Renting in Brighton Is Now Cheaper Than Buying: Here’s What That Means for You

19th May 2026

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

For renters in Brighton & Hove, this highlights something many people in the city are already experiencing: buying a first home remains incredibly expensive, especially with higher mortgage rates and property prices continuing across the South East.

According to Rightmove’s latest data, average monthly 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.

In Brighton, where property prices are significantly above the national average, the gap can feel even bigger.

For many people, renting continues to offer greater flexibility, lower upfront costs and access to areas that may otherwise be unaffordable to buy in. Whether it’s being close to the beach, cafés in Fiveways, commuter links to London or Brighton’s universities, renting still provides access to some of the city’s most desirable locations without the pressure of a large deposit or rising mortgage repayments.

At the same time, tenants across Brighton are becoming more conscious of value for money. Well-maintained, energy-efficient homes with good transport links and practical living spaces are continuing to be the most sought-after.

While the housing market continues to shift, Brighton remains one of the UK’s most in-demand rental cities thanks to its lifestyle, employment opportunities, universities and strong commuter connections.

For many renters, the latest figures simply reinforce that renting is not just the more flexible option right now, but increasingly the more affordable one too.