The West Sussex Postcode Districts Most Popular with Property Buyers
It is no secret that the supply of good quality homes for sale is limited across the UK, as many homeowners thinking about selling feel they should be waiting until Spring. It may be worth reconsidering this mindset because properties in West Sussex are highly sought after – and various data specialists have confirmed they have been throughout the whole of this pandemic.
Latest analysis by UK house selling weather forecast, PropCast, has revealed which West Sussex postcode districts home buyers have fallen in love with the most since the property market reopened following ‘lockdown one.’ The study examined the percentage of homes for sale that were under offer or subject to contract in July 2020 compared to now, to see where buyer demand is the highest and lowest.
The results for West Sussex are seriously impressive and should bring hope to local homeowners that now could actually be a great time to be selling – whether on the open market or quietly.
Despite still being in another national lockdown, February’s data confirm buyer demand is strong across the whole county. In July 2020 when the initial national lockdown started to ease, this was true for only 82% of postcode districts. Buyer demand has also risen for all postcode districts between then and now, so whether, from London or the local area, buyers are climbing over each other to make serious offers on houses in rural, town, and coastal locations.
In terms of where Property Acquisitions source and purchase homes for clients, the popular coastal villages of Itchenor, Bosham, and West Wittering are in high demand, as is Chichester itself, along with some of my favourite rural villages such as West Dean, Funtington, Compton, West Marden, Lavant, Chilgrove, Singleton and Lodsworth. The pretty market towns of Petworth, Midhurst, Pulborough, and Arundel are also at the top of the list for buyers.
For example, as seen in some of PropCast’s data below, in the postcode district of PO20 (which includes Itchenor, Selsey, and West Wittering), 63% of homes for sale are under offer or subject to contract (STC) currently – a rise of 85% since July last year.
How postcode districts popular with our clients have performed since July 2020…
| Postcode District | % of homes for sale that are under offer or STC – July 2020 | % of homes for sale that are under offer or STC – February 2021 | % Difference |
| GU31 | 37% | 70% | 89% |
| GU28 | 32% | 61% | 91% |
| PO20 | 34% | 63% | 85% |
| PO18 | 35% | 52% | 49% |
| RH20 | 44% | 62% | 41% |
| BN18 | 36% | 56% | 56% |
| GU29 | 28% | 49% | 75% |
So what are my clients looking for now?
I am experiencing one of the busiest winters I have ever encountered, with more buyers looking at purchasing a larger family home or wishing to downsize to a more compact property with little maintenance, settling in a more rural setting or coastal area. Whether a Grade II listed farmhouse, a rustic barn conversion, a waterfront holiday home, or a three storey townhouse, they have been making offers left right, and centre during the pandemic, with almost all of these deals happening off-market, within days.
Why is buyer demand so high?
Without a doubt, COVID-19 has changed people’s mindsets; not just for now but for the long-term too. They’re re-evaluating what they want in life, and where they want to be. The relaxed, rural setting that provides a variety of lifestyle-enhancing options. West Sussex offers a refreshing breath of fresh air, outstanding views, village shops, nestled alongside homely and warm country pubs. Considering West Sussex’s vibrant rolling countryside hills, it’s peaceful and tranquil sailing harbours, with rural villages offering local shops, fetes, and friendly market towns; it is of course the case properties here are highly sought after. Given how quickly my clients are snapping up homes through all three national lockdowns, it is very clear to see that lifestyle options like these are now just as important as bricks and mortar.
Considering selling?
If you are looking to sell a primary residence or second home in West Sussex then please do get in touch with Property Acquisitions. We constantly have a range of serious buyers registered and they might be interested in your property; potentially saving you the selling commission. Please email me at jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk or call +44 7776452128.
Considering a buying agent?
If you’re considering purchasing a second home or a primary residence in and around Chichester, but need the support of somebody who is actually on your side rather than a seller’s, please do get in touch with me, Jennifer Hancock, on +44 7776452128 or jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk.
