Your Spring Rental Market Update
What’s Happening in the Rental Market Right Now (Spring 2026)
The Brighton & Hove rental market is showing some interesting shifts as we move into 2026 — and understanding what’s happening now can help you make smarter decisions as a landlord.
1: Rental Growth Has Slowed – But Remains Positive
After years of strong rental inflation, recent market data suggest we’re entering a more balanced phase:
- Rents grew moderately in 2025 across the UK, with average advertised rents up around 2–2.2% year-on-year — the slowest annual increase in several years.
- In late 2025 and early 2026, average rents have even fallen slightly month-to-month in some regions — a seasonal pattern, but one that points to cooling pressure on prices.
- Annual rental growth in Brighton & Hove has been positive at around 4%, slightly below some previous years’ peaks, but still significant compared with broader UK trends.
This more modest growth means landlords aren’t facing the same steep rent rises seen in recent years — but rental income is still increasing overall, just at a steadier pace.
2: Supply and Demand Are Shifting
A key reason for this change is how supply and demand dynamics are adapting:
✔ More rental properties are available — stock levels are up by around 9–15% compared with last year, giving tenants more choice than they’ve had in quite a while.
✔ Tenant demand has softened — enquiries per property and overall interest have dropped compared with 2024, in part due to improved mortgage affordability for first-time buyers and lower net migration.
✔ As a result, time to let has increased slightly — around 17 days on average — though it’s still shorter than pre-pandemic levels.
In plain terms: tenants have more choice and aren’t chasing homes as fiercely as before — but balanced conditions mean landlords can still secure reliable lets without steep rent cuts.
3: What Landlords Are Seeing on the Ground
Even with strong averages overall, local variations matter:
- One-bedroom properties tend to achieve rents around £900–£1,300/month, while two-beds often sit between £1,300–£1,900/month depending on location and condition.
- Family homes and larger houses can command £1,900+ — especially in popular neighbourhoods like Hove, Preston Park, and the city centre.
- Student lets and HMOs generally see high occupancy, often fully booked for the academic year, keeping yields strong for shared housing landlords.
This mix gives local landlords multiple segments to target, but it also means positioning your property correctly is crucial if you want to minimise void period
4: Market Cooling Signs (but Still Competitive)
While rents are still significantly above national averages, there are early indications of moderation:
✔ Rents are rising at a steadier pace — growth remains positive, but it’s not accelerating rapidly.
✔ Some properties may sit longer before letting without the right rent or presentation strategy — especially outside peak student intake periods.
✔ Broader UK trends show that overall tenant demand is easing and time-to-let is stretching a bit, hinting at more balanced conditions ahead.
For landlords in Brighton & Hove, this means pricing competitively and ensuring properties are presented well is more important than ever if your goal is a quick let at a strong rent.
5: Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
Market forecasts suggest:
- Steady, moderate rent growth — most analysts expect annual increases of around 2–3% through 2026 rather than dramatic spikes.
- Greater emphasis on property presentation and EPC performance as tenant priorities shift.
- Location still matters — central Brighton and Hove continue to be in high demand, but well-priced homes elsewhere can still perform strongly.
✔ Some properties may sit longer before letting without the right rent or presentation strategy — especially outside peak student intake periods.
✔ Broader UK trends show that overall tenant demand is easing and time-to-let is stretching a bit, hinting at more balanced conditions ahead.
- For landlords in Brighton & Hove, this means pricing competitively and ensuring properties are presented well is more important than ever if your goal is a quick let at a strong rent
6: Why This Matters for You
✔ Pricing strategy is critical — with supply increasing and demand easing, choose your rent levels carefully to avoid extended void periods.
✔ Marketing and presentation count more than ever — investing in professional photos, floorplans and tenant-friendly features can help you stand out.
✔ Stay up to date with legislative changes — forthcoming regulations may also influence tenant demands and your responsibilities as a landlord.
If you’d like help interpreting local rental trends or setting the right rent, we’re here to support you. If you'd like to get in touch to discuss your rental property, please contact the office on 01273 253 000