Buying your first home in Brighton is exciting, but it can feel like a lot at once, finances, viewings, legal steps, surveys and then the move itself. This guide breaks it down step by step, with Brighton specific reminders that help you avoid last minute stress on exchange and completion week.
We’re fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by Admiral Platinum, hundreds of five star Google reviews, and our eco pledge to reuse boxes, favour Esso Ethos fuel where possible and run paperless bookings.
Buying a House in Brighton
Understanding Your Finances
Before diving into property listings, it's wise to get a handle on your financial situation. Check your credit score, as this will influence your mortgage options. Then, create a realistic budget, factoring in your deposit, monthly mortgage payments, and other costs like solicitor fees and surveys. As a house buyer or purchaser your financial standing will streamline your Brighton house hunt.
Saving for Your Deposit
Most lenders ask for a minimum deposit, usually 5-10% of the property's price. A larger deposit can secure better mortgage deals. If you're still saving, consider a Lifetime ISA, which offers government contributions. Every bit counts when aiming for favourable mortgage terms in Brighton.
First-time buyers in Brighton & Hove paid an average of £363,000 in August 2025, compared with £349,000 a year earlier.
Securing a Mortgage in Principle
A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) shows sellers and estate agents your borrowing capacity. Having one demonstrates your seriousness as a buyer in Brighton's competitive market. Most lenders can provide an MIP relatively quickly, giving you a clearer idea of your price range.
Local business spotlight: Fox & Sons (Sussex)
Fox & Sons is a long-established estate agency brand in the Connells/Sequence group, with 50+ offices across the South Coast and multiple branches in Sussex for sales, lettings and mortgages. Their national Sequence network advertises through 320+ branches, which helps push listings to a wider buyer pool.
You’ll find Fox & Sons branches in key Sussex locations including Brighton (Western Road & Lewes Road), Hove, Preston Park, Kemp Town, Lewes, Seaford, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, handy if you’re registering in more than one area.
Beyond listings, they offer mortgage services and a free “Help to Find” buyer service (they’ll canvass for properties that match your brief, even off-market), plus in-house photography, floorplans, EPCs, auctions and surveys, useful if you want a one-stop shop.
Local Pro Tip: Period Properties, Let The Survey Guide Your Move Plan
If your survey flags tight stairs, low beams, narrow doorways, or awkward access, use that information to plan the move, not just the purchase. Older Hanover style terraces and converted flats often need furniture split down, extra protection on corners, and a clearer hallway run. Tell us what the survey suggests about access and we will plan the loading order and protection so nothing is forced or rushed.
If you’re moving with us, we can coordinate viewings around your move plan and time key-handover days to match van arrival. For Brighton city-centre buyers, the Western Road office is central (BN1 2AD; 01273 777000) and easy to reach between viewings.
Note: Fox & Sons trades as a brand of Sequence (UK) Ltd; mortgage/insurance activity is regulated via Connells Ltd.
Exploring Brighton's Property Market
Brighton's property market is diverse, offering everything from apartments in The Laines to Victorian terraces in Hanover and modern homes in Hove. Consider location, neighbourhood vibe, proximity to work, schools, and transport. Think about amenities, green spaces, and whether you prefer a period property or new build, as well as leasehold versus freehold. Research different areas and market trends to ensure your investment has growth potential.
Leasehold vs Freehold: What's the difference
With a freehold you own the property and the land outright. You’re responsible for maintenance, you don’t pay ground rent or service charges to a landlord, and you can usually alter the home within planning/building rules.
With a leasehold you own the right to live in the property for a set term but not the land. Most flats in Brighton & Hove are leasehold. You’ll typically pay ground rent (if applicable) and service charges for communal areas, need consent for certain alterations, and the lease length matters for mortgages and resale value. Leases under 85–90 years often need attention; extending early is usually cheaper than waiting.
You may also see “share of freehold”, where flat owners jointly own the freehold; it still sits on a lease but gives more control over costs and management. “Commonhold” is rarer but means you own your unit outright and share responsibility for common areas through an association.
Making an Offer and Negotiating
Once you've found a suitable property, make an offer. Be prepared to negotiate, and don't hesitate to offer below the asking price if justifiable. Remember to make your offer subject to a successful survey and mortgage approval. In Brighton's fast-paced market, being decisive yet strategic is key.
Legal Aspects of Buying a House in Brighton
Instructing a Solicitor
A conveyancing solicitor is essential for handling the legal aspects of your purchase. They'll check contracts, property deeds, and conduct local authority searches. Choose a solicitor familiar with Brighton property transactions for smoother handling of any area-specific matters.
Property Surveys and Finalising Your Mortgage
Arrange a property survey to identify any structural issues. A Homebuyer's Report is usually sufficient for modern properties, while older properties may require a Full Structural Survey. Once your lender is satisfied, they'll issue your formal mortgage offer.
Exchange of Contracts
This is where things become legally binding. Both you and the seller will sign contracts, and you'll typically pay a 10% deposit. A completion date will be set, and backing out could result in losing your deposit.
Completion Day
Getting the Keys
On completion day, your solicitor transfers the remaining funds, and you receive the keys to your new Brighton home.
Once funds are received, the seller’s solicitor will authorise the estate agent to release the keys.
Planning Your Brighton Removals
With your new home secured, it's time to plan your move. Consider a professional Brighton removals company for a smoother transition. ESV Removals Ltd offers services like packing, transportation, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage solutions, and careful handling of delicate items.
Local Pro Tip: Completion Day, Build A Key Buffer And A Backup Contact
Completion day timings can drift, so the calmest approach is planning a key handover buffer and keeping a backup contact for the agent, seller, or concierge. Waiting outside with a full van creates pressure, and pressure is when moves start to feel stressful. If you give us an estimated key time and a fallback contact, we can pace loading, arrival, and unloading so the day stays smooth even if the chain runs late.
Why Choose Professional Brighton Removals?
Moving can be stressful. Professional movers can reduce the physical strain, save time, and ensure your possessions are protected. ESV Removals Ltd has experience with Brighton moves and can navigate the city's unique challenges.
Ready for Your Brighton Home Move?
Buying a home in Brighton is an exciting step. Consider these steps and professional removals services for a smooth transition. Contact ESV Removals Ltd to discuss your moving needs.
Tell us your dates and a short list of items. We’ll confirm access, parking and lift rules and send a fixed or capped plan for move day. Call 07552 555 820 or visit eastsussexvan.com.
Key Terms For First Time House Buyers
Mortgage In Principle Proof
A lender document that shows your borrowing limit before you make offers, useful in Brighton’s competitive market because it signals you are serious.
Lifetime ISA Deposit Boost
A government backed savings route that can top up a first time buyer deposit, often used when aiming for 5 to 10 percent upfront.
Brighton & Hove First Time Buyer Average £363,000
The local price benchmark referenced in the article, highlighting why budgeting and mortgage prep matters before you start booking viewings.
Help To Find Buyer Service
Fox and Sons service where they canvass for matching properties, including off market options, which can help when listings move quickly.
Lease Length 85 To 90 Year Threshold
A practical leasehold tipping point that can affect mortgage eligibility and resale value, making early lease checks and extensions important.
Share Of Freehold Control
A Brighton flat ownership setup where leaseholders jointly own the freehold, often giving more say over management decisions and building costs.
HomeBuyer’s Report Vs Full Structural Survey
Two survey types referenced in the process, with the heavier survey often more suitable for older or quirky Brighton period properties.
Exchange Of Contracts 10 Percent Deposit
The moment the purchase becomes legally binding, typically involving a 10 percent deposit and a fixed completion date.
Completion Day Key Release Timing
The handover stage where funds transfer and keys are released, which directly impacts move day planning, van arrival, and any storage backup plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do I need?
Most lenders start from 5 to 10 percent, with better rates and more lender choice as your deposit increases. In Brighton and Hove, it also helps your offer look stronger in competitive areas. If you are still saving, a Lifetime ISA can help if you qualify, and it is worth budgeting for the extras too like surveys, solicitor fees, removals and first month bills.
What should I sort first before I start viewing homes in Brighton?
Start with your finances. Check your credit score because it affects mortgage options, then set a realistic budget that includes your deposit, likely monthly payments, solicitor fees, surveys and moving costs. Having this clear upfront makes your Brighton house hunt faster and less stressful because you know exactly what you can commit to.
How much are first time buyers paying in Brighton and Hove right now?
As a reference point from the figures in the article, first time buyers in Brighton and Hove paid an average of £363,000 in August 2025, compared with £349,000 a year earlier. This is one reason it helps to get your mortgage position organised early and move quickly when the right property comes up.
What is a mortgage in principle and why does it matter in Brighton?
A mortgage in principle shows sellers and estate agents what you can borrow and that you are serious. In Brighton’s faster moving pockets, it can be the difference between getting a viewing slot or missing out, and it keeps your search realistic so you are not wasting time on homes outside your range.
Which Brighton areas should I compare before making offers?
Brighton and Hove vary street to street, so compare based on your actual day to day needs. You might be choosing between apartments around The Lanes, Victorian terraces in Hanover, and modern homes in Hove. Factor in transport links, schools, green space, local noise levels, and whether you want period character or a newer layout.
What is the difference between leasehold and freehold in Brighton and Hove?
Freehold means you own the property and the land outright and you are responsible for maintenance, with no ground rent or service charges to a landlord. Leasehold means you own the right to live there for a set term but not the land, which is common for flats in Brighton and Hove. Leaseholders typically pay service charges for communal areas, may need consent for certain alterations, and the remaining lease length can affect mortgages and resale.
How short is “too short” for a lease?
Lease length matters for lender appetite and future resale. Leases under roughly 85 to 90 years often need attention, and extending earlier is usually cheaper than waiting. If you are viewing a flat, ask the remaining term early and let your solicitor advise before you commit.
What is share of freehold and why do Brighton buyers like it?
Share of freehold usually means the flat owners jointly own the freehold while still holding leases. It can give more control over management and costs compared with standard leasehold arrangements, which can be helpful in Brighton’s older converted buildings.
How do I negotiate an offer in Brighton without getting caught out?
Make your offer subject to a successful survey and mortgage approval, and be decisive but strategic. If you have a solid mortgage in principle and a clear timescale, that strength can matter as much as the number. Your solicitor will then handle the conveyancing steps like contracts and searches.
Do I need a survey?
A HomeBuyer’s report is common for newer homes, while older or more unusual Brighton properties often merit a full structural survey. The survey helps identify issues early so you do not discover expensive surprises after you complete.
What happens at exchange of contracts and completion day?
Exchange is when things become legally binding. You and the seller sign contracts, you typically pay a 10 percent deposit, and a completion date is set. On completion day, your solicitor transfers the remaining funds and you receive the keys to your new Brighton home.
Can you coordinate viewings and key handover days around my move plan?
Yes. If you are moving with us, we can plan around your viewing schedule and time key handover days to match van arrival, which helps avoid waiting pressure and keeps the day calm. For city centre buyers, the Western Road office is central and easy to reach between viewings.
When should I book removals around exchange and completion?
If you can, start the removals conversation as soon as your completion window looks likely, even if the date is not locked. Once you exchange you can confirm properly. If the chain is unpredictable, we can also build in a storage fallback plan so you are not forced into a last minute scramble.
Can you supply packing materials or handle packing for my Brighton move?
Yes. We can deliver sturdy boxes and wraps in advance, and we also offer full or part packing. If you prefer to pack yourself, we can share a simple room by room plan that speeds up loading and reduces breakages.
Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Yes. Beds, wardrobes and most flat pack items can be taken down and rebuilt on the day. If something needs special tools or extra time, we flag it during the survey so you know what to expect.
Are my items insured during the move?
Yes. We are fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by Admiral Platinum, and supported by hundreds of five star Google reviews. We will explain what is included and how to list any high value items before moving day. Our eco pledge also means we reuse boxes where possible, favour Esso Ethos fuel where available, and run paperless bookings.
What happens if keys are delayed?
Yes, we can help. If completion slips or you cannot access the property on time, we can do a same day storage handover and redeliver when you are ready, or adjust the plan so the move stays safe and unhurried rather than rushed.
How do you handle stairs, lifts and narrow hallways in Brighton flats?
We survey access in advance and bring the right team, ramps, runners and protection. For lifts we coordinate with building managers and plan around booking windows where possible. For tight corners we use covers and safe techniques that protect both the property and the item.
What should I send for an accurate quote once I have a date?
Send your dates, postcodes, floor level, lift or stairs, and the parking situation at both ends, plus a short list of larger items. We will confirm access, parking and lift rules and send a fixed or capped plan for move day. Call 07552 555 820 or use eastsussexvan.com.
About the author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com
