April Issue

APRIL 2017

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE ng

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VALUE? ADDED! Upgrading your kitchen

EXPERT INSIGHT

FIXING THE BROKEN HOUSING MARKET

A R E A S P OT L I GH T

THE BEAUTY OF BE LFA I R S ’ WOODLAND

Market Update / Money Made Easy / Latest Sales & Lettings

MORTGAGE ADVICE

Securing a mortgage on a single income

WIN two bird feeders donated by the Essex Wildlife Trust

MAXIMISE YOUR SALE PRICE Any estate agent worth their salt can sell your home but only Hair & Son have the experience, knowledge and resources to deliver a comprehensive, first-class service that truly maximises the value of your property.

Visit our website today to find out more: www.hairandson.co.uk

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

HOT TOPIC

CREATIVE HUB

NEWS FROM THE PROPERTY INSIDERS...

SET TO GIVE

THAMES

The property market may be blooming locally, but with the Government’s recent release of a whitepaper on how they are going to fix the broken housing market, are things looking as rosy elsewhere? Richard Hair gives his view on the issue on page 4. But however much the UK is affected, for one reason or another there will always be a time where some properties are unoccupied. Property expert Laurence Cox shares his advice on how to maintain an empty property on page 18. With home renewal at the top of many people’s to do lists, why not take advantage of this time of year and look to how you can improve your home. This month on page 5, Anita Hair explores six cost-effective ways you can update your kitchen without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for an even bigger fixer-upper project, our Auction Manager Steve Bridge shares his insight on the auction market on page 15. As we’re all very well aware, obtaining a mortgage is no easy feat – particularly if you’re going it alone. In this edition on page 12, our in-house mortgage adviser Daniel Edwards,

B R O A D WAY

NEW MEANING

reveals his advice on what to be aware of when obtaining a mortgage on a single income. There’s also some great advice over at our property clinic on page 8. Don’t forget, if you have any burning property questions you can tweet them to #HSPropertyClinic, or put a comment on our Facebook page and you could see your question along with our expert answer printed in the next magazine!

Well known for its shipping transportation, industrial sites and fishing, a Government development project is set to give new meaning to the Thames Estuary. Under plans hoped to be completed by 2050, the forty-mile stretch of water is set to become a hub for the creative industry. With proposals for theatre-making studios, research laboratories, a foundry for large sculptures and the creation of the largest 3D printing centre in the UK, it is hoped that creative developments across East London, Essex and Kent will generate thousands of new jobs. Southend, Castle Point and Rochford have been included as potential sites in the plans that aim to strengthen creative talent and innovation in the South East. If the proposal takes off, it is hoped that the Thames Estuary will become an internationally-recognised centre for the creative industries.

In this edition we’d like to introduce a contribution from David Amess MP who gives us some more details on the Alternative City of Culture schedule for the rest of this year. Along with James Duddridge MP who appeared in the last edition, we’ll be featuring their insights on local issues and news on page 21. If you’re looking for a way to entertain the children over the Easter holidays or you just want to get out and enjoy the spring sunshine, head to page 30 for a variety of interesting events. This Easter, there is something for everyone including the Southend at War event and even a Self-Led Egg Trail! We’d like to congratulate Billie Thornton for successfully guessing the mystery image taken of Shorefield Road! For her winning answer she has been awarded lunch for two and a bottle of house wine at the Roslin Beach Hotel. For your chance to win this issue’s prize, a Chapelwood decorative wild bird feeder and a peanut feeder donated by the Essex Wildlife Trust, head to page 8. There are also regular competitions on our social channels so keep up to date for more chances to win other great prizes.

LEIGH

ESTUARY

Welcome to the April edition of H+S The Property Magazine, your source for local property news and insider knowledge. As spring has finally sprung, we can now look forward to what the warmer months have in store for us! Spring is a popular time for many people looking to sell their homes and carry out home improvements, so catch up with the latest news, features and insights from our local property experts in our April edition.

THE CHANGING FACE OF

LIFE ON ONE LEVEL

SET FOR TRANSFORMATION

Following its closure in 2015 due to an arson attack causing £100,000 worth of damage, an application has been made to transform the former Element nightclub on Alexandra Street into a bar, restaurant and flats.

These two-bedroom bungalows are both ideal for those looking for a renovation project.

LUXURY HOTEL WELL UNDERWAY

Set in the prime location of Clifton Terrace with stunning views across the Estuary, the development of the Seven Hotel, a brand-new boutique hotel, is well underway.

£325,000 @HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

However, with rumours of a Pizza Express set to take over the former Rio bar, local residents have been instilled with fear that the face of the Broadway could be starting to change. With the arrival of Costa Coffee and the recent opening of Specsavers, some local independent business owners are beginning to worry about what the future holds for their businesses; whilst others welcome the chain outlets as healthy competition. With over 900 signatures already, the ‘Love Independent Leigh’ campaign has been set up in support of local independent businesses with the intention of rallying against the introduction of further chain stores. What are your views on these developments? Leave a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us to join the discussion.

FORMER NIGHTCLUB

The Housing Whitepaper: What does it mean for you? (Page 4) Hair & Son LLP

So far, Leigh Broadway has been relatively untouched by nationwide chains that dominate most of our high streets.

What developments are in the works near you? We take a look at the latest property plans.

Enjoy our April Issue!

/HairandSonLLP

HOT TOPIC

PROPERTY IN THE PIPELINE

EXPERT INSIGHT

GET SOCIAL

03

This two-bedroom bungalow in Adalia Crescent boasts two reception rooms and is just a short walk from Belfairs Woods.

£255,000 This two-bedroom bungalow in Brookfield Close offers no onward-chain and a sunny south-backing garden.

The plans include a basement conversion into a pub, a ground floor transformation into a café or restaurant, with the first and second floors set to be developed into five self-contained flats. Concerns have been raised over the lack of parking, however the prospect of new accommodation in such a central position close to the train station is sure to attract commuters.

The exciting addition to the Southend hotel scene includes thirty-seven bedrooms, three luxury apartments, a steak and seafood restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace. Located directly opposite the Cliff Lift, guests will be within walking distance of Southend’s main amenities and attractions; with the High Street, train station, pier and Cliffs Pavilion located just a short walk away. The hotel hopes to open its doors to guests by mid-summer.

04


APRIL 2017 EXPERT INSIGHT

EXPERT INSIGHT

RICHARD HAIR

ADDED!

The Housing Whitepaper:

What does it mean for you?

Thankfully the dark days of recession are well behind us, the sun has come out for homeowners who have seen the country’s housing market go from strength to strength – and the outlook is certainly very bright moving forward. London may well be the exception to this rule as prices have risen too fast and have been showing signs of decline since the beginning of 2016. Despite recent political turmoil, our economy is stable and the local market remains buoyant. Great news all round – isn’t it? Not quite. Nobody can deny that there are more far-reaching issues which need to be addressed in order to build a fairer and stronger housing market for Great Britain – notably the plight of ‘generation rent’ in their efforts to step onto the first rung of the property ladder. The notion that those aged 20-39 are faced with financial barriers which are standing between them and getting the keys to their first home has been a hot topic of discussion for some years now. While there are a number of Government schemes in place to help first-time buyers, with the average house costing almost eight times the average salary, there is now a

record number of people living in the private rented sector – with this number having doubled since 2000. Of course, the issue is not something to be sniffed at, but it all comes down to the simple premise of supply and demand. With demand greatly outstripping supply, the cost of owning a property is now out of reach for many of those first-time buyers who can’t get financial support from the ‘bank of mum and dad’. With the ongoing issue of too few homes being built, this is something the Government has promised to address in the whitepaper. The problem exists not because there isn’t enough space – only 11% of land in England has been built on – but principally due to three interdependent factors.

1. Many local authorities across the country aren’t able to plan for the homes that are desperately needed. In order to make best use of the land available, the Government is proposing to ensure land is released in the right areas. Consultative discussions with local communities will be carried out to ensure residents have more say over the location of developments and the way they are planned and laid out. There are also plans to make more homes available by maximising the contribution from brownfield sites and surplus public land and through the regeneration of existing estates. By releasing more small and medium sites, the Government is also hoping to encourage growth of rural communities and make it easier to build new settlements. Where appropriate, the Government will be encouraging higher densities where there is high housing demand – a move which could potentially be controversial if not executed correctly.

2. The construction industry is dominated by a number of big players of which it’s too reliant upon. Through the Home Building Fund and various other methods, the Government will be stimulating growth for small and medium-sized builders and attracting further investment for housing, including building for private rent and encouraging family-friendly tenancies. The latter may

Six cost-effective ways to upgrade your kitchen With its multifunctional use, the kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of many homes. As such, a new kitchen can add around 5% extra value to a property. With kitchens used for cooking, eating, socialising and relaxing, an up-to-date kitchen that creates an inviting focal point is what many buyers are looking for. However, achieving

added value through an updated kitchen doesn’t always require ripping out your existing installation and replacing it with an entirely new fitting. There are many ways you can update this space and still add value without purchasing a completely new kitchen.

Our top upgrade tips:

Thinking of selling your property? Each month, Anita Hair uncovers the best ways to optimise the value of your property so that it achieves the highest sale price possible. This month she considers kitchens.

Our Senior Partner and former President of the National Association of Estate Agents, Richard Hair gives us his analysis of the recently released Government whitepaper ‘Fixing our broken housing market’. Read Richard’s views on the matter and get a snapshot of what the 106-page report promises. Could Theresa May have all the answers?

The British housing market. Depending on your age and your circumstances, this sentence may conjure up any number of involuntary feelings. In the past our country has suffered under the governance of questionable leadership whereby the exploitation of the marketplace by big banks and corporations has been overlooked, causing the financial chaos and making homeownership unattainable for many people.

VALUE?

05

Unfortunately, simply repainting your worktops like you can your kitchen doors isn’t a good option. However, there are a range of different materials available for kitchen worktops to suit every budget, from laminate and timber to marble. Updating your worktops can breathe new life into your kitchen so updating this area is certainly a worthwhile investment.

3. The end-to-end process of building homes is currently taking too long.

One major problem with the Government’s current policy is the recent legislation against private property investors. We have seen a significant decline in the buy-to-let sector with many experienced investors looking to leave the market. This is particularly the case with overseas investors having to come out of the market as a result of the changes to their capital gains position. Locally the market remains stable and very strong with a good level of new developments helping to balance the supply of available property. The local market is not in crisis and should remain safe. However, Government has an appalling track record of causing its own chaos in the marketplace. Over the years, ill thought out legislation has had huge, unintended consequences for property owners. There are many examples, too numerous to go into in this short review but who can forget the double MIRAS changes in August 1988 which caused house prices in the town to fall for 7 years… Don’t even think of mentioning Home Information Packs!

Updating cabinet doors and handles is an easy way to uplift the look of any kitchen. If your doors are wooden and outdated, it is easy to update them by simply removing the doors and giving them a sand down and a fresh lick of paint or a wood stain – immediately improving the look. Carefully match the paint to the worktops to ensure a complementary match. If your cabinet doors can’t be painted and the actual carcass of the kitchen is in good condition, you could consider just purchasing brand new doors. Perhaps glass panelled doors allowing you to display your favourite glasses or china could create the illusion of more space. However you update your doors, focusing on this one area of your kitchen alone can make it look as though you have a brand new kitchen.

2. WORKTOPS

not provide a permanent fix for the ‘crisis’, but will see a short-term solution for families who are struggling to buy by helping to bring rents down. There’s also plans for a wider strategy to support housing associations and local authorities in building more homes which should see money spent locally.

This is less to do with the time it takes to actually build the homes, but more to do with the slow and complicated planning process. If the proposals in point one come into fruition, there will be greater certainty for authorities around planning and subsequently less chance for plans to come under threat – significantly reducing delays. There will be a boost to the capacity and capability of which the authorities are able to deliver, with an aim to improve both the speed and quality for which planning cases are dealt with. Another way to cut delivery time will be by providing more transparent data and sharper tools to drive up delivery and being able to hold developers to account as a result.

1. CABINET DOORS

3. SINK

TOP TIP Always ensure the price bracket of your kitchen reflects the price bracket of your home.

The sink is one of the most frequently used features in the kitchen. As it is prone to a lot of wear and tear, replacing an old sink would create a clean and modern look. There are various types available depending on your style and you could consider a ceramic butler sink for a popular country feel, or if you want to create a more contemporary look, a stainless-steel sink could do the trick. If you wanted a statement piece, a copper sink could be the answer, however these can be fairly costly so consider your budget to ensure your upgrade is worth it. Even more simply, you could just consider replacing your current taps. Always keep in mind the character of your kitchen as the sink must be in keeping.

4. TILING With hundreds of styles to choose from, new wall tiling can help refresh your kitchen. With a range of options available, tiling can be used to make a statement or simply freshen up a look. If your tiles are in good condition, regrouting or painting will make them look refreshed and stand out more.

5. FLOORING We all spend a lot of time on our feet in the kitchen so make sure the flooring works for you and looks the part. An updated tiled floor can create a stylish and classic look that can transform a kitchen space. Laminate flooring and vinyl are more inexpensive ways of refreshing the flooring style of your kitchen making it more appealing to potential buyers.

6. WALLS Keeping kitchen walls clean is always a challenge so using washable paint or paper is a must. A simple lick of fresh paint on the walls can brighten the kitchen significantly. White and muted colours such as grey, blue and green are timeless, giving your kitchen a renewal that lasts. If you’re feeling daring and want to make a statement, a bold colour or eye-catching wallpaper could bring your kitchen to life, but it might not appeal to all who view it.

06


APRIL 2017

A R EA S P OTLIG HT

PROPERTIES

THE BEAUTY OF BELFAIRS’ WOODLAND A hidden gem in the town’s crown, the beauty of Belfairs’ Woodland has been enjoyed by the people of Southend since it was given park status in 1923, soon followed by the official opening of the 18-hole golf course in 1926. Unbeknown to many, the area of Belfairs takes its name from the 16th century hunting lodge, known today as The Bellhouse Pub, which once rang a huge bell to guide lost wayfarers through the thick forest and lead wild boar hunters towards shelter. The district became known as Bellfares and later as we know it today, Belfairs.

HOW WE RATE BELFAIRS

BELFAIRS In every issue of H+S The Property Magazine, we focus on a different location around Southend, analysing the key features of each area and looking at the stats that may influence your decision to buy, rent or open a business there. This issue the spotlight is on Belfairs. Anyone living in Belfairs can benefit from the beautiful woodland and all it has to offer. Whether you fancy a walk or cycle in the woods, a round of golf, a game of tennis or even a horse ride, Belfairs’ Woodland has it all. With a range of properties available there’s something for everyone and easy access to Southend Arterial Road makes it a very convenient location for those travelling out of Southend by car.

07

LANDSCAPE

9 /10

VALUE FOR MONEY

9 /10

AFFORDABILITY

9 /10

TRANSPORT

7

SCHOOLS

7 /10

CULTURE

7 /10

SHOPPING

7 /10

FOOD & DRINK

7 /10

FITNESS & LEISURE

9 /10

INVESTMENT

9 /10

RATING

Consisting of over 200 acres of ancient woodland, there’s plenty to explore and you’ll be sure to spot a diverse range of flora and fauna and wildlife including squirrels, woodpeckers and nuthatch. Even more rich in nature is the Belfairs Nature Reserve, also known as Hadleigh Great Wood and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Maintained through coppicing (a traditional method of woodland management involving cutting a tree to its stump and allowing new shoots to emerge), the reserve has created the perfect environment for a

/10

80

100

With a great range of properties all within close proximity to Belfairs Woods, potential buyers can benefit from a range of choice and the wonderful woodland landscape and all it has to offer. This area makes up for its lack of restaurant scene with plenty of activities available in the woodland. Belfairs offers great value for money, making it an opportune place to invest.

diverse range of wildlife. Oak and sweet chestnut make up the main bulk of the canopy trees and you can find patches of ling heather spread throughout. Due to the richness of the environment, in 1997 the reserve was used to reintroduce heath fritillary butterflies which had become extinct in Essex. These butterflies had disappeared across Essex as a result of an end to coppicing in the 1940s, making many woodlands substantially shaded and therefore unsuitable environments. With the open glades of the reserve, the reintroduction of the heath fritillary butterfly was a success and numbers increased. They can be spotted in late June and early July. The reserve is also home to a healthy population of dormice which indicates the diversity of the environment and its ability to provide plenty of places to eat and breed. Whether you want to take a walk to enjoy the scenery or play a round of golf, there is something for everyone at Belfairs’ Woodland. There’s even a riding school offering riding lessons and hacking for all abilities. Other features include public tennis courts, a children’s play area, a bowling green and a restaurant. Officially opened by BBC Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games in 2013, the Belfairs Woodland Centre run by the Essex Wildlife Trust opens daily providing an educational space where everyone can learn about south Essex’s woodland wildlife. With an indoor education hall, outdoor classroom and educational equipment and resources, it is a great for families, groups and schools. From birdwatching walks to craft events, the Woodland Centre runs an event almost every day – so don’t miss out!

DETACHED HOME

3 BED / 1 BATH

Located on the popular Highlands Estate, this detached home is just a stone’s throw away from Belfairs Woods.

12 years ago a similar property sold for £445,000.

£585,000

Value increase: 31.4%

EXTENDED CHALET

3 BED / 1 BATH

An extended and immaculately presented semi-detached chalet set within the favoured Fairway School catchment area.


£350,000


BUNGALOW PROPERTY

2 BED / 1 BATH

This bungalow is located on the popular Highlands Estate, just over a mile from Leigh Station.

£350,000



BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Woodside Parade is a neighbourhood parade of five shops located within a pleasant residential area convenient for the A127.

LOCK UP SHOP 283 sq ft (26 sq m)

£3,250

PAX

£24

for an hour ride at Belfairs Riding School

£20,000 The price Southend Council paid for Belfairs Park in 1919

18

£

per round

at Belfairs Golf Club (£25 Sat & Sun)

2013

Belfairs Woodland Centre opened

OVER 200 acres of woodland

1974

1952

Fairways Primary School first established

Belfairs Riding School opened by Princess Anne

1926 Belfairs Golf Club officially opened


08

APRIL 2017

COMPETI TI ON!

PROPERTY CLINIC Q

A

A SNAPSHOT FROM THE PAST

Congratulations to last month’s winner,

Billie Thornton Enjoy your mea

l at the

I’m struggling to sell my 2 bedroom flat in Southchurch. What can I do to speed up the process? #HSPropertyClinic

£

WIN

2 BIRD FEEDERS DONATED BY

ESSEX

Think you know where this is? If you can identify the location of this image, head over to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hairandsonllp. Simply ‘Like’ our page and leave a comment saying where you think this image was taken. Correct answers will have the chance to win a Chapelwood decorative wild bird feeder and a peanut feeder donated by the Essex Wildlife Trust. The historical images in this publication have been kindly permitted for print by Southend Museums Service.

SALES

CURRENT AVERAGE VALUE

VALUE CHANGE

£284,394

I want to paint my house a bright colour – do I have to inform my neighbours? #HSPropertyClinic

AVERAGE PRICE PAID

£335,812


£352,610

A

Providing you are not in a conservation area or have a very unusual restrictive covenant you can paint your house whatever colour you like.

PROPERTY APPS WE

Do be careful though. If you are a semi-detached or terraced property, the wrong colour can make you stand out very badly and create angst amongst your neighbours. There are some properties which look very good in strong colours but if you are looking to maximise the value you are probably far better off making sure the colour scheme is in keeping with the period and style of the surrounding properties. You will almost certainly improve your value and keep your neighbours much happier!

155 £340 0.12%

HOUSE PRICES IN ESSEX

£

SALES

3,665

VALUE CHANGE

-£89

0.03%

HOUSE PRICES IN EAST OF ENGLAND Periscope Do you want to share a house viewing with someone who can’t be there in the flesh? This clever app is perfect for making sure they don’t miss a thing. It allows you to broadcast video to your followers live as the action unfolds, so the intended recipient can watch at their desk or up to 24 hours later.

£

AVERAGE PRICE PAID

SALES


VALUE CHANGE

£324,040 £345,574

10,645 -£131

0.04%

Any.do

Got a property question that needs answering? The H+S team are here to help! Tweet your enquiries to us using the hashtag #HSPropertyClinic or pop a comment on our Facebook page for your chance to feature in the next instalment of H+S.

GET SOCIAL

/HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

@HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

Whether you’re buying or renting, there’s always lots to do when you move home! Get organised with the app that helps you get stuff done. View and add to your schedule with a clean, easy-to-use interface. Perfect for planning viewings, moving dates and more!

Documents 5 With buying a house comes a lot of correspondence, so whether you’re visiting a mortgage broker or just want to keep copies of your solicitor’s letters, this app lets you keep them all in one place and print off as and when you need them.

HOUSE PRICES IN ENGLAND

£

AVERAGE PRICE PAID

SALES


VALUE CHANGE

£288,159 £315,839

*Information sourced from Zoopla and was correct at time of printing

COMMERCIAL FORECAST BY DIANE TAIT

There has been much negative press about the business rates revision which takes effect this month.

AVERAGE PRICE PAID

£258,340

EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING – WELL MANY DO

HOUSE PRICES IN SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

Q

APRIL 2017

This month we’re keeping you up to date with the latest market activity across Southend, Essex, East of England and England as a whole. Here’s how our borough has fared against the rest of the country over the last three months.

There are usually two principle reasons why a property does not sell. It is usually because it is being poorly marketed and/or because the price is too high. A property may well be very competitively priced but if the features are not properly presented it will look expensive. For example, professional photography often comes as standard and floor plans will considerably improve the level of enquiries– we are told that it can be as much as 60% better with both. I suggest you also take a close look at the other local properties being marketed in your price range. You may be biased but have a close look to see how you compare. If the others look much better you will see why you haven’t been successful. Also, if in doubt, speak to a second agent to see if they can come up with good, sensible advice.

MARKET UPDATE

09

79,961 £27

0.01%

For the uninitiated, business rates are a tax which businesses pay in a similar way to domestic occupiers paying council tax. The amount of rates that businesses pay is governed by a rateable value which is assessed in line with the rental value of a property. It is seven years since the last revision of the rating list – rental levels were at a low in 2010 and they have risen steadily since then, resulting in an increase in rateable values. Hence the frenzy of objections which have been reported in the media over the past few months.

The silver lining to this particular cloud has been much less publicised. It is the doubling of the rate at which small business rate relief is applicable from £6,000 to £12,000 from this new fiscal year. The increase of this allowance means that some 600,000 small businesses across the UK will pay no rates at all. Many of our businesses in the Borough who previously were not rate free will benefit and pay no rates at all. Businesses which occupy more than one premises, may not benefit from small business relief. The Chancellor also announced help to small businesses due to lose their small business relief – those affected will have their increase capped to £50 a month. On a more local level I read with interest a blog written by one of our competitors in the Leigh Times which focused on the infiltration of national retailers into Leigh Broadway. Costa Coffee have been in the Broadway for some time and there are apparently murmurings of Pizza Express taking the former Rio Bar. Leigh Broadway, unlike a shopping centre where tenant mix is a consideration, is owned by multiple landlords. They will take the best covenant offered to them without regard to the mix of

local/national traders, and I don’t know a landlord who wouldn’t choose Pizza Express as their tenant over a local covenant. Given the choice we would all do the same. It is strange that we are seeing the reverse happening in Southend’s High Street where multiples are pulling out and smaller space units are being taken up by local regional retailers. The power of the internet marches on and multiples no longer feel the need for a High Street presence, for many internet sales are subsidising their High Street presence and many are deciding that they no longer need a shop front. This trend on the High Street is not specific to Southend. People’s shopping habits have changed and the seasons merge, with shoppers waiting for sales and buying goods out of season in order to get a bargain.

It is reported that in 90% of the trading weeks in 2016 more than half of the retailers in the fashion market had a sale of some sort. The overall value of retail sales dropped by 2% in 2016 compared to 2015 according to consumer insight company Kantar Worldpanel. On a more specific level, demand for commercial properties across the board continues to outstrip supply. A shop in Rayleigh High Street attracted much interest in March and our client had seven applicants from which to choose their preferred new tenant. We had seven units come available at the Laurence Industrial Estate during March, six out of seven were either let or under offer in less than 5 working days. So if you are looking for a tenant for your commercial premises or have a property to sell, please call us on 01702 39 49 59 for a free appraisal.

10


www.hairandson.co.uk

5 Offices Letting Properties Across The Local Area

LETTINGS

APRIL 2017

More than an estate agent

LOOKING TO LET?

from Thorpe Bay to Wickford and Surrounding Areas Do you have a property to let? Are you thinking of becoming a buy-to-let investor? Are you moving but want to keep your home and create some income during your time away? Hair & Son have hundreds of qualified lettings applicants looking to rent a property. We reference all prospective tenants; completing comprehensive earnings, previous landlord/rental address, legal concerns and bank checks with the additional comfort of a ‘home owner’ guarantor (if required) for your peace of mind.

JAKE MARGETTS

SEAN ALLEN

OLIVIA DEDMAN

MEET THE TEAM... SEAN ALLEN

LET TINGS MANAGER

Sean has been involved in various aspects of the property industry including residential sales and lettings since 1988. He has managed several successful branches during that time and now expertly manages the Hair & Son lettings department.

OLIVIA DEDMAN

Call now for a free letting appraisal to maximise your rental return and ensure your property is let compliantly...

t. 01702 34 11 77

01702 34 11 77

We can rent properties of any size or type and have been letting properties in the area for over 95 years, so please contact us if you would like a free valuation or a chat about the best way forward for you.

RENTAL MARKET

SHORTFALL?

LET TINGS NEGOTIATOR

Jake shows great initiative and enthusiasm in all aspects of his work. He has been with us approaching a year now and is dedicated to finding the right property for the right person. Jake also carries out our free market appraisals. e. [email protected]

HAIR & SON THE ESTATE OFFICE

190 London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1PJ Tel: 01702 34 11 77

/HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

@HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

£50

IF YOU ARE A LANDLORD, then we want to hear from you. IF YOU KNOW A LANDLORD who may be able to benefit from our services, why not pass on their details to us. Once we have rented their property we will pay you a referral fee of £50*

Simply give us details of a landlord you know!

*subject to T&C’s

01702 34 11 77 hairandson.co.uk

£715 PCM

e. [email protected]

JAKE MARGETTS

YOURSELF

To keep up with demand from waiting tenants we need more landlords with property to rent.

Hair & Son have five local offices to promote your property located in Wickford, Rayleigh, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea and Thorpe Bay.

LET TINGS NEGOTIATOR

Since joining the company in 2014, Olivia has become a great asset to the lettings department. She will assist you in locating and securing the right property for you. Olivia is also available to carry out market appraisals. t. 01702 34 11 77

We offer a variety of services from ‘Introduction Only’ to a ‘Fully Managed’ package and would be happy to discuss which of these services would suit you best. We provide superb marketing including professional photographs, website portals including Rightmove and On The Market and arranging for an EPC of the property on your behalf. A Rent Guarantee Insurance is also available.

EARN

11

LETTINGS FORECAST Analysis published by accountancy firm PwC suggests that by 2025, 7.2m households would be in rented accommodation, compared with 5.4m in 2015 and 2.3m in 2001. It predicted that a quarter of those tenants would be living in private rented accommodation, reflecting the fact that the private sector has taken over from councils and housing associations as the biggest provider of rented homes in this country. We see demand for rented accommodation remaining robust, as the myriad threats of rising house prices, falling real incomes and rising inflation affect the ability of aspiring homeowners to get their foot on the housing ladder and save for a deposit.

But while demand from tenants continues to grow, research by the RICS has found that there has been a significant drop in property investors’ appetite to add to their buy-to-let portfolios after changes to the stamp duty rules last April. Locally, we have not seen any evidence of our long-standing landlords applying a more cautious approach to their residential investment portfolios, however, we wait to see if this position changes over the forthcoming months. It remains to be said that one of the biggest issues across the property market in 2017 is going to be a lack of supply, both for buyers and renters, this will undoubtedly apply upward pressure on rental values and hit tenant's pockets.

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A rare opportunity has arisen to rent a stunning purpose built apartment in Leigh-on-Sea. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. Middle aged/ retired applicants ONLY. No housing benefit or top up. No sharers, students or pets. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE VIEWING.

Call Olivia for a viewing:

C a l l J a ke f o r a v i e w i n g :

01702 34 11 77

BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO, INCREASE YOUR INCOME At Hair & Son, lettings no longer take a back seat to residential sales. With a substantial pool of tenants at our disposal and an intimate understanding of the local rental market that can only come with decades of experience, we help our clients to grow their portfolio and maximise their income. FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

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01702 34 11 77

12


MONEY MADE EASY SINGLE AND READY TO MORTGAGE?

A 5-MINUTE GUIDE TOP TIPS FOR SINGLE HOMESEEKERS Mortgage expert, Daniel Edwards,of Affinity Mortgages, gives his take on the latest financial issues affecting the property market.

1. SAVE!

Buying a home on one salary can sometimes feel like double the work, and in many cases, it will prove more difficult – but it’s far from impossible. While being prepared can’t guarantee you’ll get accepted by a lender, it will put you in the best possible position to obtain a mortgage. Here’s our top six tips for single home seekers…

You may be sick of hearing it, but saving as much money as possible is the single most effective way to attract lenders. The road to a large deposit can be a long one, especially when you’re going it alone but the long and short of it is that the larger your deposit, the lower risk you represent. If you’re a first-time buyer at the start of your journey, there are schemes available from the government which can give your savings a healthy boost – so make sure you explore your options!

2. GET INTO THE BLACK

Saving money for a deposit is a somewhat fruitless exercise if you’re in heaps of debt. Lenders will of course look at what funds you have, but your monthly expenditure will play a key role in calculating your affordability. If a big portion of your outgoings is on credit card repayments, this will be a huge red flag for lenders.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Whether it’s your parents, friends or work colleagues, everyone will have an opinion on what you should do and how you should do it. While it’s important to be informed, you should make sure you do your own research. Having a clear understanding of the mortgage process and the types of mortgages available before you make any big decisions is crucial.

4. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

Buying your own home is an exciting prospect, and when you’ve worked so hard to save a hefty deposit, it can be tempting to get carried away with your budget – particularly if you’ve found a beautiful home. It’s easy to get caught up at the time but you need to think about the long-term implications of higher mortgage repayments. Work out how much you can comfortably pay each month and don’t deviate from it. If that means getting the property which doesn’t have the fancy underfloor heating, so be it! Of course, a lender will advise you on the maximum amount you can afford to borrow, and they will ultimately dictate this. But remember, just because you can borrow a specified amount, it doesn’t mean you need to borrow it all. Always be realistic about your finances.

5. GET PROTECTED

Buying a home with one income means the responsibility of paying each month falls to you, and you alone. If your circumstances change, such as if you were to lose your job, you would need to make sure you could still keep up repayments. Income protection is the way to do this, and though it’s another monthly expense, your back should be covered financially if your situation changes.

6. SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Whether you’re single or not, the advice of a mortgage broker can prove invaluable in the home buying process. They will help you find the best deal available and can advise on payment protection, life insurance and even building and contents insurance.

WHEN TO USE AN INSURANCE ADVISER Protection specialist, Jon Rose of Affinity Protect, explains why the expertise of an adviser is vital to securing an insurance policy that’s right for you.

Finally, a premier mortgage service for higher net worth clients – no broker fees for £300k+ Loans

We were looking for a bespoke service to fit in with our busy lives, we were overwhelmed with the level of personal service we received. Thank you again Louise & Neil – Chalkwell

If you’re thinking of buying an insurance policy for something you don’t know much about or insuring something fairly unusual, you might want to think about using an insurance adviser. They’re experts in the market and – even with run-of-the-mill insurance – they can often find you better cover at a great price. Comparison sites are not always the best way to buy insurance. Many people turn to comparison sites to look for the cheapest insurance, but that’s not always the best way. The policies you’ll be offered are fairly generic so if you want a policy that meets your individual circumstances and budget, it might be better to use an adviser.

Here are the top 4 reasons why going to an adviser for insurance might be the best choice:

Independent mortgage advice with the ability to source from private banks as well as the high street. A full customer service approach with a dedicated broker and administrator for your case with appointment times and places to suit you. £300k+ Loan – no broker fee

01702 337003 www.affinity-mortgages .co.uk YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Affinity Mortgages Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Please note some forms of bridging loans, hybrid bridge to let, buy to let and commercial mortgages may not be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We normally charge a fee for mortgage advice, however this will be dependent on your circumstances. For loans over £300,000 no fee will apply, however for loans of £299,999 and below our typical fee is £250.

1. Getting expert guidance does not cost you more - like

comparison sites, they get paid commission by the insurance provider for selling their products so you don’t pay them a fee for shopping around to get you a good deal. Unlike comparison sites they have specialist expertise and can give you guidance on the products that best suit your needs.

No fee for standalone insurance advice Appointments available at a time and place to suit you Whole of market service

2. Know your options - insurers won’t always offer you every

Independent Mortgage Advisors Clear . Concise . Advice

‘Already have a take advantage of the

Residential Mortgages . Buy to let Mortgages Bridge to Let . Standard Bridging Loans . Commercial Mortgages Secured Loans . Mortgage Protection . Insurances

01702 337003

www.

.co.uk

We will give you

£100!

If we can’t beat or match your mortgage deal Terms and conditions apply. Contact Us for more details.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Conduct Authority do not regulate all types of mortgages. We normally charge a fee for mortgage advice, however this will be dependent on your circumstances. Our typical fee is £350

type of cover when you go directly to them. Advisers can help point out the types of cover available for the insurers they cover and help you work out what you need.

3. Find the right product for you - an adviser will ask you

about your personal circumstances to find you the right policy. They’ll also be able to tell you if you’re already covered by your existing insurance policies so you don’t overlap, and they will often get you a good deal by comparing prices and product features. They can also be more flexible on price than comparison sites.

We offer expert advice on: • Life insurance • Income protection • Redundancy cover • Critical & serious illness cover • Mortgage payment protection insurance • Business protection – including key man and relevant life insurance

4. Find a specialist provider - on comparison sites you might

not find cover for things – like income protection or critical illness – that need to be tailored to suit your needs. You also won’t find special or bespoke cover on there, so if you want to insure something unique like a high-value antique or a collection, an adviser will know where to go.

Information sourced from ‘The Money Advice Service’, www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

At Affinity we feel that it is vital to make sure our clients and their families are protected from the unforeseen events that can happen to any of us, at any time.

01702 337003

www.affinity-mortgages .co.uk


14

APRIL 2017

MARCH 2017 AUCTION RESULTS

1

1-7 The Green, 3-4 Seven Arches Road, Brentwood

BY A D UCT ION £55,000

2

321 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea

SOLD

£283,000

3

239 London Road, Hadleigh

SOLD

£150,000

The main attraction of buying at auction is that you avoid the conventional drawn out process of house buying. At auction it's condensed into a matter of minutes rather than months and when the hammer falls, the property is yours.

NEXT AUCTION

WEDNESDAY

4

Land R/O 241 London Road, Hadleigh

AUCTION TIPS

SOL

SOLD

SOLD

£10,000

10TH MAY

Here are some helpful tips when buying at auction:

1.

at Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6UN

5

338 Westborough Road, Westcliff-on-Sea

SOLD

£100,000

TOTAL

£860,000 6

6 Elmer Avenue, Southend-on-Sea

SOLD

2.

£262,000

Viewings – Before you even consider attending an auction to bid on a property you should always arrange a viewing and where applicable have inspections made, e.g. by a builder to assess structural elements and any work to be carried out.

Legal Documents – Legal packs are added to the lot details, as soon as we receive them from the vendor’s solicitors. They are easily accessed for yourself and your legal advisor; enabling you to look at them and go to the auction armed with full knowledge of the property.

4.

5.

SUCCESS RATE 7

7 Neveda Road, Canvey Island

15

WITHDRAWN POST AUCTION

85%

3.

Paperwork – On the day of the auction be prepared with all the necessary paperwork. If your bid is successful you will be required to supply a 10% deposit plus buyer’s admin fee, two forms of ID and your solicitor’s details.

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF OUR AUCTIONS LAST YEAR, YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER SELLING YOUR PROPERTY BY AUCTION

6.

Bidding – At the beginning of the auction, the auctioneer will supply an announcement sheet that will detail any changes to the catalogue. Ensure you have decided on your maximum bid and place your bids by raising your hand or a copy of the auction catalogue. ‘Going, going, gone’ with the gavel going down, an exchange of contracts has occurred.

Absence – If you’re unable to go to an auction, you can have someone else bid on your behalf but they will require written consent from you. You could also make telephone or proxy bids via someone from the auction team, but make sure you get in touch beforehand.

The winning bid – As soon as the gavel falls on your winning bid the property is yours, with contracts exchanged and the deposit paid immediately. Completion is usually 28 days but it can vary so please read the special conditions of sale and all the other legal documents.

STEVE BRIDGE For the right property, a sale by auction should be seen as the first option and not the last resort. The following types of property are the most suitable:

THE BENEFITS OF SALE BY AUCTION

Houses needing complete or partial modernisation

Intensive high profile marketing period of 3-4 weeks

Vacant commercial properties and commercial investments

All interested parties have an opportunity to bid

Houses with sitting tenants

Three chances of a sale - before, at or after the auction

Student investment properties

Competitive bidding leads to excellent prices for the right type of property

Individual houses of character Properties with structural problems Building plots or development sites Agricultural, stabling and grazing land Amenity land Probate sales Ground rent portfolios and freehold reversions Unusual buildings for redevelopment Garages both vacant and tenanted

A legally binding contract on the fall of the hammer A 10% deposit and a firm completion date No backing out or renegotiating without legal consequences Clients can be seen to be achieving the best price by an open and transparent public sale Maximum time from first advert to completion usually 8 weeks All properties sold subject to a reserve

LIVE FROM THE AUCTION ROOM Our Auction Manager’s comments on the auction market.

Our first auction of 2017 took place on the 1st of March, and, continuing our trend achieved excellent results with 85% of lots sold. It would appear therefore, that despite what you might read in the press, and with Brexit looming, that the outlook remains positive for auction sales. The 1st of March sale included a tenanted shop, on the market for the first time since 1945 and owned by the same family all that time, as well as a vacant shop with a flat above. Both lots attracted strong interest, proving the market for commercial properties whether let or vacant is strong. In fact, one of these properties achieved a price of 23% over the guide.

Hair & Son is always looking for lots for their next auction. Auctions are often considered a last resort, however that shouldn't be the case. If you have a property in need of work, a probate sale, something you need to sell quickly or maybe an investment or commercial property, please call us to see how we could help you. Despite the fact I have been managing the auction department at Hair & Son for nearly 18 years, the variety of properties offered for sale by auction never ceases to surprise me. We have sold a vast array of property - from a shed in someone's back garden to character properties with amazing views, from a plot for a beach hut to a residential development site for several properties. I am confident that the knowledge gained from over 50 years in property auctions in the local area means that Hair & Son can help you achieve the best price for your property, however unusual it might be.

Interested in selling a property at a uction? CONTACT THE AUCTION TEAM ON

01702 39 49 59 200 London Road Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1PJ e. [email protected]


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18


APRIL 2017

PROFESSIONAL

MAINTAINING A VACANT PROPERTY Vacant properties can pose a number of risks if not properly maintained. Without putting the correct measures in place, a property could be entered and damaged by vandals, thieves or squatters. Whether you’re waiting for the sale of an empty house or you’re a business owner with a vacant commercial property on your hands, taking safety and security precautions will protect your property from any potential damage.

Property Expert, Laurence Cox has been at the forefront of the property market since 1988.

BY L AURENCE COX

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

There are many reasons why residential properties become empty – awaiting a sale or probate, living elsewhere at certain times of the year and illness account for some of the main causes. One of the easiest safety measures you can take is to get to know your neighbours. Befriending the neighbours will mean that there will be someone to look out for your property and they’ll be able to inform you of any suspicious activity whilst you’re not around.

Much of the advice for residential properties can also be considered for empty commercial properties. Damage by vandals and forced entry by squatters are two of the major problems faced by commercial property owners and has been a cause for concern for many property owners in the town centre. A vacant commercial property is a very attractive prospect for squatters as we have recently seen in the empty Havens Hospice store on Alexandra Street, the recently sold Clarence Yard bar on Clarence Street and most notably, BHS on the High Street.

Ensuring your property is fully secure is the most important measure you can take, so be sure to install substantial locks to all doors and windows if there aren’t already some in place. You could also consider the installation of an alarm system, CCTV and warning signage which can be very effective deterrents for potential criminal activity. Outdoor security lighting at both the front and back of the property is another useful deterrent.

Just like residential properties, co-operating with the neighbours and fully securing a commercial property are important steps in protecting it from damage and break-ins. Apart from substantial locks for windows and doors, ensuring all fencing and gates are secure will offer an extra level of protection. Anti-climbing paint, movement-activated security lighting and CCTV will also help to deter unwanted visitors. As soon as your property becomes vacant, inform your insurer so that if any damage does occur, you will be covered.

Creating the illusion that the house isn’t empty will also protect your vacant property. Timer switches to turn on lighting at particular times will create the effect that someone is in and will automatically make your property appear occupied. Ensuring post is collected regularly and maintaining the appearance of continued use will also contribute to the protection of your property. Having unoccupied home insurance in place will protect you in case your property is damaged. Your current home insurance may not account for a vacancy so check your policy. If not, when obtaining unoccupied home insurance, the insurer will assess your location, security and reason for why the property isn’t occupied. Even though your property is empty you will still usually have to pay Council Tax. When you inform the council that the property is empty they may decide to give you a discount – the amount is up to them. If your property is vacant for two years or more, be warned that the council can charge up to 50% extra. However, if you’ve been left a property from someone who has passed away, you will only have to start paying Council Tax six months after you receive probate. If someone has moved into a care home or hospital, the property will not be billed for Council Tax for the duration of the vacancy.

As commercial properties often have large windows, it may be difficult to protect the view of the inside of the property. You could consider boarding the windows up but if this isn’t possible, ensure you remove all contents that might attract thieves. If the property is going to be vacant for a significant period of time it may also be wise to turn off the water and gas supply and remove any hazardous items.

Did you know? Business rates will be frozen for the first three months of a commercial property becoming empty, and frozen for six months for industrial premises. After this period you will have to pay an empty property rate. If the property is sold to a new owner in this three month exemption period unfortunately it doesn’t recommence and the new owner will be liable to pay empty property tax as soon as the three month period is up. A new exemption period can only commence once the property has been occupied for at least six weeks before being vacated again.

MANAGEMENT

BY GERRY PURCELL

Are you unhappy with how your block is being managed?

Gerry Purcell is our Right to Manage Expert and Managing Director of Purco Limited. Here he gives us a rundown of the benefits of Right to Manage…

Have you considered Right to Manage?

Not only will it improve how your block is managed, it could save you a substantial amount of money and increase the value of your property... Hair & Son understand the significant effort it can take for leaseholders to achieve Right to Manage for their block. We have now made it much easier to achieve than you might think. Hair & Son have partnered with Purco Limited, a local company that specialises in Right to Manage. Purco have an excellent track record in guiding leaseholders through the whole Right to Manage journey, including funding all costs. In this article we’ll explain what Right to Manage is, which properties qualify and how the whole process can be made much easier for you.

What is Right to Manage?

Right to Manage came into effect in 2003 (The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002). This important change in the law gave leaseholders the legal right to take the responsibility of managing their property away from the freeholder and give it to the leaseholders. This included all aspects of management including maintenance, all major repairs, buildings insurance and deciding on the cost of the service charge.

Does every property qualify?

No, but most leasehold properties do. If your property meets all these criteria you should qualify:There are at least two flats in the building At least two thirds of the flats have at least 21 years left on the lease No more than 25% of the building is dedicated to commercial use The building is self-contained If the property qualifies and at least 50% of the leaseholders are in agreement, you should be good to go ahead with Right to Manage.

How can gaining Right to Manage be made easier?

The biggest barrier many leaseholders face in achieving Right to Manage is raising the funds required. The leaseholders are responsible for their legal costs and the legal costs of the freeholder. If the freeholder appeals against the transfer of management there may then be further legal costs.

Raising the cash to fund this can be a challenge. Ideally, every leaseholder would be involved in the process and contribute equally. In the real world this rarely happens. Just locating all leaseholders can be difficult, especially if the properties are rented and the leaseholders are landlords. Once all leaseholders are contacted, convincing everyone to contribute to a venture that is not guaranteed to succeed can seem impossible. Purco Limited understand this barrier and adopt a refreshing approach to handling it. Purco will fund all the costs of the Right to Manage process on behalf of the leaseholders. Purco will guide leaseholders through the whole process and then in conjunction with Hair & Son, manage your property for the first 12 months. This is a crucial period for leaseholders who have gained Right to Manage where experienced assistance is beneficial. After the first 12 months, once leaseholders have found their feet and understand all the responsibilities and costs of managing their block, they can then make an informed decision on how best the block can be managed, either on their own, with the continued support of Purco Limited or another management company.

If you are a leaseholder and are not happy with how your block is being managed then contact Purco and see how they can help you. Make that first step to taking control of your property.

t. 01702 544610 e. [email protected] www.purcolimited.co.uk

M A D E - TO - M E A S U R E PROPERTY MANAGEMENT With over 90 years‘ experience managing residential and commercial properties throughout South East Essex and beyond, Hair & Son have established one of the most sophisticated and refined property management services in the region.

SPECIALIST ADVICE, VALUATIONS AND SURVEYS FROM HAIR & SON

We provide an extensive range of professional services to private individuals and corporate clients throughout South and East Essex. From Building Surveys to specialist Party Wall advice and Valuation services, working on behalf of new and established clients, solicitors and lending institutions, we have the experience and expertise to carry out a range of services to assist you.

To find out more about our professional services:


Through truly bespoke management, that sees us tailor our service to every property as well as every client, you’ll soon realise why Hair & Son property management stands worlds apart from the well-worn offering of other estate agents. FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

19


APRIL 2017

HELLO FROM DAVID AMESS MP I would like to thank Hair & Son for the opportunity to write a regular contribution in their magazine. It will enable me to share information on local issues and my work in Westminster. I have been an MP since 1983 and for the last 20 years I have been the Member of Parliament for Southend West. In future articles I will speak more about my work in Westminster but today I want to concentrate on two of this year’s major events; the Alternative City of Culture celebrations and the 125th Anniversary of Southend as a Borough. I do hope you find this of interest. If you wish to get involved in the City of Culture events or have an issue you require help with I can be contacted on 020 7219 3452 or by email on [email protected]

Confused regarding your tiling requirements? Pop in to Eastwood Tile Warehouse and meet our staff for friendly, impartial advice!

Eastwood Tile Warehouse Unit 6, Laurence Industrial Estate Eastwoodbury Lane Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6RH 01702 512711 [email protected]

Alternative City of Culture 2017 Southend made it to the final 11 towns to be considered to become the City of Culture 2017 but we lost out to Hull! Not to be outdone, I stood up at Prime Minister’s Question Time and declared that we would be the Alternative City of Culture and that is what we are - it is proving a great success. Unlike Hull which has themes on the four seasons, we have a different theme each month. February celebrated Architecture and Heritage with some very well attended walks around historic areas of Southend and many of the town’s wonderful churches opened their doors to visitors. March was dedicated to Acting, Performance and Dance with a Talent Show at the Arlington Ballroom which showed, once again, the wealth and depth of talent in Southend. September will see a spectacular show at the Cliffs Pavilion featuring more local performers. April will continue the Performance theme with music being showcased and many of our fantastic local choirs performing. May will be the month of Food and Drink with a Food and Drink Fair in Chalkwell Park. The Festival of Southend also takes place in May with the Alternative City of Culture well represented by local performers. The annual Film Festival will also feature some ACC17 events, with films about Southend forming part of the programme. June celebrates our Maritime Heritage, our Armed Forces and blue light services.

21

July is Fashion and Design month with a Fashion show and other events at Priory Park featuring local designers. August is Carnival month, culminating in the seafront procession on 19th. ACC17 will have a spectacular float collecting money for the ACC17 charity, Southend Mencap and the Music Man Project. September is Sport and Football month with a number of fantastic events organised by Southend United Football Club. October showcases Art and Photography with exhibitions by many talented local artists. It is also the month when the Music Man Project returns to the London Palladium for one night only on 15th October. November highlights our Military Heritage, Culture and Remembrance. In December there will be some special end-of-year celebrations. If anyone would like to be involved in these events please find out more at southendculture.com The Alternative City of Culture 2017 coincides with the 125th Anniversary of the Borough of Southend, so both events are blending together extremely well. We have further ambitions for the town to become a city, to develop a marina and be a language centre for our country and the rest of the world. The whole purpose of this project is to try and lift the spirits of local residents who have been far too modest for too long as to what our town has to offer prospective visitors, we have much to be proud of.

22


APRIL 2017


£340,000


SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

SALES Spring is certainly here. The longer days, the clocks going forward and the daffodils going over are very promising signs for all of us and even more so for estate agents as this time of year is often our most productive. In past years, the housing market has picked up from its winter slumber early in January but this year it seemed to take a little longer and we had to wait until February for it to really get going. Now the uncertainty of the Brexit debate is out of the way there really is no more excuse for any more dilly dallying. This is the perfect time to find your new home and still be able to move in before the end of summer. We have a host of exciting new properties which have come to the market in the last few days. Our magazine includes a selection but please visit our website www.hairandson.co.uk for the very latest updates.

One word of caution however – if you are looking to appoint an estate agent to sell your home you need to be very careful and make sure you read the small print very thoroughly. Appoint the wrong agent and you could find yourself tied into a binding contract you can’t get out of until well into the late autumn. Always check before you sign and make sure you follow our 7 day contracts with customer satisfaction guaranteed! 98% of our sellers said they would use us again and they all said they would recommend us to their friends. Who needs long term contracts when you have that level of satisfaction! Good hunting.

Any estate agent worth their salt can sell your home. But only Hair & Son have the experience, knowledge and resources to deliver a comprehensive, first-class service that truly maximises the value of your property. Contact us today to find out how our local knowledge helps us deliver an unrivalled service when selling your property.

£390,000 OIEO

WESTCLIFF ON SEA

WESTCLIFF ON SEA

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached House


Very nicely presented three bedroom semi-detached house enjoying a west backing garden and off-road parking with the potential to extend into the loft space (STPP), within close proximity to the A127 and close to local shops.

This semi-detached house with four generous sized bedrooms is situated in the heart of Westcliff and therefore close to the railway station and local amenities. The property has a fantastic loft room with Velux windows and full carpeting and the ground floor benefits from three huge rooms including large fitted kitchen. Added advantages include off-road parking and double glazing. A must see!

Call for a viewing:

C a l l f o r a v i ew i n g :

01702 34 11 77

£185,000

WESTCLIFF ON SEA

Tel: 01702 34 11 77

/HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

@HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

01702 34 11 77

£179,950

2 Bedroom Ground Floor Flat

WESTCLIFF ON SEA 2 Bedroom Flat

Hair & Son are delighted to welcome to the market this modern two double bedroom ground floor flat with open plan lounge/kitchen and spacious bathroom, own front and rear doors. Secure off-street parking, uPVC double glazing and electric central heating. Convenient for Prittlewell mainline station, local parks and amenities. Leasehold.

Modern two bedroom second floor flat situated in a highly sought-after location with lounge/diner and kitchen. The property boasts a south backing communal garden and first come first serve parking to the front. No onward chain. Leasehold.

Call for a viewing:


01702 34 11 77

£450,000

£380,000

01702 34 11 77

£375,000

WESTCLIFF ON SEA

WESTCLIFF ON SEA

WESTCLIFF ON SEA



3 Bedroom Mid-Terraced House

Four bedroom extended semi-detached house with modern accommodation including magnificent open-plan fitted kitchen opening out to very large uPVC sun lounge and extended into the roof space, south backing garden and garage with plenty of off-road parking.

Well-presented character four bedroom semi-detached family home with many original features. Good size hallway leading to the lounge as well as separate dining room, morning room, kitchen and contemporary shower room suite. Located in a highly desirable location.

Good size family home boasting many original features situated in the heart of Westcliff. Benefits to the property include three bedrooms, three receptions, modern family bathroom and a manageable size rear garden. Early viewings on this property are highly recommended.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 34 11 77

01702 34 11 77

01702 34 11 77

£160,000

Trusted electricians to the Southend community for over 70 years

WESTCLIFF ON SEA 1 Bedroom Ground Floor Flat

190 London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1PJ

23

Double bedroom refurbished ground floor apartment being offered with vacant possession and boasting a lease of 160 years as well as off-road parking on a first come first serve basis. Within walking distance of Westcliff Station and local shops. Leasehold.

Call for a viewing:

01702 34 11 77

01702 467353

www.gpmason.co.uk

Electrical Services

From domestic sockets and rewires to large-scale design and installation, we provide professional, reliable services to residential and commercial customers. Call 01702 467353 or visit www.gpmason.co.uk to book a no-obligation quote.

24


SOL

HAIR & SON

APRIL 2017


D

HADLEIGH

Offered with no onward chain this attractive semi-detached family house is located in a pleasant residential area near Hadleigh Nature Reserve, Belfairs Woods and the golf course. Three bedrooms, front lounge 16'1 into bay x 11'9, separate dining room, kitchen, bathroom and separate WC. Gas central heating and double glazing. Landscaped front garden with block paved driveway to garage and west backing rear garden. Priced to allow for some updating.

LEIGH-ON-SEA

£350,000

LEIGH ON SEA


2 Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow Located in a very convenient part of the sought-after Highlands Estate for good shopping facilities on the London Road, this two bedroom semi-detached bungalow is also situated in a great locality for both Belfairs Woods and the golf course. Larger than average 18’ x 12’ lounge plus off-street parking for three cars. Sure to prove popular with early viewing recommended.


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THE ESTATE OFFICE

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3 Bedroom Detached House Situated in one of the most sought-after roads on the Highlands Estate and very close to Belfairs Woods and golf course, this three bedroom detached family house is offered with no onward chain. Through lounge/dining room 26'2 x 11'6 plus kitchen/breakfast room. Long side driveway to attached garage. Delightful and much loved secluded landscaped west backing rear garden approximately 60' in length x 38'.

01702 47 00 66

£239,950

LEIGH ON SEA

LEIGH ON SEA

2 Bedroom Apartment

2 Bedroom Flat

This two bedroom purpose built ground floor flat offers nice sized accommodation including front lounge 15'4 into bay x 13'9, kitchen with split level oven, bathroom & WC. Rear garden approx. 45' in length, easily maintained and with rear vehicular access.

With no onward chain this two bedroom first floor flat is situated south of the London Road convenient for Leigh Broadway shops and Chalkwell Station. Large 16'8 into bay lounge, kitchen, bathroom, separate WC. Rear garden. Long 157 year lease remaining.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 47 00 66

01702 47 00 66

£325,000

LEIGH ON SEA

01702 47 00 66

£425,000

LEIGH ON SEA

LEIGH ON SEA

2 Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow


Short walk to Belfairs Woods this semi-detached bungalow offers extended living space on the popular Highlands Estate. Priced to allow for updating the two bedroom, two reception room accommodation includes a good size kitchen/breakfast room. Garden approx. 58' in depth.

This impressive four bedroom house offers excellent family accommodation including modern kitchen with dining area, TV room, luxury bathroom plus separate shower room and cloakroom. Front car parking and approx. 42’ rear garden and situated in a pleasant residential area.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 47 00 66

01702 47 00 66

1528 London Road Leigh-on-Sea Essex SS9 2QH


£550,000

01702 47 00 66

£450,000

HADLEIGH

LEIGH ON SEA

4 Bedroom Detached House


Beautifully appointed detached home offering excellent four double bedroom accommodation with two en-suites. Superb lounge/kitchen family room extensively fitted with central island and appliances, utility and cloakroom. Parking plus garage. Leigh/Hadleigh borders close to Belfairs Woods and golf course.

Character semi-detached house north of Blenheim Chase having been extended to provide excellent family space with two large reception rooms, four well-proportioned bedrooms with en-suite to master, lovely family bathroom, ground floor cloakroom. Double glazed, gas heating, garage and parking.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 47 00 66

01702 47 00 66

01702 600427

Shop online www.southendtimber.com

or visit our yard at Rear of 648 Sutton Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 5PX

We Deliver!

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HAIR & SON

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£450,000

3 Bedroom Detached Chalet

THE ESTATE OFFICE

We are delighted to offer for sale this three bedroom detached chalet house being offered with no onward chain. Ideally positioned in this sought-after location with the local Thorpe Bay shops, train station and seafront all within walking distance. The property offers well planned living accommodation including an ‘L’ shaped lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, ground floor shower room, three good size bedrooms and an approx. 60’ rear garden.

T H O R P E B AY

T H O R P E B AY

£525,000


3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow Located on the ever popular Burges Estate with local shops, transport routes and the seafront close by, Hair & Son are pleased to bring to the market this three bed detached bungalow. Although requiring full modernisation each room is of a good size, offering a superb blank canvas for someone to put their own stamp on. Furthermore there is an attached garage and an approx. 70’ west backing rear garden.


T H O R P E B AY

01702 58 22 55

£335,000

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached House This large three bedroom semi-detached house, which has been partially modernised with modern gas central heating and modern double glazing, is situated in this sought-after location backing parkland.

01702 58 22 55

On the ground floor of the property you are greeted by two reception rooms, a cloakroom and fitted kitchen. There are three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom to the first floor. The mature rear garden is approx. 95’ in length.

£295,000

£375,000 C a l l f o r a v i ew i n g :

SHOEBURYNESS

T H O R P E B AY


2 Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow

Benefiting from three bedrooms, two reception rooms including a large open planned kitchen/diner and off-road parking, this extended semi-detached house would make an ideal family home. Perfectly positioned between Thorpe Bay and Shoeburyness train stations and close to the seafront.

Set in a quiet popular location with local shops and transport routes conveniently close by. We are pleased to bring to the market this two bedroom semi-detached bungalow. Requiring full modernisation with plenty of potential to improve and possibly extend.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 58 22 55

01702 58 22 55

£385,000

£750,000

01702 58 22 55

£800,000

T H O R P E B AY

T H O R P E B AY



A detached house built almost 100 years ago with a lovely period feel, situated in this much sought-after location. The ground floor includes a 16’6 living room, 19’ lounge, 22’ open planned kitchen/diner and on the first floor there are four double bedrooms.

This lovely period home is very well presented with a wealth of original features. The property comprises of a 23’6 lounge, conservatory, 15’ dining room, four bedrooms and a 90’ rear garden. The property is situated in a quiet popular location.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 58 22 55

01702 58 22 55

£175,000

SHOEBURYNESS

SOUTHEND ON SEA


1 Bedroom Apartment

This well presented four bedroom semi-detached house has been extended and much improved with two adjoining living rooms, large fitted kitchen, four bedrooms, large bathroom, cloakroom, gas central heating and uPVC double glazing, integral garage and 30' x 35' garden.

A one bed ground floor flat perfectly positioned for ease of access to local shops and Southend East railway station and particularly Southchurch Park and seafront. Requiring full refurbishment makes this flat an ideal investment/first time buyers opportunity.

Call for a viewing:

Call for a viewing:

01702 58 22 55

01702 58 22 55

163 Broadway Thorpe Bay Essex SS1 3EX

est.

Southend’s Premier

Independent Builders Merchant Tiles / Bathrooms / Gas / Glass / Shingle / Bricks & Blocks / Paint / Decorating Equipment / Guttering / Ironmongery / Kitchen Sinks / Fixings & Accessories / Plumbing / Taps / Showers

Bentalls Close, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 5PT

Tel: 01702 463363 Email: [email protected]

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£245,000

COMMERCIAL Hair & Son’s Commercial Department boasts a wealth of knowledge in the South East Essex commercial property market. With in excess of 50 years of experience serving the property needs of the business community in South East Essex, we provide a comprehensive service for both landlord and tenants which is tailored to meet their individual requirements. We pride ourselves on giving the best possible advice to landlords, we carry out extensive financial checks to ensure that their new tenant is long standing and trouble free. When it comes to buying or selling we will give impartial advice in order to achieve a successful end result . If you are a prospective tenant looking to set up in business for the first time or an established business looking to re-locate or expand, we will listen to your requirements and do our best to find a property to suit your needs. Our office is easy to find at 200 London Road, Southend so please pay us a visit to discuss your requirements in detail. We look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you soon.

APRIL 2017


£125,000

£6,250 pax

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT FOR SALE SOUTHCHURCH ROAD, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA 447 sq ft (41.5 sq m) (Shop Only)

VACANT LONG LEASEHOLD INDUSTRIAL UNIT FOR SALE STOCK ROAD, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA 4,124 sq ft (383 sq m)

TOWN CENTRE OFFICE TO LET W E STO N R OAD, SO U TH E N D -O N -SE A 384 sq ft (35.6 sq m)

Mixed residential and commercial freehold comprising of a vacant shop, tenanted flat and store. Vacant shop currently being offered to let at £6,500 pax. Flat let on an AST at £560 pcm. Store let at £100 pcm increasing to £200 pcm later this year.

Bold corner position on Stock Road and comprises 2 storey offices with workshop areas to the side and a surfaced parking area/yard to the front. Long leasehold 52 years unexpired. Ground rent £6,500 pa, fixed to 2028.

Fronting Weston Chambers, recently refurbished with wood effect floor, Category II style lighting, electric heating (not tested) and internal WC. New simple form of lease for term to be agreed. VIEWING RECOMMENDED.

Call for further details:



01702 39 49 59

01702 39 49 59

01702 39 49 59

£9,000 pax

£660,000 DETACHED HOUSE WITH LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOPS S TAT I O N R O A D, LEIGH-ON-SEA 945 sq ft (87.7 sq m) (Workshops only)

LOCK UP SHOP TO LET LONDON ROAD, LEIGH-ON-SEA 498 sq ft (46.2 sq m) Well located and presentable retail lock up shop. Kitchen, internal WC and a parking space to the rear and small forecourt to the front of the premises. New lease.

Well-presented three bed accommodation with west facing walled courtyard to rear. 945 sq ft workshop with surfaced yard to front, electric metal gated entrance from access way off Station Road - possible residential development of the commercial portion subject to the necessary consents. FREEHOLD.



01702 39 49 59

£229,995


SHOP/OFFICE AND FLAT FOR SALE E A R L S H A L L PA R A D E , SOUTHEND-ON-SEA 289 sq ft (26.8 sq m)

WORKSHOP AND OFFICE V A N G U A R D W AY, SHOEBURYNESS 4,230 sq ft (392 sq m)

Shop newly decorated, gas central heating (not tested). Tenanted 1 bed flat let at £500 pcm and in need of refurbishment. Garage to rear. FREEHOLD.

Gated and enclosed yard, warehouse has minimum 12'5 eaves, metal concertina door and 3 phase power. Trade counter to front of the unit. Timber rear extension. FREEHOLD.


01702 39 49 59

200 London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1PJ Tel: 01702 39 49 59

/HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

@HairandSonLLP

Hair & Son LLP

01702 39 49 59

£299,999


Contact us for more information about how you can benefit from our complete commercial offering. With our thriving property management service and professional services department, led by in-house Chartered Surveyors, you can feel confident that Hair & Son have the skills and experience necessary to deliver you with a comprehensive service.

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01702 39 49 59

£8,500 pax GROUND FLOOR FRONT OFFICE TO LET LONDON ROAD, WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA 797 sq ft (74 sq m) Situated opposite Westcliff Library. Newly decorated. Electric heating, 2 WCs (including one disabled) and 2 designated parking spaces to rear. New simple form of lease. Available April 2017.


01702 39 49 59

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 47,000 LOCAL HOMES As trusted local agents, Hair & Son are proud to promote some of the best local businesses to an audience of tens of thousands across Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff, Southend, Thorpe Bay and beyond.

If you’d like to discuss advertising opportunities in H+S The Property Magazine contact us today. Contact Anita Hair on 01702 224693 or email [email protected]



APRIL 2017

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When it comes to choosing a company to make improvements to your home or business, it’s important that you find a trader with a trusted reputation.

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Fairytale Weekend 1st - 2nd April, 11am - 10:30pm

Adventure Island

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CARPET & FLOORING

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Royal Pavilion, Pier Head

Offering a 24 hour callout for emergencies (blockages) and providing other services such as high pressure water jetting, CCTV reporting, drain repair and maintenance. All work is carried out to the highest quality and in a cost effective manner.

Southend Carpets

Build on Design

t. 01702 531 969 www.WCdrains.co.uk

We can save you money whilst still offering you quality and a reliable first class service. Being a local well established company we rely on our reputation and value every customer. Just contact us to arrange a free quotation for carpet, vinyl or laminate.

Setting Standards Moving Things Forward

t. 07950 414773 www.southendcarpets.com

t. 07525 359477 e. [email protected]

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HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES

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We are a family run business who cover all types of cleaning, gardening and maintenance. We now also offer ‘PURE WATER WINDOW CLEANING’ as another of our services. The system is CLEANER, GREENER, QUICKER & SAFER than traditional window cleaning.

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HEATING & PLUMBING

DB Lee

t. 07711 522 413 e. [email protected]

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St. Augustine’s Church Hall, Thorpe Bay

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FINDLAY COMMUNICATION

Hosted by Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society, this April head down to St Augustine’s Church Hall, Johnstone Road, for a wonderful display of homecrafts, cakes and flower arrangements and see whose entry is judged the best!

Birds of Prey Evening Southend at War!


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Westleigh Plumbing

Trade Window Services

Domestic and commercial electrical contractors, very competitive rates all of Essex covered,24 Hour call out. All aspects of domestic and commercial installations carried out, fault finding, testing and inspection, central heating wiring also carried out, Part p registered electrician.

Large and small plumbing jobs welcome. Full central heating installation. Power flushing and system filters installed. Other maintenance tasks considered. Friendly and reliable service given. Gas Safe Registered

With over twenty years’ experience in double glazing we have grown our business through the quality of our products and the recognition of our friendly professional service. Most of our domestic window, door and conservatory installation business comes from recommendation by our customers.

t. 07760 283 322 www.pbelectricalservices.org.uk


t. 01702 557 137 www.twsos.com

HOUSE AND GARDEN CLEARANCE

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Why Choose Us? Flexible service with some Saturday inspections available / 61 years’ combined experience / Impeccable quality of service / TrustMark approved surveys / Member of the Property Care Association (PCA Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) member / Which? Trusted Trader endorsement / Residential and Commercial Properties

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Pass & Co

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALIST

ELECTRICIAN

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Our Prittle Brook Spring Walk is the perfect event to look forward to and is suitable for all the family. Taking place on Sunday 23rd April at 2pm, the three and a half mile walk along the brook is a challenge that even little legs can manage and all while raising vital funds for HARP, Southend’s Homeless Charity.

t. 01702 308 271 www.absolutelyplumbing.co.uk

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DAMP AND TIMBER TREATMENTS

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With the daffodils budding and the birds singing it’s a sure sign that spring is on the way!

t. 01702 714 959 www.rchltd.co.uk

t. 01702 559 369 www.fcsdigital.tv

t. 01702 477780 www.passco-southeast.co.uk

SIGN UP TO THE PRITTLE BROOK SPRING WALK

Reliable service with over 31 years’ experience. Work undertaken ranges from the repair and maintenance to the full installation of central heating boilers. Gas safety inspections undertaken for home owners and landlords. Quotations provided free of charge and all work is guaranteed. Gas Safe registered and fully insured.

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Fans of the iconic Grease movie are sure to be impressed with this energetic stage adaptation of the hit film. Featuring all the original songs, join Danny and Sandy for a singalong in true 1950s style. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online from southendtheatres.org.uk

Our borough is one that had much prominence during the Second World War, and now Southend Central Museum is giving you the chance to hear some of the stories first-hand. Locals young and old will share their experiences and those who attend can study fascinating pictures, handle original objects from the time and even try their hand at making their own medal! The event is free to attend but a £2.50 charge applies for some activities. Visit www.southendmuseums.co.uk to find out more.

As a long established local private family run company, we are dedicated to providing you with quality workmanship, quality products and the best in a personal caring service. BOILER REPLACEMENTS / RADIATOR REPLACEMENTS / FULL CENTRAL HEATING UPGRADES / BATHROOM SUITES FULLY INSTALLED

Trading Standards and Buy with Confidence approved company. Digital systems installer of television aerial and satellite distribution, CCTV and door entry systems designed installed and maintained. All our engineers are CRB vetted, CAI trained and certificated for working at heights and asbestos awareness.

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Cliffs Pavilion

Southend Central Museum

A C Meikle

Available Services: Boiler Repair & Installation, Immersion Heaters, Gas Leak Investigation, Gas Safety Checks, Bathroom Installation, Cylinder Fitting, Washing Machine Installation, Gas Leak Repairs, Pump Fitting, Radiators, Ball Valves Replaced, Tank Fitting, Overflows, Cisterns, Water Mains, Central Heating Repairs, Water Leak Tracing, Access & Repair

R.C.H. Heating & Plumbing Ltd.

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Grease - The Musical

8th April, 10am - 4pm

Absolutely Plumbing

Findlay Communication Services Ltd

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Whether you’re a keen bird enthusiast or are just looking to share some happy memories with the kids, this evening will provide a unique experience to hear all about birds of prey and witness them flying around the centre. Hosted by Nigel and Molly from Kent Owl Academy, the event is an educational and visually stimulating showcase. Booking is essential and tickets cost £8.00 per person. Call 01702 477467 to book your space.

11th - 15th April, Various showings

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Lovers of fine folk music and even finer ale can expect this fun-filled festival to deliver just that and more. Taking place at Southend’s Royal Pavilion, revellers can take a picturesque walk along the pier to the pavilion where a mix of beverages will be flowing and musicians will be entertaining locals and tourists alike. It’s free to attend, though the usual pier entrance fee will apply. Our fingers are crossed for a sunny day!

Belfairs Woodland Centre

Belfairs Woodland Centre

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22nd April, 12pm - 6:30pm

Flower and Homecraft Show

12th April, 7:30pm - 9pm

BUILDING DESIGN

Over the years, we have established relationships with many local traders and we’ve decided to share these with you. Below we have gathered a cross-section of a few of these tradesmen who would like to advertise their services to you.

Folk and Ale Festival

Celebrate Easter with a traditional egg hunt through the beautiful Belfairs Woodland. Simply pop into the centre for a map and question sheet and away you go! Answer the questions, track down the eggs and when it’s all over, return to the centre to claim your prize. This is a drop-in event so there’s no need to book. To find out more visit www.essexwt.org.uk

8th April, 2:15pm

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The beginning of April sees Adventure Island host its first event of the year in the form of a fairytale extravaganza. On the day, you can expect character face painting, exciting treasure hunts and a competition for the best costume. The event is free to attend but rides will still require tickets to be purchased. Find out more at www.adventureisland.co.uk

DRAINAGE CONTRACTOR

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FEATURED EVENTS

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What’s happening in your area over the next month? We offer a quick rundown of some notable events taking place in and around Southend – diaries at the ready!

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CLEAR ‘A’WAY The walk starts at Priory Park and ends at Belfairs Woodland Centre...here there are free refreshments and the option of a free ride back on the HARP Express.

Don’t delay, sign up today! www.harpsouthend.org/events

Total Plumbing and Heating

Imperial Property Management

Clear ‘a’way

Astec Aerials

We specialise in everything from boiler breakdowns and repairs, boiler installation, general plumbing, power flushing, luxury bathrooms to a simple landlord gas safety check. We have an excellent reputation working in private properties and various large organisations from established estate and letting agents to 5 star restaurants.

We are ‘a right first time’ general maintenance/repairs and cleaning company with over 25 years’ experience. We use qualified and experienced tradesmen and provide a turnkey service. We are fully insured and SMAS accredited.

House and garden clearance removing all items and disposing of them. Any job possible from full clearance to single items. Experts at clearing empty properties. Licensed with Environment Agency. Official Waste Carriers. PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL

Award Winning Essex based TV Systems Installer. For ALL Digital TV, Telecoms & Digital Services for the "Connected Home" TV Aerials – Sky HD - Satellite TV & Broadband – Communal TV Systems - CCTV – Wifi & IP Networks – AV & Home Theatre Systems .


t. 07525 163 198 www.imperialprofessionalcleaning.co.uk


t. 0800 246 1992 www.astecaerials.co.uk