There’s a reason Shirley keeps coming up in conversations about where to live in the Solihull borough. It’s not the flashiest postcode. It won’t make headlines the way Solihull town centre does. But for people who want a well-rounded, well-connected place to call home — without overpaying for the privilege — Shirley quietly delivers.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, renting close to work, or looking for a solid investment property, B90 has something worth paying attention to.
What Shirley is really like
Shirley sits in the southern part of the Solihull borough, roughly four miles from Solihull town centre and around eight miles from Birmingham city centre. It’s a suburban area in the truest sense — residential streets, local shops, green spaces, and a community that gets on with things.
The Stratford Road is the main artery running through Shirley, lined with independent shops, supermarkets, cafes, and everyday services. It gives the area a practical, lived-in feel that many residents genuinely appreciate.
It’s not a destination suburb. It’s a place people choose because it works — and that’s exactly what makes it appealing to such a wide range of buyers, renters, and investors.
Property types and prices in Shirley B90
Shirley’s housing stock is varied, which is part of its appeal. You’ll find everything from 1930s and 1950s semi-detached homes to post-war terraces, modern new-build developments, and purpose-built flats.
This variety means the market caters to different budgets and life stages, from first-time buyers stepping onto the ladder to families needing more space, and downsizers looking to simplify without leaving the area they know.
Based on the latest available data from HM Land Registry (2025–2026), average property prices in Shirley B90 sit broadly as follows:
Average property prices in Shirley B90
- Terraced homes: approximately £270,000–£310,000
- Semi-detached homes: approximately £320,000–£380,000
- Detached homes: approximately £450,000–£550,000+
- Flats and maisonettes: approximately £160,000–£220,000
These figures represent meaningful savings compared to central Solihull, where average prices for semi-detached homes regularly exceed £450,000. For buyers who want to stay within the borough, Shirley offers a realistic entry point without compromising on quality of life.
Prices have remained broadly stable into 2026, with demand holding steady — particularly for family-sized semis and well-presented terraces.
Renting in Shirley B90
Shirley is an active rental market. Demand comes from young professionals commuting into Birmingham, families who aren’t yet ready to buy, and key workers based at nearby employment hubs, including Solihull town centre and the wider M42 corridor.
Typical rental prices in Shirley
- One-bedroom flats: approximately £850–£1,000 per month
- Two-bedroom homes: approximately £1,050–£1,250 per month
- Three-bedroom homes: approximately £1,300–£1,600 per month
Void periods in Shirley tend to be low, particularly for well-maintained two- and three-bedroom homes. Tenants are generally looking for good transport links, proximity to schools, and value for money — all of which Shirley delivers.
If you’re a tenant searching for a home in B90, Hunters Solihull can help you find the right property and guide you through the process from viewing to moving in.
For landlords and investors
Shirley is a dependable lettings market rather than a high-yield speculative one – and for many landlords, that’s exactly what they want. Consistent demand, a broad tenant pool, and relatively accessible purchase prices make B90 a sensible choice for portfolio landlords and first-time investors alike.
Gross rental yields in Shirley typically range between 4% and 5.5%, depending on property type and condition. Flats and smaller terraced homes tend to offer the stronger yields, while larger family homes attract longer tenancies and lower turnover.
Landlords operating in England must comply with current legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which introduces significant changes to tenancy structures, including the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and Section 21 notices. Staying informed and working with a knowledgeable letting agent is more important than ever.
Whether you manage one property or a larger portfolio, Hunters Solihull offers full management and let-only services tailored to your needs.
Getting around from Shirley
Shirley’s transport links are one of its strongest selling points and a key reason why both buyers and tenants continue to choose it.
Shirley railway station sits on the Chiltern Main Line, offering direct services to Birmingham Moor Street in around 20 minutes. Whitlocks End station, also within B90, provides additional services on the same line and is popular with commuters heading into the city.
For drivers, the M42 is easily accessible via junction 4, connecting Shirley to Birmingham, Coventry, the NEC, Birmingham Airport, and the wider motorway network. The A34 and A41 also provide good road links to Birmingham and Solihull town centres.
Bus services along the Stratford Road corridor connect Shirley to Solihull town centre, Birmingham, and surrounding areas, making it a practical choice even for those without a car.
Schools in Shirley B90
Families consistently rate Shirley well for its school options, and the area has a strong mix of primary and secondary provision.
Notable schools in and around B90
- Shirley Heath Junior School — rated Good by Ofsted
- Haslucks Green Junior School — rated Good by Ofsted
- Tudor Grange Academy, Solihull — a well-regarded secondary with a strong local reputation
- Alderbrook School — another popular secondary option within reach of B90
There are also several well-regarded independent schools within easy reach, including Solihull School and Tudor Grange Sixth Form, making the area attractive to families with children of all ages.
Always check the latest Ofsted reports and admissions information directly, as ratings and catchment areas can change.
Shopping, eating, and everyday life
The Stratford Road is the commercial heart of Shirley, and it covers most of what you need day to day. You’ll find a Sainsbury’s, an Aldi, and various independent retailers, along with a good range of cafes, takeaways, and restaurants.
Shirley town centre has a relaxed, community feel. It’s not a destination for a big night out, but it’s well set up for everyday living, which is exactly what most residents are looking for.
For a wider retail experience, Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull town centre is around 15 minutes away by car or bus, offering a full range of high street shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
Parks, green spaces, and leisure
Shirley is better served by green space than many people expect. Shirley Park is the main local park, offering open grass, a children’s play area, and a pleasant environment for walking and outdoor time.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal runs through the area, providing a popular walking and cycling route that connects Shirley to the wider canal network. It’s a genuine asset for residents who want outdoor access without travelling far.
Shirley Swimming and Fitness Centre offers a local leisure option, and the wider Solihull borough has a strong network of sports clubs, leisure centres, and recreational facilities within easy reach.
Who is Shirley B90 right for?
Shirley suits a wide range of people, which is part of what makes it such a consistent market.
First-time buyers
More accessible price points than central Solihull, with good transport links and a range of starter homes.
Families
Strong school options, green space, and a safe, community-oriented environment.
Downsizers
Well-maintained flats and smaller homes without leaving the borough they know.
Commuters
Direct rail links to Birmingham and easy motorway access.
Tenants
Good value for money in a well-connected suburban location.
Landlords and investors
Steady demand, reasonable yields, and a broad tenant pool.
Shirley won’t suit everyone. If you’re looking for a vibrant city-centre lifestyle or the prestige of a more affluent postcode, you’ll look elsewhere. But if you want a home that works hard for you every day, B90 is worth serious consideration.
Thinking about buying, selling, renting, or letting in Shirley?
Whether you’re taking your first step onto the property ladder, looking to sell and move on, searching for a rental home, or building a lettings portfolio, Hunters Solihull knows this market well.
Book a free valuation today to find out what your Shirley home is worth in the current market. Or browse our latest properties for sale and to rent in B90 and the surrounding area.
Here to get you there.
Get in touch with Hunters Solihull to start your property journey in Shirley.
Frequently asked questions about living in Shirley B90
Is Shirley a good place to live?
Yes. Shirley offers a well-rounded suburban lifestyle with good transport links, solid schools, accessible property prices, and a range of everyday amenities. It’s particularly well-suited to families, commuters, and first-time buyers.
How long does it take to get from Shirley to Birmingham by train?
Shirley and Whitlocks End stations both offer direct services to Birmingham Moor Street, with journey times of around 20 minutes.
What are the average house prices in Shirley B90?
As of 2025–2026, average prices range from approximately £160,000 for flats to over £500,000 for larger detached homes. Semi-detached homes, the most common property type, typically sell for between £320,000 and £380,000.
What are the average rents in Shirley B90?
Typical rents in B90 range from around £850 per month for a one-bedroom flat to £1,300–£1,600 per month for a three-bedroom house, based on current market data for 2025–2026.
Is Shirley B90 a good area for property investment?
Shirley offers consistent rental demand and gross yields of around 4%–5.5%, making it a reliable choice for landlords and investors looking for steady returns rather than speculative growth.
Is Shirley in Solihull or Birmingham?
Shirley falls within the metropolitan borough of Solihull, though it borders Birmingham and benefits from easy access to both.
