Horsham has the potential to be one of the most beautiful, healthy and opportunity-rich districts in the South East. But like much of the UK, it faces real and growing challenges – in housing, health, opportunity and access to green space – that stand between its residents and that potential. Endless urban sprawl is not the answer.
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Local people are suffering from the housing crisis. Don’t take our word for it…
This is what young people in the Horsham District said about their lives:
“I cannot be a functional young adult. I'm stuck being 16 forever. I don't believe I will own a home until my parents die.”
Alicia, about living with her parents.
“Getting on the property ladder is looking more and more hopeless”
Finn
“As a 21 year old I truly believe I'll never own or even co-own a house”
Layla
“I joined the Army to save up for housing. Otherwise I would be unable to afford to live in Horsham/Sussex”
Harry
“It’s been useful for the situation I’m in, but represents not being where I want. Graduated last summer and couldn’t get a job in London”
Zac, about living with his parents.
“Looking for new places is financially impossible due to consistent price rises”
Kai
There are thousands of people like Alicia, Finn, Layla, Harry and Zac across the country, and their feelings reflect the facts.
DID YOU KNOW…
The average house price in Horsham is almost 12 times the average salary. This is significantly higher than the national average of 7.7 times the average salary.
716 households are currently on the Horsham District Council’s housing waiting list. This number has increased by 42% from 2015/16 to 2022/23.
In Horsham median house prices have gone from £335,000 in 2015 to £413,000 in 2023 (a 23% increase). The Horsham average private rent is the highest in West Sussex.
Homelessness in rural Sussex districts has risen by 8% between 2018/19 and 2022/23
By 2045 the number of children living in temporary accommodation across the UK is expected to rise from 131,000 to 310,000 by 2045.
The average first time buyer is well over 30. Young people can’t get on the housing ladder or put down roots and are instead forced to stay with their parents or leave the area. 35% of men and 22% of women aged 20-35 live with their parents.
More than four million people aged 55 and above are actively seeking to move house but are unable to downsize to a place that’s right for them. Many experience loneliness and isolation.
Too many young people in Horsham struggle to get the skills they need to make a start in life.
Just one in 8 under-16s in Horsham have access to natural green spaces within 300 metres of where they live. Our residents can’t access enough green space or vital community facilities.
69% of the District’s commercial space was built before 1980 and business rates for the district have remained static since 2013.
