Building Surveys & RICS Valuations in Birmingham

Property Market Trends in Birmingham

Birmingham, as the UK’s second-largest city, exhibits a dynamic property market influenced by substantial regeneration projects, a diverse economy, and a large student population.

City Centre Transformation

• Birmingham City Centre: The city centre, particularly around the Mailbox and Brindleyplace, is experiencing an influx of luxury apartments and office spaces, catering to professionals seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle.
• Jewellery Quarter: With its rich industrial heritage, the Jewellery Quarter is a conservation area where old factories are being converted into trendy loft apartments, attracting a mix of young professionals and creatives.

Suburban and Commuter Hotspots

• Edgbaston: Known for its leafy streets and prestigious homes, Edgbaston is a favourite among affluent professionals and families for its tranquillity and proximity to the city centre.
• Sutton Coldfield: Offering a blend of suburban comfort and high street amenities, Sutton Coldfield is popular for its parks, schools, and spacious homes.

Up-and-Coming Areas

• Digbeth: A hub for digital and creative industries, Digbeth is undergoing regeneration, making it an increasingly popular area for investors and first-time buyers.
• Perry Barr: The site of significant investment due to the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games, Perry Barr is expected to see new housing and improved infrastructure.

Market Drivers

• Economic Growth: Birmingham’s economy is diversified, with strengths in manufacturing, health, education, and financial services, fuelling property demand.
• Education: The presence of several universities, including the University of Birmingham, sustains a solid rental market for student accommodation.
• Transport Links: The planned HS2 rail network, along with Birmingham’s extensive canal system and road networks, enhances the city’s appeal to commuters.

Keeping track of Birmingham’s property market trends is essential for those looking to participate in a market characterised by both regeneration and tradition.

Sources

• Rightmove: Birmingham Property Market
• Birmingham City Council: Big City Plan

Structural Condition and Common Issues in Birmingham

Birmingham’s property market is varied, featuring a mix of traditional Victorian homes, post-war residential estates, and modern developments in the city centre and suburbs.

Common Types of Properties

• Victorian Terraces: Common in areas like Edgbaston and Harborne, these properties may have period features but often require modernisation to improve energy efficiency and facilities.
• Interwar Houses: Built between the World Wars, these houses typically offer good space but might need updates for modern comforts and energy efficiency.
• Modern Apartments: Especially in the city centre, new developments offer contemporary living spaces, although quality can vary depending on the developer.

Structural Issues to Look Out For

• Damp: This is a frequent issue in older properties, which may have outdated damp-proofing and insufficient ventilation.
• Roofing: Many traditional properties have slate roofs that may need maintenance or replacement to prevent leaks and ensure good insulation.
• Subsidence: Birmingham has a varied geology, with some areas sitting on clay soils that can be prone to subsidence, especially if affected by previous industrial activity.

Key Checks Before Purchase

• RICS Home Survey: An essential step to uncover potential structural problems, influencing both the price and future maintenance.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Provides an indication of the property’s energy efficiency and areas for potential improvement.
• Local Development: Awareness of local planning and development can provide insights into future changes that may impact property values and the local environment.

Being informed about the structural conditions and common issues in Birmingham’s properties will help buyers make knowledgeable decisions that account for potential additional costs or maintenance requirements.

Sources

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – Home Surveys
• Birmingham City Council – Planning

Local Amenities in Birmingham

Birmingham, located in the West Midlands of England, is the UK’s second-largest city known for its dynamic culture, rich industrial heritage, and extensive network of canals. It’s a diverse and vibrant city with a broad array of amenities.

Food and Drink

• World Cuisine: With a diverse population, Birmingham boasts an excellent dining scene, including the famous Balti Triangle, offering authentic South Asian cuisine.
• Cafés and Bars: From trendy coffee shops in the Custard Factory to traditional pubs and modern bars, there’s something for every palate.

Shopping

• Bullring & Grand Central: One of the largest shopping centres in the UK, featuring a mix of high street and designer brands.
• The Jewellery Quarter: A historic area with a high concentration of jewellery shops and historic buildings.

Health and Fitness

• Leisure Centres: Birmingham has numerous leisure centres like the Birmingham Wellbeing Centres offering gym facilities, swimming pools, and fitness classes.
• Parks and Green Spaces: The city is home to many parks, such as Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

Cultural Venues

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Known for its pre-Raphaelite paintings, this is one of many cultural institutions in the city.
• Music and Theatre: Birmingham is rich in performing arts venues including the Birmingham Hippodrome, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and the Symphony Hall.

Education

• Schools: Birmingham has a vast selection of schools, including both state and independent options.
• Universities: The city is home to several universities, including the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and Aston University.

Transport Links

• Rail: Birmingham New Street Station is a major national railway hub.
• Air: Birmingham Airport offers both domestic flights and international connections.
• Road: The city is a central hub for the UK motorway network, with the M6, M5, M40, and M42 all passing nearby.

Healthcare

• Hospitals: There are several major hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Birmingham’s amenities reflect its status as a major urban centre, offering a high quality of life for its residents and a wealth of attractions for visitors.

Sources

• Birmingham City Council: Things to do
• Birmingham Live: Local News

Commute and Transportation Options in Birmingham

Birmingham, located in the West Midlands of England, is the second-largest city in the UK and boasts an extensive public transportation network. Here’s an overview of the transport facilities available:

Public Transport

• Train Services: Birmingham has several major train stations, with Birmingham New Street being the central hub offering national and local train services operated by various companies, including West Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast. These provide direct routes to destinations such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
• Trams: The West Midlands Metro tram service runs from Birmingham through West Bromwich to Wolverhampton, providing a convenient option for commuting within the metropolitan area.
• Buses: An extensive bus network operates across the city and the surrounding areas, with National Express West Midlands being the main operator.

Car and Motorway Access

• Motorways: Birmingham is served by several major motorways, including the M6, M5, M42, and M40, facilitating access to and from the city.
• Ring Roads: The city has an inner and middle ring road system, A4540 and A4040 respectively, which helps manage urban traffic flow.

Taxis and Ride-Shares

• Local Taxi Firms: There is a wealth of taxi companies serving Birmingham, offering a range of services across the city.
• Uber: Uber and other ride-sharing services are widely available throughout Birmingham, providing convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

Cycling and Walking

• Cycling Routes: Birmingham is developing its cycling infrastructure, with new routes being added to encourage sustainable travel.
• Walking: The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, and there are many walking routes, including canal towpaths, which offer scenic paths across the city.

Future Developments

• HS2: The planned high-speed railway, HS2, will have a major terminal in Birmingham, significantly reducing travel times to London and other major cities.
• Birmingham Transport Plan: This outlines a vision for the future of transport in the city, focusing on promoting public transport, walking, and cycling, and creating a more sustainable and efficient transport system.

Whether you’re commuting, visiting, or living in Birmingham, the city’s comprehensive transport options cater to a range of needs and are a key component of its vibrant urban life.

Sources

• Transport for West Midlands
• Birmingham City Council: Transport

Planning Permission and Land Covenants in Birmingham

For those involved with property development or renovations in Birmingham, understanding the framework of planning permissions and land covenants is key to ensuring projects comply with local and national regulations.

Types of Planning Permission

• Outline Planning Permission: This assesses whether a proposed development is generally acceptable, focusing on the concept rather than detailed plans, which must be submitted for subsequent approval.
• Full Planning Permission: Required for detailed construction or significant changes, this permission is essential before any work begins and covers the specifics of the development.
• Permitted Development Rights: Certain smaller projects may not require full planning permission due to these rights, but it’s important to confirm with Birmingham City Council, especially in conservation areas or for listed buildings.

Common Land Covenants in Birmingham

• Restrictive Covenants: These conditions placed on the land can restrict various uses or developments, such as preventing the construction of additional structures or altering the facade of a building.
• Positive Covenants: Obligations that require a landowner to take action, like maintaining a garden or fence, or contributing to the upkeep of shared services.

Factors to Consider

• Local Plans: Birmingham City Council’s Local Plan will contain policies that guide development in the area, including housing, commercial development, and environmental considerations.
• Conservation Areas: If your property is within a conservation area, there will be stricter controls to preserve the character and appearance of the locality.

Local Sources of Help

• Birmingham City Council Planning Services: Provides advice on planning applications, local planning policies, and regulations within Birmingham.
• Land Registry: The official source for detailed property ownership information and any registered land covenants.

Tips for Navigating the System

• Pre-application Consultation: Engaging with the planning department before submitting an application can provide clarity on the likelihood of approval and any potential issues.
• Legal Advice: Due to the complex nature of land covenants, seeking legal advice can help you understand how these might affect your property and plans.

Armed with knowledge of the planning permissions and land covenants in Birmingham, developers and property owners can better ensure that their projects are viable and compliant with local requirements.

Sources

• Birmingham City Council: Local Plan and Development
• HM Land Registry