Brighton is known as London-on-Sea – and it’s easy to see why.

Londoners continue to flock to the south coast seaside city in their droves, looking for the same buzz provided by the capital, but with the sea thrown into the mix.

Property is cheaper in Brighton, too, but the commute back to London relatively straightforward for those who need solid transport links for work.

Living in Brighton

Although Brighton is right on the south coast and best known for its beach, the city itself actually feels more like a ‘fresher’ London, perhaps with elements of Regency Cheltenham thrown in for good measure.

It’s a unique mix and one that those who live in the city clearly love – after all, 91% of Brighton residents are proud to live there according to a YouGov poll.

So, what else can you expect from life in Brighton and, most importantly, what can you expect from property in the city? Let’s take a look…

Houses for sale in Brighton

The best known style of property for sale in Brighton hails from the Regency era, with terraces around squares lining the areas around the seafront.

Many have been converted into grand flats and apartments, with period features and stunning high ceilings.

Some terraced houses remain, though, and these are highly sought-after.

Further out from the seafront, Brighton’s Victorian terraces shine through, while the Withdean area of the city is home to many 1920s and 1930s family homes.

Hove, meanwhile, has Regency and Victorian homes and is quieter than Brighton, making it a great option for family buyers.

Flats to rent in Brighton

Property to rent in Brighton includes some stunning examples of those seaside Regency homes, while newer developments of apartments have also sprung up in recent years.

Rental properties close to Brighton station are, as you would expect, in high demand from young professionals commuting to London, while many families opt to try the city before they buy and rent houses in areas like Hove and Withdean.

Bungalows for sale in Brighton

Most of Brighton’s best bungalows for sale are located in the villages of Rottingdean, Woodingdean and Ovingdean.

All three villages offer the best of Brighton life, with stunning countryside and sea views on offer alongside easy access to Brighton itself.

The Patcham area, close to Withdean, also offers a fair number of bungalows for sale.

New builds in Brighton

Among the newest of new build developments in Brighton are a host of floating apartments at Brighton Marina.

However, if dry land is more your thing, keep an eye out for new apartments at Gloucester Place in Brighton city centre – less than half a mile from Brighton station.

How to get to Brighton

Brighton is easily accessible by both road and rail.

Those coming from the west should pick up the M27 at Southampton and then the A27, while Londoners can access the city from the M23 and A23.

On the railways, travellers should take South Western Railway services from Weymouth along the south coast to Southampton, before changing for a Southern service at Southampton Airport to Brighton.

The Gatwick Express service from London Victoria, meanwhile, reaches Brighton in just under an hour, while Thameslink trains from London Bridge reach Brighton station in just over an hour.

Brighton schools

Family buyers and renters looking to make the move to Brighton understandably place quality education high on their list of must-haves.

They’re in luck, too, because Brighton & Hove is home to no fewer than 11 ‘Outstanding’-rated schools.

The best primaries include:

• St Luke’s Primary
• Downs Infant School
• Downs Junior School
• West Hove Infant School
• Patcham Infant School
• Eastbrook Primary Academy

Among the best secondary schools are:

• Downs View Special School
• Hill Park School
• Shoreham Academy

Brighton restaurants

Brighton is one of the leading ‘green’ cities in the UK – as you would expect from a Brighton Pavilion constituency that is home to the Green Party’s only MP.

With that eco-consciousness in mind, Brighton restaurant Silo is the UK’s first zero-waste eatery, with all food waste composted. It’s well worth checking out.

Other great places to eat in Brighton include:

• The Coal Shed, Boyce’s Street
• The Salt Room, King’s Road
• Terre a Terre, East Street
• Baqueano, Western Road
• Semolina Bistro, Baker Street

Brighton shops

If you’re looking for the best of the high street brands, head for Churchill Square in the city where you’ll find Debenhams, H&M, Next, Office and River Island among the inhabitants.

For something a little more boutique, try North Laine south of the station where the traditional Brighton alleyways are home to an array of independent shops, or Kemptown for vintage and antiques.

Things to do in Brighton

Once the sun makes an appearance, it’s hard to look beyond Brighton’s stunning seafront for a day in the rays.

But there are plenty of other options for things to do in Brighton, too, including the glorious countryside of the South Downs to explore.

Alternatively, dive deep into Brighton’s Regency history by exploring the Royal Pavilion, which was a second home to King George IV.

And if you love sport, you’ll want to get along to a Premier League football match at Brighton’s Amex Stadium, or perhaps a non-league encounter at Lewes, Whitehawk or Eastbourne Borough.

Estate agents in Brighton

Martin & Co has been selling, letting and managing some of Brighton’s best homes for more than a decade.

We’re passionate about Brighton property and putting great people in great homes.

So, if you’re looking to buy, sell or rent in Brighton, or you’re a landlord looking for property management services, give us a call, pop into the branch on Beaconsfield Road or contact us through the website.