Brighton & Hove Property Market Update 2025

24th April 2025

If you’ve been thinking about selling in Brighton or Hove, you’ve probably had a few questions running through your head:

Is now a good time to sell?

Are buyers still active?

And how much could I actually get for my property in today’s market?

The key is knowing how to work with the market, not against it.

A Two-Sided Look at Residential Sales and the Buy-to-Let Landscape

As we settle into Spring, the Brighton & Hove property market continues to evolve. While national headlines often speak in broad strokes, the reality on the ground in Brighton is more nuanced.

Here’s a detailed look at both sides of the market, and what sellers, buyers, and investors should know right now.

The Residential Market: Slower, Smarter, Still Moving

Recent data indicates a resurgence in buyer confidence. Improved mortgage rates have made homeownership more accessible, encouraging both first-time buyers and movers to re-enter the market.

The average house price in Brighton and Hove was £424,000 in February 2025, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year. Buyers are showing a preference for energy-efficient homes and properties that are move-in ready. This trend is influencing sellers to focus on presenting their homes in the best possible light to attract these discerning buyers.​ (Office for National Statistics)

What’s Getting Attention in 2025?

• Move-in ready homes are seeing the strongest demand. Buyers are less likely to take on major renovation work unless the price reflects it.
• Energy efficiency is becoming more important. EPC ratings, modern heating systems, insulation, and smart home features are all playing a role in decision-making.
• Outdoor space and flexibility are still in demand, particularly among remote workers, young families, and upsizers.
• Neighbourhoods like Fiveways, Queen’s Park, Preston Park, and Hove Park remain hotspots for families and professionals. Areas like Hanover and Hollingdean continue to attract first-time buyers who are looking for community, charm, and value.

The Buy-to-Let and HMO Market in Brighton: Strategic Opportunities at the Start of 2025

The economic shifts of the past two years have reshaped how landlords invest in Brighton. With average two-year fixed mortgage rates now available below 4% for 60% LTV borrowers, borrowing is more manageable again, but investors are proceeding with care. Compliance, efficiency, and yield are the driving forces.

A More Selective, Yield-Focused Investment Landscape

Tax changes and tighter EPC regulations have made it harder to justify poor-performing stock. Landlords are focusing on licensed, well-maintained HMOs that already meet current and future requirements, especially properties with EPC ratings of C or higher. These assets are attracting premium interest because they are income-ready and require minimal capital expenditure.

High Demand Keeps HMOs Competitive

Despite the rapid expansion of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), traditional HMOs continue to outperform in several key Brighton postcodes. As of Q1 2025, Brighton remains one of the most in-demand student cities in the UK, with over 37,000 full-time students and a growing professional renter base.

Areas like Lewes Road, Bevendean, and Hanover continue to see year-round demand from students and young professionals. Rents have climbed steadily in these areas, with the average student room in Brighton letting for £148 per week and professional HMO rooms reaching £170 to £200 per week (Coapt internal data; StuRents)

Key investor focus areas in early 2025:

Licensed HMOs: These continue to outperform due to Brighton’s city-wide Article 4 designation.

Tenanted Stock: Properties with tenants in situ remain in high demand among investors seeking instant returns and minimal voids.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Properties that have been improved to meet expected EPC C thresholds are commanding higher values and reduced time on market.

The Bottom Line for HMO Investors in 2025

This is a more disciplined market than in previous years, but for those with the right approach, Brighton remains an excellent place to invest in HMOs. Net yields remain strong, tenant demand is consistent, and Article 4 continues to limit new supply.

As leading Brighton and Hove estate agents, we manage over 15% of Brighton’s HMO stock, giving us daily insight into what investors are paying for, where tenants are renting, and how regulation is shaping the market. Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio or exit with maximum value, our team is ready to guide you through it with local expertise and investment insight.

So, What Does This All Mean?

The Brighton & Hove property market is no longer a race. It is a more considered process, one where preparation, pricing, and presentation all matter.

For residential sellers, the message is clear: understand your buyers, price realistically, and focus on what makes your home liveable. For investors, quality matters more than ever. Strong management, compliant paperwork, and good rental history go a long way in securing a smooth sale.

Whether you are moving on, buying your next home, or adjusting your investment portfolio, this is still an active market with opportunities on both sides.

At Coapt, we work across both residential and investment property, giving our team a unique understanding of Brighton’s market from every angle. If you are thinking about your next move, we would love to have a conversation.

Get in touch for honest advice, local insight, and a strategy that fits your goals.

Sources:

The Times, “Mortgage rates fall below 4 percent,” March 2025

Brighton & Hove Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), 2024

StuRents Brighton Market Report

Brighton & Hove City Council, HMO Licensing and Article 4 Policy

Coapt Market Data, 2025