Fisks Gateway issue 90

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 90

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Best Family Cars

Council Tax Rebate From London To Essex This Month’s Properties

CONTENTS THE BEST FAMILY CARS We suggest some of the best family cars you can buy.

COUNCIL TAX REBATE We help you understand the Council Tax rebate better.

FROM LONDON TO ESSEX

Moving from London to Essex? Consider our recommendations.

Welcome to our

magazine This month continues the trend of a sellers’ market. Demand is still high, but when will it end? We often get calls from eager buyers asking for properties, but we simply don’t have them on our books. This trend won’t last forever, that’s for sure, so if you are thinking of selling your property, now is the time to do it. Don’t miss out or you could potentially lose yourself thousands of pounds. Contact us today to get your property on the market and sold FAST! In this issue, we give our selection of the best family cars, help you understand the Council Tax rebate better, and help you choose the right area if you’re planning to move away from the big city.

Enjoy!

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

THE BEST FAMILY CARS We suggest some of the best family cars you can buy.

SKODA KAROQ Launched in 2018, the Skoda Karoq has been on the market for four years now, which means you could find yourself a used bargain. Compared to the brand new price of over £26,000, second-hand models may now be available for around £16,000 with good mileage on the clock. What’s more, while the Karoq is an ideal family, that doesn’t mean it compromises on style in the slightest - it might be conservative, but it’s sleek and easy on the eye, so it’s really quite difficult to fault the design. Plus, the internals of the Karoq are certainly something to shout about - the soft and comfortable seat designs are excellent to help stave off whining from the younger family members during longer journeys. Meanwhile, the 50mpg fuel efficiency isn’t something to scoff at either.

MG 5 If you’ve been looking for an electric family car, the MG 5 could be a valuable and versatile option to consider. It’s maybe not the prettiest vehicle on today’s list, but isn’t aesthetic appeal subjective? And, with that aside, there’s a whole lot to love about this car if you’re looking for a family car that can do it all. With around 250 miles of range, it’s one of the most versatile electric cars out there - the autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control will make your driving easier and safer for the whole family. And yourself, of course.

VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN It’s easy to see why people overlook this versatile little car – but, if you ask us, it deserves far more praise than it often receives. This seven-seater car is not only exceptionally affordable – with the originals now seven years old, there are some good bargains out there – but it’s exceptionally spacious too. When you collapse the two back seats, you get an amazing 900-litre boot, ensuring you can take any essentials for the ride. Plus, with fuel efficiencies of over 50mpg, it’s a pretty affordable vehicle to run as well. It’s not the flashiest car, but the simple, clean design and spacious interior make this model incredibly comfortable and an excellent example of how versatile traditional people carriers can be – for an incredibly affordable price.

Ford Puma It’s not quite as spacious as some other SUVs out there, but that’s not to say the Ford Puma is any less effective as a family car, especially if you have a smaller family. The Puma has impressively sharp handling and is designed with grubby younger family members in mind. The Puma features a surprisingly strong 1.0-litre engine, keeping fuel efficiency high but with surprisingly impressive power all the same. However, the main drawback of the Puma has to be its higher price tag – since it’s in high demand, prices still seem to be holding their own, so keep this in mind.

DACIA JOGGER Running a family can be expensive – and with this in mind, the Dacia Jogger might be ideal if you’ve been looking for a more affordable car. In fact, even brand new, it’s not impossible to pick up these excellent seven-seaters for a good price. And while it may not offer quite the same interior quality as some of the other cars on this list, it’s still a sure contender for the best family car (especially for larger families or those with pets).

Meet the team...

John Pring Director

Simon Pring Director

Ian Carey Sales Manager

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant

Penny Ash Property Manager

Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.

Leanne Wright Administration Manager

Albie Poole Junior Estate Agent

Tina Webster Management Accountant

FISKS.CO.UK

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Kerrie Watts Property Consultant

Ben Nelson Junior Estate Agent

Our Vision & Strategy 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.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

HOLLYWOOD MEWS, GREAT BURCHES ROAD £925,000 Detached 4 Bed House New Build Secured, Gated Community 3 Bathrooms Great Sized Garden Spacious Throughout Must View

CALL 01268 565555

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HOLLYWOOD MEWS, GREAT BURCHES ROAD £1,300,000 Detached 5 Bed House New Build Secured, Gated Community 5 Bathrooms Great Sized Garden Spacious Throughout Must View

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

HOLLYWOOD MEWS, GREAT BURCHES ROAD £900,000 Detached 4 Bed House New Build Secured, Gated Community 3 Bathrooms Great Sized Garden Spacious Throughout Must View

CALL 01268 565555

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LYNN VIEW CLOSE, BENFLEET £415,000 Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Large Living Space Throughout Refitted, Modern Kitchen Private Driveway Show Home Condition New Shower Room Cabin In Rear Garden

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

FOREST VIEW, BENFLEET £260,000 Brand New One Bedroom Apartment 14ft Master Bedroom 27ft Kitchen/Living Area Fully Fitted Three-Piece Bathroom Prestigious Development Call Fisks For More Details

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ARAGON COURT, HADLEIGH £125,000 One Bedroom Retirement Apartment Walking Distance To Hadleigh Town Center Sought After Development Lift Available Communal Lounge/Laundry Room And Guest Facilities Over 55 Development

CALL 01268 565555

COUNCIL TAX REBATE We help you understand the Council Tax rebate better.

With some people still struggling to understand the Council Tax rebate, and some others wondering if they will receive it, we give you a quick helpful overview. Remember, if you’re still unsure and want to know more after our article, head to gov.uk.

WHAT IS THE COUNCIL TAX REBATE? Due to soaring energy prices, the Government has announced a £150 payment to help those in council tax bands A-D. Payments will be made from April 2022 and will not need to be paid back.

WILL I BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE COUNCIL TAX REBATE? If you’re in council tax bands A-D, are liable for council tax on a property which you live in as your main home, then “yes”, you are eligible.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE COUNCIL TAX REBATE? If you are eligible and you pay your council tax by direct debit, your local council will make the payment directly into your bank account, starting from April 2022.

You don’t need to do anything - it’s that easy.

If you are eligible but do not pay your council tax by direct debit, your local council will be in contact with you from April to arrange a method for paying the rebate.

Claims for the rebate can be processed up until 30 September 2022.

WILL I HAVE RECEIVED THE REBATE AS A DISCOUNT ON MY COUNCIL TAX BILL? No. The rebate will be provided as a separate payment, rather than part of your council tax bill. This allows the support to be provided to households more quickly, instead of it being spread as a discount across the usual 10 or 12 council tax bill instalments during 2022-23.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT COUNCIL TAX BAND I AM IN? If you’re not sure which council tax band your property is in, head on over to www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands to find out. A quick search with your postcode there will tell you.

WHO IS MY LOCAL COUNCIL? To find out who your local council is, head to www.gov.uk/find-local-council with your postcode.

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.

FROM LONDON TO ESSEX Moving from London to Essex? Consider our recommendations.

With the current cost-of-living crisis hitting us all, more and more people are relocating to make their finances work better for them.

With this in mind, we take a look at the best Essex towns to live in with great transport links to the big city.

MALDON Let’s start with Maldon, the historic market town situated on the Blackwater estuary, near Chelmsford. The town has been ranked the fifth best place to live in the UK for your quality of life. And who wouldn’t love it? It has a nice little high street full of everything anybody could ever want, including a few big chains.

You’ll also find coffee houses galore too.

For all those commuting to London, this town may not be your perfect choice, as the town doesn’t have its own station. Trains to the city run from nearby Witham and take 45 minutes. This is a great place to consider if your workplace allows for hybrid working.

CANVEY ISLAND Being an Estate Agent in Canvey, we know first-hand how great the island is.

Full of life, with an amazing community, and great things to see, there really is no other place like Canvey. Canvey is the perfect place to escape to, with its beachfront, entertainment for the whole family, retail parks, and major shopping outlets, you’ll never get bored.

Being a neighbour to Benfleet, Canvey Island has great direct links to Fenchurch Street in the city and Canary Wharf via Benfleet Station.

AERIAL VIEW OF HADLEIGH CASTLE, ESSEX.

BENFLEET Another one of our favourite spots in Essex is Benfleet (again, we’re based here too, so it’s an obvious choice for us). Benfleet is contained within the postcode of SS7, along with Thundersley, New Thundersley, and Hadleigh - all locations have easy access to Wat Tyler Country Park and Hadleigh Castle, two amazing places of interest for any visitor or local. Benfleet’s greatness doesn’t just stop there though - full of restaurants, shops, and cafes, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

As mentioned previously, Benfleet Station is a major commuting point to Fenchurch Street in the city and Canary Wharf. In as little as 45-minutes, you could be in the heart of the city.

INGATESTONE Surrounded by Brentwood and Chelmsford, this Saxon-era village quietly has the reputation of being one of the best places to live in Essex for a work/ life balance. Not only is it beautiful to look at, thanks to its historic homes and cottages, but it also offers community events by the bucketload. Making your way down the high street, you’ll see local businesses, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Nearby there are picnic-perfect fields, a historic 900-year-old church, and working windmills.

If you’re wondering how long your journey to London will be, wonder no more - you’ll be pleased to hear that the town has its own station and is only 30 minutes to Liverpool Street.

BRENTWOOD Brentwood is frequently voted as one of the top most desirable places to live in the uk, and if you visited, you’ll understand why. Brentwood was made famous by (love or hate it) The Only Way is Essex. Full of life, the area offers everything you could possibly want, from shopping to dining to fitness, Brentwood has something for everyone.

Living in Brentwood is particularly popular with commuters - with over 190 trains per day travelling from brentwood to london, and taking below 40-minutes. This is a great choice if you’re looking to escape the city.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

WELBECK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £415,000 4 Bedroom Detached House Sought After Location Great Family Home Off Street Parking Garage Large Garden Downstairs W/C

CALL 01268 510510

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WAAREM AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 3 Bedroom Detached Home Close Proximity To Canvey High Street Downstairs W/C Large Lounge Utility Room Garage With Off Street Parking

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

SHELL BEACH ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £475,000 Four Bedroom Detached House Stunning Views ‘Upside Down’ House Large Balcony From Lounge Second Balcony From Kitchen Lounge Boasts Natural Light Large Family Bathroom

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BRISCOE ROAD, PITSEA, BASILDON £450,000 Semi-Detached Bungalow Three Double Bedrooms Luxury Fitted Kitchen Spacious Lounge With Log Burner Modern Family Bathroom 60ft Rear Garden

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

NORMANS ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £425,000 Four Bedroom Detached House Perfect Family Home Utility Room Seperate Dining Room En-Suite To Master Close To Town Centre Off Street Parking

CALL 01268 510510

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NEWLANDS ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £497,777 Three Double Bedrooms Architecturally Beautiful Extensive Plot Large Wrap Around Garden Potential To Create An Annex/ Home Office Ample Off Street Parking Victorian Style

CALL 01268 510510