This month FTB goes on the hunt with Simone Wolsey and Sean Hu, who are seeking a new home in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding towns.
Profile
- Names: Simone Wolsey (34) and Sean Hu (34)
- Occupations: Programme manager, executive assistant
- Maximum budget: £250,000
- Requirements: A one or two bedroom home in Brighton and Hove or the surrounding areas, with outside space and parking; a range of amenities close to home as well as good road and rail links.
What they wanted…
“We met at university in Brighton and have lived in the area ever since – we love it. We have seen Brighton really flourish in the past 15 years, and we’ve also seen the property prices rise, too. We are long term renters and would like to buy a place of our own so we can finally have a permanent home here or somewhere close. We are fairly open when it comes to location as we both drive and can get around easily. We’d like to consider the towns along the coast close to Brighton as well as towns further north, closer to the South Downs. Ideally, we’d like two bedrooms as we work from home a fair bit. We’d also like parking and some outdoor space. We’ve been lucky to have fairly low rent over the years that has allowed us to save for quite a healthy deposit.”
What we found…
THE PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS
Grand Avenue
Hove, West Sussex
From £133,750 based on a 25% share of the full market value of £535,000
Occupying a prime position on Hove’s seafront, these new one and two bedroom homes are a highly sought after addition to the town. Some of Hove’s favourite sights lie within a few minutes’ walk, including Palmeira Square and the plethora of cafes, galleries, venues, and fitness studios in the immediate vicinity. Shops are easy to come by, too, with Church Road and Brighton’s many options close by. The apartments are sleek and contemporary, with recessed balconies, storage space, and en-suites for the larger properties. shnewhomes.co.uk
This new collection of one, two, and three bedroom apartments is one of several new build developments in this area, one of which includes an innovative coworking space, Plus X, next door. Moulsecoomb lies just a mile north of Brighton, close to supermarkets, shops, and with very speedy direct bus and train links to Brighton (10 and six minutes respectively). The properties are well sized, with bright, spacious living areas and en-suite bathrooms in the two and three bedroom homes. Some have private outdoor space. shnewhomes.co.uk
What they thought…
“We currently live fairly close to this new development but we had no idea it was being built! It’s in such a great spot – ideal for enjoying both Hove and Brighton’s town centres, as well as the seafront. It’s close enough to Brighton to enjoy the buzz, but also far enough away to get some breathing space when the crowds hit the town in the summer, which is what we’ve always loved about Hove. We are really keen on the styling – the dark wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows are very appealing.”
THE NEW ARRIVAL
Home X
Moulsecoomb, West Sussex
From £93,125 based on a 25% share of the full market value of £372,500
This new collection of one, two, and three bedroom apartments is one of several new build developments in this area, one of which includes an innovative co-working space, Plus X, next door. Moulsecoomb lies just a mile north of Brighton, close to supermarkets, shops, and with very speedy direct bus and train links to Brighton (10 and six minutes respectively). The properties are well-sized, with bright, spacious living areas and en-suite bathrooms in the two and three bedroom homes. Some have private outdoor space. shnewhomes.co.uk
What they thought…
“Ahh, we lived in Moulsecoomb for a couple of years at university and we have some fond memories of the area. We didn’t drive back then, and we know that there are great bus and train links. The co-working space next door could be great for us, as it could offer fresh space to work or hold meetings. What we like about this location is that you’re halfway between the town and the Downs. We love exploring the South Downs and the surrounding villages, so it could be nice to be a little closer.”
THE WILDCARD
Fontwell Meadows
Fontwell, West Sussex
From £239,950 based on a 25% share of the full market value of £535,000
Lovers of coast and country are in for a treat at this new collection of homes in Fontwell, at the foot of the South Downs. The coast is around five miles south, while the city of Chichester and historic Arundel are both a 10-minute drive, as well as plenty of pretty West Sussex towns and villages. There is a range of one and two bedroom apartments, as well as two and three bedroom houses available at Fontwell Meadows, which is two miles from Barnham station, making it a perfect option for young professionals, families, and downsizers alike. dandara.com
What they thought…
“This is obviously a lot more rural than we’re used to – and around a 40-minute drive from Brighton – but it’s still an option that we’d consider. We love West Sussex and have spent many weekends walking the Downs. We’ve often considered moving to a semi-rural place like Fontwell, and this development looks like an ideal opportunity for doing just that. The homes are well designed and we could possibly afford a house here, which is very tempting indeed. Certainly something to consider.”
THE NATURAL SETTING
Bluebell Heights
Falmer, West Sussex
From £80,250 based on a 30% share of the full market value of £267,500
Nestled into beautiful, hilly surrounds in Stanmer, these one, two, and three bedroom homes offer a best-of-both worlds location. The rolling hills of the South Downs are moments away, along with a school, library, pharmacy, and shops, while Brighton is reached in around 15 minutes by car, or easily by direct bus or train. This attractive collection of apartments is set across six buildings, which sit in pretty communal grounds. Inside, the homes are stylish and spacious, with open-plan living areas that lead on to a private balcony or terrace. hydenewhomes.co.uk
What They thought…
This looks like such a nice setting; we love how the apartment blocks are cut into the hills – I think you’d feel very connected with nature here. The apartments themselves look great – we love the wraparound balconies on the corner properties. Location-wise, it’s good! It’s definitely perfect for country and city – as Brighton really isn’t far at all, but you’d certainly feel fairly rural. Brighton is close enough to cycle to – only around 25 minutes – or of course a quick drive. It’s a really nice option.”
First choice!
THE SEAFRONT VIEWS
Wharf Twenty One
Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
FROM £98,750 based on a 25% share of the full market value of £395,000
Sea views and windswept vistas are the order of the day at this new collection of one and two bedroom apartments that overlook both the River Ardur and, just beyond, the sea. Shoreham-by-Sea – around five miles west of Brighton – has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and the former commercial port has a rich history and plenty in the way of local amenities, shops, and activities. These new homes are ideally located to enjoy them all. The homes are thoughtfully designed, with generous proportions, balconies, and some available parking. shnewhomes.co.uk
The Next Step
“We can imagine that this development is going to be really popular, so we‘re going to act as quickly as possible. We‘ve done the initial work of speaking with a mortgage broker and we know that we‘ll pass the affordability checks, so it‘s just a matter of getting ourselves registered and viewing as soon as possible.“
What they Thought
“We can’t quite believe what an amazing location this development is in – right on the river and with incredible sea views. We know Shoreham fairly well, as some friends moved here a while ago and we’ve visited them lots, and have always liked the vibe. There are some really cool old pubs, a market, and a really nice coffee shop. You’re still only a 20-minute drive from Brighton, which is ideal for us. We love the apartments, too – they are seriously spacious, with heaps of extra storage space and good-sized bedrooms. We can really see ourselves making the move further along the coast and making Shoreham our home.“
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Prices correect on day of publishing. See providers for up to date changes.
