What It’s Like to Live in Hastings
Introduction
Hastings, a historic coastal town in East Sussex, combines seafront living with a strong sense of heritage. For prospective home buyers, understanding local property styles, environmental risks and the town’s infrastructure is essential. This guide explores what it’s like to live in Hastings with a focus on survey-related factors and property considerations.
Architectural Features of Properties
Hastings features a wide range of architectural styles, from historic buildings in the Old Town to Victorian terraces and post-war developments.
Historical Buildings and Their Features: Hastings Castle, dating back to 1066, is one of the town’s most significant landmarks. Its Norman architecture is reflected in many older buildings nearby. Properties in the Old Town often fall within conservation areas and may be subject to planning restrictions that impact external alterations and renovations.
Local Stone: Many older homes in Hastings were built using Sussex sandstone. This material has a distinctive appearance but is also porous, making it susceptible to weathering, staining and moisture ingress. Regular maintenance, including repointing and treatment to reduce water absorption, is often necessary.
Survey Findings Specific to Hastings:
- Damp Issues: Properties in the Old Town and along The Bourne are more prone to damp due to age, hillside positioning and exposure to coastal weather.
- Subsidence Risks: Areas around West Hill and Ore may be more vulnerable to subsidence due to varied underlying geology and sloping terrain.
- Roofing Concerns: Slate roofs on Victorian properties often require inspection for slipped tiles and ageing roof timbers.
- Energy Efficiency: Many homes in Hastings have solid walls and original sash windows, which can result in lower energy performance unless retrofitted.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Local Amenities: The town offers several well-rated schools, including Ark Alexandra Academy and Hastings Academy. The Conquest Hospital provides a full range of healthcare services.
Local Natural Feature: Hastings Country Park offers expansive green space with walking trails, wildlife habitats and sea views, popular with both locals and visitors.
Notable Places: The historic Hastings Pier and the Old Town’s George Street are popular areas for community events, markets and independent shops.
Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks: Low-lying areas near Alexandra Park and parts of the town centre have occasional flood risks, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Radon Risks: Hastings is considered a low-risk area for radon. Nonetheless, testing is recommended for older properties or homes with basements.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion: Traffic can become congested on the A21 near Sedlescombe Road North and along Queens Road, particularly during peak hours and school times.
Public Transport: Hastings Station provides regular rail services to Brighton, Ashford and London. Local bus routes also connect the town with nearby suburbs and coastal communities.
Conservation Areas
Hastings has several designated conservation areas, including:
- Old Town: Characterised by medieval buildings, narrow streets and historic pubs. Any exterior works may be subject to stricter planning conditions.
- Burton’s St Leonards: Noted for its Regency and Victorian architecture, this area reflects Hastings’s expansion as a fashionable resort in the 19th century.
Future Projects: Developments such as Hastings Commons are part of a wider regeneration effort, aiming to restore derelict buildings into homes, workspaces and social venues. These initiatives may affect property values and planning dynamics in central areas.
Safety and Crime Statistics
As of 2023, Hastings has a higher-than-average crime rate for East Sussex, with anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and theft being the most reported offences. Central wards such as Castle and Gensing tend to record more incidents, while areas like St Helen’s and Ashdown generally report lower levels.
Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations: A Level 3 Building Survey is often advised for properties in Hastings, particularly those in the Old Town or St Leonards, where age and structure may raise concerns such as timber decay, damp ingress or previous unauthorised alterations.
Unique Survey Challenges: Properties in conservation areas or with heritage features may require specialist input, including consideration of listed building consent and traditional repair techniques.
Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Properties built with Hastings sandstone and traditional lime mortar require specialist maintenance. Lime mortar allows the building to breathe and using cement-based alternatives during repairs can cause long-term damage. Regular inspections for water damage, flaking stone and frost impact are recommended.
Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared to Eastbourne, Hastings has a more visibly historic and bohemian feel, especially in areas like the Old Town and St Leonards. It offers a broader range of period properties, though transport links are more limited in some outlying districts. Hastings remains a strong choice for buyers seeking heritage features and coastal views within reach of London and Kent.
Top Places to Live in Hastings
Old Town
Hastings Old Town is renowned for its narrow streets, historic buildings and vibrant community. The area offers a mix of period properties and is home to numerous independent shops, cafes and cultural venues. Its proximity to the seafront and local attractions makes it a desirable location for those seeking character and convenience.
St Leonards-on-Sea
St Leonards-on-Sea boasts elegant Regency and Victorian architecture, particularly around areas like Warrior Square. The neighbourhood has a growing arts scene, with galleries, boutiques and cafes contributing to its creative atmosphere. Its coastal location and transport links add to its appeal for both residents and visitors.
Clive Vale
Situated on the eastern side of Hastings, Clive Vale offers a quieter residential setting with a range of property styles. The area benefits from its proximity to Hastings Country Park and local amenities, making it suitable for families and those seeking a more tranquil environment.
Blacklands
Located near Alexandra Park, Blacklands is a residential area known for its green spaces and community feel. The neighbourhood features a variety of housing options and provides easy access to schools and local services, appealing to families and professionals alike.
St Helens
St Helens offers a suburban atmosphere with tree-lined streets and a mix of housing types. The area is close to schools, parks and shopping facilities, providing a balanced lifestyle for residents seeking both convenience and a sense of community.
Ore
Ore is a large suburb of Hastings that combines residential areas with access to local amenities and schools. Its location provides convenient transport links, including a railway station, making it a practical choice for commuters and families.
West Hill
West Hill is notable for its elevated position, offering panoramic views over Hastings and the coastline. The area features a mix of housing styles and is within walking distance of the town centre and seafront, making it attractive to those seeking scenic surroundings and accessibility.
Fairlight
Located to the east of Hastings, Fairlight is a village that provides a semi-rural setting with coastal views. The area is known for its natural beauty and offers a peaceful environment, appealing to those looking for a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to Hastings.
Silverhill
Silverhill is a residential area situated between Hastings and St Leonards. It offers a range of housing options and is well-served by local shops and services. Its central location provides easy access to both town centres and the seafront.
Hollington
Hollington is a suburb of Hastings that offers a variety of housing, including family homes and apartments. The area has undergone regeneration efforts and provides access to schools, parks and shopping facilities, making it suitable for a diverse range of residents.
