By the Belvoir Brighton team
Brighton & Hove is one of the UK’s most distinctive property markets. Known for its seaside charm, creative culture, and proximity to London, the city attracts a wide range of buyers, sellers, and investors. In 2025, the market is experiencing a mix of opportunities and challenges shaped by affordability, lifestyle appeal, and shifting demand patterns.
So, if you’re planning to buy or sell in Brighton & Hove this year, what do you need to know? Here’s our summer 2025 update on the key trends driving the local housing market.
Brighton & Hove at a glance
Brighton & Hove has long been a magnet for professionals, families, and retirees alike. With a population of around 290,000, the city offers a blend of historic architecture, modern developments, and vibrant coastal living.
Its appeal is boosted by:
- Commuter access: Trains to London in just over an hour make it a top choice for commuters.
- Lifestyle: From The Lanes’ independent shops to Brighton Pier and the South Downs National Park, it offers a unique mix of culture and coast.
- Universities: Both the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex fuel steady rental demand.
This variety means the market remains resilient, even during periods of wider economic uncertainty.
Average property prices in Brighton & Hove
According to the latest data from Rightmove and Zoopla, the average property price in Brighton & Hove in summer 2025 is around £440,000–£460,000, well above the UK national average.
Breakdown by property type:
- Flats/apartments: £300,000–£350,000 on average. Seafront locations and areas like Kemp Town or Hove fetch premium prices.
- Terraced houses: £450,000–£550,000, with Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Hanover and Fiveways especially sought after.
- Semi-detached homes: £550,000–£650,000, popular in family areas like Hove Park and Westdene.
- Detached homes: £800,000+, particularly in Saltdean, Hove Park, and the outskirts near the Downs.
While price growth has slowed compared to the pandemic boom, Brighton & Hove remains one of the strongest coastal markets in the UK.
Who’s buying in Brighton & Hove?
The city attracts a broad mix of buyers:
- First-time buyers: Often supported by family or shared ownership schemes, many are targeting one- and two-bed flats.
- Families: Drawn to areas like Hove, Preston Park, and Saltdean for good schools and larger homes.
- Commuters: Working in London but seeking a coastal lifestyle.
- Investors: Targeting student lets around Moulsecoomb and Elm Grove, as well as Airbnb opportunities near the seafront.
Popular neighbourhoods in 2025
- Hanover: Known for colourful terraces and a strong community vibe. Popular with young professionals and families.
- Hove: Offers more space and quieter living while still close to the seafront. Family homes are in strong demand.
- Kemp Town: Creative, bohemian, and close to the hospital and seafront — appealing to both professionals and investors.
- Saltdean & Rottingdean: Coastal villages that attract families and retirees looking for space and sea views.
- Preston Park & Fiveways: Green space, good schools, and character properties make them family favourites.
Buyer demand in summer 2025
Brighton & Hove continues to experience strong buyer demand, though affordability challenges remain. The market is driven by:
- Lifestyle migration: Buyers relocating from London and other cities for quality of life.
- Education: Families seeking homes near high-performing schools such as Dorothy Stringer and Cardinal Newman.
- Energy efficiency focus: Buyers are increasingly attentive to EPC ratings and long-term energy costs.
What sellers in Brighton & Hove need to know
- Presentation is crucial: Buyers in Brighton are discerning. Homes with fresh décor, modern kitchens, and well-kept gardens stand out.
- Highlight lifestyle benefits: Proximity to the seafront, green space, and schools are major selling points.
- Set realistic prices: The market is competitive — overpricing risks your home lingering unsold.
- Outdoor space adds value: Balconies, courtyards, and gardens are especially appealing in summer.
What buyers in Brighton & Hove need to know
- Be mortgage ready: With property values above average, securing a mortgage agreement in principle early is essential.
- Move quickly in hotspots: Family homes in Hove, Preston Park, and Hanover often receive multiple offers.
- Balance lifestyle with budget: Areas just outside the centre, like Patcham or Portslade, offer more space for the money.
- Consider long-term value: Regeneration in the city centre and ongoing transport improvements mean certain areas may see stronger growth.
Rental market trends
Brighton & Hove’s rental market is as competitive as ever.
- One-bed flats: £1,200–£1,400 per month in central areas.
- Two-bed flats: £1,600–£1,800 per month in Hove or near the seafront.
- Three-bed houses: £2,000–£2,400 in family areas such as Preston Park.
Student lets in Moulsecoomb, Elm Grove, and Hollingdean continue to deliver strong yields, while short-term lets near the seafront remain popular with investors (subject to licensing and regulation).
Key summer 2025 trends
- Sustained demand despite affordability challenges – Brighton remains a lifestyle city with broad appeal.
- Energy efficiency matters – homes with modern insulation, double glazing, and efficient boilers are more attractive.
- Family homes in demand – particularly in Hove, Saltdean, and Preston Park.
- Flats driving first-time buyer interest – especially in Hanover, Kemp Town, and city-centre conversions.
- Rental yields remain strong – but landlords must stay compliant with evolving regulation.
Final thoughts
Brighton & Hove continues to prove its resilience in 2025. For buyers, it offers lifestyle, connectivity, and long-term value. For sellers, demand is still strong — but presentation, realistic pricing, and marketing are key.
At Belvoir Brighton, we combine local insight with national data to help you make the best property decisions. Whether you’re buying your first flat, selling a family home, or considering an investment, our team is here to guide you.
Book your free property valuation with Belvoir Brighton
Because in Brighton & Hove, property isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about finding the right move for your future.
