Nestled in Birmingham, Rotton Park is traditionally a leafy, residential area boasting large homes and spacious gardens—a scene that should appeal to many homebuyers in 2025. Yet, recent data reveals that house prices here have taken a steep drop, falling more sharply than anywhere else in Birmingham over the past year.
The average property price in Rotton Park plummeted from £350,000 in 2024 to just £241,000 in 2025, marking a striking 31.1% decrease. This sudden decline has sparked varied opinions among residents and workers in the area.
Liam Bourke, 36, a delivery driver from Yardley, pointed to the conversion of large homes into smaller Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) as a potential reason for the drop. “Big houses are being split into HMOs,” he observed while walking along Selwyn Road. “Black bags left outside make the area look uncared for. I’d be hesitant to buy here because it hurts the image of the street.” Despite this, Liam noted that the area is not particularly rough, and overt trouble isn’t common.
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Conversely, a long-term resident in his 50s, choosing to remain anonymous, challenged the notion that the area is deteriorating. “Crime has actually decreased over the last 20 years,” he said, referencing how prostitution—once a known issue at the corner—has vanished. He highlighted ongoing home improvements and extensions that are raising property values rather than lowering them. “Yes, there are multiple occupancies, especially on Gillot Road, but that’s nothing new,” he added. He also praised local amenities like the nearby reservoir and parks, emphasizing that the neighborhood is better now than it was two decades ago.
From a landlord’s perspective, a 76-year-old property owner pointed out that Rotton Park properties are being rapidly acquired. He noted the area’s “funny” but desirable reputation and suggested that rising prices closer to Birmingham’s city center are pushing buyers to seek homes further out. “It’s like London,” he explained. “People can’t afford central city prices and are looking to places like Rotton Park. Properties here are being gobbled up quickly, especially around the top end near Gillot Road, making the area attractive for renters.”
In summary, Rotton Park is a complex and evolving community. While house prices have sharply declined in the past year, residents describe a neighborhood that has improved over decades and is attracting different buyers due to affordability and location advantages. The mix of converted HMOs alongside ongoing home renovations and shifting demographics paints a nuanced picture of this Birmingham estate.