Gateway Magazine 133

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 133

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Why You Should List Your Home Now Cutting Costs When Moving In 2026 Set Your New Year Up To Be The Best Yet This Month’s Properties

CONTENTS WHY YOU SHOULD LIST YOUR HOME NOW There’s no better time to put your home on the market and start 2026 strong.

CUTTING COSTS WHEN MOVING IN 2026

Our advice to keep costs down and excitement up.

SET YOUR NEW YEAR UP TO BE THE BEST YET

Here’s how to turn fresh goals into real success in 2026.

Welcome to our

magazine With 2025 behind us, it’s time to look ahead. The property market is always evolving, with its fair share of ups and downs—but one thing remains certain: it continues to move forward.

At Fisks, we’ve seen it all. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or letting, that experience works to your advantage.

Our market knowledge allows us to anticipate trends and outcomes, helping you make confident, informed decisions that protect your finances.

In this issue, we look ahead in 2026 and share insights to help you achieve your property goals. If any of the homes featured this month catch your eye, please don’t hesitate to get in touch— we’d be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy! And Happy New Year to you all!

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

WHY YOU SHOULD LIST YOUR HOME NOW There’s no better time to put your home on the market and start 2026 strong.

The start of a new year often brings fresh goals, renewed motivation and big life decisions. For many homeowners, moving house sits firmly on that list — yet it is also one of the easiest plans to postpone. If selling your home is something you have been considering, waiting may not be the best move. In fact, the new year can be an ideal time to put your property on the market...

A FRESH START APPEALS TO BUYERS January represents new beginnings, and buyers feel it too. Many people spend the end of the year reflecting on what they want next — more space, a better location or a home that suits a changing lifestyle. When the new year arrives, those intentions turn into action.

Homes listed early in the year often attract motivated buyers who are ready to move, not just browse. These are people keen to make decisions and progress quickly.

LESS COMPETITION, MORE ATTENTION One of the biggest advantages of listing early is reduced competition. Many sellers wait until spring, assuming it is the “best” time to sell. While spring is popular, it also means more properties competing for buyers’ attention.

By putting your home on the market in the new year, your property is more likely to stand out. Fewer listings mean more visibility, more viewings and potentially stronger offers.

BUYERS ARE FINANCIALLY PREPARED Serious buyers often start the year in a strong position. Budgets have been reassessed, finances reviewed and mortgage agreements renewed or approved.

This makes early-year buyers more decisive and reliable.

Rather than waiting months for the “right” buyer, you may find that the right buyer is already searching.

GET AHEAD OF THE MARKET Selling your home is rarely a standalone decision. Many sellers are also buyers.

Listing now gives you a head start — time to secure a sale, understand your budget and be ready to move quickly when you find your next home.

This can be a significant advantage when competition increases later in the year.

YOU CAN STILL PREPARE WHILE MARKETING A common reason for delay is feeling that the home is not “ready”. The reality is that your property does not need to be perfect to sell. Small improvements, decluttering and simple staging can be done while your home is already on the market.

Waiting for everything to be just right often leads to months of unnecessary delay.

MARKET CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE Property markets are influenced by interest rates, buyer confidence and economic conditions — all of which can shift unexpectedly. Waiting comes with uncertainty. Listing sooner allows you to act while demand is present rather than risking less favourable conditions later on.

START THE YEAR MOVING FORWARD A new year is about momentum. Taking action early can be incredibly empowering and sets the tone for the months ahead. Instead of spending another year thinking about moving, you could be actively progressing towards your next chapter.

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A FUTURE GOAL If moving has been on your mind, now may be the perfect time to take the first step. Putting your home on the market sooner rather than later could open the door to opportunities you have been waiting for — and help you start the year exactly where you want to be.

Meet the team...

John Pring Director

Ryan Stanton Area Manager

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant

Penny Ash Property Manager

Emma Jarrett Property Consultant

Kimberley Cook Property Management Administrator

Leanne Wright Administration Manager

Mia Zetter Administrator & Sales Progressor

Tina Webster Management Accountant

FISKS.CO.UK

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

OUR VISION & STRATEGY The residential estate agency market is increasingly populated by large corporations; nevertheless, our independent familyrun estate agency continues to succeed and grow a loyal client base, due to our core values, ethos and flexible approach to clients’ requirements.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

ST. CLEMENTS ROAD, BENFLEET £400,000 Three Bedroom Semi Detached Bungalow Recently Renovated Great Location, Near Parks, Schools, Bus Routes & Major Roads Immaculate Throughout Garage

CALL 01268 565555

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HIGH ROAD, BENFLEET £535,000 No Onward Chain Bar/Gym In Garden Three Bedroom Semi Detached House South Facing Rear Garden Large Garage Above Ground Pool Measuring 21ft Long

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

GLYDERS, BENFLEET £515,000 Four Bedroom Detached House 0.5 Miles From Benfleet Train Station Driveway For Three Cars Landscaped Rear Garden, With Views Immaculate Condition Throughout

CALL 01268 565555

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CATHERINE ROAD, BENFLEET £270,000 Ground Floor Apartment Guide Price £270,000 - £280,000 En-Suite To Master Bedroom Garden Area Parking Space Long Lease Two Double Bedrooms

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

STANLEY ROAD, BENFLEET £369,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Fitted Kitchen Conservatory To The Rear Well Kept Rear Garden Ample Parking Wet Room Great Condition

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SPENCER ROAD, BENFLEET £940,000 Six Bedroom Detached House Fantastic Condition Throughout 100ft Rear Garden Catchment To Robert Drake Primary School & The Appleton Secondary School Must Be Viewed Outbuilding With Power

CALL 01268 565555

CUTTING COSTS WHEN MOVING IN 2026 Our advice to keep costs down and excitement up.

Moving home is an exciting step, but it can also come with significant costs. With household budgets under continued pressure in 2026, being strategic about how and when you move can make a real difference. The good news is that with careful planning and informed choices, it is possible to keep expenses under control without compromising on a smooth move...

PLAN EARLY TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE COSTS One of the most effective ways to save money when moving is to plan well in advance. Rushed decisions often lead to higher removal fees, unnecessary storage costs and premium services you may not actually need.

Creating a clear timeline — from putting your home on the market to moving day — allows you to compare options, secure better rates and avoid costly surprises.

DECLUTTER BEFORE YOU MOVE The more you move, the more it costs. Removal companies typically charge based on volume and time, so reducing what you take with you can significantly lower your bill.

Before packing, take time to: •

Sell or donate items you no longer use

•

Dispose of broken or unwanted furniture

•

Be honest about what is worth moving versus replacing

Decluttering not only saves money but also makes settling into your new home easier.

COMPARE REMOVAL AND STORAGE QUOTES Prices for removals and storage can vary widely. Always obtain multiple quotes and check what is included. A cheaper quote may exclude packing materials, insurance or waiting time on moving day.

Ask removal companies about: •

Off-peak or midweek discounts

•

Flexible moving dates

•

Partial packing services instead of full packing

Being flexible with dates can often lead to substantial savings.

BE STRATEGIC WITH TIMING While summer remains popular for moving, it is also the most expensive period. If possible, consider moving outside peak months or during the week rather than at weekends.

In 2026, continued demand for removal services means early bookings and flexible scheduling are more important than ever.

REDUCE PACKING AND UTILITY COSTS Small costs add up quickly. Save money by sourcing free or low-cost packing materials from local shops or community groups, rather than buying everything new.

Remember to: •

Cancel or transfer utilities promptly

•

Avoid overlapping broadband and TV contracts

•

Take final meter readings to prevent overcharging

Being organised with admin can prevent unnecessary expenses.

AVOID OVER-STRETCHING ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE It can be tempting to push your budget when buying a new home, especially if you are emotionally invested. However, leaving yourself financial breathing space is one of the best ways to reduce stress after the move.

Allow for: •

Ongoing household costs

•

Maintenance and repairs

•

Unexpected expenses in the first year

A comfortable budget will make your new home far more enjoyable.

THINK LONG-TERM SAVINGS Cutting costs is not just about the move itself. Energy efficiency, council tax bands and transport costs can all affect long-term affordability. Choosing a home that is cheaper to run can lead to ongoing savings well beyond moving day.

MOVING IN 2026 DOES NOT HAVE TO BE FINANCIALLY OVERWHELMING With early planning, smart decisions and a realistic budget, you can reduce costs and focus on what really matters — settling into a home that suits your life and finances both now and in the future.

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.

SET YOUR NEW YEAR UP TO BE THE BEST YET Here’s how to turn fresh goals into real success in 2026.

A new year is not a magical reset button — but it is a powerful opportunity. With a little intention and planning, you can turn the next 12 months into a year of growth, balance and meaningful progress. Here is how to set your new year up so it is truly your best yet...

REFLECT BEFORE YOU RUSH FORWARD Before setting new goals, take time to look back. What worked last year? What drained you? What are you proud of, even if it feels small? Reflection brings clarity, and clarity helps you avoid repeating patterns that no longer serve you.

Try writing down: •

Three wins from last year

•

Three lessons you learned

•

One habit or mindset you are ready to leave behind

This step helps ground your goals in reality rather than wishful thinking.

DECIDE WHAT “BEST YEAR” MEANS TO YOU Success looks different for everyone. For some, it is career progression. For others, it is peace, health or stronger relationships. Avoid borrowing someone else’s idea of a great year — define your own.

Ask yourself: •

How do I want to feel this year?

•

Which areas of my life need the most attention?

•

If this year went well, what would be different by the end of it?

Let these answers shape your priorities.

SET FEWER, BETTER GOALS More goals do not lead to more success. Often, they create overwhelm. Choose a small number of meaningful goals — ideally three to five — that align with your values.

Make them: •

Specific (clear and actionable)

•

Realistic (challenging but achievable)

•

Flexible (life will inevitably intervene)

Instead of “get healthier”, try “move my body three times a week” or “cook at home on weekdays”.

BUILD SYSTEMS, NOT JUST MOTIVATION Motivation fades; systems endure. Rather than relying on willpower alone, design routines and environments that support your goals.

For example: •

Lay out exercise clothes the night before

•

Schedule regular time for rest

•

Use reminders, calendars or habit trackers

Small, consistent actions will always outperform occasional bursts of effort.

PROTECT YOUR ENERGY Your time and energy are valuable resources. This year, be deliberate about how you use them. Learn to say no without guilt and yes without resentment.

This may involve: •

Setting clearer boundaries at work

•

Spending less time on draining activities or relationships

•

Prioritising sleep, movement and mental wellbeing

When your energy is protected, everything else becomes more manageable.

CHECK IN, RATHER THAN CHECK OUT You do not need to wait until December to review your progress. Monthly or quarterly check-ins allow you to adjust without self-criticism.

Ask yourself: •

What is working?

•

What is not?

•

What needs to change next month?

Progress is rarely linear — and that is perfectly normal.

LEAVE SPACE FOR JOY A successful year is not only about productivity; it is also about enjoyment. Make room for rest, creativity, connection and fun. Joy is not something you earn after success — it helps create it.

ULTIMATELY, YOUR BEST YEAR WILL NOT COME FROM PERFECTION It will come from intention, consistency and self-compassion. Start where you are, take the next small step, and trust that those steps will add up. Your year does not need to be flawless — it simply needs to be yours.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

PARKSTONE AVENUE, BENFLEET £375,000 Three Bedrooms Terraced House Off Street Parking Recently Refurbished Spacious Fitted Modern Kitchen Spacious Family Rear Garden Viewings Advised

CALL 01268 510510

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BRADLEY CLOSE, BENFLEET £375,000 Detached Two Bed Chalet No Onward Chain Fitted Kitchen & Spacious Lounge/ Diner Off Street Parking Rear Garden With Garage Great Location Viewings Advised

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

HIGHLANDS ROAD, BASILDON £390,000 No Onward Chain Three Bedrooms Bungalow Ample Driveway Spacious Rear Garden Great Condition Viewings Advised

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JACK KING DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND £270,000 Two-Bedroom Park Home In The Sought-After Sandy Bay Development.

Spacious Open-Plan Kitchen, Dining, And Lounge Area Main Bedroom With Ensuite Shower Room Bathroom Utility Room Off Street Parking

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

HORNSLAND ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £300,000 Three-Bedroom Chalet-Style Home Excellent Opportunity For Anyone Looking To Modernise And Add Their Own Touch Comfortable Lounge Kitchen With Garden Access Family Bathroom Off-Street Parking

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HIGH BEECHES, BENFLEET £400,000 Located In A Quiet High Beeches Cul-De-Sac Completed Chain Spacious Open-Plan Kitchen/ Diner Bright Conservatory With Garden Views Two Double Bedrooms & One Single

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GET SOLD WITH FISKS Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management.

Whatever your next move make it with Fisks.

01268 750000

office@fisks.co.uk