Property Prices in Chichester
A premium cathedral city market
Chichester is one of the more expensive places to buy property in West Sussex, and its prices consistently sit above the county and national averages. The combination of a cathedral city setting, good schools, cultural amenities, proximity to the South Downs and the coast, and rail links to London makes it a highly desirable place to live, and the property market reflects that demand.
The average house price in the Chichester district has tracked upward over the long term, with the usual dips during national downturns. Detached houses, which make up a significant proportion of the housing stock in the surrounding villages, command the highest prices. Semi-detached houses, terraces and flats within the city are more affordable in absolute terms but still represent a significant outlay by national standards.
Within the city walls, property is at a premium. The Georgian and Victorian terraces of the Pallants, the streets near the cathedral and the houses along the main radial roads are among the most sought-after addresses. These properties combine period architecture, central location and the cachet of a historic city centre. Competition for the best houses can be intense, and they often sell quickly, sometimes before reaching the open market.
The residential areas immediately outside the walls, including Whyke, Portfield and the streets between the city and the bypass, offer somewhat lower prices. These areas have a mix of housing types and ages, from Victorian terraces to post-war semis and more recent developments. They provide a more affordable route into the Chichester market while remaining within walking or cycling distance of the centre.
The surrounding villages are a major part of the Chichester property market. Lavant, Bosham, Fishbourne, Funtington and the other settlements within a few miles of the city each have their own character and price profile. Bosham, with its harbour frontage and sailing connections, is particularly expensive. The villages at the foot of the Downs attract buyers seeking rural character with city proximity.
New build developments on the edges of Chichester and in the surrounding area have added to the housing stock, but demand continues to outstrip supply. The planning constraints imposed by the South Downs National Park, the Chichester Harbour AONB and the nutrient neutrality requirements affecting new development in the area all limit the pace of new building.
First-time buyers face a significant challenge in the Chichester market. The gap between average earnings and average house prices is wide, and deposit requirements are substantial. Shared ownership and Help to Buy schemes have provided some assistance, but the fundamental affordability problem persists.
The residential areas immediately outside the walls, including Whyke, Portfield and the streets between the city and the bypass, offer somewhat lower prices while remaining within walking or cycling distance of the centre. These areas have a mix of housing types and ages, from Victorian terraces to post-war semis and more recent developments, and they provide a more affordable route into the Chichester market for buyers who are priced out of the most central streets.
New build developments on the edges of Chichester and in the surrounding area have added to the housing stock, but demand continues to outstrip supply. The planning constraints imposed by the South Downs National Park, the Chichester Harbour AONB and the nutrient neutrality requirements affecting new development in the area all limit the pace of building and keep pressure on prices across the market.
First-time buyers face a significant challenge. The gap between average earnings and average house prices is wide, deposit requirements are substantial, and mortgage affordability rules constrain what buyers can borrow. Shared ownership schemes and government support have provided some assistance, but the fundamental affordability problem in Chichester persists and shows no sign of resolving itself.