House prices have risen unexpectedly since the start of the year, according to January’s monthly report from the Halifax. Halifax admitted to being confounded by the figures, which contradicted expectations that prices would show a further drop after falling steadily throughout 2008. Instead the report shows that the average price of a home in the UK has risen by 1.9% since the end of last year. It is the first rise in the prices of property for sale since January last year, when prices rose by just 0.1%.

A Halifax spokesman said that although the figures do show early signs of the housing market beginning to stabilize at a low level the property market was probably still likely to have a difficult year. He also said that the three-month figures, which are generally a better indicator of trends in the market, show an overall drop in prices of 5.2%. For now, it would seem the Halifax report is the exception to the rule – their rival lenders Nationwide reported a 1.3% drop in prices for January, a figure much closer to predictions.

These nationwide figures are unlikely to affect most local property markets and most are still seeing the reduced prices we would expect from a country in recession. The cost of property for sale in Sussex is closer to reflecting the expected drop in prices than the surprise increases of the Halifax report. It would seem although we could be seeing the first signs that the property market is beginning a slow recovery, there is still a way to go yet before things are back to normal.

The anomaly of the Halifax report could be partly explained by the recent boom in some areas of London, which has just been listed as the third most expensive city in the world (after Monte Carlo and Moscow) in the World’s Most Expensive Residential Real Estate Markets 2008. Prices in London have risen partly due to overseas buyers attracted by lower prices and a weak pound.

From idyllic coastlines to the rolling hills of the South Downs, historical towns and villages to modern bustling cities, there is sure to be something for everyone in Sussex. Whether you like to go for long walks, relax and sunbathe on the beach or shop ‘til you drop, you’ll find plenty to amuse yourself. With a huge range of different property for sale, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s needs. Here are just a few reasons why Sussex is a great place to live…

1. Scenery
Sussex is uniquely positioned between the coast and the South Downs, so you really get the best of both worlds. The beautiful coastline has beaches of all kinds, from the pebble beaches of Brighton and Eastbourne to the wide open sands at West Wittering or the stunning white cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. If a day at the beach is not your style, there are endless options for walking on the Downs, with planned routes for walkers of all abilities to take in the scenery see some of Sussex’s many historical sights along the way.

2. Economy
So the whole country may be in recession at the moment, but some areas of business are still looking promising. Brighton is a buzzing hub for many of these internet-based businesses, and there is still work availableif you know where to look. Property for sale in Sussex is still amongst the highest valued in the UK, and with numerous new developments of residential property in towns still going ahead despite the recession it’s looking like Sussex could be one of the first areas to bounce back.

3. Family
Sussex is a really good place for kids to grow up. Too many children have never left the city or seen the sea but even if you live in the centre of Brighton you have both the beach and the countryside at your disposal. There are loads of family attractions and activities, from historical sites that offer the opportunity to play and learn, to exciting adventure playgrounds, parks and zoos.

4. Culture
The arts have always played a major role in life in Sussex, with hundreds of small galleries and studios throughout the county. There are also loads of theatres and venues of all sizes that show all sorts of performance from drama and dance to comedy and music. Check out the Brighton Festival in May for a unique experience – second only to Edinburgh festival!

5. Location
It’s not just the proximity to both the beach and the countryside that makes Sussex such an attractive location. It’s brilliant for transport links – Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second largest after Heathrow, and it’s not far to drive along the coast to the channel tunnel. London is within easy reach – a train from Brighton to London takes under an hour – so it’s an easy commute and all the attractions of the capital are available without the cost or of living in the city.