Crawley area guide
Living and Investing in Crawley
Crawley is a vibrant and well-connected town with a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Today, it thrives as a dynamic hub with a robust local economy and a property market that continues to attract both homeowners and investors.
A Thriving Rental Market
Crawley boasts a highly active rental sector, making it particularly appealing for buy-to-let investors. Properties here typically offer strong yields and tend to let quickly—often within just 2–3 weeks. A significant driver of rental demand is Gatwick Airport, a major local employer that brings a steady flow of tenants to the area.
The Manor Royal Business District further supports the local economy, hosting major employers like Thales, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Veritas, among others. These companies attract mobile and professional workforces who often seek high-quality rental accommodation nearby.
If you’re considering a buy-to-let purchase, properties close to the town centre or within 15 minutes' walking distance of Three Bridges Station are particularly desirable due to their strong tenant appeal and excellent transport links.
Sales Market Overview
Crawley also enjoys a buoyant sales market, with property prices often more affordable than neighbouring towns such as Horsham and East Grinstead. The town remains popular with first-time buyers, families, and commuters alike.
Although market conditions fluctuate, Crawley has consistently shown resilience and long-term price growth. With ongoing demand and limited housing supply, the outlook remains positive, particularly for well-located and competitively priced homes.
Typical Property Prices in Crawley (as of February 2025):
Detached property – £653,000
Semi-detached property – £419,000
Terraced property – £337,000
Flat or maisonette – £218,000
Please note: These figures are based on the latest available data and are subject to change. For the most current prices, please get in touch with our team.
The town offers extensive shopping facilities and restaurants, with a vibrant nightlife for the younger generation. But the real beauty of living in Crawley is the outstanding countryside which surrounds the area. Copthorne, Rusper, Balcombe, Pease Pottage, Faygate and Handcross are a few of the surrounding villages, with properties in these areas coming at a premium. When people want a quieter lifestyle they tend to head for these villages or further south towards the coastal towns.
Crawley's location between London and Brighton makes it an excellent commuter base. London is approximately 30 minutes away, and Brighton perhaps 20 minutes (both via Three Bridges mainline link). There are two further railway stations in Crawley - in the town centre and in Ifield.
The road network is good, with the M23 linking Crawley to the M25 ring road within around 10 minutes by car. Gatwick Airport is only a 5-10 minute car journey, depending on which roads you travel and time of day.
Crawley benefits from an excellent bus service linking it to Gatwick and then onto Horley - the Fastway bus route. Buses have priority over cars at traffic lights and you will often see them whizzing down the side while you are sitting in your car at a red light. Find more information about Metrobus here.
Crawley is split into 13 neighbourhoods which vary in their housing stock, make up and reputation. The prices of properties vary dramatically depending on the neighbourhood, so it is vital to do your homework or speak to us, to get a good feel for the area.
Neighbourhood Summary
It is generally regarded that the east side of town is more affluent. Areas such as Worth (although not officially regarded as a neighbourhood by the council), Pound Hill and Maidenbower are very sought after.
Local Property Price History
Average Sale Price:
The average property price in Crawley over the past year was approximately £369,000, based on data from March 2024 to February 2025. Plumplot
Market Activity:
During this period, there were 1,100 property transactions in Crawley, indicating a decrease in market activity compared to previous years. Plumplot
Market Turnover:
The market turnover in Crawley, representing the percentage of housing stock (excluding new builds) sold over the past five years, is estimated at 14.8%.