From its humble beginnings as an Anglo-Saxon village to its current status as a cultural and economic powerhouse, Birmingham's rich industrial history has driven significant growth over recent years. Today, it stands as the country's second-biggest city, known for its diverse population, thriving economy, and vibrant arts culture. This historical journey is a testament to the city's resilience and adaptability, witnessing a remarkable rise in property values, with particular areas becoming prime locations for luxury living.
In this guide, we will explore the five most expensive areas to live in Birmingham, highlighting each place’s unique qualities and why it is considered the crème de la crème of the city's real estate market.
Edgbaston
Often regarded as the most prestigious area in Birmingham, Edgbaston is home to some of the city's wealthiest streets. With a status as an upscale neighbourhood since the 19th century and one of the most affluent postcodes outside of London, much of B15 is located within the Calthorpe Estate, an active conservation area. With tree-lined streets, stunning Victorian and Edwardian properties, and within proximity to the city centre, the area offers ample luxury homes, private estates, and exclusive gated communities alongside a wealth of green spaces, including the renowned Botanical Gardens. It also boasts two of Birmingham's most prestigious addresses, Carpenter Road and Farquhar Road, where homes sell for close to or over the £1million mark.
Edgbaston also hosts the world-famous Edgbaston Stadium, which is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding cricketing stadiums in the world, famous for its electric atmosphere. Its accessibility to top-tier schools, universities, and high-end restaurants adds to its appeal as one of the most affluent areas in the city. Houses in this area fetch around £317,964.
Harborne
Named as one of the 'Best Places to Live' by The Times and Muddy Stilettos, Harborne is a quaint suburb just 3 miles southwest of the city centre that boasts a thriving food scene, an abundance of period properties, and some of the top schools in the city, combining a village-like atmosphere with close links to central Birmingham, offering residents the best of both worlds.
Harborne’s high-end properties showcase a perfect blend of charming character homes and contemporary developments which solidifies its reputation as a top contender for luxury living in Birmingham. Notably, Woodbourne Road, located near the Edgbaston border, is Birmingham's most expensive street, with an average house value of £1.75 million. Many of these properties sit back from the road on large plots with high hedges and electric gates and feature a distinctive mix of grand detached Victorian and Edwardian residences alongside more modern properties. Harborne's proximity to Harborne High Street, with its vibrant mix of independent retailers, high street names, and outstanding restaurants, enhances its appeal as one of Birmingham's most exclusive locations. The high street itself is lively and dynamic, offering an eclectic array of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
Solihull
Solihull is one of Birmingham's most popular places to live, offering a perfect balance of quiet suburban life and easy access to the city. The average property price is around £354,746, with options ranging from flats to terraced houses and semi-detached homes. It's known for its high quality of life, with excellent schools, plenty of green spaces, and a friendly, welcoming community. The town is also a hub for businesses like Gymshark and Lounge and major employers such as Jaguar Land Rover, which boosts the local job market. With easy access to Birmingham International Airport, the NEC, and many restaurants, cinemas, and theatres, Solihull offers the best of both worlds – peaceful living with all the perks of city life nearby.
Moseley
Moseley is one of Birmingham's most bohemian and upmarket areas, serving a mix of stylish Victorian and Edwardian homes. Although the area dates back to the 11th century, Moseley and its surroundings were much more developed after 1910. They town was mostly composed of big homes meant to accommodate Edwardian middle-class families living in the suburbs around Birmingham's industrial centre. Today, the area is known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, weekly farmers market, and abundance of trendy bars and cafes. Moseley is particularly attractive to buyers due to its character, with properties ranging from large detached homes to modern flats in period buildings that have commanded an average price of £329,765 in the last year. Whilst close to the city centre, Moseley offers ample green spaces, including the Moseley Bog and Joys Wood, an enchanting nature reserve that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth.
The Jewellery Quarter
In the heart of the city, serving as the hub of Birmingham's jewellery trade, The Jewellery Quarter has transformed into a trendy and upmarket neighbourhood, attracting an abundance of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and wealthy buyers. The area is renowned for its beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture amongst its proximity to the city centre, with the majority of properties distinguished by modern flats and luxury apartments. It’s not uncommon for properties in this trendy locale to fetch high prices, the average value for a flat sits at £200,000 whilst terraced properties can cost over £600,000. The Jewellery Quarter's slightly bohemian spirit, modern luxury, and prime location make it a standout choice for businessmen and young professionals seeking sophisticated urban living.
As Birmingham's property market continues to evolve, these upmarket areas remain a benchmark for luxury living in the city, offering the perfect mix of comfort and style. With a real estate market that has undergone significant transformations in recent years, Birmingham has some of the most prestigious postcodes in the country, emerging as particularly desirable for those seeking luxury and exclusivity outside of the capital. As Birmingham continues to grow and develop, these top neighbourhoods will likely remain at the forefront of the city's luxury housing market.
