Eastbourne
Welcome to Bates & Co Lettings in Eastbourne
Endearingly named ‘The Sunshine Coast’, it’s clear to see why Eastbourne outperforms in the rental market and is a current hotspot for property investment and buy-to-lets. From large period properties in Meads to marina living in Sovereign Harbour, there’s a corner to suit everyone. Listed below we will walk you through some of our favourite areas in Eastbourne and why they are so attractive for landlords and tenants alike.
Whether you’re considering your first step into property investment or you already have a growing portfolio, Eastbourne offers something for everyone. From scenic coastal living in Meads to the vibrant marina at Sovereign Harbour, our role as trusted Eastbourne letting agents is to help landlords and tenants find the perfect match in this dynamic town.
Living in Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a seaside town located in the Southeast of England, popular with a broad demographic including families, professionals, retirees and holiday makers looking for short-term lets. Proudly boasting the South Downs, Gildredge Park, Princes Park and a stunning beach and seafront, Eastbourne offers a wide range of outdoor scenic beauty.
Home to the Beacon Shopping Centre with an array of outlets and its very own Cineworld Cinema, attractions such as the Eastbourne Pier, the annual Airbourne Airshow, and endless coastal walks, it’s a place where lifestyle and convenience meet.
Eastbourne offers large period homes on the outskirts of town, a buzzing town centre with an abundance of flats and apartments conveniently located for commuters, within a few minutes’ walk to the mainline railway station for excellent transport links to London, and affordable areas for young families within the catchment of schools with Good and Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
Areas in Eastbourne
Old Town
One of Eastbourne’s most historic areas, Old Town is packed with charm. Expect Victorian terraces and period family homes, with prices starting from around £300,000 and reaching over £600,000 for larger houses (Rightmove, 2025). Average rents range from £1,000 – £1,400pcm (Home.co.uk).
- Primary Schools:
St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary School — Good (Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
Bourne Primary School —Requires Improvement (Ofsted June 2024) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools:
St Catherine’s College —Good (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
Ratton School — Good(Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne Campus — Good (Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Meads
Meads offers premium living with stunning sea views and leafy streets. It’s close to the University of Brighton campus, making it appealing to both academics and professionals. Property types include large detached homes and Victorian conversion flats, with prices between £400,000 –£1,000,000 (Zoopla, 2025). Rental demand is high, with one-bed apartments around £1,100pcm and detached homes over £2,000pcm (Bates &Co portfolio).
- Primary Schools:
St John’s Meads CE Primary School — Requires Improvement (Ofsted March 2024) Source - Ofsted Report
Pashley Down Infant School— Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools:
St Catherine’s College —Good (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
The Eastbourne Academy —Inadequate (Ofsted Jan 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good (Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Hampden Park
Known for its great transport links and proximity to Sussex Downs College, Hampden Park offers affordable family homes, many of which are semi-detached and terraced properties. Two-bedroom houses start from £280,000 (Rightmove, 2025), with rents averaging £950 – £1,300pcm (Home.co.uk).
- Primary Schools:
West Rise Junior School —Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
Shinewater Primary School— Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools:
The Turing School —Requires Improvement (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
Ratton School — Good(Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good (Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Sovereign Harbour
Sovereign Harbour is famous for its marina lifestyle. Apartments with balconies overlooking the water range from £220,000 for smaller flats to £500,000+ for penthouses (Zoopla, 2025). Rentals are in high demand, averaging £1000pcm for one-beds and £1,500 – £1,800pcm for larger homes (Bates & Co).
- Primary Schools:
The Haven CE Methodist Primary School — Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
Pevensey and Westham CE Primary School — Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools:
Willingdon Community School— Good (Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
St Catherine’s College - Good (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good (Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Langney
Langney is a suburban neighbourhood with a strong community feel. Three-bedroom homes start from £280,000 (Rightmove, 2025), with rents around £1,200pcm (Home.co.uk).
- Primary Schools:
Langney Primary Academy —Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
West Rise Primary — Good(Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools:
The Turing School —Requires Improvement (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
St Catherine’s College —Good (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good(Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Roselands
Roselands is an affordable and practical option, especially for young families. Terraced homes and smaller semis start around £240,000(Rightmove, 2025). Two-bed rentals average £1,000pcm (Home.co.uk).
- Primary Schools:
Roselands Infant School —Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
Shinewater Primary — Good(Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools
-
The Turing School — Requires Improvement (Ofsted 2019) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good (Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Upperton
Located close to Eastbourne train station, Upperton is a commuter favourite. Prices range from £220,000 for flats to £500,000+for houses (Zoopla, 2025). Flats average £1,100pcm (Bates & Co).
- Primary Schools:
Parkland Junior School —Good (Ofsted 2018) Source - Ofsted Report
St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary — Good (Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
- Secondary Schools:
Willingdon Community School— Good (Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
Ratton School — Good(Ofsted 2017) Source - Ofsted Report
- College:
East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good (Ofsted 2025) Source - Ofsted Report
Local Amenities & Lifestyle
Eastbourne offers the perfect mix of seaside leisure and modern convenience. The Beacon shopping centre provides big-name retailers and a Cineworld cinema, while smaller high streets are lined with independent shops and cafés. Families enjoy Gildredge Park and Hampden Park, while walkers love the South Downs Way. The town has a buzzing restaurant scene, cosy pubs, and cultural attractions such as Eastbourne Theatre, Towner Art Gallery, and Eastbourne Pier.
Schools & Education
Eastbourne has a wide choice of schools:
- Primary: Motcombe Infants’ School — Good (Ofsted 2018), Pashley Down Infant School — Good (Ofsted 2018), Langney Primary Academy — Good (Ofsted 2018).
- Secondary: St Catherine’s College — Good (Ofsted 2019), Ratton School — Good (Ofsted 2017), Cavendish School — Outstanding (Ofsted 2018).
- Specialist: Hazel Court School — Outstanding (Ofsted 2015).
- College: East Sussex College Eastbourne — Good in all areas (Ofsted 2025).
(Sources: Ofsted, Good Schools Guide, ESCG) Correct as of December 2025
Transport Links
Eastbourne is well connected, with direct trains to London Victoria in under 90 minutes and regular services to Brighton, Lewes, and Hastings. By car, the A22 links to London and the A27 connects to Brighton and beyond. The local bus network makes getting around simple and affordable.
Local Demographic
Eastbourne has a broad demographic, families are drawn to schools and parks, retirees enjoy the coastal lifestyle, professionals benefit from transport links, and students add vibrancy near the university. This mix ensures strong rental demand across the area.
Why Eastbourne is Great for Buy-to-Let & Renting
- Strong tenant demand thanks to seaside location and growing population
- Competitive rental yields compared to Brighton
- Consistent property value growth
- Demand from both long-term tenants and holiday lets
- Broad appeal across families, professionals, students, and retirees
Thinking of Letting Your Property in Eastbourne?
If you’re a first-time landlord or expanding your current portfolio, Bates & Co Lettings are your trusted local experts. We have extensive experience navigating the Eastbourne rental market and can help you maximise your investment while staying fully compliant.
