Brighton & Hove vs Southampton for Property Investment
Southampton leads on gross yield at 5.2%, while Southampton has the lower entry price at £295,000. Here is how the two markets compare on yield, price, deposit and tenant demand.
Brighton & Hove vs Southampton at a glance
| Metric | Brighton & Hove | Southampton |
|---|---|---|
| Average gross yield | 4.2% | 5.2% |
| Average property price | £445,000 | £295,000 |
| Implied monthly rent | £1,558 | £1,278 |
| 25% deposit | £111,250 | £73,750 |
| Stamp duty (additional property) | £32,000 | £17,000 |
| Population | 295,000 | 255,000 |
| Region | South East | South East |
| Investor rating | Average | Good |
Brighton & Hove
The market skews towards period houses, detached family homes and premium new-build apartments, so entry prices sit well above the national average. Tenant demand is underpinned by commuters using the town's rail and road links, seasonal and holiday-let demand, public-sector employers including hospitals and councils, supported by a population of around 295,000. On the average £445,000 purchase, a 4.2% gross yield implies roughly £1,558 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Popular coastal city with London commuter demand.
- Consider carefullyStandard buy-to-let
- WorkableHMO / rent by the room
- Consider carefullyFirst-time landlord
Southampton
Expect a spread of semi-detached family homes, period conversions and new-build apartment schemes, with terraces concentrated in the older inner areas. Tenant demand is underpinned by a large student population, public-sector employers including hospitals and councils, supported by a population of around 255,000. On the average £295,000 purchase, a 5.2% gross yield implies roughly £1,278 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Major port city with two universities.
- Consider carefullyStandard buy-to-let
- Strong fitHMO / rent by the room
- WorkableFirst-time landlord
Which is the better investment?
If monthly cash flow is your priority, Southampton is the stronger option on paper at 5.2% gross. If you want the lower capital commitment, Southampton needs around £73,750 as a 25% deposit. Averages only take you so far, though — run the actual listing through PropertyROI before you offer.
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