South Coast now a top location for second homes

More and more of us are investing in a second home - according to the Office of National Statistics, two million Britons now own a second home either in the UK or overseas.*

Those who buy are, generally speaking, divided into two types, the retired or the wealthy over the age of 45. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most popular reasons for buying a second home are to escape the stresses and strains of busy working lives and to make the most of retirement as people enjoy a longer active life.

For some, particularly the retired, the attraction is often the idea of owning an overseas property where they can spend the winter months in sunnier climes, but while attractive, the more practical alternative for many is to buy in the UK. This is a much more flexible arrangement enabling you to make use of your second home more often, at short notice and for short breaks without the hassle of air travel, crowded airports and the increasing common endless security checks.

One of the favourite UK locations is the South Coast, which benefits from Britain’s warmest climate, as well as good communications by road, rail and air. A good example of a hassle-free, second home can be found at Horizon, a striking Art Deco-style development by Berkeley Homes at Rustington on the Sussex coast. Over half those living there already own another property.

In a prime location 100 yards from the sea and within a short stroll of the village shops and restaurants, the 29 two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses offer true flexibility for living. Horizon is set in beautiful landscaped grounds, with each of the spacious apartments having been thoughtfully designed to maximise the living space available. A number of apartments incorporate the large open plan living/dining rooms favoured for a more relaxed and informal lifestyle.

Berkeley Homes is renowned for their high level of specification and this development is no exception; features include designer fitted kitchens with a comprehensive range of appliances, while luxurious bathrooms have Villeroy & Boch suites, Hansgrohe fittings, walk in showers and continental ceramic tiles.

To be able to make the most of your second home you also need to be able to lock-up-and-leave without the worry of what may happen when you are not there. Here Horizon scores again. There’s an audio entry phone system to the communal entrance and multi-point locking to all windows. Each apartment also benefits from its own parking space situated within a secure gated parking area. Best of all, there’s already an unrivalled community feeling amongst the residents that gives added peace of mind.

Rustington is a village of great charm and won a Gold Award in last year’s South & South East in Bloom Awards. The beautiful town of Arundel with its eleventh century castle and Littlehampton with its harbour and riverside development are a short drive away. Sailing and watersports, walking on the South Downs and the historic sights of Chichester are also on the doorstep. There is easy access to Gatwick and Newhaven airports, and Portsmouth, all of which are within an hour’s drive.

Prices at Horizon start from £250,000. For more information on the range of apartments available visit Berkeleyhomes.co.uk.

*Office of the National Statistics