7:48am Thursday 14th June 2007
By Simon Barrett
Brighton and Hove has been named as the most desirable place in the UK for people looking to buy a new home.
Although the Albion might have stuttered to a mid-table finish last season, the city itself is in pole position for attracting homebuyers.
Each month a league table of towns is published based on the 'Moving Location Index', complied by the UK Property Shop.
Brighton and Hove topped the league for May, beating Newquay and Weymouth to take the crown.
The figures suggest Brits still love to buy beside the seaside, as eight out of the top dozen locations are coastal resorts, including Eastbourne in 12th place.
Brighton features regularly in the league table and was last voted top in May last year. Reasons given for its popularity include the city combining the benefits of a Regency beach resort, strong on culture and entertainment, with proximity to London for those seeking "city living by the sea".
The news has come as no surprise to civic leaders and estate agents alike in the city.
Adam Spencer, senior negotiator at the city's Mishon Mackay estate agent, said: "Brighton and Hove is consistently popular with people looking to relocate.
"The city has so much going for it and it is not hard to see why people want to move here. As well as a bustling city life you are only a short drive away from the downs or a quiet Sussex village, so it's the best of both worlds really.
"The market has levelled out a bit at the moment and prices have steadied, but Brighton is really still a seller's market."
City Councillor Georgia Wrighton said: "It doesn't surprise me at all. This is a city which has a lot going for it and attracts people from far and wide.
"The quality of life factor comes into play and I think people see Brighton and Hove as just a really nice place to live. I suppose it is also no coincidence that Brighton has been named top just as the summer approaches."
Appearing as a regular monthly report, 'Moving Location Index' details the top 50 most popular locations for people buying a home. The index is based on data from people using the company website, www.ukpropertyshop.co.uk, to contact estate agents.
UK Property Shop spokesman Guy Burgess said: "Our service is aimed at anyone who is interested in the residential property market - house buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and estate agents. The Moving Location Index is a reflection of people's aspirations to relocate and capitalise on their property investment, or who simply wish to achieve a high standard of living in a popular area such as Brighton."
Have you recently moved to Sussex from outside the county? What is life like here compared to where you moved from? Leave your comments below.
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