Birmingham
Birmingham, the UK's second city, blends historical charm with modern renewal—from vibrant cultural districts to the evolving skyline around Grand Central. Its expanding build-to-rent market, excellent rail links, and affordable rental options make it a smart choice for young professionals, students, and families seeking a dynamic urban home with real value.
Population:
1,144,924 (2021 census)
Rental Properties:
24,000 (2024)
Average Monthly Rent (2 beds)
£967 (June 2025)
Year-on-Year Price Change:
+6.7% (June 2025)
Average Days on Market:
No data
Local Rental Trends
Demand for rentals—especially one- and two-bedroom flats—is rising, driven by population growth and a housing shortfall of 127,000 homes expected over the next two decades. Select Property Build-to-rent is booming, with strong developer interest responding to shortages and high yields.
Top 6 Rental Streets
John Bright Street – £1,200/month (2-bed)
Livery Street – £1,350/month (2-bed)
Basset Street – £1,400/month (2-bed)
Birmingham Road – £1,100/month (1–2-bed)
Broad Street – £1,450/month (2–3-bed)
Digbeth High Street – £1,300/month (1–2-bed)
(Figures are illustrative; refine with local listings for seller accuracy.)
Top 4 Up-and-Coming Rental Areas
Digbeth – Artistic district with street art, live venues, and affordable trends
Jewellery Quarter – Chic, historic apartments; one-bed £900–1,200, two-bed £1,200–1,500
City Centre – High-spec flats; one-bed £1,000–1,300, two-bed £1,300–1,800
Edgbaston/Harborne – Leafy, sought-after locales; two-bed £1,200–1,700
Schools & Education
Top schools like Bishop Vesey’s Grammar and King Edward’s School serve families. Local higher ed institutions such as Birmingham City University and University of Birmingham draw students and academic renters.
Safety & Community
Neighbourhood renewal coupled with local-led events—especially in Digbeth and Southside—foster community spirit and active public spaces, making rentals feel more connected and secure.
Transport Links
Train: Grand Central and New Street offer frequent access to London Euston (~1 hr 20 mins), plus fast links to Manchester and Birmingham Airport.
Airport Access: Birmingham Airport (~10 miles) is accessible via train or the dedicated Air-Rail Link tram.
Other: Well-connected tram (Midland Metro) and bus networks plus expanding cycling infrastructure.
History of the Location
Early origins:
Birmingham’s medieval roots led to its rise as a market town. By the Industrial Revolution, it became the "Workshop of the World," specialising in metalwork, jewellery, and manufacturing.
19th–20th century:
Rapid growth triggered housing expansion and tram systems. Post-war rebuilding introduced modern architecture but also regeneration challenges.
Modern era:
Today, historic districts like the Jewellery Quarter coexist with new skyscrapers around Paradise and HS2 redevelopment near Curzon Street—symbolising a city in architectural and economic transformation.
Areas Within Birmingham
City Centre (CBD, Bullring, Grand Central)
Digbeth
Southside
Jewellery Quarter
Edgbaston
Selly Oak (student hub)
Sutton Coldfield
Property Types & Architecture
Birmingham offers a blend of Victorian terraces, modern flats, 1960s estates, and new build-to-rent towers—ideal for different renter types, from creatives to commuters.
Top 5 Employers
HS2/EUROPA development firms
University of Birmingham
HSBC Regional HQ
Jaguar Land Rover (South side)
Birmingham City Council & associated public services
Paragraph 1: These major employers bring professionals, academics, and civil servants who increasingly prefer renting for flexibility.
Paragraph 2: Strong student and tech sectors support demand for short-term and modern rental stock near Digbeth and University hubs.
Future Developments
The city’s Big City Plan includes 5,000 new homes, 50,000 jobs, and enhanced public spaces—all elevating rental potential. Select PropertyCentrick Invest+1The Times
Notable Residents & Pop Culture
Paragraph 1: Birmingham is birthplace to cultural icons like J.R.R. Tolkien and Ozzy Osbourne, showcasing its creative legacy.
Paragraph 2: It's also a filming location for shows such as Peaky Blinders, leveraging atmospheric industrial backdrops.
“Why Rent Here” Summary Box
Birmingham offers vibrant city living with lower rents than London, national rail access, and growing rental supply in exciting zones like Digbeth and Southside. Homesty makes renting easy—secure contracts, just £39 landlord fee on move-in, and direct messaging without sharing your mobile. Smart, convenient, and community-focused—your perfect rental journey starts here.
Check out your rental yield with the High street agents vs Homesty for:
Birmingham
