Property investment stats for Smethwick, West Midlands

• The area offers strong rental yields of 5.9%, with the top-performing district achieving 6.3%.
• Affordability is a draw, as shown by the price-to-income ratio of 4.6 and the median asking sale price for a 3-bedroom house at £250,000.
• Demand from families and students provides a large tenant pool, supported by a high proportion of private rented housing and a rent-to-income ratio of 25.4%.

• The unemployment rate is in the 99th percentile, which may affect tenant stability and local economic resilience.
• The proportion of degree-educated residents and professionals is low, both in the bottom quartile nationally, potentially limiting demand from higher-income tenants.
• There is a high level of social rented housing, which could impact neighbourhood stability and long-term value growth.

Looking ahead, Smethwick is likely to remain attractive for investors seeking rental income, especially given strong rental yields of 5.9% and a large pool of tenants. The combination of capital growth over one and three years at 8.4% and 15.7% respectively suggests the area has momentum, though the pace may fluctuate with broader economic conditions.

Affordability is set to continue drawing both buyers and renters, with asking prices for a 3-bedroom house at £250,000 and a 2-bedroom flat at £130,000, and rents that remain accessible for most households. Liquidity appears healthy, as properties typically spend 56 days on the market. While the high unemployment rate is a concern, the sheer demand from families and students may support both occupancy and future growth.