Solihull has long been one of the most attractive places to live in the West Midlands, offering a blend of excellent schools, strong transport links, and a balance of green space and town life. For landlords, it’s a market that combines solid capital growth prospects with consistent rental demand.
But in 2025, where exactly are the best areas to buy-to-let in Solihull? Let’s look at the data and local insights to highlight the neighbourhoods offering the strongest returns.
Why Solihull appeals to landlords
Several factors make Solihull a prime location for investment:
- Employment hubs – Close proximity to Birmingham, the NEC, and Birmingham Airport. Jaguar Land Rover’s headquarters also provide steady tenant demand.
- Transport – Direct trains to London in around 90 minutes and easy access to the M42 and M40. HS2 (set to include a nearby interchange station) is expected to enhance future demand.
- Schools – Tudor Grange Academy, Arden Academy, and several outstanding primaries make the area popular with families.
- Lifestyle – Touchwood Shopping Centre, leafy suburbs, and villages like Knowle and Dorridge attract tenants seeking quality of life alongside convenience.
According to Zoopla’s 2025 rental market report, average rents in Solihull have risen 6.1% year-on-year, with demand outpacing supply. This makes now an excellent time for landlords to expand portfolios.
Best buy-to-let areas in Solihull for 2025
Solihull town centre
- Average rent: £1,200 per month (two-bed flat).
- Average property price: £265,000.
- Gross yield: Around 5.4%.
Town-centre apartments are popular with professionals commuting to Birmingham and beyond. The mix of modern developments and converted period properties means there’s variety for investors. Yields are steady, and void periods are typically short thanks to strong tenant demand.
Shirley
- Average rent: £1,150 per month (three-bed semi).
- Average property price: £240,000.
- Gross yield: Around 5.7%.
Shirley offers affordability compared to central Solihull but still benefits from good schools and transport links. The area is attractive to young families and professionals, and new-build developments along Stratford Road have added modern housing stock to the mix.
Knowle and Dorridge
- Average rent: £1,700 per month (four-bed detached).
- Average property price: £490,000.
- Gross yield: Around 4.1%.
Although yields are lower here due to higher purchase prices, Knowle and Dorridge remain two of Solihull’s most desirable addresses. Properties tend to attract long-term, affluent tenants, meaning less turnover and reliable income. Capital appreciation prospects are also strong.
Olton
- Average rent: £950 per month (two-bed flat).
- Average property price: £200,000.
- Gross yield: Around 5.7%.
Olton combines affordability with excellent transport – trains reach Birmingham Moor Street in just ten minutes. This makes it a hotspot for young professionals, with strong rental yields for smaller flats and terraces.
Dickens Heath
- Average rent: £1,100 per month (three-bed townhouse).
- Average property price: £230,000.
- Gross yield: Around 5.7%.
Dickens Heath is a modern village development with shops, restaurants, and schools, designed to meet family and commuter needs. Popular with young families and professionals, it offers solid yields and high tenant demand.
Solihull rental yields compared
- UK average gross yield (2025): 5.2% (Home.co.uk).
- Solihull average gross yield: 5.5%.
- Best-performing Solihull areas: Shirley, Olton, Dickens Heath (5.7%+).
This shows that while Solihull is more expensive than some Midlands locations, its yields remain competitive, and capital growth prospects are stronger due to demand drivers like HS2 and top schools.
What to watch in 2025
- HS2 development – Once complete, the Birmingham Interchange near Solihull will cut travel times to London, likely boosting property values and tenant demand.
- Population growth – Solihull’s population is expected to rise steadily, with younger renters moving out of Birmingham city centre seeking more space.
- Rental regulation – Energy efficiency standards (minimum EPC ratings) and possible new landlord regulations should be factored into investment decisions.
Practical tips for Solihull landlords
- Match property type to tenant demand – Flats for professionals (Olton, town centre), family homes for long lets (Shirley, Dickens Heath).
- Budget for upgrades – Energy-efficient improvements are increasingly important for tenants.
- Think long-term – In areas like Knowle and Dorridge, capital growth can offset lower yields.
- Work with a local agent – Knowledge of micro-markets ensures accurate pricing and minimal voids.
Why choose Hunters Solihull?
At Hunters Solihull, we know that successful buy-to-let investment isn’t just about numbers – it’s about understanding the community, the tenants, and the long-term opportunities.
We offer:
- Accurate valuations rooted in current market data.
- Local expertise on tenant demand across Solihull’s micro-markets.
- Proactive marketing to reduce void periods.
- Straightforward advice in plain English, so you always feel in control.
Book your free rental valuation today to see how much your property could earn in 2025.
Final thought
So, where are the top buy-to-let areas in Solihull for 2025? For strong yields, look to Shirley, Olton, and Dickens Heath. For long-term growth and premium tenants, Knowle and Dorridge remain unbeatable. And with Solihull’s unique mix of affordability, connectivity, and lifestyle, landlords are well-placed to see both reliable rental income and strong capital growth.
With the right guidance, 2025 could be the year your Solihull buy-to-let investment really takes off.
