Renting could now be cheaper than buying in Brighton

19th May 2026

New research from Rightmove shows that renting is now cheaper than buying for the average first-time buyer in Great Britain for the first time since June 2025.

While the data is national, the trend is particularly relevant in Brighton & Hove, where higher-than-average property values continue to create significant affordability barriers for first-time buyers.

Rightmove’s research found that average mortgage payments are now around £1,670 per month, compared to average rents of £1,547. In the South East, renting is reportedly more than £360 per month cheaper than buying on average. This affordability gap is likely to keep many would-be buyers in the rental sector for longer.

For Brighton landlords, this reinforces several trends already visible across the local market:

• Demand from young professionals is likely to remain strong as higher mortgage costs delay homeownership
• Tenants are becoming increasingly price-sensitive and value-driven
• Well-presented, realistically priced properties continue to outperform poorer quality stock
• Rental demand remains supported by Brighton’s commuter links, universities and constrained housing supply

However, affordability pressures still remain a key challenge. While demand is steady, tenants are scrutinising value more closely than ever, particularly in shared housing and student accommodation. Overpriced or tired properties are taking longer to let in the current market.

The data also comes at a time when landlords are balancing rising compliance obligations and operational costs following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Despite this, Brighton continues to offer strong long-term fundamentals as a rental market. Limited housing supply, continued demand from renters and the ongoing difficulty of accessing homeownership are all factors helping to underpin the sector moving into 2026.