inside this issue
BRITAIN’S ACTION MAN HOW TO ACHIEVE AN AUTUMN TRANSACTION TOP TIPS FOR A WILDLIFEFRIENDLY GARDEN THIS SUMMER PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES
THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 47
Contents Britain’s action man He’s one of the UK’s best-loved actors and next month, Jason Statham is really put to the test in a sci-fi action horror film.
How to achieve an autumn transaction If you are contemplating or trying to sell or let a property it’s a good time to take stock of the situation and plan the way forward.
Top tips for a wildlife-friendly garden this summer Use this fantastic advice and don’t forget about your little friends this month.
Our properties Last, but certainly not least, you can find all of this month’s feature properties throughout the magazine. Enjoy!
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Welcome to our
magazine... Welcome to the July edition of our Gateway magazine. With the lovely weather plus Wimbledon and of course the World Cup, particularly with England’s super performance, buyers and sellers can, for a couple of weeks, put their house hunting on the back burner. The fact is that the phones will not ring when England is playing and nor will our outgoing calls be answered.
John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director
This does not mean deals are not being put together and in this edition we are showing some great properties that are worth viewing providing England is not playing. Also in this edition we are focusing on the birds in our gardens. Many people feed our feathered friends but also remember, particularly in a heatwave, that birds require water as well as just food. The second article reminds us that now is the time to consider placing your property on the market in autumn so that you can be in your new home by Christmas. For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our August 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
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LOCAL
KINGSLEIGH PARK, BENFLEET £179,995 Immaculate two double bedroom park home situated on a good sized plot. The property has been well-maintained throughout and is being sold with no onward chain, featuring a modern kitchen, lounge/diner and a low maintenance wrap around garden with one private parking space.
CALL 01268 565555
MANNA HEIGHTS, BENFLEET £245,000 Executive first floor apartment offering two double bedrooms, each with their own ensuites. An allocated parking space is issued to each dwelling with an additional visitor parking space available. Sold with a brand new lease of 99 years and no onward chain. Energy Band – B.
CALL 01268 565555
WILKINSON DROP, HADLEIGH £210,000 This bright and airy first floor flat comprises of a large open-plan lounge/kitchen, fourpiece bathroom suite and two good sized bedrooms with fitted wardrobes to the master. Further benefits include a secure intercom system and an allocated parking space along with ample visitor parking. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 565555
QUEENS LODGE, BENFLEET £200,000 Immaculate two bedroom apartment located on the sought after Queens Lodge development. Internally the property offers a good sized lounge with space for a dining table, a fitted kitchen and a large loft space for storage. There is also the added bonus of two parking spaces with visitor permits available. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 565555
HIGH BANK, BASILDON £280,000 Well-presented two double bedroom mid-terraced property that has been updated to a very high standard. Internally the property offers a contemporary style lounge and a modern kitchen/diner. Outside the rear garden is paved with artificial grass and a gate leading to the off street parking. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 565555
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LYNN VIEW CLOSE, BENFLEET £339,995 Modernised detached bungalow located in a small cul-de-sac offered with no onward chain. The property features a refitted kitchen, refitted bathroom, two double bedrooms and a good sized lounge. The rear garden is private and mainly laid to lawn with access to the front from both sides. Energy Band – E.
CALL 01268 565555
STANWAY ROAD, BENFLEET £565,000 Show home condition detached property featuring a study/reception room, lounge/diner, galley style kitchen and four double bedrooms with an en-suite to the master. Extra benefits include a large garage, private driveway and a sunny rear garden. Energy Band – C.
CALL 01268 565555
GROSVENOR ROAD, BENFLEET £435,000-£440,000 Spacious detached house benefiting from solid oak flooring, a separate dining room and study, kitchen with separate utility room and four good sized bedrooms. Outside the large rear garden gets plenty of sun and the property is located within a five minutes’ walk to Benfleet Train Station. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 565555
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins_shutterstock
Britain’s action man
He’s one of the UK’s best-loved actors and next month, Jason Statham is really put to the test in a sci-fi action horror film4
Image credit: Ga Fullner_shutterstock
BRITAIN’S MAN Britain’sACTION favourite
Picture this. 200 miles off the Chinese coast, a 75-foot-long prehistoric shark called a megalodon, thought to be long dead, rises from the depths of the ocean and attacks a research submersible, leaving its crew stranded. Diver Jonas Taylor - who has encountered the monster before - is called into action to help rescue the crew and stop the creature before it attacks the mainland. Will Jason Statham who stars as Jonas Taylor be up for the challenge? You’ll have to wait and see. Set for release on 10th August, The Meg is a sci-fi action horror film that will make you jump. However, one person that will be prepared is British actor, Jason. When preparing for roles, “I go to this gym full of stunt men. There aren’t any TVs or treadmills there. This is a spit-andsawdust kind of place. It has a lot of great training aids - trampolines and bags and every weapon ever invented to do harm to a human being. If you want to know
how to throw a knife it’s great.” “I’ve spent all those years learning how to do certain skills, and then that competitive spirit kicks in and you want to do the stunts. Basically, it’s the male competitive ego at work… You see a lot of action films, and it’s almost (like) you can’t tell who’s doing what. It’s chopped up so much, you just see a fist, a leg - it’s all driven by the sound, boom, pow, boom. You wouldn’t know what was happening otherwise. “The people who inspired me growing up, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, that’s the real deal. You see them, the camera’s way back, there aren’t a lot of cuts - you feel like you’re really in there. Today, there’s so much technology and green-screen and CGI, you can turn your grandma into an action star. But people are getting wise to that, I think. There’s no substitute for the real thing.”
Renowned for carrying out incredible stunts, Jason is one of the UK’s most popular actors and has starred in films including Fast and Furious. He was recently under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons however after apologising about a homophobic rant he claims he can’t remember. “Someone approached me claiming to have a tape of me using terms offensive to the LGBTIQ community during a conversation I had with my producing partner on a movie set five years ago…I have never heard the recording and my multiple requests to hear the recording have been refused. I have no recollection of making any of these offensive comments. However, let me be clear: the terms referenced are highly offensive. If I said these words, it was wrong and I deeply apologise. Anyone who knows me knows it doesn’t reflect how I feel about the LGBTIQ community.” The Meg is out next month
Image credit: Tinseltown_shutterstock
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
BEACH ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £455,000 This four bedroom detached home has been refurbished to the highest standard and integrated with all the latest home technologies, including a voice activation system combined with a CCTV linked burglar alarm. The property boasts a large lounge, conservatory and en-suite bathroom, plus a barbecue area and a swimming pool in the garden. Energy Band - Awaiting.
CALL 01268 510510
KEER AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £230,000 This two bedroom detached bungalow is situated a stone’s throw from the beach and benefits from a good sized lounge and a fitted kitchen. The property has off street parking for multiple cars and a lawned rear garden. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 510510
SECOND AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £240,000 Well-maintained three bedroom terraced house that has been extended to the front and rear, creating a large lounge and a separate dining room. To the rear of the garden there is a single garage and a carport. Energy Band – C.
CALL 01268 510510
ORANGE ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £350,000 This semi-detached bungalow is situated on a large double plot measuring over 60ft wide at the rear and offers three double bedrooms and a large garage. The property also boasts a 20ft conservatory, a good sized lounge as well as a large kitchen. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 01268 510510
fisks.co.uk
RAINBOW ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £225,000 Two bedroom detached bungalow offered with no onward chain and featuring a large driveway and a garage. The property is ideally located close to Canvey town centre and would be a great home for first time buyers. Energy Band – D.
CALL 01268 510510
NORTHFALLS ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £260,000 Extended and refurbished two bedroom detached bungalow, benefiting from a large lounge, fitted kitchen and new windows. The property is located in the popular ‘Point’ area and is just a few minutes’ walk to the seafront. Energy Band – E.
CALL 01268 510510
KEER AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £285,000 Large three bedroom detached bungalow in need of modernisation, offering a large kitchen/diner, 13ft square lounge, plenty of off street parking and a single garage. The property is located just five minutes’ walk to the seafront and is being offered with no onward chain. Energy Band – E.
CALL 01268 510510
Image credit: Kletr shutterstock.com
Top tips for a wildlifefriendly garden this summer
Use this fantastic advice and don’t forget about your little friends this month4
Image credit: sakhorn shutterstock.com
Image credit: irin-kShutterstock.com
TOP TIPS FOR A WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY GARDEN THIS SUMMER Britain’s favourite
As summer is well underway, why not invite some little friends into the garden this month? Fun for all the family, these tips and tricks on how to welcome wildlife into your home will not only help preserve Britain’s wildlife but also transform your garden for all of nature to enjoy this season. A fantastic way for homeowners to invite wildlife into their garden is by opening up a bird café to attract all kinds of colourful feathered friends. You can do this easily by investing in a bird feeder or a roofed bird table and getting a mixture of seeds, fruits, nuts and oats to put in them. Different types of birds prefer different types of food, so if you’re looking to have variety in your garden, be sure to pick up an assortment of bird food. Other than topping up the bird feed when it’s empty and making sure you clean your feeders often, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your very own wildlife show in the comfort of your garden. Butterflies are one of the best things about the summer. Requiring sugary treats, homeowners can help them feast by putting mushy bananas in a sheltered, chest high place in their garden for them to enjoy. This top tip requires little effort and is perfect for homeowners looking to add an extra splash of colour to their new garden. As the mashed banana ferments, the stunning butterflies should pay you a visit and whilst they are enjoying their treat they can stay in your garden for hours on end. More ambitious homeowners might want to try building a safe hideaway for bugs and creepy crawlies to live in. Build a stable structure out of a couple of old wooden pallets. Using plant pots, straw, old roof tiles, sticks and logs, you can provide many different holes, spaces, tunnels and cosy beds for all types of wildlife to climb into to keep them safe. Hedgehogs are no exception and by creating a hedgehog highway, making a safe ‘corridor’ in your fence for the little critters to move through, it’s a great way to connect with your neighbours and give nature a home at the same time. The hole in the fence will help to protect the hedgehogs, which walk up to a mile a night, from other animals and help them find the perfect spot to hibernate. When moving home everyone is busy but it is important to remember that the wildlife around us also need homes and these top tips are really fun and easy ways for everyone to get involved with that n
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
EQUINOX BUILDING, E14 £525,000
STREAMLIGHT TOWER, E14 £398,000
Leasehold - Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment including an en-suite shower room and a south facing reception room with views of the River Thames. Energy Band – Awaiting.
Leasehold – One bedroom apartment offering floor to ceiling south facing windows and a good size balcony with views of the River Thames. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 0207 517 8810
CALL 0207 517 8810
KINGFISHER HEIGHTS, E16 £485,000-£500,000
WINDSOR HALL, E16 £335,000-£350,000
Leasehold - Furnished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment benefiting from a good sized balcony with westerly views to the river and Thames Barrier. Energy Band – Awaiting.
Leasehold – Two bedroom, one bathroom second floor apartment providing wellproportioned accommodation and includes a separate kitchen. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 0207 517 8810
CALL 0207 517 8810
LANDMARK WEST TOWER, E14 £520 pw
WESTWOOD HOUSE, E14 £350 pw
Good size two bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartment fully furnished to a high specification with lovely east facing views towards Canary Wharf. Energy Band – B.
Beautifully presented one bedroom apartment benefiting from a fully fitted open-plan kitchen, good size bedroom and a balcony affording west facing views. Energy Band – B.
CALL 0207 517 8810
CALL 0207 517 8810
ADRIATIC BUILDING, E14 £320 pw
BOARDWALK PLACE, E14 £400 pw
One bedroom apartment offered furnished and located just moments away from Limehouse DLR. Energy Band – C.
Well-proportioned two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with oblique views towards the Marina and Canary Wharf. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 0207 517 8810
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CALL 0207 517 8810
KINGFISHER HEIGHTS, E16 £360 pw
DISCOVERY DOCK EAST, E14 £595 pw
Brand new two bedroom, two bathroom apartment furnished to a high standard. The balcony is a good size and benefits from a peaceful courtyard aspect. Energy Band – B.
Large two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with the direct dock views located only two minutes’ walk from Heron Quay DLR. Energy Band – Awaiting.
CALL 0207 517 8810
CALL 0207 517 8810
NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £570 pw
WEST INDIA QUAY, E14 £620 pw
Refurbished three bedroom, two bathroom apartment featuring a living room leading to a large terrace and a private balcony accessed via the master bedroom. Energy Band – C.
This spacious one bedroom, one bathroom apartment comes fully furnished and enjoys spectacular views over Canary Wharf and the Quayside at West India Quay. Energy Band – B.
CALL 0207 517 8810
CALL 0207 517 8810
Image credit: lenetstan Shutterstock.com
How to achieve an autumn transaction If you are contemplating or trying to sell or let a property it’s a good time to take stock of the situation and plan the way forward4
Image credit: Alexander Raths�Shutterstock.com
• Keep the property clean and tidy HOW TO ACHIEVE AN AUTUMN TRANSACTION October and November are usually active months for property so it’s a good idea to make the most of them and try to get your property sold or let before Christmas when the market usually stalls. Planning is the way forward, so if you’re serious about an autumn transaction, you need to get started now. It is certainly not all doom and gloom, as irrespective of the world events, people need to buy, sell, rent or let for various reasons. As a result, there will always be successful deals. Yet here are a few suggestions that may help you achieve an autumn transaction: • Make sure that you have a realistic asking price
• Make repairs to anything that is visibly broken, also touch up scuff marks (but don’t try to hide defects) • If you have a garden, keep it well tended • On colder days, warm the property through, even for an hour to take away any chill • Open windows on brighter, warmer days unless there is extraneous outside noise • Ensure that the property smells fresh • Remove pets (if possible), such as dogs and cats when conducting viewings • Leave the agent to conduct viewings and remove yourself into an alternative room or, go out if you can
• Make sure that there are keys available for all outside doors and, if providing keys to the agents, that they work • If you are away, ask the agent to pick up the post and switch on or off the central heating, so that the property looks and feels lived in and cared for • If you will not be home or the property has been vacated, let the agent know so that he or she can go to the appointment earlier to arrange to switch on lights, open or close curtains etc. • If you do receive an offer get back to your agent as quickly as possible with an answer, even if its negative, so that while buyers or tenants are still interested negotiations may continue
• Have all the required documents such as, insurance papers, guarantees, deeds (if you can), a copy of your lease, service charge payments or invoices, planning permission, etc. available and ready for early access • Make sure that all the curtains and blinds are up during the day to bring in the light • For evening viewings put lights on in every room and light the front path and rear garden, so that they look attractive and viewers don’t trip over an unseen hurdle • Remember the old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”
• Employ a good and proactive solicitor • React in a timely fashion to any requests for further information
If you are looking to sell or let your property, get in touch today to see how we can help
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
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To experience our service, put us to the test! Contact your local branch at Benfleet, Canvey or Docklands