The Chichester rental market
Chichester is a small cathedral city with a strong local economy and steady demand for rented homes. Tenants include staff and students at the University of Chichester's Bishop Otter campus, students at Chichester College, staff at St Richard's Hospital, people working at Goodwood and the Rolls-Royce factory nearby, and commuters. The fastest trains to London Victoria take around an hour and 35 minutes.
Housing within the city walls is mostly Georgian and older, often listed, while Summersdale, Parklands, Whyke and East Broyle have more 20th-century family homes and flats. Graylingwell Park, on the site of a former hospital, has added newer homes and flats on the north-east side, and there has been more new building on the edges of the city.
Around Chichester Harbour, villages such as Bosham and Fishbourne have sought-after homes and holiday lets, which need holiday let mortgages rather than standard buy-to-let. Lenders also look at listed status, flood risk near the harbour, and the lease and building safety for newer flats. Student landlords may need HMO mortgages.
Who we help in Chichester
- A first buy-to-let, even if you still rent your own home.
- Purchases in your own name, alone or jointly.
- Portfolio lending for landlords with four or more mortgaged properties.
- A buy-to-let remortgage, or a product transfer where staying put makes sense.
Some Chichester landlords let to university staff or students, which can mean HMO licensing and lending.
Speak to a friendly, expert Mortgage Adviser about your unique mortgage needs.
We'll search 1000s of products for the best mortgage and present our advice to you.
Your Adviser will complete your application, liaise with the lender and you, keep you informed until completion.
How buy-to-let lenders assess you
Lenders decide how much to lend on a buy-to-let mainly from the rent the property can earn. The rent has to cover the mortgage payment by a margin set by each lender, tested at an interest rate above the one you will actually pay. Where the figures are tight, a longer fix, a larger deposit or a lender that takes account of your other income can make the difference.
Most lenders ask for at least a 25% deposit. They will also look at your credit record, whether you already own a home, any other properties you let, and, for flats, the lease and the building.
Costs, tax and rules for Chichester landlords
Local rules. Chichester District Council applies the national mandatory HMO licensing rules. Check the council's website for any additional schemes, and check planning and listed building rules before converting or altering a property in the city centre.
Budget for the 5% stamp duty surcharge on additional properties, legal fees, a valuation and any works. The Renters' Rights Act reforms took effect on 1 May 2026: no more section 21, periodic tenancies, one rent increase a year and no more than a month's rent in advance.
The minimum energy rating for lets is EPC E, rising to C or equivalent by 1 October 2030, so older homes may need upgrades. The tax treatment of mortgage interest is a question for your accountant.
Our broker fee is £599. For a purchase it is payable when your mortgage offer is issued; for a remortgage to a new lender it is charged on completion. Where there is adverse credit the fee is £999, or up to 1% of the loan. We do not charge a fee for product transfers with your existing lender, and we confirm any fee in writing before we start.
Why Chichester landlords use TMS
Russell Braiden CeMAP set up Transparent Mortgage Services to give clear, straight answers. We are directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926) and rated 5.0 stars from 109 Google reviews. We are based in Hastings and most Chichester clients work with us by phone or video, with documents uploaded securely; you are also welcome at our Hastings office.
Tell us about the property and your plans and we will tell you honestly what is possible. Get in touch or call 01424 444597.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage on a listed house in Chichester?
Often, yes. Some lenders are cautious with listed buildings, and the valuation can take longer. We go to lenders that are comfortable with period properties.
Do I need a holiday let mortgage for a Bosham cottage?
If you plan to let it to holidaymakers, yes. Standard buy-to-let mortgages are for long-term tenancies. Holiday let lenders assess expected seasonal income.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time landlord?
Yes. Many lenders accept first-time landlords, and some accept people who do not yet own their own home, usually with extra conditions such as a minimum income. We will match you to lenders whose criteria fit before anything is submitted.
Do you charge a fee for buy-to-let advice?
Our fee is £599, or £999 (or up to 1% of the loan) for adverse credit cases. It is payable at mortgage offer for a purchase, or on completion for a remortgage. There is no fee for product transfers. We confirm any fee in writing before we start.
Important: Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some are, for example consumer buy-to-let, where you let a former home or let to a close family member. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The FCA does not regulate tax advice, so please speak to an accountant about tax.
Transparent Mortgage Services is a trading style of Transparent Financial Associates Limited, which is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926). 17 Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1BP. Telephone 01424 444597.
