Are you thinking of moving to Mid Sussex? You may be looking at Burgess Hill, East Grinstead or the county’s many pretty villages, but have you considered the benefits and convenience of Haywards Heath? The ‘heart of Mid Sussex’, may be worth a closer look.
Historically speaking, the development of Haywards Heath as a town coincided with the advent of the railway in Victorian times. Interestingly, the proposed London to Brighton main line was originally planned to go through the nearby village of Cuckfield, but as a result of the opposition of local landowners the route was redrawn. When the railway finally opened in 1841, it passed through Haywards Heath instead and the town has never looked back.
Its economic fortunes thus boosted, Haywards Heath became an increasingly popular town for local people as well as commuters. Today, fast and frequent rail services to London (Victoria, London Bridge) take less than an hour, and London Gatwick Airport is less than 20 miles away, providing ample opportunities for employment and transport. The seaside city of Brighton & Hove within its many attractions, is easily accessible only 12 miles to the South.
Haywards Heath has around 23,000 inhabitants and, together with nearby Burgess Hill (30,000 inhabitants), forms the economic centre of Mid Sussex.
In terms of housing stock, Haywards Heath is relatively modern and architecturally perhaps not as uplifting as many other villages and towns in the area. Lindfield and Cuckfield are prime property spots offering a wealth of historic housing stock and easy access to Haywards Heath for transport links. Period properties in lovely rural settings in the nearby villages of Ditchling, Hurstpierpoint, Ardingly, Balcombe and Newick are also popular.
Haywards Heath has an excellent selection of properties on offer, ranging from dainty cottages to substantial estates. Property prices in Haywards Heath have tracked up noticeably over the last years. According to recent industry figures, average property prices now stand at a confident £458,183, with detached houses selling for an average of £631,490 and semi-detached houses fetching £408,632 on average. The majority of properties sold are flats, with prices averaging £248,722.
Haywards Heath boasts a good choice of housing options, ranging from charming Victorian and Edwardian houses in the town centre to 3-4 bedroom terraces. As a response to growing demand, much housing development is currently taking place on the outskirts of town, with a wealth of new homes available on large and smart estates.
There are 6 designated Conservation Areas in the town of Haywards Heath itself, including the highly desirable residential areas of Muster Green in the town centre and the family friendly Lucastes area on its eastern border, where you will find a variety of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian villas as well as more modern family homes, most of which are set amongst generous grounds.
The countryside around Haywards Heath is exceptionally attractive, with the Ashdown Forest, the High Weald and the South Downs National Park not far away. Mid Sussex is very lucky to boast the four Great Gardens of Sussex: Borde Hill, Wakehurst Place, Nymans and High Beeches, all of which are open to the public.
If Haywards Heath sounds like the perfect contender for your new family home, why not come and take a closer look. Enlist the help of a reputable and experienced estate agent who specialises in the Haywards Heath area and can help you find the home of your dreams.
Article provided by Sara Bryant, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of companies including Hunters Estate Agents, who were consulted over this post.
