Renting in Chichester
Rental market, costs and areas to consider
The rental market in Chichester is competitive, with demand consistently outstripping supply. The city's population of students, young professionals, families and retirees all contribute to a rental market that covers everything from student house shares to large family homes, and the costs reflect the desirability of the area.
Rental prices in Chichester are above the national average, though below London levels. A one-bedroom flat in the city centre typically commands a monthly rent that stretches the budgets of single earners, while two and three-bedroom houses suitable for families are more expensive still. The surrounding villages can be even pricier, particularly in the more desirable locations such as Bosham and Lavant.
The University of Chichester generates significant demand for student accommodation. Term-time lets, house shares and purpose-built student housing all feature in the local market. The university's Bishop Otter campus is in the city, and the concentration of students in the surrounding streets affects the character and rental dynamics of certain areas.
For professionals working in Chichester or commuting to London, Portsmouth or Brighton, renting is often the first step before buying. The high purchase prices mean that many people rent for longer than they would like while saving for a deposit. The rental market provides flexibility, but the costs mean that saving while renting is difficult.
Families renting in Chichester are often drawn by the schools. The city has well-regarded primary and secondary schools, and families who want access to these schools but cannot yet afford to buy in the catchment areas may choose to rent instead. Competition for family-sized rental properties near the best schools can be fierce.
The private rental sector dominates in Chichester. Housing association and council properties exist but are in short supply, with long waiting lists. The majority of rental properties are managed by local estate agents and lettings agents, though online platforms and direct landlord lets also feature.
Tenants' rights have been strengthened in recent years, with the phasing out of no-fault evictions and the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards. Deposit protection schemes are mandatory, and landlords must meet various regulatory requirements. Most lettings agents in Chichester are familiar with these obligations and can guide both landlords and tenants through the process.
Furnished and unfurnished properties are both available, with unfurnished being more common for longer-term family lets and furnished being typical for shorter-term and student properties.
Families renting in Chichester are often drawn by the schools. The city has well-regarded primary and secondary schools, and families who want access to these schools but cannot yet afford to buy in the catchment areas may choose to rent instead. Competition for family-sized rental properties near the best schools can be fierce, and the rents charged for three and four-bedroom houses in the right postcodes reflect this demand.
The private rental sector dominates in Chichester. Housing association and council properties exist but are in short supply, with long waiting lists that can stretch for years. The majority of rental properties are managed by local estate agents and lettings agents, though online platforms and direct landlord lets also feature in the market.
Tenants rights have been strengthened in recent years, with the phasing out of no-fault evictions and the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties. Deposit protection schemes are mandatory, and landlords must meet various regulatory requirements covering gas safety, electrical installations and smoke alarms. Most lettings agents in Chichester are familiar with these obligations and can guide both landlords and tenants through the process.