Solihull remains one of the more consistent rental markets in the West Midlands, but 2026 brings real change for landlords, from tenancy law reform to shifting yields across the borough’s postcodes. This guide covers what’s actually happening with rents and demand, and what you need to know before letting a property here this year.
Rental demand across Solihull in 2026
Private rents in Solihull rose to an average of £1,259 in April 2026, an annual increase of 1.1% from £1,245 in April 2025, according to the ONS Price Index of Private Rents. That’s a notably slower rate of growth than the wider region, where West Midlands rents rose 4.5% over the same period, suggesting Solihull’s rental market is maturing rather than overheating. Office for National StatisticsOffice for National Statistics
By property type, terraced rents rose by 1.5% over the year, while detached property rents stayed broadly flat. One-bedroom rents also rose by 1.5%, while rents for four-or-more-bedroom homes held steady. This points to steadier demand growth at the smaller end of the market. Office for National Statistics
What’s driving tenant demand
Solihull’s rental appeal is underpinned by a handful of consistent factors: strong transport links into Birmingham, good schools, green space, and major local employers. Median annual earnings for Solihull residents sit at £33,826, according to 2024 ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data, supporting a tenant base of established professionals and families rather than purely transient renters. My Mortgage Sorted
Supply has remained relatively tight against demand, which tends to support lower void periods for well-presented, accurately priced properties across most of the borough.
Yields by area
Yield in Solihull varies significantly by postcode, property type and purchase price, so it’s worth looking at the picture in detail rather than relying on a single borough-wide average.
According to quarterly analysis of Land Registry and rental data, the strongest gross yield in the borough is around 5.3% in B37 (Chelmsley Wood and Marston Green), where the average sold price is £339,811. Rental income across the borough’s postcodes ranges from £1,034 a month in B37 up to £1,794 a month in B93, reflecting the wide spread of property types and locations across Solihull. Property Investments UKProperty Investments UK
More centrally, gross yields on apartments in Solihull town centre typically sit in the 5.5% to 6.5% range, depending on location, finish and size, with proximity to the station, Touchwood and local offices generally commanding stronger rents and shorter void periods. Hunters Estate Agents
As a general rule, higher-value postcodes tend to offer lower gross yields but stronger capital growth and shorter void periods, while more affordable postcodes offer higher yields with a different tenant profile. Which suits you depends on whether you’re prioritising monthly income or long-term asset value.
The Renters’ Rights Act: what changed on 1 May 2026
If you’re letting a property in Solihull, the biggest change this year isn’t local, it’s national. The Renters’ Rights Act took effect from 1 May 2026 and represents the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in decades. Key changes landlords need to know:
- Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions have been abolished. Landlords can no longer serve a Section 21 notice from 1 May 2026, and any notices served before that date needed a court claim submitted by 31 July 2026 to remain valid. Shelter England
- Fixed-term tenancies are gone. Existing assured shorthold tenancies have converted to rolling periodic tenancies, and all new tenancies must be periodic from the outset. NRLA
- You now need a valid reason to seek possession, via a Section 8 notice citing an approved ground, whether mandatory or discretionary.
- Rent increases must go through a formal process. Rent can only be increased via a Section 13 notice, and tenants have the right to challenge an increase they believe is unfair. NRLA
- A PRS Database and Ombudsman scheme are coming. The government plans to roll out mandatory landlord registration from late 2026, with an annual fee to be confirmed closer to launch. Hogan Lovells
If you have existing tenancies that pre-date 1 May 2026, make sure your tenants have received the government’s official Information Sheet explaining the changes; failure to provide this can result in a penalty.
EPC requirements for landlords
The current legal minimum for rental properties remains an EPC rating of E. The government has proposed raising this to a C-equivalent standard by 1 October 2030, under a Warm Homes Plan with a proposed £10,000 cost cap per property, though this isn’t yet law. If your rental portfolio includes older or less efficient stock, it’s worth starting to plan upgrades now rather than waiting for the deadline to bite. EPCRATE
Getting started or reviewing your portfolio
Whether you’re letting your first property in Solihull or reviewing an existing portfolio against the new rules, a few practical steps help:
- Check your tenancy agreements against the new periodic tenancy rules and update where needed.
- Review your EPC ratings across your portfolio and plan for the proposed 2030 changes.
- Get a current rental valuation rather than relying on borough-wide averages, since yield and demand vary so much street by street.
- Speak to a letting specialist who understands both the local market and the compliance landscape.
Talk to Melvyn Danes
Our lettings team, based in Shirley, has been managing rental properties across Solihull for landlords for over 33 years. Whether you’re new to letting or looking for a change of management, get in touch with our team to talk through your options, or meet our people to find out who’ll be looking after your property.
If you’re considering buying an investment property in Solihull, book a free valuation on any property you already own to understand your position first.
FAQs
What is the average rent in Solihull in 2026?
Average private rents in Solihull were £1,259 per month in April 2026, according to ONS data, a 1.1% annual increase.
What rental yields can landlords expect in Solihull?
Gross yields vary by postcode, from around 5.3% in more affordable areas like B37 up to 6.5% on well-located town centre apartments, with generally lower yields but stronger capital growth in premium postcodes.
Has Section 21 been abolished in Solihull?
Yes. Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions were abolished across England, including Solihull, from 1 May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act.
What EPC rating do I need to let a property in Solihull?
The current legal minimum is band E. The government has proposed raising this to a C-equivalent standard by October 2030, though this isn’t yet confirmed in law.