Property Market in Brighton and Hove in 2025

Key takeaways

Prices and rents are high and still rising. Average house price is £460,000 (up 3.1% year on year) and average new-let rent is £1,540 per month (up 6.4%), both well above England averages, with demand outpacing supply.
Affordability is stretched. The price-to-earnings ratio is 11.2, typical deposits near £75,000, and a £350,000 mortgage costs about £1,850 per month at current rates. Many first-time buyers look to shared ownership or family help.
Supply is tight. Planning limits, fewer new housing starts, and growth in short-term lets keep stock low. Sales volumes sit about 14% below pre-2020 levels, yet well-located homes still attract multiple offers.
Local drivers stay strong. Fast London links, coastal lifestyle, universities, and rising interest in energy-efficient homes support demand. ONS expects modest price growth of 2–3% in late 2025, with renters facing continued competition, especially for smaller central flats.

The Brighton and Hove property market in 2025 has continued to draw the attention of buyers, renters and investors across the UK. This seaside city in East Sussex offers a mixture of historic housing, Victorian terraces and modern flats. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures published in early 2025 show notable changes in both property prices and rental costs compared with previous years (ONS, 2025).

Brighton and Hove has long been a popular location for those seeking a coastal lifestyle with strong transport links to London. The data shows that in 2025 the demand for housing here remains high, driven by limited supply and a steady inflow of residents. This combination has kept property values above the national average.

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Average House Prices

According to the ONS UK House Price Index for January 2025, the average house price in Brighton and Hove stands at £460,000, compared with the England average of £305,000 (ONS, 2025). This makes it one of the most expensive areas outside London.

This price reflects a 3.1% increase compared to January 2024. The ONS attributes this rise to low stock levels on the market and strong interest from buyers relocating from London. Semi-detached properties now average £530,000, terraced houses average £475,000, and flats average around £340,000.

The data shows house price growth here is higher than in some surrounding areas of Sussex. Coastal charm, a strong culture scene, and proximity to the South Downs continue to attract people prepared to pay above-average prices for homes.

Rental Market Trends

The ONS Index of Private Housing Rental Prices (IPHRP) shows that in Brighton and Hove the average monthly rent for new lets in 2025 is £1,540, compared with the England average of £1,280 (ONS, 2025). This marks an annual increase of 6.4%, which is faster than the national rental growth rate.

Rental growth has been driven by high competition among tenants, especially for one and two-bedroom flats. Demand from students at the University of Sussex and University of Brighton adds further pressure. The rising cost of buying property means some residents remain in the rental sector longer, which adds to demand.

Factors Driving Current Market Conditions

Several factors influence the Brighton and Hove market in 2025:

Limited Supply: Tight planning controls and limited available land reduce the number of new homes built each year.
Coastal Location: The seafront and nearby countryside make it attractive to those seeking lifestyle benefits.
Commuter Access: Regular train services to London attract buyers who work in the capital but want to live outside it.
Student Population: Two universities contribute to rental demand year-round.
Tourism Appeal: Short-term holiday lets reduce the number of homes available for long-term residents.

The ONS data shows that housing supply has not kept pace with population growth, which supports prices and rents at high levels.

First-Time Buyers

ONS housing affordability figures for 2025 show that the ratio of median house price to median gross annual earnings in Brighton and Hove is now 11.2 (ONS, 2025). This makes it harder for first-time buyers to get on the ladder compared with nearby areas such as Worthing, where the ratio is 9.4.

Many first-time buyers rely on family support or seek shared-ownership schemes. The ONS reports that the average deposit for first-time buyers in Brighton and Hove is approximately £75,000, which is significantly above the national average.

Mortgage Rates and Finance

The Bank of England base rate in early 2025 remained at 4.5%, which is higher than pre-2022 levels. This has raised mortgage repayments for new buyers. ONS data shows a slight drop in transaction volumes in late 2024 as potential buyers delayed moving. In 2025 some stability in rates has encouraged activity to pick up again, though borrowers remain cautious.

For a typical £350,000 mortgage in Brighton and Hove, buyers are paying around £1,850 per month on a 25-year term at current rate levels. The ONS analysis highlights the link between interest rates and housing affordability.

Demand for Sustainable Homes

ONS environmental data shows that 35% of new homes built in East Sussex in 2024 achieved an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of A or B, compared with 29% in 2023 (ONS, 2025). Buyers and renters in Brighton and Hove are showing more interest in energy efficiency. High energy prices in 2023–2024 made running costs a greater concern.

Developers are marketing homes with features such as improved insulation, heat pumps and solar panels. In a high-cost market, lowering monthly bills adds real value for buyers.

Regional Property Price Comparison

ONS regional house price data shows Brighton and Hove values remain higher than nearby towns. For example:

Worthing average: £356,000
Eastbourne average: £290,000
Hastings average: £265,000

This gap reflects the premium people pay for living in Brighton and Hove. Proximity to central Brighton and the beaches is priced highly in the market.

Neighbourhood Differences

The ONS small area data highlights differences within Brighton and Hove:

Central Brighton: Higher prices for flats and maisonettes near the seafront. High demand from young professionals.
Hove: Large Victorian and Edwardian houses attract families. Higher average values.
Kemp Town: Popular with both local residents and buyers from elsewhere in the UK.
Hanover: Terraced streets, popular with first-time buyers when stock is available.
Saltdean and Rottingdean: Larger detached houses with sea views.

These neighbourhood trends allow buyers and renters to choose between price points and property types.

Transaction Volumes

The ONS House Price Index transaction figures for 2025 show that sales volumes in Brighton and Hove are around 14% lower than the pre-2020 average. This is linked to fewer homes being listed for sale, as well as affordability limits. The number of properties bought by investors has reduced compared with the 2010s, due to higher taxes and regulatory changes.

Despite lower overall volumes, the reduced supply has not caused prices to drop. In many cases, well-located homes still attract multiple offers.

Affordability for Renters

For renters, ONS affordability data shows average rents take up around 36% of median monthly gross income in Brighton and Hove (ONS, 2025). This is higher than the England-wide figure of 30%. For low-income households, this leads to high housing cost burdens. Some renters have moved further inland to seek lower rents.

New Housing Developments

ONS construction output statistics for early 2025 show limited new housing starts in Brighton and Hove compared with targets set in the City Plan. Planning restrictions and local concerns over large developments reduce the volume of new homes delivered.

When new developments do proceed, they tend to sell quickly. Mixed-use schemes combining housing and community spaces remain popular with planners and residents.

Short-Term Let Impact

ONS experimental tourism accommodation statistics note that Brighton and Hove has one of the highest concentrations of short-term lets in England outside London (ONS, 2025). The growth of online holiday let platforms has reduced the stock of private rentals available for long-term tenants. Brighton and Hove City Council has discussed measures to regulate this sector.

2025 Market Outlook

The ONS forecasts modest house price growth of 2–3% for Brighton and Hove in the second half of 2025. High demand, limited supply, stable but elevated interest rates and local popularity are expected to maintain current market strength.

For those buying in 2025, the combination of high prices and steady demand suggests the market is unlikely to see major declines without a wider national shift in conditions. Renters may continue to face rising costs if supply remains tight.

Final Thoughts

Brighton and Hove in 2025 remains one of the priciest locations in the South East outside London. ONS data paints a clear picture of a market defined by limited supply, sustained demand, and strong competition both to buy and to rent.

Local buyers, those moving from other parts of the UK and investors will need to plan for higher costs than in most areas. Renters face strong competition and rising monthly outgoings, especially for smaller homes in central locations. The seaside lifestyle, cultural attractions and quick access to London keep demand high. The ONS figures confirm that in 2025 Brighton and Hove continues to be a market where demand outstrips supply.

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: Office for National Statistics.