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Inside Birmingham’s Buy-to-Let Boom: Opportunities in the Jewellery Quarter
The buy-to-let market in Birmingham is picking up pace. With consistent rental demand, major infrastructure projects in motion, and property prices still well below London levels, the UK’s second city is attracting attention from both local and overseas investors.
One neighbourhood that's standing out is the Jewellery Quarter. Once known for its industrial past, it’s now one of Birmingham’s most in-demand city-centre areas. And for buy-to-let investors looking for long-term returns and stable rental income, it’s well worth a closer look.
Strong Demand from Renters
Birmingham’s population has been rising steadily, with forecasts suggesting it could reach 1.3 million by 2030. Much of this growth is driven by younger professionals, students, and new graduates drawn in by the city’s job market and relatively affordable cost of living.
The Jewellery Quarter is especially popular among this demographic. It’s within walking distance of Colmore Row, Birmingham’s commercial district, and offers an easy commute to Paradise Birmingham and Snow Hill station. Renters like it because it’s close to the action, but with a more local feel compared to the city centre.
Add in the independent cafés, restaurants, and creative spaces, and you’ve got an area that appeals to tenants who want more than just somewhere to sleep.
Steady Rental Yields
Rental yields across Birmingham remain attractive. According to Zoopla, the average gross rental yield in the Jewellery Quarter sits around 5.2%, with some well-located new builds reaching 6% or more.
This is bolstered by the shortage of high-quality rental stock in the area. Many buildings are older or converted industrial units. So when something purpose-built for modern renters comes to market, it tends to let quickly.
New developments like SETL, located just off St. Paul’s Square, are meeting this demand. With co-working lounges, rooftop gardens, and high-spec interiors, they’re designed for the kind of renter willing to pay a premium for good design and convenience. For investors, that means fewer void periods and better rental returns.
Capital Growth Potential
While rental income is key, capital growth matters too. Birmingham property prices have increased by nearly 25% over the last five years, according to the Office for National Statistics. And yet, prices still remain affordable compared to other major UK cities.
The Jewellery Quarter has benefited from this upward trend, and with new investment continuing across the city, there’s potential for further growth.
Projects like HS2 and the expansion of Paradise Birmingham are boosting confidence. HS2, in particular, will cut travel time to London to just 49 minutes, with connections from the upcoming Curzon Street Station.
This level of investment and infrastructure improvement usually comes with a knock-on effect in local property values, especially in central areas like the Jewellery Quarter.
Appealing to a Range of Tenants
One of the advantages of investing in the Jewellery Quarter is its broad tenant appeal. On any given street, you’ll find a mix of renters: young professionals, downsizers, remote workers, and international students from one of Birmingham’s five universities.
The area’s walkability, good transport links, and independent shops make it attractive across the board. And for anyone working in law, finance, tech or consultancy, the short walk to Colmore Row is a huge plus.
With the shift towards hybrid working, renters are now looking for apartments that do more. They want space to work from home, fast broadband, communal areas, and outdoor space. Developments that offer these features are standing out.
SETL, for example, includes a co-working lounge with high ceilings and natural light, a wellness studio, and a landscaped rooftop terrace. While this blog isn’t about any single development, it’s the kind of example that shows what today’s renters are after.
Long Leases and Investor-Friendly Terms
New-build apartments in the area often come with long leases, modern warranties, and hands-off management options. SETL offers a 999-year lease and 10-year latent defect insurance, which removes some of the hassle for landlords managing from afar.
There’s also increasing interest from international investors, especially those based in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UAE, who are looking for UK property that’s easy to hold and manage. With rental demand strong and the pound still relatively weak compared to other currencies, the numbers make sense.
Well Connected and Centrally Located
The Jewellery Quarter is extremely well connected. Snow Hill and New Street Station are both within walking distance. The Midland Metro runs directly through the area, offering light rail access to the wider West Midlands.
When HS2 opens, it will place Birmingham within commuting range of central London in under an hour.
Nearby, you'll also find:
For tenants, it’s all about convenience. For investors, it’s about location that holds long-term value.
Is the Jewellery Quarter Still Worth Investing In?
In short: yes. Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter offers stable rental yields, a steady pipeline of tenants, and continued demand from both renters and owner-occupiers.
New developments, such as SETL, show where the market is headed – functional homes with thoughtful layouts, social spaces, and strong management in an area that’s hard to beat on location.
Whether you’re looking to start or grow your portfolio, the Jewellery Quarter should be firmly on the radar.
Interested in this location or want to speak with the team?
