Brighton Property Market 2025 & Local Mortgage Advice

Brighton & Hove has long been one of the most desirable places to live in the South East. With its seaside charm, vibrant cultural life, and direct train links to London, it attracts families, professionals, and investors alike. But in 2025, affordability remains a challenge — average house prices in Brighton & Hove reached £426,000 in July, up 3.5% year-on-year according to the ONS. For first-time buyers, the average price is still around £360,000, meaning deposits and mortgage affordability tests remain a hurdle.

So how do buyers, movers, and landlords navigate this competitive landscape? The answer lies in expert guidance from a local, independent mortgage adviser in Brighton. In this post, we’ll break down current market conditions, explore challenges facing different buyer groups, and explain why local expertise makes all the difference.

Brighton Housing Market Trends in 2025

Prices on the Rise, But Moderating

According to the ONS UK House Price Index, Brighton & Hove property values have continued to rise steadily, albeit at a slower pace than during the post-pandemic boom. With an average price of £426,000, Brighton remains more expensive than many other parts of Sussex and the South East.

Strong Rental Demand

The rental market in Brighton continues to thrive. Belvoir Brighton reports high demand for one- and two-bedroom flats in areas like Kemptown, Hanover, and Hove, driven by young professionals and students. This keeps rental yields attractive for buy-to-let investors, even with tighter mortgage criteria.

Mortgage Rates Stabilising

After a volatile 2023–2024, mortgage rates have begun to stabilise. Lenders are competing for business again, and some are slashing income barriers or loosening loan-to-income (LTI) limits for first-time buyers. Nationwide recently widened its criteria, while Skipton Building Society lowered its minimum income for higher LTI multiples. This creates new opportunities for Brighton buyers.

Challenges Facing Brighton Buyers

While the outlook is improving, there are still key barriers:

  • Deposit requirements: With prices above £400k, even a 10% deposit can exceed £40,000.
  • Affordability checks: Lenders still stress-test applications to ensure buyers can afford payments if rates rise.
  • Self-employed hurdles: Contractors and freelancers may face stricter income verification.
  • Property quirks: Brighton’s mix of listed buildings, converted flats, and short leases can cause issues with lender criteria.

This is where a specialist mortgage adviser in Brighton proves invaluable.

How a Brighton Mortgage Adviser Helps

At Mortgage Pro Sussex – Mortgage Broker in Brighton, we specialise in helping local buyers and landlords overcome these challenges. Here’s how:

1. Whole-of-Market Access

Unlike bank advisers who can only offer their own products, we access the whole market — meaning more lenders, more criteria flexibility, and exclusive deals not always available directly.

2. Local Property Knowledge

We understand the quirks of Brighton’s housing stock:

  • Short lease flats in Kemptown
  • Victorian terraces in Hanover
  • High-value Regency properties in Hove
  • New-builds in Preston Park or Saltdean

This means we know which lenders are more flexible with unusual property types.

3. Support for First-Time Buyers

We’ll help you:

  • Work out your maximum borrowing
  • Find the right lender to suit your income and deposit
  • Navigate government schemes like shared ownership
  • Secure a strong Agreement in Principle before you view homes

4. Options for Home Movers

If you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, we can:

  • Review whether to port your current mortgage
  • Estimate costs of moving
  • Compare rates for your next property purchase

5. Remortgage & Product Transfers

Coming to the end of a fixed deal? We can secure a new rate up to 6 months in advance — saving you from higher Standard Variable Rates (SVR). If staying with your current lender is best, we’ll handle the product transfer.

6. Buy-to-Let Expertise

For landlords, we’ll guide you through:

  • Rental stress tests
  • Portfolio landlord requirements (4+ properties)
  • Limited company buy-to-let structures
  • Mortgage options for holiday lets, popular in coastal Brighton

7. Specialist Cases

We’re experienced in:

  • Self-employed and contractor mortgages
  • Bad credit applications (defaults, CCJs, missed payments)
  • Bridging finance for chain breaks
  • Second charge mortgages for releasing equity

Case Study: A First-Time Buyer in Kemptown

Anna, a 28-year-old freelancer, wanted to buy her first one-bedroom flat in Kemptown. She had saved a £45,000 deposit but worried her self-employed income wouldn’t pass lender checks.

Working with Mortgage Pro Sussex, we found a lender that accepted day-rate contractors. We secured an Agreement in Principle quickly, giving Anna confidence to make an offer. She’s now moved into her flat and paying a manageable monthly mortgage — proof that local expertise makes the difference.

Practical Tips for Brighton Buyers

  1. Save beyond your deposit – factor in solicitor fees, surveys, removals, and stamp duty if applicable.
  2. Get a strong Agreement in Principle early – this helps when bidding in competitive markets.
  3. Consider energy efficiency – lenders increasingly factor EPC ratings into their products.
  4. Don’t just chase the lowest rate – weigh up fees, flexibility, and lender service.
  5. Speak to an adviser early – before you view, so you know what’s realistic.

Why Now Is a Good Time to Get Advice

The Brighton market remains competitive, but with lenders easing some affordability rules and mortgage rates stabilising, there’s an opportunity for both buyers and investors. Acting early with the guidance of a trusted adviser ensures you secure the right deal for your circumstances.

Speak to a Mortgage Broker in Brighton Today

If you’re buying, remortgaging, or investing in Brighton & Hove, Mortgage Pro Sussex can help you secure the right deal.

Your initial consultation is free — and could save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.

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