New homes contribute to Brighton’s enduring popularity with London commuters

Brighton has been a magnet for day trippers since the 19th century and its reputation is now that of a thriving city with families, young professionals and a host of celebrities seeking to make the city and its popular neighbour Hove their home.

The success of Sussex and Brighton Universities also brings prosperity to the area and Brighton is booming in every sense of the word. Its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere has also contributed to its reputation as the UK's gay capital.

A monthly season ticket to London costs £361.40 from Brighton (£3,764 annually) with the fastest journey time between Brighton and London Victoria 51 minutes. Trains to from Hove to London Bridge take 67 minutes (£394 monthly, £4,108 annually); Brighton to Gatwick takes 31 minutes (£212.80 monthly, £2,216 annually).

Brighton and Hove are around 54 miles from London via the A23/M23 which link into the M25 and 28 miles from Gatwick. The A27 gives access to other south coast towns.

Brighton and Hove have a wide choice of property from period townhouses to detached mansions with amazing coastal views appealing to families, young professionals and downsizers. New developments are found within the city and along the coast.

The Lanes in the historic quarter is a wonderful maze of twisting alleyways offering an extraordinary mix of antiques and jewellery shops nestling alongside specialist contemporary and designer boutique fashion. These are well balanced by the big name stores found in Churchill Square and Brighton Marina shopping centres.

Hove has a great mix of high street brands next to quirky lifestyle boutiques. Brighton and Hove are packed full of great restaurants, cosy pubs or hip bars with every type of international cuisine on the menu.

There are three theatres, three cinemas, numerous art galleries and museums and also famous attractions such as The Brighton Dome, The Pavilion, and The Palace Pier. Sports enthusiasts can find state-of-the-art leisure centres and fully equipped sports grounds.

Brighton and Hove state schools perform better than average and there is a huge choice of primary and secondary schools falling into a number of different catchment areas. Popular secondary schools include Brighton Aldridge Community Academy and Dorothy Stringer School. Famous private schools serving the area include Lancing College, Roedean and Brighton College.

Brighton was recently named as the tenth fastest place to sell a home taking an average of 91 days with property prices rises of more than 11% in 2015.

And if you are looking for a more quiet life around Brigton, here are 7 of the villages to consider around Brighton.

Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in the Brighton and Hove area:

Spireswood Grange (David Wilson Homes) – This fine selection of two-, four- and five-bedroom homes enjoy the tranquillity of Hurstpierpoint’s village life. The village has many independent shops and nearby Hassocks rail station has trains to London Bridge in 55 minutes. Prices start from £460,995. Find out more about Spireswood Grange from David Wilson Homes
St George’s Park (Augustinian) – This retirement village for over-60s is well established and a winner of multiple awards. The final phase of one- and two-bedroom apartments is now available, priced from £310,000. The development is set in 250 acres in the delightful South Downs village of Ditchling, just ten miles north of central Brighton. Find out more at www.stgeorgespark.co.uk ; 01444 259732
Azure (Modern Living Properties) – A fantastic opportunity to live in this last remaining 1,732 sq ft three-bedroom penthouse in the sought-after Brighton Marina with stunning sea views. Surrounding new restaurants and leisure amenities offer great potential for capital growth. Priced at £1.1m. Find out more at www.mlp-uk.com ; 01189 001003
One Hove Park (Hyde New Homes) – The last remaining three-bedroom homes at this select development feature a modern architectural design, sympathetic to the surroundings of the Hove Park Character Area and generous balcony space and are just a short walk from Hove station. Equipped with high specifications throughout, the properties also come with their own secure underground parking space. Starting from £595,000. Find out more at www.onehovepark.co.uk ; 01273 964 605
Brighton Rocket (Hyde New Homes) – This development on the eclectic St James Street includes luxury two-and three-bedroom penthouses encompass stunning views of the city’s vibrant panorama and enjoying access to its own spacious rooftop terrace, making these homes ideal for entertaining. Within walking distance of Brighton’s seafront and mainline station. Prices start at £475,000. Visit www.hydenewhomes.co.uk ; 0345 606 1221	​​​​​