Busy looking for a new home in West Sussex? Let’s face it – whether you’re renting or buying, it’s hard to find that dream property. Which developers can you trust? We think it makes sense to eliminate noise from those with a vested interest. Instead, we invite feedback from people who have already moved in.
Where is West Sussex?
West Sussex is a county in South East England bordering the English Channel. It includes the shire districts of Adur, Arun, Chichester, Horsham, and Mid Sussex, and the boroughs of Crawley and Worthing. West Sussex borders Surrey to the north, East Sussex to the east, and Hampshire to the west. The city of Chichester is the region’s county town, while Crawley is the most populated. Other significant settlements in the area include the coastal towns of Worthing and Bognor Regis and the market town of Horsham.
Living in West Sussex
One of the UK’s sunniest counties, West Sussex’s country and coastal scenery is scattered with stately homes, castles and Roman ruins. And with much of the landscape formed by the South Downs National Park and the High Weald AONB, it offers lots of walking, cycling and other recreational opportunities.
An impressive gothic cathedral and a charming, mostly pedestrianised high street characterise the county town of Chichester. Culture enthusiasts will be drawn to the Chichester Festival Theatre, The Novium and the Pallant House Gallery. Alternatively, top up your adrenaline levels with famous horse and motor racing events at nearby Goodwood House.
Just west of the city centre, Fishbourne Roman Palace offers an educational glimpse into the county’s fascinating history. Just a stone’s throw from Fishbourne, you’ll find Chichester Harbour AONB, bustling waterside villages, beauty spots and an expansive coastline. Further along, you can recharge your batteries at Bognor Regis – an ever-popular historic seaside resort. Easily accessible by bus or train from Chichester, Arundel’s riverside boutique shops, eateries and art galleries boast a castle and cathedral as a backdrop.
Closer to the capital, Horsham and Crawley border stunning protected countryside. With easy links to the M25, they are excellent places for commuters to settle. Need a break from work? The South Downs Way, St Leonard’s Forest, and the 92-acre Warnham Nature Reserve provide an idyllic escape from urban life.
Prominent employers in the region include Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Gatwick Airport. The boatbuilding industry also boosts the area’s economy alongside West Sussex’s sparkling wine producers. Education-wise, the county has a range of well-performing schools. The University of Chichester sits within the top 25 nationally, while the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Chichester College features a range of higher education courses. You can also choose from notable independents such as Christ’s Hospital, Seaford College, Lancing College and Hurstpierpoint College.
Transport in West Sussex
People from the northern parts of the region can commute to London via the M23/A23 corridor or by rail on the Portsmouth to London Waterloo and the Littlehampton to London Victoria lines. At the same time, the A23 and A24 connect London to Brighton and Worthing, while the A29 ends in Bognor Regis. Crawley residents are also only a short distance from Gatwick Airport – ideal for frequent flyers and those employed on-site.
West Sussex property prices
According to the current Zoopla estimates, the average price for property in West Sussex is £417,823 (December 2021). This is a rise of 0.28 per cent in the last year. Flats weighed in at around £222,226, while terraced houses achieved £323,149. On average, semi-detached homes went for £386,996, rising to £626,868 for detached properties.
The latest figures from the property search engine Home.co.uk tell us the current rental average is around £1,263 PCM. Although rental averages fluctuate slightly based on daily recalculations, they are a helpful guide. As of early December 2021, you can expect to pay £942 PCM for a one-bedroom home, increasing to around £2,525 for five bedrooms.
New homes in West Sussex: Top 10 developments
Without further ado, it’s time to reveal the most highly rated new homes in West Sussex. Our verified reviewers are eager to share their thoughts and feelings based on real-life experiences. We used our transparent rating system to create this Top 10, but we’ll also share some specifics for a dash of instant insight. Simply click through to discover the pros and cons of each development.
4.31 (19 reviews)
4.31 (19 reviews)
Kicking off our Top 10 is Forge Wood – an exciting new development in Crawley with a mix of spacious two-bedroom apartments. Residents like the modern design, with families making use of the local school and park. The developers are also planning to build an area for local shops and a sports pavilion.
Read reviews and details of Forge Wood, RH10 by Taylor Wimpey
4.20 (22 reviews)
4.20 (22 reviews)
Situated close to the heart of Chichester, Keepers Green is our second most highly rated development. Offering a wide range of beautifully designed contemporary homes, a communal cricket ground and garden, and a community pavilion, it’s a peaceful neighbourhood for all to enjoy.
One resident commented: ‘The house is wonderfully designed on the inside and the kitchen is so modern. The rooms have been built to be away from the adjoining walls, muffling any noise from neighbours.’
4.16 (43 reviews)
4.16 (43 reviews)
Highwood Village, by Berkeley Homes, sits in Horsham – and in third place. The development has carefully considered the location, build quality, interior specification and sustainability. Choose from a range of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom new homes.
Highwood Village lies within walking distance from Horsham town centre and a 25-minute drive from Gatwick Airport. There is also a children’s playground and a Tesco superstore nearby. Another children’s playground, basketball court, and a village store are due to open soon.
Residents say Highwood is ‘an absolutely beautiful place to live’ and compliment the management team who take care of the outdoor areas on a weekly basis. Everyone loves the water features and the serene central square, while the buildings have been described as ‘modern but with a rustic feel that really fits the atheistic of the whole area’.
4.13 (14 reviews)
4.13 (14 reviews)
In fourth place, we have Mulberry Fields – an energy-efficient neighbourhood of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes in Southwater.
There is a bus stop close to the estate, plus lots of pubs and restaurants in Southwater and Horsham, which are easy to get to.
You’ll also find a lovely local park and two nature reserves just a five-minute drive away. Residents note that there isn’t much traffic noise and that the neighbourhood is a safe and welcoming place for families.
4.03 (14 reviews)
4.03 (14 reviews)
The Hedgerows in Westergate squeezes into the Top 5. Comprising of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, the development benefits from a rural village location, with a variety of transport links to the surrounding towns and beyond. Barnham railway station will take commuters into London Victoria in under 90 minutes.
Residents like the area, the easy parking, and the diversity of ages in the neighbourhood. It’s also just a short walk to the local post office and shop, with the pub only ten minutes away by foot.
4.02 (22 reviews)
4.02 (22 reviews)
Sliding into sixth place is Broadacres by Berkeley Homes. The development is located next to the village of Southwater and 10 minutes from Horsham. Broadacres offers a collection of three, four and five-bedrooms homes surrounded by parkland and countryside. There are also local amenities close by, including schools and sporting facilities.
The estate has good connections to London and the South Coast and benefits from being next to the Downs Link, which provides cycling and walking connections to the countryside and nearby towns and villages.
One resident told us that ‘the maintenance and management of the development is outstanding and the landscaping is well maintained throughout the year’.
3.94 (15 reviews)
3.94 (15 reviews)
Fox Hill is our seventh most highly rated development and offers a rural lifestyle, with London and Brighton within easy reach. Haywards Heath town centre lies within walking distance, plus there’s easy access to the countryside and a regular bus service with bus stops located along the back of the development.
3.86 (25 reviews)
3.86 (25 reviews)
In eighth place is Bersted Park, by Berkeley Homes, in Bognor Regis. The development provides a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes.
In addition, residents benefit from traditional architecture and well designed layouts. Bersted Park offers a host of outdoor activities with leafy footpaths and cycle ways, acres of parkland, ponds and green squares.
Residents really appreciate the open spaces on the estate, spotting swans and ducks, and the friendly atmosphere. There is also a school nearby.
3.84 (21 reviews)
3.84 (21 reviews)
Voted into ninth position, The Green is a rental collection of apartments and townhouses within the overall development of Kilnwood Vale by Crest Nicholson. It is located close to the towns of Horsham and Crawley, and 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport, with proximity to the M23 and connections to London and Portsmouth.
One resident said: ‘The development itself is great. It looks modern, and it feels safe and clean. There are substantial pedestrian areas and green spaces, making the area feel open. The facilities offered are good too, with access to a tennis court, a small gym, and a lounge area with free coffee. The staff have also been very friendly and helpful.’
Read reviews and details of The Green at Kilnwood Vale, RH12
3.55 (14 reviews)
3.55 (14 reviews)
Finishing off out Top 10 is Shopwycke Lake, which lies close to the city of Chichester and benefits from a picturesque setting. The area is very popular with commuters as it is close to both the A27 and a mainline station.
Residents love being only a 10-15-drive from the town centre, where they can enjoy lots of nice restaurants and pubs. They also really like the community feel.
So, did our Top 10 whet your appetite? Our dedicated area guide further explains our rating system and offers honest, in-depth reviews for each development. Just click on the link below to learn more about the best new homes in West Sussex.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
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