Moving to Lewes

[User72642]

Hello,

We are moving to Lewes (partner has been offered a job there). We really love it there but obviously it's expensive and our budget is £400,000. We probably will only stay for a few years as we quite like moving around. For people who know the market, would we be better to get an ex-council house in South Malling, a small 2-bed terraced cottage more central or a central flat? What do you think is more popular and more likely to sell quickly? Happy to buy something that needs renovating.

No one

Lewes is a desirable location, therefore property is very expensive, so you are right 2 bed terrace or a flat in that price range. Have a look at the areas. Some are hilly, town centre & around the prison. Train links are good. Lewes shops are nice, lots of independents. But on the hill again. Quite a few restaurants. Parking is a problem in Lewes.

Other areas you could consider are Seaford perhaps, 15 mins on the train, slightly better value property, although not cheap, nice little town on the seaford. Newhaven, much cheaper property, but not where I would choose to live, if I am being entirely honest.

Good luck with your search.

Seafront!

I would tend towards town centre cottage or flat, but I think you need to go there for a day - some of the “town centre cottages” available on RM are on quite busy roads, and some of the excouncil houses are in less desirable areas but will have larger rooms and bigger plots, town centre properties tend to have courtyard gardens and not much parking. Parking in Lewes is busy. It depends on where you need it be every day, and how you plan on travelling eg foot, car, public transport.

Thank you! I'll be getting the train to Brighton but partner will need a car to do visits (keyworker). I was leaning towards South Malling ex-council house as more space - we would have a garden and parking and not near the prison. I am also open to a small cottage in the centre provided there is space for one car but sounds like this may be unlikely. I will have a look at Seafront but really like the idea of being able to walk into the centre but maybe this isn't realistic

Depends on where you need to get to. I know Lewes well, personally I'd rather the ex council with decent garden and parking. Can walk into centre of Lewes in 5/10 mins.
Some of the central roads are busy and have sitting traffic outside at certain times of day. Even if you get a parking permit, spaces can be quite far away.

@LushHeaven Thank you - I just need to get to the train station and would love to be able to walk to it. Partner needs a car for work.