The £235 million redevelopment of Brighton Marina is under review because of troubles in the housing market, it has emerged.

A feared drop in property prices and a gloomy economy could cut the profit on new homes coming on to the market and put off potential buyers.

The team behind the marina plans are now looking in detail at the blueprints to look for ways of ensuring all the properties are sold.

The project is the sixth crucial scheme in Brighton and Hove to run into difficulties in recent times.

Andrew Goodall, leading the redevelopment, said preparatory work had been completed but that construction would not begin until he had reviewed the state of the economy.

He added: "We are taking a step back. I would like to see what is happening with the market before we launch the next round of building works .

"There is quite a lot of work that is going on behind the scenes.

"We had not planned building works for the next six months and it gives us the opportunity to tailor the project that we put into the market."

He added that despite the global banking crisis, funding was not a problem and the scheme was still on track.

The Brunswick Development project at the marina, includes 853 flats, some within a 40-storey tower, as well as leisure and shopping space.

Last night members of the business community spoke of their concern at the impact Britain's faltering economy was having on the city's flagship schemes.

Tony Mernagh, the executive director of Brighton and Hove Business Forum, said: "Developers usually borrow from different banks for major projects and it will be very difficult for a developer to bring these things to fruition until the credit crunch has been sorted out and banks will part with the cash.

"That will delay every project in the country. The question is for how long."

Simon Kirby, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown, said: "Developers are market-driven and if the market is looking shaky you can understand them being cautious.

"If they are going to spend hundreds of millions of pounds they need to know they can get the money back."

The question mark over the marina plans comes after five other major Brighton and Hove developments hit difficulties.

The £70 million Black Rock plan to build two ice rinks, an 11,000-seat concert hall, shops and restaurants is in doubt over its cost.

The Brighton Centre was thrown into doubt after the Government blocked plans to plug an £18.5 million financial gap this month.

The i360 tower has been delayed because of the global credit crunch. Work was due to start on the 172m high, £20 million Brighton Eye last July.

Geoff Lockwood, the chairman of the West Pier Trust which owns the site, said: "The developers are confident on funding and we are still looking at this summer for a start date."

The £290 million King Alfred scheme is running behind schedule.

But Josh Arghiros, who is behind the Frank Gehry-designed plan, said his confidence, and that of financial bankers ING, had not wavered.

Falmer Stadium has been delayed because of a blunder by former Deputy Prime Minster John Prescott.

However, Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper, said the city remained an attractive proposition for developers.