There's renewed optimism in the West Midlands’ housing market as activity there continues to grow, according to the January 2020 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Residential Market Survey.
January saw an increase in homes in the region being put up for sale, as well as a rise in the number of people looking to buy – and agreed sales rose for a second month in a row.
We’ve checked out some interesting new developments that are worth a look for buyers in the area, including some shared ownership options for first time buyers and larger properties for growing families seeking more space.
Bidford Leys in Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (Sanctuary Homes)
Set on the fringes of the attractive village of Bidford-on-Avon, Bidford Leys is small development of three- and four-bedroom homes, all of which are available to buy via shared ownership. Shared ownership is a government-backed initiative designed to help first time buyers get their foot on the property ladder. Buyers purchase an initial share of the property, usually between 25-75%, and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share.
Situated on the bank of the River Avon, the village of Bidford-on-Avon has its own high street lined with local shops and services, including a newsagent's, a pharmacy and a bank. Half a mile away there is a Warner's Budgens supermarket, while in nearby Alcester (four miles away) there's a larger Waitrose and a further selection of local shops.
There are ten properties available, all enjoying the benefits of great village transport links, with regular buses connecting the village to historic Stratford-upon-Avon (seven miles away) and Evesham (about the same distance away). To the north there’s Alcester, Redditch (10 miles) and Birmingham (25 miles). It also lies on the Heart of England Way.
Prices: From £140,000 based on purchasing a 50% share.
Find out more about Bidford Leys from Sanctuary Homes.
Woodbury Hill in Kings Norton, Birmingham (Kier Living)
Several three-bedroom homes are still available at this new development in Kings Norton, where the homes feature distinctive exteriors combined with thoughtfully-designed interiors. Kier says the homes offer well-appointed living and resting areas, generous kitchen cupboards and appliances, and en suites and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom.
The Kings Norton area is less than seven miles from Birmingham city centre and a mile and a half from the border with Worcestershire. The area has benefited from a number of regeneration projects since the 1970s, and has the historic Kings Norton Green as its focal point - which today hosts a regular farmers' market on the second Saturday of every month. There are several schools, shops, other amenities in the area, and a park which incorporates a skate park.
When it comes to travel, modern Kings Norton lies on the A441, which runs between Birmingham and Redditch to the south. It also has a railway station on the Cross-City Line and buses run to Birmingham city centre every few minutes along the Pershore Road.
Prices: From £237,995 to £279,995.
Find out more at www.kierliving.co.uk.
Regency Fields in Tidbury Green, Solihull (Miller Homes)
This carefully-landscaped semi-rural development has a selection of contemporary and energy-efficient two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, including some two-bed bungalows.
Situated in the sought-after village of Tidbury Green in Solihull, Regency Fields has a quiet location yet is also close to major towns and cities. Solihull is about 20 minutes' drive away, for example, while Birmingham city centre is about 25 minutes.
All of the properties, which are selling quickly, incorporate high quality brands such as Symphony for kitchens, Porcelanosa for ceramic tiles, and Ideal Standard for sanitary-ware. The five-bedroom Honeybourne show home and marketing suite are open daily from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
Prices: From £300,000 for a two-bedroom semi-detached home.
Find out more about Regency Fields from Miller Homes.
Earls' Keep in High Ercall, Shropshire (Galliers Homes)
Nestled in the peaceful Shropshire countryside, yet just 20 minutes by road from the county town of Shrewsbury and 10 minutes from the new town of Telford, this development offers 27 new private homes.
Earls Keep is situated the village of High Ercall, just a few minutes’ walk away from a local convenience store and other amenities such as a tennis club, bus stops and High Ercall Primary School. There are good road links to the nearby towns, and in Shrewsbury the railway station has direct services to Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff, amongst other destinations.
There are plenty of cultural events happening in Shrewsbury to keep families busy, and wonderful opportunities for outdoor pursuits in the local area, from country walks and cycle rides to the wide range of facilities available at nearby Hawkstone Park, with its golf course, abseiling, mountain biking and archery.
Prices: From £310,000 for a four-bedroom property. Only four- and five-bed homes now remain available.
Find out more at galliershomes.co.uk.
Woodlands in Alrewas, Staffordshire (Bromford)
Shared ownership two- and three-bedroom homes will be coming soon to the village of Alrewas, and prospective buyers can call the housebuilder now to find out more.
Set beside the River Trent, about five miles north-east of Lichfield, Alrewas is on the A38, providing good links to nearby towns. The village has a handy Co-Op food store, a village hall, a cricket club, three pubs, a primary school, a restaurant and a couple of takeaways.
It lies just within the boundary of the National Forest, and there are several attractions nearby including The National Memorial Arboretum, Branston Water Park and the National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton on Trent; and Lichfield Heritage Centre, Beacon Park and Erasmus Darwin House in Lichfield.
Prices: Yet to be released.
Find out more at bromford.co.uk.
Parsons Grove in Sedgeberrow, Worcestershire (Kendrick Homes)
In the charming village of Sedgeberrow, which has easy access to Evesham, this development will be made up of a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. Each property has been individually designed with modern living in mind and will feature an excellent specification, including high quality fixtures and fittings. Prospective buyer can register their details online to receive updates on house types, prices and the launch date as they become available.
Sedgeberrow is a sought-after village about three miles south of the lively market town of Evesham. It has a local pub, a village hall and an excellent primary school rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. It's close to the A46, providing easy access to Cheltenham (14 miles), the M5 and Stratford (20 miles). For rail commuters there is a direct service from Evesham to London Paddington.
Prices: Yet to be released.
Find out more about Parsons Grove from Kendrick Homes.