South-east 'has higher quality of life'

The south-east of England has been described as having a superior quality of life to other parts of the country.

Charlie Snell, director of estate agency Brighton and Hove Family Homes, said the region has a range of advantages over other parts of the country.

These include lower crime and unemployment, better schools and longer life expectancy, he said, as well as better weather, with Eastbourne being the sunniest place in Britain and Southend-on-Sea having the least rainfall.

He added that Brighton itself has a high quality of life, with 94 per cent of residents describing themselves as happy.

"I think this is to do with the fact that Brighton has all the attractions of a city while also being by the sea and the carefree attitude that being by the sea engenders," Mr Snell suggested.

However, those wanting to live in the region face a higher than average house price.

According to the latest Land Registry figures, the average home in the region is priced at £229,289, compared with the average for England and Wales of £183,626.

For this reason, some may look at the possibilities of self build in order to obtain a home in the region in a more affordable way.