Brands & Buying a Home: Why Chichester is a Stand-out Star

While many people are motivated to move because they need more – or less - space, White & Brooks regularly assists those who crave a change of lifestyle. City living remains a desirable aspiration, chiefly because it offers a high concentration of cultural and retail assets in a central location.

Not all cities are created equal, however. A recent article in the Daily Mail discussed what brands signify that an area is being gentrified. While that act of gentrification is contentious for some, it’s generally felt an area with smart stores, upmarket chains and a thriving shopping quarter is a good thing. Just ask our sales teams - they know a location crammed full of quality places to eat, drink, shop and socialise can be an advantage when selling a property.

That’s why Chichester is such an amazing city. Although smaller in size when compared to  metropolises such as London, Birmingham and Manchester, Chichester features a high concentration of the elements that home movers love.

The article listed a selection of brands that show an area is improving and, perhaps, attracting a better calibre of resident. We thought it would be interesting to see how many of the mentioned brands are already in Chichester

Waitrose, Aldi and M&S

The Waitrose effect is a property phenomenon that’s well documented. In fact, a 2017 report by Lloyd's Bank found that living near a branch of the upscale supermarket could add more than £36,000 to a property’s price.

More modern thinking suggests the allure of a decent supermarket has spread beyond Waitrose. M&S is a store that continues to find favour, while the continental produce and low prices of Aldi have catapulted the German supermarket into the shopping spotlight. You’ll find a branch of Waitrose and Aldi in Chichester, while the city boasts three branches of M&S.

Waterstones

The presence of a good book shop is a great indicator that the population is well read and places emphasis on the pleasure of finding books the old fashioned way. Waterstones was mentioned as a barometer for bookstore excellence and Chichester has a brilliant branch on West Street.

The Pig and The Ivy

Fine dining and luxury staycation-style short breaks have become coveted ways to spend spare time, and the Daily Mail journalist flagged up two chains that have perfected the art. The Pig has brought its shabby chic take on country house style to a very select number of locations and its South Downs venue is only a 20 minute drive from Chichester. The Ivy has trod a similar path, branching out from its original Covent Garden restaurant to open a collection of brasseries across the UK. The Ivy in Chichester is 1 of only 12 in the South East.

Space NK and L’Occitane 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it’s also in the eye of the home mover! Having easy access to high-end health and beauty brands is seen as a desirable asset. Space NK and L’Occitane were cited as stores that people love to peruse, with both brands enjoying branches in Chichester.

Farm shops

It’s hard to beat fresh, organic and locally-grown produce but it appears the appeal of farm shops extends much further than carrots and craft beer. There is a wholesome and somewhat highbrow feeling to loading your wicker basket - farm shop are very much the place to see and be seen. Chichester is no stranger to specialist stores, with Runcton Farm Shop, The Old Piggery Farm Shop and Goodwood Farm Shop close by.

Moving to Chichester?

Our Chichester office is selling a wonderful selection of flats and houses for sale in the city. Call 01243 870044 or email chichester@whiteandbrooks.co.uk to join our enquiry list, to book a viewing of a currently listed property or to request a valuation of a home you own in Chichester.