Sovereign Estates – Eastbourne’s newest estate agency

Sovereign Estates opened their doors on 6 October 2025 with the aim of becoming the leading independent estate agency in the Southeast; with their goals of being transparent, honest, positive, communicative, and giving the very best possible customer service, this is Sovereign Estates’ “blueprint for success”. From humble beginnings we want to become industry leaders within the property industry – whilst never forgetting our foundations or our blueprint.

Sovereign Estates was set-up by the Director and Founder James Foster MARLA, who began his career in property back in 2012; it has been a career that started out in the Brighton & Hove and was to lead him on a path via Sovereign Harbour, Hailsham, Newhaven, and then back into Eastbourne. There were several points along James’ career which have shaped his view on the property industry and have given him an insightful perspective as to how an estate agency should be run and managed.

A significant portion of James’ journey was his time with Waterside Properties in Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, where he not only gained an intimate knowledge of the marina and the homes there but he immerged himself into the lifestyle and the uniqueness of specialising in homes by the water. When it came to coming up with a name of his estate agency, James didn’t want to be yet another of those agencies where the owner had their name above the office front in gaudy lighting. Rather, James wanted something different, something with style and class. Looking for a name that brought to mind both luxury and quality, as well as one that wouldn’t look or feel out of place anywhere within the UK, James opted for Sovereign Estates, which also gave a nod to his fondness for Sovereign Harbour and the important role that the marina had played in his career in property. With big dreams and plans, James and Sovereign Estates are very much looking to make a splash within the industry.

“It had very much been my dream when setting up Sovereign Estates to one day be part of the Waterside Properties Network, bringing Sovereign Estates closer to Sovereign Harbour and along with the rest of Eastbourne and its surrounding areas by offering our services to residents. Whether they were looking to buy, sell, let or rent, Sovereign Estates are keen to provide their services to an area that I am very passionate about. This dream came true even sooner than I had hoped following a meeting with the Waterside Properties Network, with Sovereign Estates application to join being quickly approved as the Network Member for the Eastbourne area. We are now the only estate agency in this part of the world that is able to promote clients’ homes through the Waterside Properties Network for the Eastbourne area – something that we are hugely proud of. Being part of the Waterside Properties “family” once again is a massive opportunity and a privilege, not only for myself but also for Sovereign Estates as well.”

Sovereign Estates’ range of services available to clients include sales, auctions, lettings, and property management – with the desire to add to these services in the future. Sovereign Estates are Propertymark members, as well as Waterside Network members, and work with ICO, PRS, and Rightmove, all aspects which set Sovereign Estates apart from other agents. Compliance is very much key at this time; in an ever-changing market, and one in which the fine details are forever being scrutinised, compliance is absolutely essential to succeeding in all aspects of the property industry, but especially when it comes to lettings.

The lettings sector has undergone considerable uncertainty in recent years, with ongoing discussions about legislative reform. With the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2025, many Landlords and Tenants have understandably felt cautious—however, the reality is far less dramatic than it may initially appear.

Lettings, particularly those within harbour and marina locations environments, require a careful, experienced approach. These areas present unique dynamics:

• Landlords must navigate additional costs, covenants, and rules
• Tenants pay a premium for lifestyle, views, and location
• Agents must manage expectations within close-knit communities

The rewards can be significant: high-quality properties, strong demand, a desirable waterside lifestyle, and long-term rental stability when correctly managed. For this reason, landlords benefit enormously from working with an agent who understands the environment, the clientele, and how to match the right tenant to the right home.

Experience matters — particularly when the success of a tenancy depends on balanced communication, early issue resolution, and professional guidance.

Understanding the Renters Rights Act 2025

The Act introduces the most significant changes to the rental market in many years, but importantly, much of what is required reflects good practice that many landlords already follow.

Below are some of the key upcoming changes which take effect from 1 May 2026:

1. End of Fixed-Term Tenancies – Effective 1 May 2026

All new and existing Tenancies will transition to Periodic Assured Tenancies, which will:

• Renew month to month
• Allow Tenants to give two months’ notice
• Guarantee a 12-monthminimum period for Tenant security
• Require a Section 8 notice with a valid ground for Landlords to regain possession

This highlights the importance of securing the right tenant from the start, reducing the risk of early notice, disputes, and costly void periods.

2. No Blanket Bans on Pets or Specific Tenant Groups

While landlords can still refuse pets for reasonable grounds, the new rules prevent blanket exclusions. This is the same for tenant groups such as tenants with children, students, tenants in receipt of benefits. This will change how estate agents handle enquiries, viewings and applicant discussions.

3. Abolishment of Section 21 Notices

Landlords can still give their tenants notice, although they can no longer issue a ‘No Fault’ Section 21 Notice. Landlords will now need to issue a Section 8 Notice under one of the grounds, this is designed to stop landlords making tenants homeless for no reason or retaliating to tenant behaviour. Landlords still have rights and can still give tenants notice if required but the reasons must be specific and genuine. Notice cannot be issued for possession within the initial twelve months of the tenancy; where tenants had the right to an initial six months this has now been extended to twelve months. 

4. Abolishment of rental bidding and rent in advance

Rental bidding is where landlords or agents would allow tenants to make increased bids or accept increased bids to secure a property. Whilst the majority of landlords and agents do not allow this practice, in some areas where the demand for property is especially high it has sometimes occurred. The new legislation also prevents landlords or agents requesting rent in advance; this isn’t a popular method for most people as it impacts on the notice period should a landlord wish to give notice. It could be appropriate for a tenant to pay rent in advance if they do not meet the affordability criteria when being referenced. This move now prevents the option of rent in advance and limits tenants who do not meet affordability from passing referencing.

5. Annual rent increases

Rent increases can only be implemented via a Section 13 Notice on an annual basis. The vast majority of landlords and agents already implement rent increases in this way, or via a tenancy renewal which would place tenants on a further fixed-term. Unfortunately this is no longer permitted under the new legislation, so a Section 13 Notice is the only way to propose a rent increase. Rent can only be increased in line with market value, no excessive increases can be made or proposed, and tenants can appeal via a First Tier Tribunal. 

The Act aims to modernise renting, reduce discrimination, and ensure the fair treatment for all parties. Many professional landlords already work in this way, thereby making the transition smoother than might initially have been expected.

Why Choosing “the Right Agent” now matters more than ever!

During a recent Propertymark seminar on the Renters Rights Act 2025, it became clear that many industry professionals were not fully aware of the details and implications of the legislation. Indeed, some appeared more focused on fees – rather than on compliance or the quality of the service they offer to their clients!

This is why choosing a Propertymark-accredited agent with specialist knowledge and genuine experience is crucial.

At Sovereign Estates, we believe that:
⭐ The right tenant equals long-term success
⭐ Clear communication can help prevent many issues before they escalate
⭐ Experience, professionalism, and transparency cannot be substituted
⭐ Local knowledge is essential — especially in niche markets such as harbour and marina properties

Your property deserves to be managed by a team that understands the law, the environment and how to best protect your investment.

For any questions, queries, clarification, reach out to us at Sovereign Estates – we are always happy to help, guide and support landlords, tenants, or investors to make sure you receive the most appropriate and professional information necessary.

To view the Sovereign Estates page please click here

To view our previous article on Sovereign Harbour please click here