February 4, 2025
High street vs online estate agents – Which is best for selling your home in Brighton & Hove?

Thinking of selling your home in Brighton & Hove but not sure which estate agent to choose? You’re not alone. With so many options—high street agents, online agents, hybrid agents—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At Number Twenty Four, we do things differently. We’re not a traditional high street agent, but we’re also not an online agent. We sit in the middle, offering the best of both worlds: personal service, expert marketing, and a smarter way to sell homes.
So, which type of estate agent is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What’s the difference between high street, online & hybrid estate agents?
High street estate agents in Brighton & Hove
High street estate agents have been the traditional choice for decades. They usually have a physical office in Brighton & Hove, a team of negotiators, and handle everything from valuations to sales progression.
The good bits:
✔ A full-service approach, managing the entire sales process
✔ Local knowledge
✔ Experienced teams handling viewings and negotiations
The not-so-good bits:
- Large teams with lots of properties to juggle—so service can feel less personal
- High overheads from shopfronts and big teams—costs that can get passed onto you
- Some rest on their big brand name rather than focusing on individual clients
While high street estate agents offer a well-established service, many sellers find that having a shopfront is no longer a priority—buyers are searching for homes online, not by walking past estate agents’ windows.
Online-only estate agents
Online agents charge lower fees, often a fixed upfront cost instead of commission. Sounds good in theory, but there’s a catch—you’ll likely be handling viewings, negotiations, and chasing solicitors yourself.
The good bits:
✔ Lower upfront fees compared to traditional agents
✔ Online listing management for convenience
✔ Good for sellers who are confident handling viewings
The not-so-good bits:
- Less personal service—many sellers handle viewings and negotiations themselves
- Lack of local market knowledge in Brighton & Hove
- Fees are often non-refundable, even if your home doesn’t sell
While online agents can work for confident sellers, they don’t always provide the support and local expertise that many homeowners need. A good agent also acts as a mediator throughout the process, removing personal emotions from negotiations—whether it’s handling offers, navigating survey discussions, or overcoming hurdles in the legal work.
The hybrid estate agent – The best of both worlds (that’s us!)
At Number Twenty Four, we offer something different. We’re a hybrid estate agent—combining the personal service of a high street agent with the modern approach of an online agent.
Why homeowners in Brighton & Hove choose Number Twenty Four:
✔ Local expertise – All three of our directors live in Brighton & Hove. Two of us have lived and worked in the city our entire lives, so we don’t just know the property market—we understand the community, the neighbourhoods, and what makes this city unique.
✔ A hands-on approach – We conduct every viewing ourselves, ensuring buyers receive expert guidance and sellers get the best offers.
✔ A marketing-first strategy – We invest in professional photography, targeted social media ads, and high-quality listings to sell your home quickly and at the best price.
✔ No wasted costs – We don’t have a high street office because we don’t need one. Instead, we put our investment into what really matters—selling your home.
Why we don’t have a high street office (and why it doesn’t matter)
We made a conscious decision not to invest in a traditional shopfront. Why? Because today’s buyers aren’t walking down the high street looking for homes—they’re searching on Rightmove, Zoopla, and social media.
Instead, we put that investment into:
✔ Professional photography & video tours – Showcasing your home in the best light.
✔ Social media advertising – Reaching thousands of potential buyers in Brighton & Hove (check out our Instagram here).
✔ Targeted property marketing – We take the time to get to know you and your home, which helps us to build out a property listing that stands out in a competitive market.
Will we invest in an office one day? Maybe. But if we do, it won’t be because we think it helps sell homes—it’ll be for us, to support our growing team. Because what really makes the difference isn’t a shopfront—it’s the effort, expertise, and marketing behind the scenes.
Thinking of selling your home in Brighton & Hove? Here’s why sellers choose Number Twenty Four
Choosing the right estate agent is about more than just shopfronts or fees—it’s about finding an agent who understands your needs, has local expertise, and is committed to securing the best possible result for you.
With Number Twenty Four, you get:
✔ Expert local knowledge – As a family-run business, we know Brighton & Hove inside out.
✔ Hands-on, personal service – We handle every aspect of your sale, from valuation to completion.
✔ A smarter approach to marketing – No shopfront, just strategic marketing that sells homes more efficiently and at the best price.
✔ Fair & transparent pricing – No hidden fees, no unnecessary costs.
✔ We’re here when you need us – We’re available Monday – Sunday, 9am – 8pm so we’re always on hand when you need help.
Selling your home is a big decision, and choosing the right estate agent makes all the difference. At Number Twenty Four, we focus on what really matters—getting you moving.
Want to know more? Get a no-obligation valuation today
If you’re thinking of selling – now, or in the future – contact us for a friendly no-obligation chat. We love looking around properties and would be more than happy to come and meet you and give you an honest valuation of your home.
You can also follow us on social media for up-to-date news on what we’re up to, or for sleek property inspo.