Buying your first home in Brighton or Hove? Prices here are higher than in much of Sussex, so getting the mortgage right matters. We help first-time buyers work out what they can borrow, and we check the property before they commit.
Book a free 15-minute call or ring us on 01424 444597.
For many first-time buyers in Brighton and Hove, the first home is a flat. Lots of these are in converted Victorian and Regency houses, in areas like Kemptown, Hanover and central Hove. Others are in purpose-built blocks.
Flats bring extra checks. Before you make an offer, we look at:
Brighton has many small studios and flats. Fewer lenders may accept flats under about 30 square metres, and some may ask for a bigger deposit.
Our guide to small flat mortgages in Brighton explains more.
Many buyers look further out for more space. Areas they often look at include Moulsecoomb, Hollingbury, Patcham, Woodingdean, Hangleton and Portslade. Some also look along the coast to Shoreham, Newhaven or Worthing.
Brighton is a commuter city too. The fastest trains to London Victoria take around an hour, and Thameslink trains run to Gatwick and London Bridge.
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.
Brighton prices make the stamp duty limits important. As a first-time buyer, you pay no stamp duty up to £300,000. From £300,001 to £500,000, you pay 5% on the amount over £300,000.
Go over £500,000 and the relief disappears. You then pay normal rates on the whole price. We'll work out the cost with you before you offer.
With shared ownership, you buy part of a home and pay rent on the share you don't own. Family can give you a gift towards the deposit, or support you through a family-assisted mortgage.
If you're buying a new-build, the government's Your First Home scheme could help in future. It isn't open yet, and applications are expected to open in February 2027. Check GOV.UK's Your First Home page for the latest, or read our scheme guide.
Lenders work out what you can afford from your income, regular bills and debts. They check your credit file as well. If you buy with a partner or friend, lenders may look at both incomes.
Freelance or self-employed? Many people in Brighton are. See our self-employed mortgages page.
Your adviser is Russell Braiden CeMAP. Russell has been giving mortgage advice since 2011.
We're an independent broker based in Hastings. Most Brighton clients work with us by phone or video, and you can upload documents securely.
See our main Brighton mortgage broker page.
Our fee is £599. You only pay it once your formal mortgage offer is issued. Your first call and your quote are free.
Book a free 15-minute call or ring us on 01424 444597.
It may be possible, but fewer lenders may accept very small flats, and some may ask for a bigger deposit. We'll check the size and the lease before you make an offer.
Yes, but less than other buyers. You pay nothing on the first £300,000, then 5% on the other £150,000. That comes to £7,500.
Each lender sets its own rule. A short lease can limit your choice and affect the value. We'll check the lease early. You may be able to ask the seller to start a lease extension before you buy.
It may be possible. Some lenders may allow joint mortgages between friends. You should get legal advice on how you will own the home together.
No. Your 15-minute call and your quote are free. Our fee is £599, and it's only due once your formal mortgage offer is issued.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Transparent Mortgage Services is a trading style of Transparent Financial Associates Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926). 17 Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1BP. Telephone 01424 444597. Email info@tms-fs.co.uk.
