Southern England property hotspots: where to find value in 2026

Despite the ongoing increase to everybody’s living expenses, the UK property market is showing real resilience and stability. According to the Office for National Statistics, UK house prices increased 2.6% in 2025, while private rents increased 5%. Investment is happening across the country and 2026 looks set to deliver continued growth.

Looking at data from the experts at Zoopla, it’s clear that the majority of this performance is centred in the north of England, where areas like Newcastle and Leeds see faster sales and stronger growth in terms of price. For the south, that means finding the best return on your investment – or simply a home that holds its value well – requires a more targeted, considered approach. 

At Brookworth Homes, we strategically place our developments in areas that are thriving and set to grow in the next few years. And our experience tells us that the southern England property market is still full of opportunity, providing you know where to look.

Sussex: emerging opportunities in coastal towns

From Brighton’s shopping and nightlife to Eastbourne’s iconic pier, Sussex is perhaps best known for its coastal lifestyle, attracting every kind of homeowner. Whether you’re escaping city life for a tranquil spot by the sea or growing your family with everything you need in walking distance, Sussex has a lot to offer, and that creates a robust, resilient property market.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Sussex was £426,531 in 2025. With investment across the county, including the regeneration of Burgess Hill and Chichester’s Southern Gateway project, 2026 is set to offer strong performance.

Bexhill-on-Sea: coastal charm with potential for growth

Nestled between Hastings and Eastbourne, Bexhill-on-Sea offers a more relaxed lifestyle than its larger neighbours, without compromising on convenient access to towns and cities. This has led to strong demand from downsizers, retirees and smaller families drawn to a life by the sea.

With 4.16% growth in property prices over the past five years, Bexhill is on a trajectory of strong returns. As a result, development in the local area is thriving. Just five miles away at Battle, we’re developing North Trade Road: an exclusive collection of 20 homes, setting a new standard in luxury living.

Worthing: a seaside investment hub

On the edge of the spectacular South Downs, Worthing is a larger town with plenty to see and do, from historic forts to sprawling gardens and three large entertainment venues. Over the past few years, Worthing has emerged as a growing commuter town, supported by five train stations with direct links to London.

Worthing consistently delivers above-average growth, with property prices increasing 6.8% over the past 12 months. This is, at least in part, driven by a good diversity of housing stock, from luxury new build detached homes to smaller apartments.

Our closest development to Worthing is Fairways in Burgess Hill, around 30 minutes away by car. Here, you’ll find luxury living with fast access to everything the area has to offer, including the South Downs National Park, boutique shopping and a fantastic commute.

Kent: a strong economy and outstanding connections

Kent has historically been home to some of the highest house prices in the south, driven by significant tourism, academic excellence at institutions like the University of Kent and the county’s key role in nationwide logistics.

More recently, Kent has seen widespread investment to support these economic boosters. These include new science parks like Kent Science Park near Sittingbourne, the renewal of Manston Airport for cargo and continued improvements to the Port of Dover. This economic vibrance directly affects the property market. According to local property experts Claxtons, property prices in the Kent are more stable than the wider southeast and the country as a whole.

Sissinghurst: achieving landmark growth in property prices

Moments from Tunbridge Wells, Sissinghurst is a small village that’s big on value. Today, the average house price in Sissinghurst is £670,625, a massive 35% higher than last year. While the market in general remains volatile, this price growth is likely to safeguard value and keep property prices high in 2026. 

Gallica, our iconic development in Sissinghurst, offers low-density luxury living within the charming, historic village. Significantly, our emphasis on modern design, timeless architecture and future-proofed smart home technology mean our homes are designed to hold their value for years to come.

Dartford: the benefit of major infrastructure improvements

Dartford has long been a prime destination for commuters, offering direct trains into London in around 45 minutes. These transport links are set to be improved even further with the completion of the Lower Thames Crossing, doubling road capacity. However, what sets Dartford apart is the affordability of its homes, despite this commuter town status.

A 2025 report from Zoopla compared average house prices to average household earnings, creating a top 10 list of affordable places to live. While this list was dominated by area in Scotland and Wales, Dartford was noted for its average house price of £423,600 versus average household earnings of £90,800. In this sense, Dartford isn’t just a great place to live for an effortless commute. It’s a town where your money goes further.

Essex: a promising frontier for property investment

Finally, Essex is home to several real estate hotspots. While these towns are still emerging in some ways, the extension of the Crossrail Elizabeth line and widespread investment into the area’s road infrastructure will continue to positively influence house values in the coming years.

Two particular highlights are Chelmsford, known for its excellent commuter links, and Colchester, which experiences above average growth driven by strong demand from the local university and its associated professionals and academics.

For 2026, housing market analysts Goldmanread predict:

• Steady growth in Chelmsford (3-5%)

• Solid performance in Colchester (2-4%)

• A surge of activity from upsizers relocating for an easier commute

A region poised for future growth

Property owners, investors and landlords choose the south for a market that’s built on strong foundations. Many of the towns, cities and villages across the south are well established as commuter towns for London. Most offer a range of highly rated private and public schools, alongside easy access to the coast and ample green space. 

The new additions to the south only build on these fundamentals, creating more value and capital appreciation over time. Designed to make housing in the area more accessible, investors are supporting large-scale schemes like Ebbsfleet Garden City and Otterpool Park near Folkestone, creating a new town centre, shops and 8,500 homes.

It’s through this investment and diversification that the south is likely to continue to perform well in the housing market, even against a backdrop of high interest rates and taxation.  

Brookworth Homes: designing for long-term value

At Brookworth Homes, we diligently select our locations based on the local housing market and the lifestyle that’s on offer. And we invest in quality throughout every one of our developments, helping to create value that lasts.

It’s something you’ll see in every aspect of your Brookworth home. It’s there in our emphasis on traditional building techniques, elegant architecture and premium materials, locally sourced wherever possible. It’s also there in the technology we adopt, from future-proofed air source heat pumps and underfloor heating to smart home features like automated blinds and temperature controls.

Together, these elements create luxury homes that stand apart, even in the most thriving property markets.

Explore our developments in Kent and Sussex or get in touch with our experienced sales teams for more help.