Utility Room Well Kept Garden Conservatory Great Location

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HIGH ROAD, BASILDON £460,000 Three Bedrooms Parking For Multiple Cars Close Proximity To Maple Grove School Close Proximity To Superstore & Pitsea Market Detached Family Home Well Kept Rear Garden

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THE WITTERINGS, CANVEY ISLAND £300,000 Three Bedrooms Well Presented Off Street Parking Garage Well Kept Rear Garden Fitted Kitchen/Diner Great Location

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TIME TO BECOME A LANDLORD Not ready to sell your home? Consider letting it out instead.

A viable alternative to selling your home, is to consider renting it out and becoming a Landlord. This may not have been your original plan, but this could be a financial alternative providing a degree of flexibility whilst you wait for the right time to sell to suit your personal circumstances.

WHY CONSIDER LETTING INSTEAD OF SELLING? GENERATE STEADY INCOME Renting out your property allows you to turn a potentially stagnant asset into a source of steady monthly income. The rental payments can help cover mortgage costs, property maintenance, or even provide extra cash flow. This is especially valuable if you’re moving to a new home and want to avoid carrying the financial burden of two properties.

WAIT FOR A BETTER MARKET If the current housing market isn’t favourable, letting your property gives you the flexibility to wait until conditions improve. Housing markets can fluctuate, and by renting out your home, you buy yourself time to sell later when prices are higher or demand increases.

MEET RISING RENTAL DEMAND With rental demand on the rise in many areas, your property could quickly find tenants. Many people are opting to rent instead of buy due to financial constraints or lifestyle preferences, making now a great time to consider entering the rental market.

HOW TO TRANSITION FROM SELLING TO LETTING PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR TENANTS To attract quality tenants, ensure your property is clean, safe, and wellmaintained. Address any outstanding repairs, replace worn fixtures, and consider a fresh coat of paint to make the home inviting.

UNDERSTAND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES Becoming a landlord comes with responsibilities, including compliance with rental laws, safety standards, and tenancy agreements. Research the regulations in your area or consult a letting agent to ensure your property meets all legal requirements.

SET A COMPETITIVE RENT Determine a fair rental price by researching similar properties in your area. Pricing your rental competitively will help you attract tenants quickly and maximise your income.

DECIDE ON MANAGEMENT You’ll need to decide whether to manage the property yourself or hire a letting agent. While self-management can save money, it requires time and effort to handle tenant communications, maintenance, and legal obligations. Letting agents can take on these responsibilities for a fee, offering a more hands-off approach.

SECURE LANDLORD INSURANCE Standard home insurance policies often don’t cover rental properties. Landlord insurance is essential to protect your property from risks such as tenant damage, loss of rent, or liability claims.

FINAL THOUGHTS A word of warning; you must take advice from a professional agent as the current Government is proposing legislation that will affect the Residential Rental Market from next year. At some stage, fixed tenancies will be outlawed. The details are still being agreed by Parliament but the legislation regarding the lettings market is going to change. Understanding the implications to your own personal circumstances must be considered when discussing renting out your home.

A professional agent can offer clarity and confidence, guiding you through the market, arranging tenancy agreements, and finding the right tenants for your property. Renting allows you to generate income, cover costs, and take your time to sell without pressure. For more information on the subject, contact Fisks today on 01268 638425

Why use FISKS? 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

Our Ethos & Values

methods that you are comfortable with, such as high street shop locations with

We focus on our clients’ requirements

window displays, applicant mailing lists,

and instructions rather than just doing

text and email facilities, linked offices,

what’s quickest and easiest for us.

portals such as Rightmove, leaflet drops, floor plans, boards and branded cars.

Our comprehensive training program ensures that our staff channels their

These marketing tools have been tried

entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm

and tested for many years, but with the

for the benefit of our clients, whilst

ongoing digital revolution we have also

maintaining the professionalism and

embraced change. These new marketing

customer service associated with our

methods come in the form of a digital

brand.

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.

FISKS.CO.UK

At Fisks, we believe we have all your marketing needs covered to get you SOLD!

Landlords: Protect your investment with our full property management and marketing...

Protecting your investment should not be taken lightly, with our full management service you can be sure to get the support you deserve...

Don’t just take our word for it, we have many happy customers...

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.

“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

Inventories - protect your deposit with a professional inventory, including time stamped photographs.

Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.

“Fantastic team that pulled out all the stops and helped every step of the way. Friendly pleasant staff.”

Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.

- Mrs S Sheavyn

Accurate accounting - from monthly statements to overseas landlords, to expenditure and income, we hold all the information the accountant will need.

... come and put us to the test!

Gas certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF PROPERTY What type of property should you choose?

Making the decision to move is a significant step, but an equally important question arises: What type of property should you choose? From apartments to detached homes, each option offers distinct advantages and challenges. Your choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and future plans. Here’s a guide to help you decide which property is best for you.

APARTMENTS: URBAN LIVING MADE SIMPLE Best for: Young professionals, singles, couples, and those who love city life.

Apartments are often located in bustling urban areas, providing easy access to work, entertainment, and public transport. They typically come with lower maintenance responsibilities, as external upkeep is managed by a landlord or building management. Modern apartment buildings may also include amenities like gyms, rooftop gardens, or concierge services.

Pros: Affordable entry point for first-time buyers or renters.

Convenient locations close to shops, restaurants, and workplaces.

Minimal maintenance responsibilities.

Cons: Limited space and privacy compared to houses.

Shared walls may lead to noise issues.

Monthly service charges for maintenance for some.

TERRACED HOUSES: COST-EFFECTIVE AND COMMUNITY-ORIENTED Best for: Families, couples, and first-time buyers seeking affordability. Terraced houses are an economical choice, particularly for those looking to buy their first home. Typically located in suburban or urban neighbourhoods, these homes share walls with neighbours on both sides, offering a cozy sense of community.

Pros: Generally more affordable than detached or semi-detached homes.

Suitable for families needing extra bedrooms and outdoor space.

Strong sense of community with neighbours nearby.

Cons: Less privacy due to shared walls.

May have smaller gardens or outdoor spaces.

SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES: A BALANCE OF SPACE AND AFFORDABILITY Best for: Families or those who want more space but still need to budget. Semidetached homes share a wall with one other property, offering a compromise between privacy and affordability. They often come with larger gardens and more indoor space than terraced houses.

Pros: More privacy than terraced homes.

Spacious and versatile for families.

Typically located in quiet residential areas.

Cons: More expensive than terraced houses.

Some noise transfer is possible through shared walls.

DETACHED HOUSES: THE GOLD STANDARD FOR PRIVACY Best for: Larger families, those working from home, or individuals seeking longterm investments. Detached homes stand alone, offering maximum privacy and space. They often come with large gardens, multiple bedrooms, and potential for future extensions. These homes are particularly appealing for families or those planning to settle long-term.

Pros: Complete privacy with no shared walls.

Ample space, indoors and outdoors.

Potential high resale value and long-term investment potential.

Cons: More expensive to buy and maintain.

Located further from urban centers.

BUNGALOWS: ACCESSIBLE AND LOW-MAINTENANCE Best for: Retirees, people with mobility issues, or those seeking a simpler lifestyle. Bungalows are single-story homes, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer accessibility and ease of maintenance. They are also great for downsizers or individuals with young children.

Pros: Ideal for people with limited mobility.

Easy to maintain and clean due to the lack of stairs.

Typically come with gardens.

Cons: Limited indoor space compared to multi-story homes.

Can be more expensive due to high demand.

NEW-BUILD HOMES: MODERN COMFORTS Best for: Buyers looking for energy-efficient, move-in-ready properties. New-build homes are built to modern standards, offering energy efficiency, contemporary design, and fewer upfront maintenance costs. These homes are often located in new developments with amenities like parks and schools nearby.

Pros: Energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

Comes with warranties for peace of mind.

Ready to move in with no renovations required.

Cons: Smaller plots compared to older homes.

Can lack the character of older properties.

RURAL COTTAGES: CHARM AND TRANQUILITY Best for: Those seeking a peaceful, countryside lifestyle. Cottages offer a unique charm with features like thatched roofs, fireplaces, and scenic surroundings.

They’re perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Pros: Picturesque settings and historic character.

Ideal for a slower-paced lifestyle.

Cons: May require more maintenance.

Remote locations can make commuting challenging.

FINAL THOUGHTS Choosing the right property is about balancing your budget, lifestyle, and future goals. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of apartment living, the space of a detached home, or the charm of a rural cottage, each property type has its own appeal. Consider your needs carefully, and don’t be afraid to view a variety of options to find the one that feels right for you.

What type of property suits you best? Take your time, weigh your priorities, and make the move that matches your dreams.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

BARDENVILLE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £385,000 No Onward Chain Ideal Family Home Three Bedroom Link-detached Open Plan Design Functional Utility Room Sought After Location Garage

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HAVEN ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 No Onward Chain Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow Spacious Living Throughout Large Kitchen With Breakfast Bar Sought After Location Extensive Plot Large Garage

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POINT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 Prime Location Spacious Living Generous Outdoor Space Open-Plan Design Community Access Versatile Appeal Privacy and Connection

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ZIDER PASS, CANVEY ISLAND £450,000 Large Family Home Two Garages Well Presented Throughout Kitchen/Diner Groundfloor Shower Room Sauna Garden Room

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

POINT ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £250,000 THREE BEDROOM DETCAHED CHALLET THREE PEICE BATHROOM W/C OFF STREET PARKING CONSERVATORY NO ONWARD CHAIN LARGE PLOT

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LABWORTH ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £290,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Sought After Location South Facing Garden Garage Off Street Parking No Onward Chain Lounge/Diner

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SERVICEWITHRESULTS Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management.

Whatever your next move make it with Fisks.

01268 750000

office@fisks.co.uk