Littlehampton forms the western most settlement of the Greater Brighton conurbation, having over 475,000 (2011) residents on its doorstep. Its identity along the south coast as a popular seaside town guarantees visitors all year round. The town is surrounded by natural beauty nestling beside the river Arun, three miles south of South Downs National Park, and Climping beach to the west being designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The mild climate and seaside character attracts large numbers of inward migration looking for an excellent quality of life.

Littlehampton has great transport links. The A259 and A284 connect the town to other major roads—A27 and A24—making Littlehampton easily accessible by car. Brighton, to the east, and Portsmouth, to the west are approximately 45 minutes in either direction. Commitments to major infrastructure improvements to the road network will make Littlehampton even more accessible and attractive as a place to invest in. Rail links provide half-hourly direct services to London, Gatwick Airport and other towns and cities on the West Coast Mainline (Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester, Worthing, and Brighton).

The population of Littlehampton is steadily increasing along with the wider West Sussex area. New housing developments and inward migration continue to be the drivers for steady population growth. Annual population change is approximately +0.73% causing the population to rise from 55,709 in 2011 to over 60,000 in 2021. The population is forecast to continue to grow, providing an excellent market for business expansion.

Littlehampton has a range of Development Sites & Opportunities that enable and encourage inward investment. Premises of all types are well catered for, with land also being made available for new developments. Land that has been identified as having potential for development will align with policies of the Adopted Local Plan. These range in type, some are greenfield sites with others in prime locations such as the town centre. The Council proactively works with developers to identify opportunities and development proposals that support policy objectives and progress regeneration plans.

Arun District Council's Planning Policy & Plan-making process is geared towards making business as easy as possible. Along its partners, it offers a wealth of Business Development & Support to help Littlehampton's businesses thrive. Business Grants and Funding is available to encourage ingenuity and investment.

Littlehampton is one of the most affordable towns along the Sussex coast that offers a wide range of properties. Characterful Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties are plentiful toward the centre and the beach, with more modern housing available on the periphery of the town. To the west, affluent private estates such as Kingston Gorse, Willowhayne, Angmering on Sea, and Ham Manor offer prestigious, luxurious housing, with affordable family homes and flats situated to the north and east. Many new housing developments are being built on the outskirts that offer modern comforts in attractively landscaped surroundings.

Littlehampton has seen a tide of regeneration projects, starting in the early 2000s with the East Bank regeneration of the river and harbour. This is had a transformational effect in boosting confidence and exposing Littlehampton as a hidden gem. Ever since, the town has benefitted from dozens of investment projects which have all brought new life and character to the town. The momentum sees no sign of slowing with many more projects underway or planned for the future.

Well established regeneration ambitions are outlined in Arun District Council's Adopted Local Plan. It outlines its vision for Littlehampton: allocating land and planning infrastructure to support and encourage prosperity and growth. It covers housing, retail, leisure, essential community services, and business opportunity. Private investment is an essential component in future planning that provides new jobs and ideas to the community and is actively encouraged as the primary driving force behind regeneration.