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If you are buying your first home in Brighton, one of the most important things to work out first is how much you can borrow.
Property prices across the city vary widely, and knowing where to focus your search can make all the difference when it comes to affordability.
Using data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Rightmove, accurate as of April 2025, we’ve highlighted some of the most affordable areas in and around Brighton.
The average house price in Norwich is currently around £414,000, with first-time buyers typically paying closer to £350,000, although other areas offer homes for more or less, depending on location.
These locations have been selected based on average house prices, as well as what first-time buyers are typically paying in today’s market.
Whether you’re just starting to think about saving for a deposit or you’re ready to begin viewing properties, this guide breaks down the areas where your money may go further.
1 – Worthing
Avg. House Price:
£322,000
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£13,350
Property Prices in Worthing
The average house price in this area is around £322,000, making it one of the more affordable parts of Brighton.
Worthing covers a broad stretch of the West Sussex coastline, offering a mix of established residential neighbourhoods and quieter suburban spots.
With a range of property styles and price points, it remains a popular choice for first-time buyers looking to stay near the coast while keeping within a more manageable budget.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re buying at the first-time buyer average of £322,000, a 5% deposit would work out at roughly £16,100.
A 10% deposit would come in at around £32,300, while a 15% deposit would be closer to £48,300.
These figures are only intended as a guide.
The amount you’ll need to put down can vary depending on your lender, personal finances, and the type of property you’re looking to buy.
Using a mortgage calculator is a useful way to get a clearer idea of what you might be able to borrow based on your own situation.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Worthing offers a broad mix of homes that appeal to a range of first-time buyers.
The town features everything from Victorian and Edwardian terraces to more modern family homes in residential areas like Broadwater and West Durrington.
Along the seafront and in the town centre, there are also converted flats and maisonettes, many of which offer character features and good access to local amenities.
These properties can offer better value, though leasehold terms may vary and could influence mortgage availability.
Newer developments have been built in recent years, particularly on the outskirts of town, offering energy-efficient homes with contemporary layouts.
Thinking About Buying in Worthing?
If you’re thinking about making Worthing your first home, our mortgage advisors Brighton can help you work out how much deposit you might need.
They can also guide you through the types of mortgage deals available and which properties are likely to suit your budget.
2 – Mile Oak
Avg. House Price:
£358,000
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£17,900
Property Prices in Mile Oak
Mile Oak has an average house price of around £358,000, compared to many other areas in Brighton, it offers a more accessible route onto the property ladder.
With its mix of family homes and quieter surroundings, Mile Oak continues to attract buyers looking for more space without the higher price tags found elsewhere in the city.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re buying at the first-time buyer average of £358,000, a 5% deposit would come to roughly £17,900.
A 10% deposit would be around £35,800, and a 15% deposit would be in the region of £53,700.
These figures are estimates and should only be used as a rough guide. Your deposit requirement could be higher or lower depending on your financial circumstances and the property itself.
Lenders will also consider factors like your income, credit history, and the type of property you’re looking to buy.
Using a mortgage calculator can help you get a better idea of what’s realistic based on your own situation.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Mile Oak is home to a wide range of property types that can work well for first-time buyers.
The area features a mix of traditional two- and three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, many built with practical layouts, front and back gardens, and off-road parking.
These homes are especially popular with young families and couples looking for more space to grow into.
There are also a number of post-war properties throughout the area, often with solid construction and larger plots than newer homes.
In recent years, smaller developments have introduced newer homes into the mix, typically with more modern interiors and energy-efficient features.
These tend to be move-in ready and can appeal to those wanting something low-maintenance from day one.
Thinking About Buying in Mile Oak?
If you’re considering Mile Oak as a potential area to buy your first home, our mortgage advisors in Brighton can walk you through how much deposit.
Speaking with a mortgage advisor can also inform you of what you might need and what sort of lending options could be available for the type of property you’re looking at.
3 – Whitehawk
Avg. House Price:
£464,800
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£23,240
Property Prices in Whitehawk
Whitehawk has an average house price of around £464,800, it’s one of the more affordable areas in Brighton, offering better value than many central locations.
The neighbourhood is largely residential, with property prices reflecting the size and style of homes available.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
For a home priced at the first-time buyer average of £464,800, a 5% deposit would work out at around £23,240.
If you’re aiming for a 10% deposit, that’s closer to £46,480, while a 15% deposit would be roughly £69,720. These are guide figures only.
Actual requirements can vary depending on the lender, your credit history, and the type of property you’re buying.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Whitehawk offers a variety of homes that may suit first-time buyers, including traditional houses with gardens and off-street parking, often at a lower price than similar properties elsewhere in Brighton.
There are also more affordable options tucked away on quieter residential roads, where homes may need updating but offer good potential for long-term value.
Buyers may come across properties that require cosmetic work or have features that affect lending, such as older construction or layout quirks.
Understanding how the type and condition of a home can impact your mortgage is important.
Properties needing renovation or those with non-standard elements may reduce the number of lenders available, while more modernised homes could come at a premium that affects affordability.
Thinking About Buying in Whitehawk?
If you’re weighing up whether Whitehawk could be the right place for your first home, our mortgage advisors in Brighton can help you understand how the remortgage process works.
They can go into greater detail on how much deposit you’ll need, what types of mortgages might be available, and which properties are most likely to suit your budget.
4 – Moulsecoomb
Avg. House Price:
£354,800
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£17,740
Property Prices in Moulsecoomb
The average property price in Moulsecoomb is currently around £354,800.
This places it above some other areas in Brighton, though still within reach for buyers with a stronger deposit or borrowing capacity.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re buying at the first-time buyer average of £354,800, a 5% deposit would be around £17,740.
A 10% deposit would come to approximately £33,480, while a 15% deposit would be in the region of £50,220.
These figures are intended as a general guide.
Your actual deposit could be higher or lower depending on your financial position, the lender’s criteria, and the type of property you’re looking at.
Using a mortgage calculator can give you a better idea of what’s realistic based on your income, credit history, and monthly affordability.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Moulsecoomb is known for its solid, practical homes that often appeal to first-time buyers.
Much of the area is made up of mid-20th-century terraced and semi-detached houses, many with gardens and generous internal space.
Some properties have been modernised in recent years, while others may offer the chance to decorate and personalise.
These homes can often provide better value for money compared to those found in more central parts of Brighton.
There are also newer homes on the outskirts and a small number of modern infill developments.
While newer properties tend to be more energy efficient, they can come with slightly higher price tags.
As with many parts of the city, things like property age, layout, and condition can influence what mortgage options are available, so it’s worth checking how these might affect your application.
Thinking About Buying in Moulsecoomb?
If you’re considering Moulsecoomb as the location for your first home, our mortgage advisors in Brighton can help you understand how much deposit you might need.
They can also guide you through the types of mortgage options available and which properties are most likely to fit your budget.
5 – Southern Cross
Avg. House Price:
£427,000
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£21,350
Property Prices in Southern Cross
The average property price in Southern Cross is currently around £427,000.
Pricing here has remained relatively consistent, with a steady supply of housing across different property types helping to prevent the sharper rises seen in some nearby locations.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re buying at the first-time buyer average of £427,000, a 5% deposit would be around £21,350.
A 10% deposit would come to approximately £42,700, while a 15% deposit would be in the region of £64,050.
These are rough estimates and should be used as a guide only.
The deposit you’ll need could vary depending on your financial circumstances, the type of property you’re buying, and your chosen lender’s criteria.
Using a mortgage calculator can help you get a clearer picture of what you might be able to borrow and how much deposit you’ll realistically need.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Southern Cross offers a variety of homes that can appeal to first-time buyers.
The area features a mix of traditional terraced and semi-detached houses, many of which come with gardens and off-street parking.
These properties often provide more space compared to similar homes closer to central Brighton.
There are also a number of bungalows and detached houses, offering options for those seeking single-level living or additional space.
Flats and maisonettes are available as well, particularly in converted buildings or purpose-built blocks.
Though it’s important to consider leasehold terms and potential service charges, which can affect mortgage options.
Thinking About Buying in Southern Cross?
If you’re considering Southern Cross as the location for your first home, our mortgage advisors in Brighton can help you understand how much deposit you might need.
They can also guide you through the types of mortgage options available and which properties are most likely to fit your budget.
Looking Beyond the Averages
When it comes to buying a home, affordability isn’t just about the area’s average property price.
What’s realistic for you will depend on a range of personal factors, and the numbers you see online won’t always reflect what you’re able to borrow.
Your income, deposit size, credit history, and even the condition or type of property you’re buying can all affect the mortgage options available to you.
Some buyers may find lenders are more flexible in certain postcodes, while others could face limitations depending on things like lease terms or non-standard construction.
Even in the most affordable parts of Brighton, it’s important to think about long-term affordability.
That includes your monthly repayments, day-to-day running costs, and any potential changes to your income in the future.
If you’re not sure where to start or you want help making sense of what the figures mean for you, our mortgage advisors in Brighton are here to support you.
We’ll help you understand your budget, explore your borrowing options, and find a mortgage that fits your personal circumstances.
