West Midlands Property Buying Guides

 The West Midlands is home to over five million people across five counties: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. The region offers a mix of industrial and rural, with urban hubs like Stoke-On-Trent and Birmingham, and countryside spots like Shrewsbury and Hereford at the borders with Wales.  

The region is also home to Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon and Nuneaton, where Mary Ann Evans, known worldwide as George Eliot, was born. With five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to enjoy, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and plenty of dramatic scenery, the West Midlands is a brilliant place to live.

If you’re considering buying your first home in the West Midlands, read our home buying guide to learn more. If you already have a portfolio and want to add new properties, take advantage of our mortgage options for investors.

In the heart of England, the West Midlands is one of the UK’s most dynamic and prosperous regions. With low living costs and plenty going for it, buying a property in the West Midlands promises short- and long-term investments.

With the HS2 being almost ready, city neighbourhoods like Digbeth and Erdington are set to see a significant increase in demand. They’re especially ideal for commuters thanks to the frequent services to and from London.

Another up-and-coming area is Birmingham, which offers diverse neighbourhoods. The city boasts excellent transport links with the capital, great schools and plenty of job opportunities. It also benefits from low rental yields and affordable property prices. Despite property prices rising by almost 10% between 2020 and 2023, Birmingham offers options for all budgets.

Dudley is also a fast-growing area. House prices rose by under 20% from 2020 to 2023, with the best-selling being semi-detached properties. Dudley is close to the M5 and M6 and within reach of Birmingham International Airport, conveniently located for commuters while still providing beautiful landscapes.

Whether you’re looking to invest or buy a new home, the West Midlands is a beautiful, varied region.

The West Midlands is Shakespeare’s birthplace, the centre of the Industrial Revolution and a stunning region packed with culture, art and fascinating history.

Stratford-upon-Avon

You might have already heard of this historic market town as the birthplace of Shakespeare. Stratford-upon-Avon owes its fame to the iconic playwright, celebrated there to this day at the Royal Shakespeare Company. This town is a real gem, with glorious riverside walks, beautiful green fields and forests to explore.

Malvern

In the heart of Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, Malvern is a Victorian spa town with plenty going for it. Home to ancient iron-age hillforts, majestic architecture and quirky local boutiques, homes here are popular among buyers.

Shrewsbury

On the banks of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is not far from the border with Wales and offers contrasting rural landscapes. Many buildings feature timber framing from the 15th and 16th centuries, complemented by red sandstone fortifications.

Considering moving to the region with your family? You’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities and amenities in the area. Whether you fancy a day at Birmingham Botanic Garden, taking children to The Wave waterpark or visiting museums, the West Midlands has it all.

Sutton Coldfield

On the northern outskirts of Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield is desirable for its proximity to Coventry, Leicester and Lichfield. It also enjoys stunning countryside on its doorstep, including Hill Hook and Cannock Chase.

Royal Leamington Spa

In the heart of Warwickshire, this quaint spa town is a brilliant place to move with your family. New homes in Leamington Spa are popular thanks to various green spaces and museums.

Cannock

At the foot of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, Cannock is packed with exciting activities for families with children. From scenic walking trails in Shoal Hill Common and Hawks Green Valley to cultural day trips to nearby sites such as Wolverhampton and Stafford – Cannock offers endless opportunities to enjoy this beautiful part of England.

Ofsted rankings of best schools in the West Midlands

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Hamd House School	Outstanding	December 2022
Marston Green Junior School	Outstanding	December 2020
Grove Vale Primary School	Outstanding	January 2021
Eden Boys’ Academy	Outstanding	March 2023
Bartley Green School	Outstanding	November 2020
Parkfield Community School	Outstanding	November 2022
Hamd House School	Outstanding	December 2022
Lea Forest Primary Academy	Outstanding	January 2023
English Martyr’s Catholic Primary School	Outstanding	January 2022
Harvills Hawthorn Primary School	Outstanding	October 2020

 

Want to relocate to a rural area with more green spaces on your doorstep? You can find a diverse array of properties for sale in the West Midlands to enjoy some beautiful countryside spots.  

Ledbury

The historic market town is in a beautiful location, nestled between two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Malvern Hills and the Wye Valley. Take a day trip from Ledbury to the picturesque Cotswolds to enjoy more of the great outdoors.

Lichfield

Just south of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lichfield is conveniently situated for commuting to Birmingham or Leicester while surrounded by green space. 

Telford & Wrekin

Close to the River Severn, the Wrekin Trail and the World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Telford. Venture further afield to the stunning Shropshire Hills or take a day trip across the border to Wales.

 

The West Midlands is a varied region with so much to see and do. It’s a beautiful place to live or invest, with majestic architecture, medieval castles, world-class theatres, and amenities.

The region boasts superb road and rail links. Many lines run through urban areas, including the West Coast Main Line, the Welsh Marches and the Cotswold Line. The high-speed HS2 is also underway, connecting London to Birmingham.

Main road links include the M5, connecting the South West to the region. The M40 runs from the South East to London, and the M6 connects to the North West.

Buying your home in Birmingham

England’s second-largest city after London, Birmingham, is a dynamic metropolis with exciting opportunities for first-time buyers and investors. The region offers excellent value for money, with properties more affordable than elsewhere in the UK.

Tamworth

If you prefer the suburbs to the bustle of the city, houses in Tamworth could be for you. Around 20 miles north of Birmingham City Centre, this market town caters to all. Whether you enjoy walking in Kingsbury Water Park, exploring the Peak District or relaxing in a local park, Tamworth has it all.

Buying your home in Coventry

Coventry is the second-biggest city in the region after Birmingham. It boasts fantastic local attractions, from its gothic cathedral and Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to the War Memorial Park and canal basin. The property market saw a considerable increase between 2020 and 2023, with prices up by slightly over 10% and terraced houses being the best-selling.

Nuneaton

Homes in Nuneaton offer stunning countryside on your doorstep, excellent transport links into nearby towns and cities and many excellent local facilities. Property prices in Nuneaton increased by almost 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Wolverhampton

Once part of Staffordshire, Wolverhampton is one of the major cities in the West Midlands today. It’s 15 miles north of Birmingham near Telford, Worcester and Cannock. Wolverhampton also boasts historic landmarks, including St Peter’s Collegiate Church and the National Trust’s Wightwick Manor and Gardens. Property prices increased by more than 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Hednesford

Looking for modern housing a stone’s throw from bustling hubs, with plenty of opportunities for countryside walks? Look no further than Hednesford. This sought-after market town in the West Midlands is next to Cannock Chase, close to the M6, providing access to Birmingham, Lichfield and Walsall. Houses here recorded a 5% price rise between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke is a perfect home for many, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of England. The city lies next to Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield, offering stunning scenery on its doorstep. The Peak District and Shropshire Hills are just a short drive away.

Staffordshire’s recorded a 9% increase in house prices between 2020 and 2023. Stoke experienced a similar increase, with semi-detached properties most popular among buyers.

Alsager

Whether you’re interested in buying your first home or looking to invest in a property, Alsager offers a desirable lifestyle. The Mere is at the heart of town while walking routes around Addy and Milton Park provide easy access to nature. Property prices rose by more than 15% between 2020 and 2023, with detached homes being the best-selling.

Buying your home in Solihull

Historically part of Warwickshire, Solihull is a picturesque market town in the West Midlands. It’s considered the heart of the UK’s transport network, thanks to its superb road and rail links. Birmingham, Coventry and Dudley are within commuting distance. House prices increased by under 10% between 2020 and 2023, with semi-detached being the best-selling.

Buying your home in Telford

This modern town in Shropshire offers a striking contrast to the surrounding countryside. Packed with exciting local amenities, leisure facilities and green spaces, homes in Telford are popular with families. The M54 dissects the southern part of the city, making it ideal for commuters to nearby Wolverhampton, Stafford and Shrewsbury.

Home prices in Telford rose by slightly under 10% between 2020 and 2023.