Why West Sussex is a prime location for commercial property investment

When it comes to choosing the right location for commercial property investment, savvy investors look beyond the obvious city-centre opportunities. Increasingly, attention is turning to areas with strong fundamentals, growing economies, and high demand – without the London price tag. One such standout is West Sussex.

At Jacobs Steel, our Commercial team is seeing more and more clients exploring West Sussex as a strategic place to invest. Here’s why.

1. Strategic connectivity and infrastructure

West Sussex enjoys excellent transport links. The A27 and A23 connect businesses to Brighton, London, Portsmouth and beyond, while Gatwick Airport offers international accessibility – ideal for logistics, retail, and professional services.

Rail connections from towns like Worthing, Chichester, and Crawley also provide regular services to London, making the region highly attractive for businesses looking to be close to the capital without the costs.

2. A growing and diverse economy

West Sussex is home to a broad range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and digital tech to professional services, healthcare, and tourism. Key growth areas like Brighto are hubs for innovation and commercial expansion, while coastal towns like Worthing and Littlehampton are seeing a revival in commercial interest.

With a mix of established companies and emerging SMEs, there’s a strong base of commercial tenants looking for quality space.

3. High demand for workspace, limited supply

One of the reasons West Sussex continues to offer strong returns is due to the imbalance between demand and supply. Commercial space, particularly well-positioned office and industrial units, is in short supply in many parts of the county, driving up rents and increasing yield potential for landlords.

Whether you’re looking at retail premises, warehousing, or mixed-use developments, the local market dynamics work in investors’ favour. Learn more about finding the right commercial premises.

4. Ongoing regeneration and development

West Sussex is benefitting from significant local authority investment in town centre improvements, housing, and business infrastructure. Chichester’s Southern Gateway, Worthing’s Station Square, and Burgess Hill’s regeneration plans are just a few examples of projects designed to attract businesses and improve the commercial landscape.

Investing now means getting ahead of the curve while values remain competitive.

5. Strong long-term rental prospects

With continued population growth and an influx of London-based businesses seeking more space and better value, West Sussex offers resilient rental demand. Businesses that relocated during or after the pandemic are now firmly rooted in the area, helping to maintain stable tenancies and reduce vacancy risks.

6. Types of commercial property in West Sussex

West Sussex offers a wide range of commercial property, from high street shops and modern offices to industrial units and logistics warehouses. The region’s strong transport links and growing economy make it ideal for retail, office-based businesses, and light manufacturing.

Investors can also find opportunities in hospitality venues, mixed-use buildings, and development land. With rising demand and limited supply in key areas, West Sussex remains a smart choice for commercial property investment.

Considering a commercial investment in West Sussex?

At Jacobs Steel, we have deep roots in the West Sussex property market and provide expert commercial valuations to support your decision-making. Let us help you assess opportunities and understand the real value of your next investment.