Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal city anchored on Portsea Island, known for its historic naval heritage and dynamic redevelopment. With the bustling Historic Dockyard, modern leisure zones like Gunwharf Quays, and unbeatable waterfront charm, it’s both well-connected and full of character—making it an appealing choice for renters seeking affordability with flair.
Population:
208,100
Rental Properties:
20,000
Average Monthly Rent (2 beds)
£1,044
Year-on-Year Price Change:
Not avaible
Average Days on Market:
Not avaible
Local Rental Trends
Rental prices in Portsmouth are stable to rising modestly, supported by ongoing regeneration and steady demand from students and young professionals. Supply can be tight near key hubs like Portsmouth & Southsea station and waterfront redevelopments.
Top 6 Rental Streets
Harbour Road – £1,150/month (2-bed)
Commercial Road – £1,200/month (2-bed)
Elm Grove – £1,000/month (1–2-bed)
Kent Road – £950/month (1–2-bed)
Fratton Road – £900/month (1–2-bed)
Goldsmith Avenue – £1,300/month (2-bed)
Top 4 Up-and-Coming Rental Areas
Gunwharf Quays Waterfront – Trendy zone with shops, restaurants, waterside living.
City Centre North (Regeneration Zone) – Large-scale redevelopment underway, creating new affordable homes and community spaces Wikipedia
Southsea – Charming seaside neighbourhood with Victorian homes and coastal lifestyle (originally Croxton Town)
Milton / Baffins – Leafy residential suburbs offering good value, green spaces, and period housing Wikipedia
Lifestyle & Amenities
Portsmouth is rich in amenities—from the iconic Spinnaker Tower and Historic Dockyard to the trendy shops of Gunwharf Quays and independent cafés of Southsea. There are parks, seafront promenades, theatres, and a strong cafe culture lining the coast.
Schools & Education
Home to the University of Portsmouth (~23,000 students) and a range of schools including Admiral Lord Nelson School and Portsmouth College, the city offers appeal to both students and families alike Wikipedia.
Safety & Community
Coastal neighbourhoods like Southsea and Milton offer strong community bonds and public amenity, while regeneration projects include community consultation for safer, greener urban designs The Sun.
Transport Links
Train: Portsmouth & Southsea to London Waterloo, approx. 1h 50min.
Airport Access: Fareham and Southampton airports nearby with rail/bus links.
Other: Excellent local bus network, cycling paths, and pedestrian-friendly redevelopment in progress.
History of the Location
Portsmouth dates back to Norman times, growing around its natural harbour and royal naval dockyard. Its strategic location made it a key maritime defence point. Wikipedia
In the 20th century, the city played pivotal roles in both world wars. Post-war redevelopment led to modern centres like Cascades Shopping Centre, Gunwharf Quays, and residential towers. Wikipedia
Today, regeneration is transforming former commercial zones through the City Centre North project—the £53m initiative introducing affordable homes, greenspace, and eco-friendly design. The Sun
Areas Within Portsmouth
Old Portsmouth (Historic Quarter)
Gunwharf Quays (Waterfront Retail & Residential)
Southsea (Seaside Suburb)
Milton
Baffins
Fratton
City Centre (Commercial Road & Cascades)
Property Types & Architecture
Expect a diversity of property—Victorian terraces in Southsea, mid-century council estates in Milton and Fratton, modern flats at Gunwharf Quays, and new apartments in regenerated city centre zones.
Top 5 Employers
HMNB Portsmouth (Royal Navy Base)
University of Portsmouth
IBM UK (HQ location)
Maritime and retail sectors around Gunwharf Quays
Local NHS and education institutions rentable.co+15Wikipedia+15portsmouthnh.gov+15Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Paragraph 1: The city’s economy spans defence, education, professional services, and tourism—supporting diverse renter demographics.
Paragraph 2: Regeneration and student demand fuel rental appeal, while Homesty’s flexible person-to-person model suits both families and transient renters.
Future Developments
The City Centre North regeneration is adding up to 1,800 new homes (30 % affordable), public green areas, and pedestrian infrastructure toward a greener, more vibrant urban centre. The Sun
Notable Residents & Pop Culture
Portsmouth is the birthplace of Charles Dickens, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Peter Sellers, James Callaghan, and Christopher Hitchens Wikipedia.
Its maritime heritage, Historic Dockyard and naval connections have featured in TV and film; Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower also anchor cultural events and media. The Sun
“Why Rent Here” Summary Box
Portsmouth blends coastal living, affordability, and heritage—all under 2 hours from London by train. Whether you're a student, naval professional, creative, or family, Portsmouth offers character, convenience, and value.
And Homesty makes it even better: enjoy secure tenancy agreements, transparent pricing with just a £39 fee incorporated into rents, and safe tenant-landlord messaging. We make renting easy, fair, and worry-free from browsing to move-in.
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