By Nathan Crombie, Director, Belvoir Brighton
Choosing the right estate agent can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home in Brighton & Hove. It’s not just about who promises the highest price or the lowest fee — it’s about trust, service, and ultimately, results.
As a property seller, you want an agent who understands the local market inside out, communicates clearly, and can secure the best possible deal for your home. With such a wide range of agencies in the area, from big-brand chains to local independents, how do you know who to trust?
At Belvoir Brighton, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Brighton, Hove and the surrounding areas sell with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the right choice for your property journey.
Choosing the right estate agent in Brighton & Hove: what you need to know
Selling in Brighton & Hove isn’t the same as selling elsewhere. This is a city shaped by character homes, architectural variety, sea views, and a diverse buyer pool. From Victorian terraces in Hanover to Regency townhouses in Kemp Town, no two streets are quite the same.
That’s why you need an estate agent who understands the nuances of the local property market — not just someone following a generic script.
We know that:
- Buyers from London and overseas often need lifestyle-focused marketing.
- Different neighbourhoods appeal to very different audiences.
- Pricing too high can lead to stagnation; too low, and you leave money on the table.
A great estate agent will help you avoid both.
How the local market affects your choice of agent
In 2025, the Brighton & Hove property market continues to show resilience despite wider economic challenges.
According to Rightmove’s House Price Index (Q2 2025):
- Average asking prices in Brighton have grown by 4.1% year-on-year.
- Properties in Hove, in particular, are achieving some of the highest price per square foot outside of London.
- Zoopla data shows that time to sell has increased slightly compared to 2024, meaning proactive marketing and accurate pricing are now more important than ever.
What does this mean for you?
- Overvaluation can delay your sale by weeks or even months.
- Poor marketing can bury your property listing beneath more appealing competition.
- The right estate agent will use data, experience and local insight to get the balance right.
What should your estate agent actually do for you?
An estate agent’s job is far more than sticking a board outside and hoping for the best.
Here’s what a good agent should be doing:
1. Accurate valuation
They should base their figure on current demand, sold prices, and local comparables — not just flattery to win your instruction.
2. High-quality marketing
This includes professional photography, floorplans, and engaging listings across Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and social media platforms.
3. Buyer qualification
Not every viewer is a serious buyer. Your agent should pre-qualify interest, ensuring only proceedable buyers are viewing your home.
4. Viewing management
They should arrange and conduct viewings (if required), provide prompt feedback, and handle access logistics.
5. Offer negotiation
An experienced agent can add real value at this stage — negotiating not just on price, but on timelines, chain position, and buyer motivation.
6. Sales progression
From offer to completion, your agent should liaise with solicitors and all parties to ensure momentum doesn’t stall.
If they’re missing any of these steps, you’re not getting full value from their fee.
How to spot a genuinely good estate agent
Here are the key qualities and credentials to look for when choosing your estate agent:
1. Local knowledge
They should be able to talk in detail about recent sales on your street, what types of buyers are active right now, and what makes your home appealing to them.
2. Transparency on fees
Make sure the agent provides a clear breakdown of their fees — including VAT, withdrawal clauses, and tie-in periods. Avoid vague pricing structures.
3. Track record and testimonials
Check their recent listings and reviews on Google, Trustpilot or allAgents. Ask for examples of similar properties they’ve sold recently.
4. Communication and service
Will you have a single point of contact? How quickly do they respond to queries? Are they proactive or reactive?
5. Marketing reach
Check if their properties stand out online. Do they use good-quality photography, compelling descriptions, and featured listings?
6. Regulatory compliance
Your agent should be part of The Property Ombudsman scheme and ideally members of Propertymark for added professionalism.
Questions to ask to find the right estate agent for you
Not sure how to separate a great agent from an average one? Ask these questions:
- How do you determine the asking price for properties like mine?
- What’s your average sale time in my area?
- How many of your listings achieve the full asking price?
- How will my home be marketed?
- Who will handle my sale day-to-day?
- What happens if I change my mind or want to switch agents?
A confident agent will answer clearly and with examples — not sales spin.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing an estate agent
We’ve seen too many homeowners regret rushing their decision. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
1. Going with the highest valuation
If an agent’s figure is significantly above others without evidence, it’s probably not realistic.
2. Picking the lowest fee
Cheap agents often rely on volume over service. You might save on fees but lose thousands on sale price or deal delays.
3. Not checking small print
Watch for long sole agency tie-ins or hidden withdrawal fees.
4. Ignoring local experience
An agent based miles away might not understand the Brighton & Hove buyer profile or local nuances.
5. Not reviewing marketing examples
Ask to see current or past listings and how they present homes like yours.
Sell with confidence through Belvoir Brighton
At Belvoir Brighton, we combine national reach with genuine local knowledge. We live and work in this city, and we know what it takes to sell homes here successfully.
Here’s why homeowners choose us:
- Accurate, data-driven valuations
- Honest advice based on real market insight
- Eye-catching marketing and expert staging advice
- Fully managed sales progression — we don’t just “list and leave”
- Clear, fair fees with no surprises
- Friendly, professional service every step of the way
Whether you’re selling a seafront apartment, a period terrace, or a family home on the city fringe, we’ll guide you through the process and help you achieve the result you want.
Book your free home valuation or contact us today to talk about selling in Brighton & Hove.
At Belvoir Brighton, we believe in honest advice, local knowledge, and doing things properly. Let’s make your next move a success.
