Student accommodation is a lucrative investment option in Birmingham for landlords. Combined, the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Birmingham City University, these three major universities, have more than 80,000 students, resulting in a continuous high demand for housing. For landlords, it means a stable rental market with attractive yields and low vacancy periods. You can check our student accommodation listing if you want to know what students want in the Birmingham rental market, which is full of life and opportunities.
Why invest in Selly Oak?
Selly Oak has been the number one area for students in Birmingham for a long time. Being a vibrant and cheap neighbourhood near the University of Birmingham, it has everything that has to be there in a modern neighbourhood: a variety of shops, cafes, and excellent transport services. Students like it because of the easy access, while landlords get the benefit of continuous occupancy and good returns.
Rental demand remains at a high level throughout the year
Rent per week: £150–£200
The University of Birmingham is within walking distance
Strong rental yields of about 6–7%
Selly Oak is a good area for landlords to provide shared houses or properly maintained HMOs. Concentrate on contemporary furniture, high-speed internet, and good-quality study rooms. Carrying out the property in a clean, safe, and well-repaired manner will allow you to attract long-term tenants who are long-term and will keep renewing their leases.
Why choose Edgbaston?
Edgbaston can be considered the best place for students of the postgraduate program and those coming from abroad who want a quiet and pleasant environment. Because of the simple access to the university and the city centre, this place is welcomed by mature students too.
Postgraduates and professionals are the main residents here
Large Victorian and contemporary homes
Low tenant turnover
Rent per week: £180–£220
Those landlords who are in Edgbaston may have the advantage of longer tenancies and more tenant responsibility. International students coming in the middle of the term will find it attractive to rent furnished en-suite rooms, as well as having flexibility with the rental terms. The quiet environment and access to amenities turn it into a reliable investment for steady returns.
Why target the City Centre?
The City Centre is the best location for landlords willing to attract students from Aston University as well as Birmingham City University. The area is filled with modern flats, nightlife is great, and there are plenty of shopping places. So, young tenants get everything they need within walking distance.
Perfect for short university commutes
High demand for studios and apartments
Rent is usually between £200 and £240 per week
Great tenant satisfaction due to convenience
By putting their money into quality and well-managed apartments, landlords can make the most of their income. Flats with the social area and contemporary design will attract the international tenants who are willing to pay more to have comfort and be in a prestigious location. The good upkeep, together with the security that is always at its best here, is what makes it really profitable in the long run.
Why is Digbeth gaining popularity?
Digbeth has changed from being a heavy industrial area to a creative, vibrant quarter, which is now a popular choice for students studying arts and media subjects. It is also very close to the city centre and will, therefore, continue to reap the benefits of various regeneration projects that are increasing its value and the demand for rental properties.
Relatively low-priced properties
Rapidly increasing popularity among students
Lots of culture and social activities near
Rent is usually between £160 and £190 per week
For investors, the area of Digbeth is a great position in the very distant future. It is the renovated old factory-style lofts and the well-thought-out shared spaces that are going to be the success here. Students love the fact that it is cheap and that they have city life close at hand, and this is why Digbeth is the rising star in Birmingham's student housing market.
Why invest in Harborne?
Harborne offers the best of both worlds: a suburban style with all the comforts and advantages of the city. Medical and postgraduate students from the University of Birmingham, in particular, are the ones to prefer this area. It is a quiet and safe neighbourhood with excellent local amenities and transport links.
Characterised by mature and medical students
Community spirit
Short distance to campus
Rent per week: £170-£200
On the contrary, landlords can anticipate low tenant turnover as well as reliable renters who live up to the expectations of Harborne. Among the furnished houses, those with a study area and having access to the garden will stand out more. Because of constant demand from postgraduate students, Harborne is still one of the most secure rental investments in the city.
Why look at Perry Barr?
After the redevelopment linked to the Commonwealth Games, Perry Barr has turned into a student district to be noticed. Due to the closeness of Birmingham City University’s North Campus and new transport links, it is turning out to be an affordable choice for both students and landlords.
Affordable investment for beginners
Stable rental demand
Continuing regeneration projects
Rent per week: £140-£160
At a lower price, landlords can start investing in the Birmingham market here, and as regeneration is going on, they can have solid yields. Combining affordability with future potential, Perry Barr is perfect for the first-time or expanding investor.
Final thoughts
The student housing market in Birmingham is a safe bet when it comes to rental income and also has the potential for long-term growth. Every location has its own special feature, starting from the lively atmosphere of Selly Oak to the quiet charm of Edgbaston and the modern convenience of the City Centre. The landlords who are able to properly manage their properties and are in tune with the students’ needs will be successful.
In case you are willing to attract responsible student tenants or if you want to make an effective listing of your property, then you should definitely go to StudentTenant.com. Our service is a platform for landlords to meet directly with verified students who are in need of trustworthy accommodation all over the UK. It is your only solution to get better visibility, easy management, and quick lets in the student market, which is thriving in Birmingham.