The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 141
T S E BIGSG ET Y E U IS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Is It Still Worth Buying A Fixer-Upper In 2026 Uk Home Features Buyers Want - And Don’t Homes Designed For Modern Family Life This Month’s Properties
CONTENTS IS IT STILL WORTH BUYING A FIXER-UPPER IN 2026 Fixer-uppers offer potential, but rising renovation costs make them a bigger gamble.
UK HOME FEATURES BUYERS WANT - AND DON’T
In 2026, buyers want practical, flexible homes that make everyday life easier.
HOMES DESIGNED FOR MODERN FAMILY LIFE
Modern family homes need to work harder, with flexible spaces built around everyday life.
Welcome to our
magazine The UK property market continues to find its feet, with buyers and sellers adapting to changing conditions. Activity remains steady, while a more balanced market is giving buyers the chance to be selective and sellers a clearer picture of what it takes to attract attention. It’s an interesting time for the housing market, with changing buyer priorities continuing to shape what people look for in a home. In this issue, we explore whether fixeruppers are still worth considering, which home features buyers really want - and which they don’t - and how modern family homes can be designed to make everyday life work better. Enjoy!
John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director
IS IT STILL WORTH BUYING A FIXER-UPPER IN 2026 Fixer-uppers offer potential, but rising renovation costs make them a bigger gamble.
There has always been something appealing about a fixer-upper. For some buyers, it represents an opportunity to purchase a property in a desirable location for less than the cost of a fully renovated home. For others, it offers the chance to create a house that is completely their own, from the kitchen layout to the colour of the walls. But in 2026, buying a property that needs significant work is not a decision to take lightly. Renovation costs can quickly run into tens of thousands of pounds, while unexpected problems can push budgets even higher. At the same time, buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of mortgage costs, household bills and the overall affordability of home ownership. So, is buying a fixer-upper still worth it? WHY FIXER-UPPERS REMAIN ATTRACTIVE The biggest advantage of buying a property that needs work is simple: you may be able to buy it for less. A tired kitchen, dated bathroom or neglected garden can put some buyers off. That can mean less competition and an opportunity to purchase a property that might otherwise be out of reach. It also gives you control. Rather than paying a premium for somebody else’s renovation, you can decide exactly where your money goes. You might prioritise a larger kitchen, better insulation, additional storage or a new layout. For buyers who enjoy renovation, there is also the satisfaction of transforming a property and creating a home that feels genuinely personal. But there is an important distinction between a house that needs updating and one that needs rescuing.
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TAKING ON Not all fixer-uppers are created equal. A property that needs decorating, new flooring and a modern kitchen is very different from one that requires rewiring, replumbing, a new roof and structural repairs. Cosmetic work can often be planned relatively easily. Structural problems are another matter. Damp, subsidence, roof damage, outdated electrical systems and poor plumbing can all result in major unexpected costs. This is why a detailed survey is particularly important when buying a renovation property. A property may look like a bargain at first viewing, but the true cost can only be understood once you know what is happening beneath the surface. DO THE SUMS BEFORE MAKING AN OFFER The most important calculation is not simply the purchase price. You need to consider things like: purchase price, buying costs and renovation. Then compare that figure with what the finished property is realistically worth. For example, if a renovated property in the same area would be worth £400,000, buying a tired property for £300,000 might initially look attractive. But if the renovation costs £80,000 and other costs take the total beyond £400,000, there may be little or no financial benefit. That doesn’t necessarily mean the project is a bad idea. You might love the location or plan to stay for many years. But if you’re buying primarily to add value, the numbers need to work.
DON’T FORGET THE HIDDEN COSTS Renovation budgets often focus on the obvious jobs: kitchen, bathroom, flooring, decorating and perhaps an extension. The less exciting expenses can be just as significant. Professional fees, skips, waste removal, scaffolding, building control, structural engineers, architects and temporary accommodation can all add to the final bill. Then there are the surprises. Removing an old bathroom could reveal rotten flooring. Opening up a wall could uncover outdated wiring. Replacing windows might expose problems with surrounding brickwork. This is why experienced renovators build in a contingency fund. A budget with no room for surprises is not really a renovation budget. THE SURVEY COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS If you’re considering a property that requires substantial work, a more detailed building survey can be money well spent. A survey may identify problems that aren’t obvious during a normal viewing and can give you greater clarity before you commit to the purchase. Pay particular attention to the roof, structure, damp, windows, insulation, plumbing and electrical systems. It is also worth asking whether previous alterations were carried out correctly and whether the necessary approvals were obtained. Spending money on professional advice before buying may feel like an additional expense, but discovering a major problem before exchange is far better than discovering it after you’ve completed the purchase.
WHAT ABOUT EXTENSIONS AND CONVERSIONS? For many buyers, the attraction of a fixer-upper is the potential to create more space. A loft conversion, rear extension or garage conversion can transform a property. But potential does not automatically mean permission. If your entire financial calculation depends on building an extension, investigate the planning position before making an offer. Planning permission and building regulations are separate issues, and requirements depend on the type and scale of work. It is also important to consider neighbouring properties, access, drainage, conservation restrictions and the physical structure of the house. A garden that looks large enough for an extension may not necessarily be suitable once all the practical considerations are taken into account. LOCATION IS STILL EVERYTHING One thing you can’t renovate is the location. A tired house in an excellent location can often be a more interesting investment than a beautifully finished property in an area with weaker demand. Look at transport links, schools, shops, parks and local amenities, but also investigate what comparable properties are selling for. If similar renovated homes in the area consistently sell for around £400,000, there may be little point spending £150,000 renovating a property you bought for £300,000. You don’t want to create the most expensive house on the street.
WHERE SHOULD YOU SPEND YOUR RENOVATION BUDGET? Once the property’s fundamental problems have been dealt with, think carefully about where your money will have the greatest impact. A good kitchen can make a huge difference, but you don’t necessarily need the most expensive appliances or bespoke cabinetry. Bathrooms, storage, lighting, flooring and energy-efficiency improvements can also transform a property. Improving the layout can be particularly valuable. Knocking down a wall or creating better connections between rooms may make a home feel significantly larger without adding any additional floor space. The golden rule is to improve the property without over-improving it for the area. CAN DIY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE? If you have the time and skills, doing some work yourself can make a renovation considerably more affordable. Painting, decorating, landscaping and some finishing jobs are obvious examples. However, major electrical, gas and structural work should be left to appropriately qualified professionals. There is also a hidden cost to DIY: your time. A renovation that saves £10,000 but takes every weekend for two years may not feel like a bargain by the end. Be honest about what you can realistically manage.
SO, SHOULD YOU BUY A FIXER-UPPER IN 2026? The answer is yes - if you buy the right property and approach the project with your head rather than your heart. The best fixer-uppers are usually properties with good fundamentals: a desirable location, sound structure, realistic renovation potential and enough of a gap between the purchase price and finished value to justify the work. The worst projects are those where the entire plan depends on everything going perfectly because enovations rarely do. For buyers willing to research the property, obtain proper surveys, calculate realistic costs and keep money aside for unexpected problems, a fixer-upper can still be an excellent opportunity in 2026.
Meet the team...
John Pring Director
Ryan Stanton Area Manager
Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant
Penny Ash Property Manager
Emma Jarrett Administrator & Sales Progressor
Carla Longworth Property Consultant
Albie Poole Sales Manager
Nicola Cain Property Consultant
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
Leanne Wright Administration Manager
Mia Zetter Property Management Administrator
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.
If you have any questions about this issue of Gateway or would like more information on the featured articles, please contact our editor, Perry Goodwin, at perry@fisks.co.uk.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
SEAMORE AVENUE, BENFLEET £315,000 No Onward Chain Two Double Bedrooms Ground Floor Wc Lounge Fitted Kitchen Well Kept Read Garden Garage
CALL 01268 565555
FISKS.CO.UK
WESTMAN ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £280,000 Two Bedrooms Detached Bungalow Well Presented Open Kitchen/Lounge Dining Room Shower Room Well Kept Rear Garden
CALL 01268 565555
FEATURED PROPERTIES
CLEVELAND ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £890,000 Fully Renovated To An Exceptional, High-Specification Standard Stunning Brand-New Kitchen With Sleek Quartz Worktops Main Bedrroom Benefits From Ensuite, And Balcony With Planning Permission Approved To Make An Additional Room Five Spacious Bedrooms All Located On The First Floor
CALL 01268 565555
DOWNS GROVE, BASILDON £195,000 Two Bedrooms Great Location First Floor Flat Viewings Advised Epc Rating C Tax Band B
CALL 01268 565555
FEATURED PROPERTIES
NEW ROAD, BENFLEET £475,000 Detached Family Home Well Presented Three Double Bedrooms Off Street Parking Well Kept Rear Garden Spacious Kitchen Diner Ensuite To Main Bedroom
CALL 01268 565555
SPENCER ROAD, BENFLEET £900,000 Six Bedroom Detached House Fantastic Condition 100ft Rear Garden Viewings Advised Outbuilding With Power Sought After Location Check Out 360 Tour
CALL 01268 565555
UK HOME FEATURES BUYERS WANT - AND DON’T In 2026, buyers want practical, flexible homes that make everyday life easier.
The British dream home has changed. A few years ago, property listings were dominated by huge open-plan kitchens, dedicated home offices, bi-fold doors and carefully styled interiors. Today, buyers are becoming more practical. They still want beautiful homes, but they are increasingly looking for properties that make everyday life easier, cheaper and more flexible. In 2026, the most desirable home isn’t necessarily the biggest or most luxurious. Instead, it is the one that works well for the way people actually live. From gardens and garages to flexible rooms and energy efficiency, here are the features buyers are increasingly looking for - and the trends that may be starting to lose their appeal. GARDENS REMAIN ONE OF THE BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS Outdoor space continues to be a major selling point for UK homes. It can become somewhere for children to play, a place to entertain friends, an outdoor dining area or simply somewhere to sit with a cup of coffee. But buyers are becoming more discerning about gardens. A large lawn alone isn’t necessarily enough. Increasingly, buyers want outdoor space that is practical and easy to maintain. Patios, terraces, planting areas, outdoor seating and good privacy can all make a garden more attractive. Garden rooms have also become increasingly popular, particularly for homeowners who need extra space. Depending on the property and planning rules, they can become offices, gyms, studios or quiet retreats.
THE GARAGE IS HAVING A COMEBACK For years, garages seemed to be losing their importance. Many were converted into living space or used simply as storage. Now, however, the humble garage is becoming attractive again. For families, it can provide valuable storage for bikes, tools, garden equipment and sports gear. For electric vehicle owners, secure offroad parking may become increasingly useful as charging infrastructure develops.
A garage also offers flexibility. Even if the current owner uses it for parking, a future buyer may see potential for a workshop, gym or other use, subject to the necessary permissions. In a market where buyers are thinking carefully about how much space they are getting for their money, that flexibility can be a significant advantage.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS NO LONGER A BONUS One of the biggest changes in buyer priorities is happening behind the scenes. Energy efficiency may not be as visually exciting as a new kitchen, but it can have a major impact on the cost and comfort of running a home. Buyers are increasingly interested in insulation, double or triple glazing, efficient heating systems and the property’s overall energy performance. The appeal is straightforward. A home that is easier and cheaper to heat can be more attractive than one that looks impressive but comes with high running costs. For sellers, this also means that improvements such as insulation and modern heating shouldn’t be overlooked when preparing a property for sale.
FLEXIBLE ROOMS ARE WINNING The traditional idea that every room should have one specific purpose is becoming less relevant. A spare bedroom might be needed for guests only a few times a year, but could otherwise work as an office. A dining room could become a study or playroom. A garden room could move from home office to gym as circumstances change. Rather than looking for a house with a dedicated room for every possible activity, buyers increasingly want rooms that can adapt. ARE HUGE OPEN-PLAN SPACES BECOMING LESS DESIRABLE? Open-plan living is certainly not dead, but its popularity has become more complicated. The benefits are obvious: open-plan spaces can feel larger, brighter and more sociable. They are particularly useful for entertaining and allowing parents to keep an eye on young children. But there are drawbacks. When a kitchen, dining area, living space and home office all share one room, noise and clutter can quickly become an issue. If one person is working while another is cooking and children are watching television, there is little opportunity to escape the noise. This has helped fuel interest in broken-plan living, where spaces remain connected but have clearer divisions. Internal doors, half-height walls, furniture and changes in flooring can create separate zones without completely closing a home off.
WHAT ABOUT THE ULTRA-LUXURY KITCHEN? The kitchen remains one of the most important rooms in any home, but buyers may be becoming less impressed by expensive finishes for their own sake. A huge island, designer appliances and expensive cabinetry can certainly create a wow factor. But buyers are increasingly asking whether the kitchen actually works. Good storage, practical layouts, durable surfaces and plenty of natural light can be more valuable than a kitchen designed primarily for photographs. After all, the kitchen needs to cope with everyday life - not just look good when the estate agent arrives. THE RETURN OF CHARACTER While modern conveniences remain important, period features continue to have enormous appeal. Original fireplaces, sash windows, exposed beams, cornicing and traditional flooring can give a property a sense of personality that is difficult to recreate. The sweet spot for many buyers is a period property with modern improvements. They want character, but they also want good insulation, modern bathrooms, an efficient kitchen and reliable heating. The combination of old and new can make a home feel individual without sacrificing comfort.
THE FEATURES BUYERS MAY BE MOVING AWAY FROM So what is becoming less desirable? Huge spaces with no clear purpose are one possibility. A room that looks impressive but is difficult to furnish or use may not be as attractive as a smaller, more practical space. Highly personalised interiors can also be problematic. Bright colours, unusual layouts and expensive bespoke features may appeal to the current owner but make it harder for future buyers to imagine themselves living there. While technology remains useful, homes packed with complicated smarthome systems may not necessarily appeal to everyone. Buyers generally want technology that makes life easier rather than systems that require a manual.
THE BIGGEST TREND OF 2026 Perhaps the most important property trend is the move away from homes designed to impress towards homes designed to function. Buyers want storage. They want outdoor space. They want lower running costs. They want flexible rooms and practical layouts. In other words, they want a home that works. The most desirable property in 2026 isn’t necessarily the one with the largest kitchen or most expensive bathroom. It is the one that makes everyday life feel easier.
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.
HOMES DESIGNED FOR MODERN FAMILY LIFE Modern family homes need to work harder, with flexible spaces built around everyday life.
The modern British family home has a lot to cope with. It needs to provide somewhere to cook, eat, sleep, work, study, exercise, relax and entertain. It needs to handle children’s toys, school bags, pets, laundry and the inevitable mountain of everyday possessions. For many families, the answer isn’t simply buying a bigger house. Instead, it is about making the existing space work harder. The most successful modern homes are designed around how people actually live - rather than how a traditional floor plan says they should live. THE KITCHEN IS THE HEART OF EVERYTHING The kitchen has become one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. Breakfast happens there. Homework happens there. Parents answer emails there. Children do crafts there. Friends gather there. That makes practical design particularly important. Storage is essential. Deep drawers, tall cupboards and pantry space can help keep the kitchen organised, while an island or breakfast bar can provide a useful place to sit without requiring a separate dining room. A well-designed kitchen with an efficient layout can be much more useful than a huge room filled with expensive appliances and furniture.
THE RISE OF THE BOOT ROOM Another feature increasingly valued by families is the boot room. Once associated mainly with large country houses, boot rooms are now appearing in all kinds of family properties. Their appeal is simple: they contain the mess. Coats, muddy shoes, school bags, dog leads, umbrellas and sports equipment can all have a designated place. For busy households, that can make the difference between a calm entrance and a hallway that becomes permanently cluttered.
Even if there isn’t space for a full boot room, built-in hallway storage can achieve a similar effect.
FLEXIBLE ROOMS ARE ESSENTIAL Modern families don’t necessarily need more rooms. They need rooms that can do more than one thing. A home office might be needed during the working week but could also function as a guest bedroom. A playroom could eventually become a teenager’s study. A spare bedroom might double as a gym. This flexibility is particularly valuable as families change. Children grow up. Working arrangements change. Hobbies come and go. A room that can evolve with those changes provides long-term value. STORAGE IS THE SECRET WEAPON Ask most families what they need more of and the answer is likely to be storage. There are coats, shoes, toys, books, bicycles, sports equipment, cleaning products, luggage and seasonal decorations to accommodate. Clever storage can make a home feel significantly larger without adding a single square metre. Under-stairs cupboards, built-in wardrobes, window seats, utility rooms and fitted furniture can all help. The key is putting storage where it is actually needed. A cupboard near the front door is far more useful for school bags and shoes than one hidden upstairs.
THE UTILITY ROOM IS WORKING HARDER TOO The utility room may not be the most glamorous space, but it can be one of the most useful. Laundry, cleaning supplies, pet equipment and household appliances can all be kept away from the kitchen and living areas.
For families with young children or dogs, a utility room close to an external door can be particularly useful. Even smaller properties can benefit from a dedicated laundry cupboard or compact utility zone.
MAKING THE GARDEN WORK HARDER Outdoor space has also become an extension of the family home. A garden can provide somewhere for children to play, adults to entertain and everyone to escape. Creating separate areas can make a garden feel more useful. A patio close to the kitchen can become an outdoor dining space, while a lawn can be left open for children and pets. A quieter corner can provide somewhere for adults to sit and relax.
Garden rooms offer another option. They can become offices, gyms, studios, playrooms or hobby spaces.
DON’T FORGET QUIET SPACE Family homes can be noisy. Parents may be working while children are watching television. One person might be exercising while another is trying to study. Creating somewhere quiet can therefore be surprisingly valuable. It doesn’t have to be a huge room. A small study, snug or reading corner can provide a place to escape. Good internal doors, soft furnishings and thoughtful room layouts can also help reduce noise travelling around the house. Sometimes the greatest luxury in a busy family home is simply being able to close a door. DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE A truly hard-working home should also be able to accommodate future changes. Children will grow. Parents may eventually need more privacy. Older relatives may visit or move in. Working patterns may change again. This makes adaptable design increasingly important. A downstairs WC, accessible entrance and potential for ground-floor living can all make a home more future-proof. It doesn’t mean designing a house around old age. It simply means considering how the property could work at different stages of life.
THE HOME THAT WORKS HARDEST The best family home isn’t necessarily the one with the largest footprint. It’s the one where every part of the property has a purpose.
The kitchen handles cooking, homework and socialising. The hallway contains the clutter. The utility room deals with laundry. The garden becomes another living space. Spare rooms can change function as the family grows.
Ultimately, modern family life is unpredictable. The homes that succeed are those that can adapt to it. The biggest luxury isn’t having more space. It’s having a home that makes the space you already have work harder.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
CHAPMAN ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £375,000 No Onward Chain Three Bedroom Detached House Bright, Spacious Lounge With Floor To Ceiling Window Downstairs Cloakroom Driveway For Multiple Vehicles Modern Kitchen And Separate Utility Room
CALL 01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK
TEWKES ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £550,000 Beautiful Views Across The Estuary To Hadleigh Balcony From The Dining Room Spacious Lounge With Spectacular Views 6 Bedroom Detached House Parking For Multiple Vehicles Council Tax Band E
CALL 01268 510510
FEATURED PROPERTIES
WAAREM AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £270,000 No Onward Chain Detached Chalet House One Bedroom Garage Off Street Parking
CALL 01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK
LIMETREE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £325,000 Three-Bedroom Detached Bungalow Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location Extensively Refurbished Throughout Turn-Key Condition Bright Bay-Fronted Lounge/Diner Modern Fitted Kitchen And Bathroom Off-Street Parking And Rear Garden
CALL 01268 510510
FEATURED PROPERTIES
BEACH HOUSE GARDENS, CANVEY ISLAND £550,000 Complete Onward Chain Prestigious Seafront Setting Impressive Four-Bedroom Detached Home Contemporary Kitchen Flexible Additional Reception Room Open-Plan Lounge & Dining Area
CALL 01268 510510
FISKS.CO.UK
LONG ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £165,000 No Onward Chain Independent Living Development For Over 65s Exceptionally Spacious TwoBedroom Apartment Lift Access, Owners’ Lounge & 24-Hour Careline Landscaped Communal Gardens & Convenient Location
CALL 01268 510510
GET SOLD WITH FISKS Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management. Whatever your next move make it with Fisks. 01268 750000
office@fisks.co.uk