How Much Can a First Time Buyer Borrow in Hove? 2026 Local Examples
How Much Can a First Time Buyer Borrow in Hove – Local 2026 Examples and Numbers
One of the first questions almost every first time buyer in Hove asks is “How much can I actually borrow?”.
The exact answer depends on your income, debts and credit profile, but it helps to see some realistic examples based on typical situations and local prices.
These are illustrations, not promises. Lenders use different affordability models, and rates and criteria change. They are here to give you a feel for the numbers.
Example 1 – Single buyer working in Brighton, renting in Hove
- Income: £32,000 basic
- No loans, a small credit card balance that is paid off monthly
- Deposit: £18,000 (savings and a small family gift)
Many lenders in 2025 might look at borrowing somewhere around 4 to 4.5 times income, subject to affordability checks. In rough terms:
- Potential borrowing range: around £128,000 to £144,000
- Total budget including deposit: around £146,000 to £162,000
What that might buy:
- A studio or modest one-bed flat in parts of Portslade or further out
- Shared ownership options in or closer to central Hove
Example 2 – Couple buying their first home in Portslade
- Income 1: £30,000
- Income 2: £26,000
- One small car loan with 18 months left
- Deposit: £30,000
Combined income: £56,000
A borrowing range might look something like:
- Around £224,000 to £252,000
- Less some reduction if affordability is tight due to the car loan and other costs
If we assume around £240,000 as a mid figure, total budget including deposit:
- Around £270,000
What that might buy:
- A two-bed flat in Portslade or West Hove
- A smaller house or maisonette a little further out
Example 3 – Single professional with higher income buying in Hove
- Income: £48,000
- No loans, modest credit card usage paid off monthly
- Deposit: £40,000
Indicative borrowing:
- Around £192,000 to £216,000
Total budget:
- Around £232,000 to £256,000
What that might buy:
- A smart one-bed or smaller two-bed flat in Hove or Aldrington, depending on exact location and condition
Other factors that affect how much you can borrow
- Regular overtime, bonuses or commission – if these are consistent, some lenders will count a percentage of them
- Credit commitments – car finance, personal loans, student loan repayments
- Childcare costs and dependants
- Term length – a longer term can sometimes boost affordability, but means paying more total interest
The best way to get a tailored answer is to go through your figures with an adviser. If you would like to find out your own range and see how it compares with Hove prices, send us the basics via the contact page.