What’s It Like to Live in Bognor Regis?
Bognor Regis is an historic seaside resort on the West Sussex coast known for its long beaches, Victorian architecture and relatively affordable homes. Buyers often consider the town for retirement, family life or coastal relocation. If you are looking to move here, it is worth understanding the local property stock and survey issues before making any decisions.
Bognor Regis Living – Property and Lifestyle Overview
Architectural Features of Properties
Bognor Regis features a mix of Edwardian and Victorian terraces, post‑war semis and newer coastal developments. Detached homes and bungalows are common in areas like Aldwick and North Bersted.
Historical Buildings and Their Features:
- Hotham Park House: This Grade II* listed Georgian manor reflects Bognor Regis’s development as a seaside retreat. Its presence sets the tone for local conservation, especially in central areas.
Local Building Materials:
- Brick is widely used throughout the town. Pebbledash is common on interwar properties, particularly in areas like Felpham. Near the seafront, properties often face exposure to salt and sea air which can degrade pointing and paint finishes faster than inland homes.
Survey Findings Specific to Bognor Regis:
- Damp Issues: Older properties close to the seafront or with poor ventilation may suffer from rising or penetrating damp. Marine Drive and nearby roads can be particularly affected.
- Subsidence Risks: While not widespread, some areas built on clay or mixed ground, such as parts of Bersted, may warrant investigation for historical movement or structural repairs.
- Roofing Concerns: Many homes have older pitched roofs with clay tiles or slates. Seafront exposure increases weathering and loose ridge tiles are not uncommon.
- Energy Efficiency: Homes with original single-glazed sash windows or solid brick walls often perform poorly in EPC ratings without retrofit upgrades.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Local Amenities:
- The Regis School serves secondary students and is part of United Learning. It has modern facilities and offers sixth form education.
- Hotham Park provides green space near the town centre and includes woodland trails, mini golf and a boating lake.
Notable Places:
- Bognor Regis Pier is a well-known feature of the promenade and a popular landmark. The seafront includes a mix of traditional amusements and residential flats with sea views.
Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks: Some parts of Bognor Regis, especially near the Aldwick Rife and coastal fringe, are designated flood zones. Properties near the seafront or on low ground may be at risk of surface water flooding during heavy rain or storm surges.
Radon Risks: Bognor Regis is not classified as a high-risk area for radon. Levels are typically low but it remains advisable to test in older properties or those with basements.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion: Peak congestion tends to occur around the A259 and A29 junctions, especially during school drop-off times and bank holidays. Shripney Road Retail Park also attracts high traffic volumes at weekends.
Public Transport: Bognor Regis railway station provides direct services to Barnham, Chichester and London Victoria. There are also regular local bus routes connecting nearby villages and the wider Arun district.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas: The Steyne and Waterloo Square areas are designated conservation zones. They protect historic terraces, crescents and seafront properties, meaning external alterations are subject to planning controls.
Future Projects: Arun District Council’s regeneration framework includes proposals for enhancing the town centre and improving public spaces around the pier. Any planned works could influence traffic and access in those areas.
Safety and Crime Statistics
Bognor Regis has a mixed crime profile. As of 2023, the rate was approximately 94 crimes per 1,000 people. The most commonly reported issues include anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Central areas such as High Street and Belmont Street report higher activity, while suburbs like Aldwick see lower incident levels.
Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations: Buyers are strongly advised to commission a full Level 3 Building Survey when considering older or coastal properties. Damp, roof wear and movement should be assessed by an experienced surveyor familiar with Bognor Regis conditions.
Unique Survey Challenges: Historic buildings in conservation areas or close to the sea may involve stricter renovation rules. Surveyors should consider salt-related weathering and the preservation of traditional materials when assessing these properties.
Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Brick and render are typical across Bognor Regis, with some pebble-dashed or painted finishes on older homes. Coastal weathering may lead to cracked render or worn pointing. Regular external maintenance is key for homes within sea breeze zones.
Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared to Chichester, Bognor Regis offers more affordable housing, especially for those seeking seaside property. While it lacks the cathedral city atmosphere of Chichester, Bognor benefits from better access to the coast and flat walking routes. Littlehampton offers a similar coastal feel but has seen more recent regeneration. Bognor retains a quieter residential pace that appeals to families and retirees alike.
Bognor Regis Property Market Trends – 2025
Looking to buy in Bognor Regis? Here’s an accurate overview of the latest prices and key updates from the area.
Average Prices – Bognor Regis (August 2025)
| Property Type |
Average Price |
Most Common |
| Detached |
£516,895 |
Yes |
| Flats |
£186,232 |
No |
| Semi-detached |
£333,677 |
No |
Source: Rightmove, August 2025
The average sold price in Bognor Regis over the last year was £358,296. Detached properties were the most commonly sold, particularly in areas such as Aldwick and Felpham. Flats remain the most affordable option, with the majority found closer to the town centre and seafront.
What’s Happening in the Area?
Recent changes and activity include:
- Regeneration near the seafront: Small-scale improvements around the promenade and public areas are ongoing.
- Felpham and Bersted housing: Continued development of new housing sites offering family homes.
- Connectivity improvements: Ongoing upgrades to local bus and rail links, particularly routes connecting to Chichester and Littlehampton.
- Education investment: Several primary and secondary schools have benefitted from refurbishment and capacity expansion in the past two years.
For First-Time Buyers
Flats in Bognor Regis town centre, along with some leasehold properties near Shripney Road and North Bersted, offer relatively accessible entry points. Buyers may want to check whether lease terms and service charges apply. There are also occasional shared ownership opportunities in newer builds outside the central area.
In Summary
Bognor Regis remains an active and moderately priced coastal market. While the average price is slightly down on the 2022 peak, demand for detached homes continues. A property survey is a useful safeguard when buying, especially for homes built before 1990 or those that have been extended.
