A recent report has revealed the average cost of buying and renting homes across the West Midlands, highlighting the ongoing challenges of housing affordability in the area.
The West Midlands State of the Region 2026 report examines property prices and rental costs in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The findings underline that home ownership is becoming less affordable compared to previous years.
Set to be discussed at the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Local Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, 7 September, the report details variations in house prices across the region. Solihull has the highest average house price of £329,000, while Sandwell offers the most affordable option at £200,000. Other average house prices include £233,000 in Birmingham, £227,000 in Dudley, £226,000 in Coventry, £216,000 in Walsall, and £213,000 in Wolverhampton.
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Affordability, measured by the ratio of median house price to average wage, shows significant disparities. In 2024, this ratio ranges from 8.62 in Solihull to 5.86 in Coventry, compared to a range of 7.16 to 4.83 in 2014. Other areas reflect these figures, with Birmingham at 6.01, Dudley at 6.53, Sandwell at 6.39, Walsall at 6.16, and Wolverhampton at 5.90.
Rental costs also vary, with Solihull commanding the highest average monthly rent at £1,252 and Dudley the lowest at £846. Rental prices stand at £1,087 in Birmingham, £1,016 in Coventry, £936 in Sandwell, £921 in Wolverhampton, and £898 in Walsall.
Across the West Midlands Combined Authority area, households spent an average of 29.6% of their income on rent in 2023/24, ranging from 36.1% in Solihull down to 26.6% in Wolverhampton.
Weekly incomes after housing costs differ as well, with Sandwell residents having an average of £180.68 and those in Solihull receiving £294.12. Figures for other areas are £211.78 in Walsall, £209.05 in Birmingham, £208.89 in Dudley, £206.70 in Coventry, and £181.95 in Wolverhampton, for the financial year ending 2023.
The report emphasises that “housing is central to improving quality of life, supporting regeneration, and delivering inclusive growth across the West Midlands.” It further states that enhancing access to safe, affordable, and well-located homes can promote healthier and more secure lives for communities in the region.