If you’re thinking of buying in Brighton and you’ve got a budget around £300,000, you’re likely asking one of the most important questions: what kind of property can I realistically purchase? With the average home price in Brighton & Hove well above the £300k mark, this budget requires a clear strategy.
Whether you’re a first‑time buyer, an investor, or buying to let, knowing how the local market works is essential. At Belvoir Brighton we deal in both sales and lettings, and we’re here to help you understand what to expect, what to prioritise and how to act.
A snapshot of the Brighton market in 2025
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows the average house price in Brighton & Hove as £426,000 in July 2025 – an increase of 3.5% from the previous year.
For flats and maisonettes, the market offers somewhat more realistic entry points – the average price for that property type in the area is around £300k‑£350k.
In terms of price per square metre, buyers are looking at approximately £4,400 /m² for houses and £4,100 /m² for flats in the Brighton postcode area.
What all this means is that with £300k you’ll be well below the average for a house in central Brighton – so you’ll need to be clear about what compromises you’re prepared to make in terms of size, location, condition or letting potential.
What kind of property could you buy for around £300k?
With a budget of about £300k in Brighton, you should realistically expect to be operating in one of these scenarios:
- Flats/apartments: In many cases you could secure a 1‑bed flat, or a modest 2‑bed, especially if you consider locations just outside the most desirable zones of central Brighton or seafront.
- Better value suburbs: If you are willing to live further out or in a less premium neighbourhood, you may find larger flats, or perhaps a ground‑floor maisonette with outdoor space.
- Smaller houses in outer zones: Very rarely you might find a small terraced or semi‑detached property around this budget – however, in Brighton’s core market this remains the exception rather than the rule.
For example, a well‑presented 2‑bed flat in a mid‑town area of Brighton or Hove might cost in the £290k‑£320k band. If you’re buying purely to live in, accept that it may not have the space or garden of a more expensive home. If you’re buying to let, this size and type can work well given local demand.
Key trade‑offs and things to check
Buying at this budget level means examining more than just the price tag. Here are the crucial aspects you’ll want to focus on:
- Condition and age: Older flats may hide maintenance costs; new builds carry a premium. A realistic budget should include any refurbishments or repairs.
- Location vs size: Central Brighton or seafront locations will cost you more per square metre, so you’ll get less size for £300k. Conversely, moving further out gives more space, but may affect commute/amenities.
- Service charges and leasehold terms: If you are buying a flat, check service charges, ground rent, remaining lease term – these affect value, resale and letting potential.
- Rental potential: If investing, know what rents you can realistically achieve. For instance, the average monthly private rent in Brighton & Hove in August 2025 was around £1,830.
- Resale considerations: With the local average house price significantly higher, your property may have upside – but only if the property is well located, well maintained and lets well.
What it means if you’re buying and letting
If you’re looking at £300k with the intention of letting the property, you’re shopping in a segment that suits many investors: manageable budget, good demand for flats in Brighton, especially from professionals, couples or single tenants wanting quality space.
At £1,830 a month average rent, a well‑located flat could deliver a decent gross yield (around 7.3%) – though after expenses, voids, maintenance, service charges and management fees the net yield will be lower.
Because Belvoir Brighton operates in both sales & lettings, we can offer insight on which properties at this price have strong letting potential and what to expect from running costs, return and risks.
Conclusion
To summarise: in Brighton in 2025, a budget of £300,000 gives you a realistic foothold into the property market – particularly in the flat/maisonette sector. It will rarely buy a large house in the prime locations, but with the right approach it can secure a good home or a viable investment. The key is being clear about what you want, understanding the trade‑offs, working with local experts and planning for the full cost of ownership or letting.
At Belvoir Brighton we specialise in both sales and lettings – meaning we’re well placed to help you decide what £300k will buy now, whether you plan to live in the property or let it out for rental income.
Contact our team today to view what’s available within your budget, explore letting options or simply get tailored advice for the Brighton market.
