If you’re a landlord with your eye on the B93 postcode, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question: do you pay a premium for Knowle village, or does Bentley Heath now offer a smarter entry point for buy-to-let in 2026?
It’s not a simple answer. Both areas have genuine strengths, and the right choice depends on what you’re optimising for – yield, capital growth, void risk, or all three. Let’s break it down using real local data.
Why B93 keeps attracting landlords
The B93 postcode covers Knowle, Bentley Heath and Dorridge, and it consistently outperforms the wider Solihull market on tenant quality and demand. High-income professionals, families relocating for the Arden Academy catchment, and commuters needing fast access to Birmingham, Dorridge Station and the M42 all compete for rental homes here.
That demand hasn’t softened in 2026. If anything, the ongoing development of the HS2 Interchange at Arden Cross – just a short drive away – has added another layer of long-term confidence for landlords thinking about capital growth alongside rental income.
Knowle village: premium rents, lower yields
Knowle’s village core is one of the most desirable addresses in the West Midlands. Properties here command serious rents – larger family homes regularly achieve between £2,500 and £4,000 per month, and well-presented four- and five-bedroom detached homes can exceed that.
But purchase prices reflect that desirability. Detached homes in Knowle village frequently sell for £700,000 to well over £1 million, which compresses yields considerably.
What the numbers look like
Gross rental yields in Knowle’s village core currently sit between 3.5% and 4.2%. That’s lower than the wider Solihull average of 4.5% to 5.5% and noticeably below what some landlords can achieve in Bentley Heath.
For landlords who bought in Knowle five or ten years ago, that equation still works well – capital growth has been strong, and void periods are among the lowest in the region. But for those buying now at current prices, the yield entry point is tighter.
Who does Knowle work best for?
Knowle makes the most sense if you’re a landlord who’s comfortable with a longer-term view. The combination of low voids, premium tenants, strong capital appreciation and the cachet of a Knowle address means the total return can still be compelling – it just doesn’t show up purely in the yield figure.
Landlords with larger portfolios often hold Knowle properties as anchor assets: lower yield but reliable income, low maintenance headaches and strong resale value.
Bentley Heath: the yield opportunity in 2026
Bentley Heath sits just to the north of Knowle village, and it’s where the yield conversation gets more interesting for landlords entering the market in 2026.
Purchase prices here are meaningfully lower than in the Knowle village core, while tenant demand remains strong – largely because renters still get the B93 postcode, the Arden Academy catchment, and easy access to Dorridge station and the M42.
Better entry prices, stronger yields
A three- or four-bedroom semi-detached home in Bentley Heath can be acquired for between £350,000 and £550,000 in many cases, depending on specification and exact location. Achievable rents for well-presented homes in this bracket typically range from £1,400 to £2,200 per month.
That combination pushes gross yields closer to 4.5% to 5%, bringing Bentley Heath more in line with the wider Solihull average – and well ahead of what you’d achieve buying at equivalent quality in the Knowle village core.
Tenant demand and void risk
One of the strongest arguments for Bentley Heath in 2026 is that it attracts a very similar tenant profile to Knowle, but with a slightly larger pool of applicants. Families who can’t quite stretch to Knowle Village rents will prioritise Bentley Heath because it still delivers on schools, location and lifestyle.
That broader demand base means void periods tend to be short. For landlords managing multiple properties, that consistency in occupancy is often worth as much as the headline yield figure.
Dorridge: worth considering alongside both
Dorridge, which sits within the same B93 postcode, deserves a mention for landlords comparing options. The station – offering direct services into Birmingham Moor Street in around 20 minutes – makes it a reliable draw for professional tenants.
Yields in Dorridge generally sit between Knowle village and Bentley Heath, reflecting its slightly more varied property mix. It’s a useful third option if the right property comes up.
So which area should you choose?
Here’s a straightforward way to think about it:
If your priority is yield and you’re buying at 2026 prices, Bentley Heath gives you the stronger numbers without sacrificing tenant quality or demand.
If your priority is long-term capital growth, low void risk and the ability to command premium rents on larger homes, Knowle village still justifies its price point for the right landlord.
If you already hold property in one area, it’s worth considering whether diversifying across both gives you a more balanced portfolio – premium growth in Knowle and stronger yield in Bentley Heath.
What landlords need to watch in 2026
Across England, landlords are navigating the continued rollout of the Renters’ Rights Act, which brings significant changes to tenancy structures, eviction grounds and rent increase processes. Getting your compliance right from the outset protects both your income and your relationship with tenants.
Energy efficiency requirements are also tightening. Properties in B93 that already meet or exceed EPC band C are seeing stronger tenant interest and fewer void gaps – worth factoring into any acquisition decision.
Get local landlord advice from Hunters Knowle
Whether you’re weighing up Bentley Heath, Knowle Village or Dorridge, the right decision starts with accurate, local data – not national averages.
Hunters Knowle works with landlords across the B93 postcode every day, from single-property landlords letting for the first time to experienced investors managing larger portfolios. The team knows what’s being achieved in rent right now, where demand is strongest, and how to keep your property occupied with the right tenants.
Book a free valuation today and get a clear picture of what your property – or a property you’re considering – could realistically achieve in the current market.
Get in touch with Hunters Knowle to talk through your options, ask about local rental demand, or find out how the team can help you get more from your buy-to-let investment in 2026.
