First-time Birmingham buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing a property. From Harborne to Edgbaston, discover the pros and cons of key Birmingham districts with this first-time buyer guide.
The Birmingham property boom is continuing to soar, with the council and local businesses investing more money into the city.
Once considered an unattractive industrial city, Birmingham is now a hub of creativity and diversity for first-time buyers. Nowadays, Birmingham is experiencing its very own renaissance that stretches from the centre out to Solihull and beyond.
Why Birmingham’s Property Boom Suits First-Time Buyers
House prices in Birmingham are expected to rise more than in any other city in the UK over the next five years. With this in mind, it’s an ideal investment for first-time buyers.
Here are some interesting stats for first-time buyers in Birmingham:
· On average, Birmingham homes are predicted to rise by 4.9% each year
· Rental values will increase by 2.8% each year
· A £500,000 property is predicted to be worth £635,000 or above by 2026
· House prices increased 5.8% between September 2020 to September 2021
Experts put the latest Birmingham property boom down to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which is set to elevate the city onto the world stage. The competition will drive thousands of spectators far and wide to the city, enabling it to showcase its transformation after years of investment.
Now more than ever is the time to invest in a property in Birmingham as a first-time buyer before house prices soar.
What’s the Average Price for Property in Birmingham?
The average house price in Birmingham was £274k in January 2022. However, most properties are being sold in the price range between £150k-£200k.
So, the average 10% deposit expected from a first-time buyer will be around £27,400. Terraced houses are the most popular type of property, selling fast at an average of £216k, with semi-detached slightly higher at £240k and flats going for £170k.
Where to Buy in Birmingham: The 7 Best Areas for First-Time Buyers
1. Longbridge and Rubery
Longbridge and the neighbouring village of Rubery to the northwest are good choices for first-time buyers in Birmingham. Both places offer excellent growth potential and are regarded as the best up-and-coming neighbourhoods for new buyers by Birmingham Live.
The average house in Longbridge costs £200k, making it an affordable option for a first-time buyer. In recent times, it’s undergone a £1 billion regeneration to improve local businesses, parks and the overall community.
Longbridge was also voted number one among the top ten of areas in and around Birmingham for first-time buyers by Proportunity.
2. Harborne
Harborne is an ideal area for any first-time buyers looking to move closer to the city centre. This Victorian-themed Birmingham suburb has boutique shops, high-end retailers and top-of-the-range sporting facilities.
Harborne is arguably one of the hottest areas in Birmingham right now, with property prices soaring by 332% over the past two decades.
The average price for a property in Harborne is £330k. But its higher price tag is hardly surprising after being voted one of the best places to live in the UK by the Times in 2019.
Harborne offers Victorian villas, a trendy high street, and many decent pubs to enjoy food and drink. It’s a perfect place for a budding young couple with class and sophistication.
3. Mosely
In 2015, the Sunday Times voted Mosley the best place to live in the UK. Renowned for its “village community” with parks, schools and independent shops and restaurants, this idyllic historical Birmingham village still has a well-balanced blend between city and countryside.
The overall average property price for a home in Mosely is £330k, with semi-detached and detached properties averaging between £466k for the former and £557 for the latter.
4. King’s Heath
King’s Heath sits four miles south of the city centre and is becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and first-time buyers. This Birmingham area offers independent businesses and two very well-maintained parks in Highbury Park and King’s Heath Park.
For an average property in King’s Heath, you’re looking at £246k. More specifically:
· Terraced properties – £234k
· Semi-detached properties – £273k
· Flats going – £131k
5. Marston Green
Property prices in Marston Green are slightly higher than the average in the West Midlands. Although, you will find yourself surrounded by greenery and within a stone’s throw of the airport and Birmingham Business Park.
The average value of property in Marston Green is £281k, with terraced houses once again selling the most at £211k, detached properties for £426k and semi-detached going for £259k.
6. Edgbaston
Edgbaston is a perfect option for first-time buyers looking to be within 20/30-minutes on foot from the Bull Ring Shopping Centre.
This historic Birmingham suburb is notorious for its cricket ground, Georgian architecture and quaint gardens. Edgbaston is a very peaceful area, despite being close to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The average property prices in Edgbaston cost around £353k. Unlike other Birmingham suburbs, flats were the most popular, selling for an average of £215k, while terraced properties went for £296k and detached significantly higher at £808k.
7. Solihull
Situated eight miles to the southeast of Birmingham, Solihull is a larger area that offers a variety of homes in attractive regions. Providing leisure, shopping and dining experiences while catching a balance between city and countryside, this “hot spot” is a prime location for first-time buyers, families and working professionals.
The cultural district just outside Birmingham accommodates a simple and close passageway to serene rural villages for a countryside retreat. Just over the Solihull border is the highly regarded location for first-time buyers known as Olton.
The average house price for Olton is a very reasonable £188k, compared to the rest of the Solihull. Olton presents a more affordable area in Solihull if your budget isn’t bustling.
The average house price varies in Solihull, due to the versatility of the area. According to Rightmove, most sales went for semi-detached homes at an average of £318k, with detached properties going significantly higher at £591k, and terraced properties accumulating to £254k.
Included in the borough are towns such as Dorridge, Hampton-in-Arden, Marston Green, Hockley Heath, Shirley, Knowle and Castle Bromwich. Solihull remains an excellent area for commuting with connected transport links ideal for careers in Birmingham.
Get a Second Opinion on Where to Buy in Birmingham
Birmingham is a profitable, progressive, and popular place to live for first-time buyers.
But it won’t stay that way for too much longer. It’s only a matter of time before people take advantage of the irresistible potential in and around the heart of the Midlands.
If you’re a first buyer in Birmingham, we suggest you seek advice from a specialist mortgage advisor who knows the various areas and can land you in your ideal location.
Birmingham Money is an established organisation that can confidently guide you on the right path to finding your perfect first home. Get in touch with us today and turn your dream first Birmingham home into a reality.