Is Brighton Still a Magnet for London Leavers?

As the summer heats up and we see the hordes come off the train for a dip in the sea, some professionals from the Big Smoke might be thinking now is the time to make the move to our seaside escape where you don’t have to queue two hours for an overcrowded lido.

Recent data also shows Brighton continues to attract renters from London—though shifting market dynamics mean landlords must stay strategic.

Bright Rental Growth in Brighton

• As of May 2025, average private rents in Brighton & Hove reached £1,824/month, up 5.3% year‑on‑year from £1,732 in May 2024 (thetimes.co.uk, ons.gov.uk).
• That places Brighton as the most expensive city outside London, with monthly rents higher than Bristol and other UK cities (nerdwallet.com).

So what makes Brighton so attractive if it is still so expensive?

• London rents average around £2,249/month, roughly 57% more expensive than Brighton’s—making Brighton comparatively affordable for Londoners (numbeo.com).

Why Londoners Are Still Moving

1. Value for Money

   Brighton offers coastal lifestyle, vibrant culture, and good transport links to London (approx. 1-hour train), for significantly lower rent. Considering Londoners often can commute up to 1 hour 30 minutes from their homes in West London to the hub of central London, 1 hour on the Thameslink doesn’t look so shabby.

2. Flexibility

   Hybrid working remains common, allowing tenants to leave costly London flats and commute less frequently.

3. Strong Demand & Competition

   UK rental market still tight, Zoopla reports 12 applicants per listing even as growth slows (ft.com)—so Brighton sees competition driven by incoming London renters.

Landlord Takeaways

• Highlight Connectivity: Emphasise fast broadband and nearby station links to London. Whether it’s Hove or Brighton, let the commuters know how far the station is and that they can be in London as quickly as 45 minutes.
• Offer Flexible Packages: Furnished lets and short-term contracts meet Londoners’ expectations.
• Stay Competitive on Price: While Brighton is cheaper than London, rental inflation in the city (~5%) still trails London’s (~7–11%) (ft.com, linkedin.com).

Conclusion

Brighton remains a top-choice destination for Londoners seeking affordability, quality of life, and flexible working. Demand from this segment stays strong—provided landlords offer the right mix of price, location, and convenience.