Brighton’s unique local scene and seaside charm make it one of the most popular places to live in the UK, and a choice destination for all types of property investors. Nestled on the south coast of England, the city is home to just over 290,000 residents.
Brighton’s architecture is a captivating blend of Regency-era elegance and contemporary design. This sets it apart from neighbouring cities, such as London and Eastbourne, and makes it an enticing choice for those with a taste for the eclectic, vibrant, and colourful.
If you’re considering purchasing a buy-to-let in Brighton, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ll cover everything you need to know in this guide.
Contents
- An overview of Brighton
- Why choose Brighton for a buy-to-let?
- Where are the best areas in Brighton for a buy-to-let?
- What types of property can you invest in?
- Summary
Brighton: An Overview
Once an ancient fishing village, Brighton’s recent history as a popular seaside resort began in the 18th century following the arrival of railway links from London. The city became a hotspot for visitors and holidaymakers in search of leisure and the health benefits of fresh sea air – the extravagant King George IV included.
Today, Brighton’s majestic Regency squares and crescents, historic piers and iconic Royal Pavilion provide a backdrop for a bustling social scene famous for diversity and creativity. The local job market is thriving, particularly in high-value sectors such as digital marketing, technology, and gaming, along with traditional sectors like health and social care.
The city is home to the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, which bring in roughly 40,000 local and international students every year. As a university city, Brighton currently ranks 14th in the UK for affordability and desirability. There are also nearby universities in Bournemouth and Kent that attract thousands more students, many of whom choose to stay in the region once their studies have finished.
Most parts of the city are pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible by public transport. The local bus service is affordable, runs on a regular schedule and offers discounted student prices. It’s also home to Brighton train station, which is conveniently located in the city centre. From here there are regularly scheduled trains to other major UK cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.
Gatwick Airport is just 30 minutes away, making it very easy to travel anywhere in the world while living in the city. The area also boasts several nearby national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, including South Downs, Beachy Head and Sussex Downs – a huge draw for nature lovers!
But why does any of this matter to you, a prospective investor and landlord in the city?
Well, it shows Brighton is an exciting, sought-after place to live with a diverse mix of potential tenants – beach-loving locals, young professionals, London commuters, families, and students.
Why Choose Brighton For A Buy-To-Let?
A buy-to-let in Brighton is an excellent choice for property investors due to the city’s potential for capital appreciation. Furthermore, ongoing regeneration, a lively local culture, and easy connections to London result in exceptional rental demand.
Currently, the average price of a property in Brighton is just over £484,000 according to data from Rightmove (as of November 2024). The majority of property sales in Brighton were flats and apartments, fetching an average price of £328,000.
While it represents a higher entry price than other parts of the country, we have seen in London previously that high-value properties tend to generate the strongest capital appreciation over time. Data shows Brighton has seen an increase of approximately 100% in capital growth over the past decade.
Furthermore, the local council has undertaken several major regeneration and conservation projects in recent years and remains committed to growing a green, sustainable city.
Investment remains ongoing in popular areas such as Brighton Marina, New England Quarter and North Laine, to name just a few. Brighton’s ‘Living Coast’ is the UK’s only UNESCO-designated urban biosphere, covering the area from the River Adur in the west to the River Ouse in the east.
This investment, combined with the local culture, job market, and commuter-friendly links to London, makes Brighton a highly desirable city. This drives huge rental demand and, in turn, a profitable environment for buy-to-let investors.
If you’re currently thinking about property investment in Brighton and Hove, or anywhere in the South East of England, feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your options.
The Best Buy-To-Let Areas In Brighton
So, which are the best postcodes to consider when looking for a sound investment in Bristol? Let’s take a look at a few different hotspots for buy-to-lets in the local area.
1. BN1 – Brighton City Centre, North Laine
BN1 covers Brighton’s city centre, a highly sought-after location due to its bustling atmosphere and historic sights. This area caters to a diverse range of tenants, including working professionals, families, and students who want convenient access to places of work, lively markets, restaurants and shops.
Also within BN1, the North Laine neighbourhood is famed for its bohemian atmosphere and eclectic mix of residential and commercial properties. It features period townhouses, apartments and some student accommodation.
In the Cultural Quarter, the 19th-century Royal Pavilion draws sightseers with its Indian-style domes and minarets. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has art and local history displays, whereas the Brighton Dome Arts Centre offers plenty of gigs and events throughout the year.
Here’s the latest industry data for BN1:
- Average property price: £462,420
- Average rent: £1,632
- Average yield: 4.2%
- Change in prices over the last five years: +16%
2. BN2 – Kemptown, Hanover
The areas of Kemptown and Hanover both offer unique investment opportunities. Kemptown’s vibrant atmosphere and proximity to the seafront attract a mix of students, professionals, creatives and artists. Hanover is known for its colourful terraced houses and community spirit and has a lot of appeal for families and young professionals.
Investors can find all types of properties here, including period houses, flats, and small businesses. The area is popular with students as the University of Brighton is nearby, which means consistently high demand for student housing year after year.
Here’s the latest industry data for BN2:
- Average property price: £430,343
- Average rent: £2,155
- Average yield: 6%
- Change in prices over the last five years: +18%
3. BN3 – Hove, Aldrington
With its relaxed seaside lifestyle and ideal location just to the west of Brighton city centre, it’s easy to see why Hove consistently ranks among the most desirable locations to live in the UK, particularly for the young professional demographic.
In BN3, you can find a wide variety of property types, including spacious family homes, apartments, period properties and flats. Many of these properties have attractive architectural features that are typical of the Victorian and Regency eras, which only adds to their charm.
Here’s the latest industry data for BN3:
- Average property price: £452,191
- Average rent: £1,592
- Average yield: 4.2%
- Change in prices over the last five years: +14%
4. BN41 – Portslade, Southwick
BN41 includes the neighbourhoods of Portslade and Southwick, both of which are gaining more and more attention from buy-to-let investors. These areas provide cost-effective housing options compared to some other parts of Brighton, particularly around the city centre.
Portslade has seen ongoing investment projects funded by the local council in recent years, promising strong rental yields and greater potential for property appreciation in years to come.
Here’s the latest industry data for BN41:
- Average property price: £380,562
- Average rent: £1,679
- Average yield: 5.3%
- Change in prices over the last five years: +16%
5. BN43 – Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing
Situated between Brighton and Worthing, the town of Shoreham-by-Sea is a great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The quiet and relaxed lifestyle attracts families and retirees, which also explains the area’s strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere.
Here you’ll find plenty of recreational activities, including water sports, community centres, parks and green spaces. There are also great transport links connecting Shoreham to Brighton and Hove, so you’re never too far away from big city amenities when needed.
Here’s the latest industry data for BN43:
- Average property price: £432,881
- Average rent: £1,596
- Average yield: 4.4%
- Change in prices over the last five years: +22%
Types Of Property
Brighton Buy-To-Let
From charming terraced houses historically built for local workers to spacious detached family homes with well-established gardens and modern high-rise apartments, there’s something for everyone in Brighton’s property market.
The demand for rental properties is consistently high all year round, created by a steady stream of tenants drawn to the idea of establishing themselves in a city with such rich historical and cultural character. The vibrant arts and digital scenes have made it a hub for young professionals, which contributes to a positive forecast for long-term investment potential.
However, the average prices across the city mean it is better suited to buy-to-let investors with higher budgets (likely a minimum of £100k). That’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for something more affordable.
And due to the higher prices, rental yields are not as strong as found elsewhere in the UK. There are better returns to be found in Manchester or Liverpool, for example.
However, if you have the money, and you’re more interested in long-term capital appreciation than monthly rental income, Brighton is a superb choice for a buy-to-let. Take a look at the postcodes listed above, some show a ~20% growth in prices over five years, which equates to tens of thousands of pounds in profit for investors.
Brighton Student Property
Brighton’s student accommodation is another option for investors. The city’s two main universities attract a large population of students, many of whom choose to stay and work in Brighton long-term, providing a consistent flow of young professionals alongside the annual influx of new students.
Brighton’s student rental market is well-established and thriving, which has led to the widespread availability of property management services created to manage university accommodations.
For student landlords, it can be a significant advantage to enlist the expertise of professionals to oversee the day-to-day management of their student properties and ease the burden of managing the property themselves.
Summary
For investors with larger budgets, a buy-to-let in Brighton offers huge upside potential, given its proximity to London and the demand for high-quality rental apartments from young professionals.
If you’re weighing up your options around the Brighton area and you need a helping hand, or you’re unsure if Brighton is right for you, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your situation and main objectives for your next investment.
We’re here to help you source and purchase exceptional buy-to-let properties in an ethical manner, at no extra cost. We draw on years of experience supporting investors across Brighton, the South East of England and beyond.
About Our Data
All data, statistics, and research covered in this guide are accurate as of November 2024. We refresh this report once per year, so you can expect updated data in 2025.
