Moving from London to Brighton can offer a different way of living while keeping the capital within reach for work, family and social life. For some people, the appeal is coastal living; for others, it is finding a property that better suits their budget, household or working arrangements.
However, relocating involves more than comparing house prices. Commuting costs, household expenses, deposits and mortgage affordability all need to be considered before making a decision.
If you are thinking about moving from London to Brighton, here are some of the main factors to weigh up before taking the next step.
Why Are People Moving from London to Brighton?
Brighton and Hove appeal to people looking for a coastal setting without necessarily losing their connection to London. The right reasons for moving will depend on individual priorities, but several factors may influence the decision.
Coastal lifestyle and outdoor spaces
Living near the sea, having access to the seafront and enjoying outdoor spaces can be attractive to people who want a change from city life. Brighton also has a distinctive local culture, independent businesses, restaurants and entertainment.
A different pace of life
Some London residents may prefer Brighton’s mix of urban amenities and coastal surroundings. Whether this feels like a better fit depends on the neighbourhood, lifestyle and expectations of the individual or household.
More suitable property options
Moving may give buyers the opportunity to explore a different type of property, whether that means a flat, a terraced house or a home with more space. However, what is affordable will depend on the area, property type and available deposit.
Flexible working arrangements
Remote and hybrid working can make it more practical for some people to live outside London while retaining a job based in the capital. Those who still need to attend an office regularly should factor travel time and fares into their decision.
Ultimately, moving to Brighton is a personal choice. It is worth comparing the practical benefits with the financial commitments before deciding whether it suits your circumstances.
Is Property Cheaper in Brighton Than in London?
Brighton is not automatically cheaper than London. Property prices vary considerably across both locations, and the comparison depends on which London borough you are leaving, what type of property you want and how much you can afford.
According to theOffice for National Statistics’ Brighton and Hove housing data, the average house price in Brighton and Hove was £408,000 in August 2026, a provisional figure. The average price paid by first-time buyers was £343,000 during the same period.
These figures provide a useful starting point, but averages do not tell you what a particular home will cost. Flats, terraced houses and larger family properties can have very different prices. The location and condition of a property can also affect its value.
When comparing Brighton with London, consider:
- The price of similar properties rather than headline averages alone.
- The deposit you have available and the mortgage you may need.
- Travel costs if you will continue working in London.
- Legal fees, surveys, moving expenses and applicable stamp duty.
- Ongoing property costs, including maintenance and household bills.
A lower purchase price does not automatically mean a cheaper overall lifestyle. Compare the full cost of buying and living in each location before deciding.
A Real-Life Property Story: Finding the Right Home in Brighton
A published Rightmove case study follows Anna and Mark, a Brighton couple who outgrew their flat after five years and moved to a larger period home. Having already settled in Brighton, they wanted more space and a property that better suited their needs.
They were looking for a period property with original features, more living space, a garden and off-road parking. They eventually bought a 2,000 sq ft Victorian house, which they planned to renovate over time.
Their experience highlights how buyers may find a property that better fits their next stage of life by looking beyond their initial search area and considering homes with potential. It also shows why renovation costs should be factored into the overall budget when searching for the right property.
This is one couple’s experience, not proof that every buyer will get more for their money in Brighton. Anyone comparing Brighton with London should look at similar properties, purchase prices and potential renovation costs before deciding which location offers better value.
What Is the Cost of Living in Brighton Compared with London?
Your cost of living will depend on your household, property and lifestyle. Even if your mortgage payment is lower than your previous housing cost, other expenses could affect how much you save each month.
Start with your expected mortgage repayment or rent, then add council tax, energy bills, water, broadband, insurance and regular household spending. If you have children, childcare and school-related expenses may also be important.
Transport deserves particular attention if you plan to commute to London. Train fares, travel to the station and other transport costs can add up, especially if you travel several days each week.
You should also allow for the costs of moving, furnishing a property and carrying out repairs or improvements. These expenses may be temporary, but they can make the first few months after a move more expensive.
Before committing, prepare a realistic monthly budget based on your expected income and outgoings. This can help you understand whether the move is financially comfortable, rather than simply possible on paper.
Can You Live in Brighton and Still Commute to London?
Yes, it may be practical to live in Brighton while working in London, depending on your workplace, schedule and transport preferences. Brighton has rail connections to London, including services to London Victoria and London Bridge, with some services also connecting to St Pancras International.
However, your actual journey will depend on the service, time of day and where you need to travel once you arrive in London.
Before buying a property, consider:
- Journey time: Check the service that matches your usual working hours.
- Frequency of travel: Commuting five days a week has a different financial impact from travelling once or twice a week.
- Rail fares: Compare the cost of individual journeys with any suitable season-ticket options.
- Local transport: Include the cost and time of getting to the station and reaching your workplace.
- Mortgage affordability: Remember that regular commuting expenses reduce the money available for other commitments.
Check current journey times and fares with the relevant train operator before making your plans. If your working arrangements could change, consider whether you could still manage the costs if you needed to travel more frequently.
How Much Do You Need to Buy a Home in Brighton?
The amount you need depends on the property price, the deposit you can provide, the mortgage available to you and the additional costs of buying.
Understanding your deposit
A deposit is the amount you contribute towards the property’s purchase price. The remaining amount is generally funded through your mortgage.
The deposit requirement varies between mortgage products and lenders. A larger deposit may give you access to a wider range of products in some circumstances, but you should also keep enough money available for moving costs and emergencies.
Assessing mortgage affordability
Lenders generally consider your income, regular expenditure, existing borrowing and other financial commitments when assessing a mortgage application. The amount you can borrow is not determined by salary alone.
Your expected commuting costs and household expenses should also feature in your personal budget. A mortgage payment that looks manageable on its own may feel different once all your regular costs are included.
Budgeting for stamp duty and other costs
When buying in England, you may need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The amount depends on the purchase price, whether you qualify for relief and whether you own another property.
Eligible first-time buyers currently pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 of a qualifying purchase priced at £500,000 or less, with relief applying to the qualifying portion above £300,000 up to £500,000. Purchases above £500,000 do not qualify for first-time buyer relief.
If you have owned a property before, the standard SDLT rates may apply. If you retain your existing property when buying another, higher rates for additional properties may apply, depending on your circumstances and the relevant rules.
You can check theofficial HMRC guidance on residential SDLT rates and use the current rules to estimate the cost of your purchase.
Remember to budget for legal fees, surveys, mortgage-related fees and moving expenses as well. You can also use a mortgage calculator to explore how different borrowing amounts and terms could affect your monthly repayments.
What Mortgage Options Should London Movers Consider?
The most suitable mortgage route depends on whether you are buying your first home, moving from an existing property or planning to keep your current home.
Residential mortgage
If you are buying a property to live in as your main home, you will generally need a residential mortgage that suits your circumstances and the lender’s criteria.
First-time buyer mortgage
If you have never owned a property and meet the relevant requirements, you may be eligible for mortgage products or schemes aimed at first-time buyers. Eligibility and deposit requirements vary.
Remortgaging when moving home
If you already own a home, review your existing mortgage before deciding how to fund your move. Check your current rate, deal end date and whether early repayment charges could apply.
Porting your existing mortgage
Some mortgages are portable, which may allow you to transfer your existing mortgage product to a new property, subject to the lender’s approval. Porting is not automatic, and the lender may reassess your circumstances and any additional borrowing required.
Let-to-buy
If you want to move to Brighton but retain your existing property and rent it out, a let-to-buy arrangement may be worth exploring. This can involve a suitable mortgage for the existing property alongside a residential mortgage for the new home.
You must check your lender’s requirements before renting out a property with an existing residential mortgage. Affordability, rental income, fees and possible additional stamp duty all need careful consideration.
Any mortgage, remortgage, porting or let-to-buy arrangement depends on individual circumstances and lender assessment.
Which Areas of Brighton and Hove Should You Explore?
Different areas may suit different budgets and lifestyles. Rather than choosing a neighbourhood based on reputation alone, compare property prices, transport, local amenities and the type of home available.
Brighton city centre
The city centre may suit people who value access to shops, restaurants, entertainment and transport. Buyers should compare property types, ongoing costs and how close a potential home is to the places they visit regularly.
Hove
Hove offers a mix of residential streets, flats, houses and access to the seafront. It may be worth exploring if you want to compare different property styles while staying close to Brighton’s amenities.
Preston Park
Preston Park may appeal to buyers looking for residential streets and rail connections. As with any area, check the specific location, local transport options and property prices against your needs.
Visit potential neighbourhoods at different times of day if possible. This can help you assess commuting routes, noise, amenities and whether the area fits your day-to-day routine.
Is Moving from London to Brighton the Right Financial Decision?
Before making an offer or committing to a move, ask yourself:
- Have I compared prices for similar properties in London and Brighton?
- Do I have enough for the deposit, purchase costs and an emergency fund?
- Have I included commuting and household expenses in my monthly budget?
- Have I checked my existing mortgage terms and any early repayment charges?
- Could I manage the repayments if my income or working arrangements changed?
- Have I allowed for repairs, maintenance and unexpected costs after moving?
Working through these questions can help you decide whether the move is realistic for your finances and lifestyle. It may also highlight areas where you need more information before proceeding.
How Everest Mortgages Can Help
Moving from London to Brighton can involve several financial decisions, particularly if you already own a property or need to balance mortgage repayments with commuting costs.
Everest Mortgages can help you explore mortgage options based on your circumstances, review affordability and understand how an existing mortgage may affect your plans. If you are moving home, buying for the first time or considering keeping your current property, speaking to a mortgage adviser can help you understand the options available and the questions to ask.
Thinking about moving from London to Brighton? Speak to Everest Mortgages to explore your mortgage options and understand what may be affordable for your circumstances.
Important Information
Property prices, mortgage products, interest rates, lender criteria and tax rules can change. Mortgage affordability and eligibility depend on individual circumstances and lender assessment. Stamp duty depends on the details of the transaction and the rules in force at the time of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about moving from London to Brighton, including property prices, mortgage deposits, commuting costs and the mortgage options available to buyers.
Is Brighton cheaper than London for buying a house?
It depends on the area and property type you are comparing. Brighton may offer different options from some parts of London, but it is not always cheaper. Compare similar properties alongside commuting and household costs.
Can you commute from Brighton to London every day?
Yes, some people commute by train, but whether it is practical depends on your workplace, journey time, travel frequency and budget. Check current timetables and fares before deciding where to buy.
How much deposit do I need to buy a house in Brighton?
The deposit depends on the purchase price, mortgage product and lender criteria. You should also keep funds available for legal fees, surveys, moving expenses and any applicable stamp duty.
Can I get a mortgage in Brighton if I work in London?
Working in London does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage to buy in Brighton. Lenders will assess your income, expenditure, credit profile and other relevant circumstances.
Can I keep my current property when moving from London to Brighton?
It may be possible, but you need to check your current lender’s requirements and explore whether a suitable let-to-buy arrangement is available. Affordability, rental income, mortgage costs and additional stamp duty all need to be considered.
What mortgage costs should I budget for when moving home?
Consider your deposit, monthly repayments, mortgage fees, legal costs, surveys, moving expenses and any applicable stamp duty. If you are keeping another property, account for its mortgage and ongoing maintenance costs too.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute mortgage, financial, legal or tax advice. Property prices, mortgage products, interest rates and tax rules can change and depend on individual circumstances. Any mortgage, remortgage, further borrowing or let-to-buy arrangement is subject to lender assessment and approval. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
