Since the Prince Regent made the former fishing village popular with the gentry nearly 200 years ago, there’s been no stopping the expansion of Brighton and its neighbouring community of Hove, which together were granted city status in 2000.

In a succession of boundary and administrative changes, post-war housing estates were built in Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Coldean, Whitehawk and Woodingdean and previously independent villages, including Patcham, Ovingdean and Rottingdean, have been incorporated into the city.

Although period properties have always maintained their popularity, in the 1950s and 1960s many of the larger houses, particularly near the sea, were converted into flats and these still provide reasonable homes, if they have been well maintained, offering both freehold and leasehold options. Roads such as Adelaide Crescent or Brunswick Square usually have quality buildings which have stood the test of time.

New-build flats are springing up on brownfield sites in the centre of Brighton where space is at a premium, for example, around the central railway station in the New England Quarter, which is convenient for commuting as well as the myriad shopping and entertainment facilities available.

Purpose-built blocks of flats of varying sizes with sea views are always popular, close to the extensive promenade which extends all the way from Shoreham harbour to the marina at Black Rock.

Five miles east of the city along the coast at Saltdean, the former Art Deco Grand Ocean Hotel has been converted to spacious apartments, reflecting the classic 1930s architectural style of the village which is popular with families and retired people.

Detached family houses in communities on the outskirts of Brighton can be found in areas including Withdean, Tongdean and Dyke Road. These also have the advantage of being close to the green spaces of Stanmer and Preston parks with easy access to the newly-designated South Downs National Park.

If a Victorian terrace or town house is more suited to a buyer’s circumstances, Queens Park and Hanover have a good choice while still being close to amenities and services including the hospital and racecourse.

Apart from Royal Crescent, the best of the Regency era properties can be found in the conservation areas around Montpelier Villas and Clifton Hill on the boundary between Brighton and Hove. Here the white stucco terraces, which front high-ceilinged rooms with ornate interiors, command the highest prices with their combination of history and attractive appearance in a pleasant neighbourhood.

Buying a Brighton home with Healys solicitors

Wherever you are thinking of buying a Brighton home, or if selling a property, the services of an experiencedresidential conveyancing solicitor are invaluable to protect your interests.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, upgrading the family home or down-sizing for retirement, professional legal advice will ease the administration of buying and selling and it may save you from making an expensive mistake.

For more information and advice on costs of Healys’ conveyancing services, you can request a call-back via the website or email enquiries@healys.old-website.shout-loud.co.uk.