Landlord Tips: Navigating the Lettings Market in Brighton

Brighton’s lettings market is one of the most dynamic on the South Coast. With a mix of young professionals, students, families and creatives calling the city home, the demand for quality rental accommodation remains strong. However, the market has also become more competitive and more regulated than ever before, meaning landlords need to stay informed, proactive and well-supported.

At Abbott & Abbott, we’ve worked with landlords across the South East for decades, and our recent expansion into Brighton has given us fresh insight into this vibrant and fast-moving city. Whether you’re a new landlord or managing a growing portfolio, here are some practical tips to help you navigate the lettings market in Brighton successfully.

Understand Your Target Tenant

Before listing your property, it’s essential to identify who you are trying to attract. Brighton’s neighbourhoods each appeal to different types of tenants. For example:

Central Brighton and Kemptown are popular with young professionals and renters who prioritise lifestyle and accessibility.
Hove attracts families and long-term tenants seeking space and quieter streets.
Hanover and Fiveways appeal to both students and professionals due to proximity to universities and transport links.

Knowing your likely tenant profile will help shape everything from your rental pricing to the property’s presentation.

Stay Up to Date with Legislation

The private rental sector has seen significant regulatory changes in recent years. In Brighton, as across the UK, landlords must now comply with a range of legal requirements, including:

Gas and electrical safety certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Deposit protection
Right to rent checks
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Keeping up to date with legislation is not just good practice, it’s essential to avoid costly penalties. At Abbott & Abbott, our fully managed lettings service ensures you remain compliant at every stage.

Invest in Presentation and Maintenance

Brighton tenants expect well-maintained, energy-efficient homes. In a competitive market, presentation can significantly affect your rental yield and the speed at which you let your property.

Simple upgrades like fresh paint, modern lighting and functional appliances can make a big difference. Energy-efficient improvements, such as updated windows and insulation, are increasingly attractive to tenants facing high utility bills.

We also recommend addressing any outstanding repairs before marketing the property. A well-presented home attracts higher-quality tenants and tends to remain occupied longer.

Price Your Property Competitively

It’s tempting to aim for the highest possible rent, but pricing must reflect current market demand. Overpriced properties tend to sit vacant longer, which ultimately reduces annual income.

We recommend conducting a rental valuation with an experienced local letting agent. At Abbott & Abbott, we analyse current market trends and recent comparable lettings in Brighton to provide an accurate and realistic rental assessment.

Consider a Professional Lettings Service

Managing a rental property takes time, knowledge and constant attention. Many landlords in Brighton choose to work with professional agents to reduce stress and ensure their property is managed efficiently.

Our letting services at Abbott & Abbott include tenant sourcing, referencing, compliance checks, rent collection and ongoing maintenance support. Whether you opt for a let-only service or full property management, we tailor our approach to suit your needs.

Stay Flexible and Proactive

Finally, it pays to remain adaptable. The Brighton lettings market can shift quickly, influenced by local events, university terms, employment trends and national policy changes. Being proactive and willing to adjust your strategy is key to long-term success.

Regular reviews of your rent, property condition and tenant feedback can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Need Expert Support? Let’s Talk.

If you’re letting a property in Brighton or thinking about becoming a landlord, Abbott & Abbott is here to help. Our team combines local knowledge with decades of lettings expertise to support landlords across Brighton and the wider Sussex area.