The Longbridge Area Guide

If you are searching for a Birmingham suburb that offers the perfect balance between city living and suburban community, look no further than Longbridge. Situated in outer Birmingham just beyond Northfield and Kings Norton, Longbridge is swiftly becoming a hotspot for investors, buyers and tenants that are searching for their next West Midlands property. But why choose this suburb for your next property, and why choose new build homes in Longbridge for your next property invetsment? 

A History of Longbridge

Despite being a relatively small area of South Birmingham, Longbridge’s heritage and history is undeniable. In fact, the region was pivotal in the development of Austin cars – the creators of the classic Mini. The phenomenal success of the Longbridge Austin plant meant that the population boomed to over 20,000, resulting in the creation of the Longbridge village. Much like Cadbury’s Bournville, this area became home to a fast growing workforce.

The Local Property Market

Longbridge properties over the past year had an overall average price of £218,852. The majority of sales were terraced properties, which sold for an average of £204,958. Semi-detached properties commanded more of a premium, selling for an average of £238,416.

When it comes to property price growth, sold prices in Longbridge are up 8% on the previous year and 7% from 2021 where properties sat at a value of £205,315. It is likely that property values will continue on this trajectory considering that JLL have predicted a 19.3% projected rental growth for Birmingham until 2027 – this is sure to impact the surrounding areas,  as tenants could be priced out of the city center.

Investment In Longbridge

Over the past few years, Longbridge has experienced swathes of investment – attracting over £700 million in both public and private inward investment. The historic manufacturing site with all its heritage and history is transforming with over 1,450 new homes being constructed and 900,000 square foot of commercial space being added to the town. Better yet, this regeneration is far from over: Longbridge is now incorporated into the “Our Future City Plan – Central Birmingham Framework 2040” and identified as a key growth area for both the present as the future as part of the Central Technology Belt. 

In 2020, the town also acquired £24 million in funding from the Urban Transformation Fund to help rejuvenate derelict buildings, make better use of brownfield plots in the region, and construct new build homes in Longbridge. This ongoing project along with broader investment is set to create 9,000 jobs, thereby increasing demand for properties in Longbridge and the surrounding area. As such, property investment is becoming an increasingly appealing prospect.

Getting To Longbridge

The Surrounding Area

Longbridge is well situated not just for Birmingham city center, but for a range of other amenities, including some of Birmingham’s best known and best loved green spaces. The nearby Cofton Park, a 135 acre wildlife expanse, is just a few minutes away. Cofton Park sits within the broader Lickey Hills Country Park, which spans 524 acres and provides access to a golf course, cafe, and unrivaled views. 

Long-Distance Transport

Once HS2’s station at Curzon Street has been constructed, Longbridge will be within 90 minutes of London, making this Birmingham suburb a yet undiscovered and immeasurably viable location for hybrid workers and those looking to stay within a reasonable distance of the capital to stay close to friends and family.

For those looking to go further afield, Birmingham International Airport is just a 30 minute drive away, and Birmingham New Street station is just 8 miles away – both of these major transport hubs put popular national and international locations within easy reach.

Local Transport

Speaking of Birmingham New Street, trains run directly between Longbridge and Birmingham New Street station four times an hour, with the journey to New Street taking just 20 minutes. These local trains run to Redditch, Lichfield, Bromsgrove and Four Oaks, and travel through Selly Oak and University stations. This puts Longbridge within easy reach of key educational hubs such as the University of Birmingham, as well as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, thereby expanding the number of potential tenants, buyers and investors that could benefit from living in Longbridge.

Opportunities In Longbridge

When it comes to opportunities in Longbridge, there is no shortage – the region is home to a range of businesses ranging from technology start-ups to well-known stores and independent firms. 

Just a few miles away or minutes on the train lie huge employers at the University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, JLR, and The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – each of these employ thousands of staff members or students, and are within touching distance. 

There are also an abundance of apprenticeship opportunities in and around the area courtesy of South and City College Birmingham who have a sizable campus in Longbridge. Furthermore, Sterling Pharmaceuticals announced that they would be constructing a 40,000 square foot headquarters in Longbridge, which will create even more jobs.

Coming Soon In Longbridge

Looking for your next investment opportunity in the West Midlands? Or are you keen to purchase your first home just a stone’s throw from the heart of Birmingham? Contact our team below to find out more about Cooper Gate, a selection of new build apartments situated in the heart of Longbridge. But be quick – these new build homes in Longbridge have already acquired a substantial amount of interest even at pre-launch!