Buying or selling a home is rarely just a transaction. It’s a life decision, a financial commitment, and often one of the most emotional choices people make. As we look ahead to 2026, the Solihull and South Birmingham property market is entering a phase where clarity, preparation and local knowledge will matter more than ever.
After several years of economic turbulence, changing interest rates and shifting buyer behaviour, the market is stabilising. That doesn’t mean it’s predictable – but it does mean there are real opportunities for buyers and sellers who take the time to set a clear property goal before they act.
As Director of Martin & Co Solihull, I work daily with buyers and sellers across Solihull, Sheldon, Acocks Green and the surrounding areas. This guide is designed to help you understand the market, define your objective, and move into 2026 with confidence – whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or selling to fund your next move.
Why 2026 Is a Pivotal Year for Solihull Buyers and Sellers
The last few years have taught us an important lesson: waiting for the “perfect” market rarely pays off. What we’re seeing now, based on industry-leading insights and our own on-the-ground experience, is a market that is becoming more balanced.
Buyer demand remains strong in the right locations, pricing is more realistic, and sellers who position their homes correctly are still achieving excellent results.
In areas such as Solihull and particularly Sheldon, we’re seeing consistent enquiries from buyers who are keen to secure a home before competition increases further. For those prepared to plan ahead, 2026 could be a very sensible time to make a move.
Step One: Understand the Solihull and South Birmingham Property Market
Before setting any property goal, you need context. National headlines rarely tell the full story, and Solihull is a perfect example of why local knowledge matters.
What the Data Is Telling Us
According to recent Rightmove and Zoopla data:
- Asking prices have steadied after the volatility of previous years
- Transaction levels are strongest where affordability and transport links align
- Buyers are more price-sensitive, but still motivated
However, these trends don’t apply evenly across all areas.
Local Market Nuances That Matter
In Sheldon (B26), demand is consistently strong. Buyers are drawn by relative affordability, excellent transport connections into Birmingham and Solihull, and solid long-term resale potential. This is an area where competition can be high for well-priced homes, and preparation is essential.
Solihull, including Olton, continues to attract family buyers looking for space, schools and a strong community feel. Meanwhile, Acocks Green (B27) offers opportunities for buyers who want value without compromising on amenities.
Areas such as Shirley (B90) and central Solihull (B91) remain popular but are often more price-sensitive, while Yardley (B25) and Hall Green (B28) see lower transaction volumes but shouldn’t be overlooked by buyers with flexible criteria.
Step Two: Define Your Property Goal Before You Start Viewing
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is starting their search without a clear goal. Viewing homes without knowing why you’re moving often leads to frustration, missed opportunities, or costly compromises.
Your property goal should answer three simple questions:
- What am I trying to achieve with this move?
- What compromises am I prepared to make?
- What does success look like in five to ten years?
For first-time buyers in Sheldon or Acocks Green, the goal may be getting onto the ladder in a home with future resale potential. For upsizers in B92 or B91, it may be securing long-term family space without overstretching financially.
Sellers, too, need a goal. Are you selling to move locally, relocate, or release equity? Your onward plan will directly influence how you price and market your home.
Step Three: Budgeting Realistically for a 2026 Purchase
Affordability remains a key consideration for buyers heading into 2026. While mortgage rates have become more predictable, lenders are still cautious – and that’s no bad thing.
Mortgages and Affordability
Most buyers we speak to are now taking a far more measured approach to borrowing. Securing a mortgage agreement in principle early is no longer optional – it’s essential, especially in competitive areas like Sheldon.
The Costs Buyers Often Overlook
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for:
- Stamp Duty (where applicable)
- Legal and conveyancing fees
- Surveys and mortgage costs
- Moving expenses
- A contingency fund for improvements
In areas with older housing stock, such as parts of Sheldon and Acocks Green, it’s sensible to allow for modernisation costs – even if a property looks “move-in ready”.
Step Four: Choosing the Right Area for Your Lifestyle
Price matters, but lifestyle matters more. The best property decision is one that supports how you live now—and how you expect to live in the future.
Matching Life Stage to Location
- Sheldon appeals strongly to commuters, first-time buyers and young families
- Solihull suits buyers looking for established neighbourhoods and long-term stability
- Acocks Green offers a balance of affordability and amenities
- Shirley and Solihull town centre attract buyers seeking convenience
The right choice isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about understanding how each area performs over time.
Step Five: Timing the Market vs Time in the Market
Many buyers ask me whether they should wait. My answer is usually the same: timing the market perfectly is almost impossible.
What does work is entering the market when you’re financially and emotionally ready, with a clear plan and the right advice.
Data from Rightmove and Zoopla consistently shows that buyers who wait for dramatic price drops often miss out on good opportunities – especially in resilient areas like Solihull and Sheldon.
Step Six: Preparing Your Own Property for Sale
If you’re selling as part of your move, preparation is critical. Buyers in 2026 will be well-informed, cautious, and selective.
What Buyers Expect
Well-presented homes that are priced correctly will continue to attract strong interest. Overpriced properties, however, are likely to stagnate.
In B92, family buyers are focused on space and condition. In B26, value and potential are key. Tailoring your presentation and pricing strategy to your local buyer profile makes a real difference.
Step Seven: Why Local Expertise Makes All the Difference
Property isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about streets, schools, transport links and buyer psychology. That’s why working with a truly local agent matters.
At Martin & Co Solihull, we spend every day dealing with buyers and sellers across Solihull and South Birmingham. We know where demand is building, which streets outperform, and how to position homes to attract serious enquiries.
In high-demand areas like Sheldon, that insight can be the difference between missing out and securing the right property.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make – and How to Avoid Them
Some of the most common pitfalls we see include:
- Starting viewings without mortgage approval
- Underestimating competition in popular postcodes
- Focusing only on price, not long-term value
- Not seeking local advice early enough
Avoiding these mistakes is often simply a case of planning ahead and speaking to the right people.
Final Thoughts: Set Your Property Goal Before the Market Sets It for You
Buying or selling a home in 2026 doesn’t have to be stressful – but it does require clarity. The buyers and sellers who achieve the best outcomes are those who understand their local market, define their goals early, and act decisively when the right opportunity arises.
If you’re considering buying in Sheldon, Solihull, Acocks Green or the surrounding areas—or if you’re thinking about selling and want an honest, data-led valuation – my team and I at Martin & Co Solihull would be happy to help.
Whether you’re at the very start of your journey or ready to take the next step, a conversation now could put you in a far stronger position for 2026.
