Prime Retail and Residential Development Opportunity in Harborne: Up for Auction in October

A well-positioned shop unit with planning permission for a residential apartment on its upper floors, located in the heart of one of Birmingham’s most affluent areas, is expected to attract significant interest at our upcoming auction in October. The property, situated at 169 High Street in Harborne, presents a promising investment opportunity for both commercial and residential developers.

Details of the Property

This freehold vacant retail property will be offered with a guide price of £295,000 during the auction on Thursday, 24 October, which will be live-streamed on Bond Wolfe’s website. The sale is being jointly marketed by Bond Wolfe and retail agent Nicholas Brett & Co.

The property consists of a two-storey mid-terraced retail unit, featuring:

• A ground floor sales area with a disabled WC and additional rear sales space with another WC.
• Ancillary space on the first floor, which currently includes staff facilities and a WC.
• A small yard to the rear of the building.

At present, the ground floor sales area covers 824 sq ft, with an additional 437 sq ft of rear sales and ancillary space. The first-floor ancillary space extends to 639 sq ft.

Planning Permission: A Conversion to Residential Use

A significant aspect of this property is the planning permission granted by Birmingham City Council on 28 March, allowing for the conversion of the first and second floors from commercial use into a self-contained apartment. The approved plans involve:

• First floor: To be converted into a living room, dining room, shower room, and bedroom, with a store.
• Second floor: A new bedroom will be added, including the installation of a dormer window at the rear.

Additionally, the plans call for the installation of a new shop front, enhancing the property’s overall aesthetic and functionality.

A Thriving Location in Harborne

Ian Tudor, Commercial Auction Director at Bond Wolfe, highlights the prime location of this property, situated on Harborne High Street, one of Birmingham’s most popular and bustling commercial hubs. Tudor stated:

“Sitting on a lively high street lined with popular restaurants, this property is at the centre of a thriving area of Birmingham.”

Harborne is known for its affluent residential community and boasts proximity to major landmarks such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham University, both of which draw significant footfall and drive the local economy. The property occupies a prominent and busy location directly opposite Waitrose, a key feature that adds to its desirability. Other nearby businesses include:

• Oliver Bonas
• Waterstones
• Caffè Nero
• Johnson Cleaners

The area has a thriving evening trade and is renowned for its café culture, with nearby eateries and bars such as Costa, Arco Lounge Bar, Pizza Express, Giggling Squid, and Slug & Lettuce contributing to a vibrant social scene.

Accessibility and Parking

The property benefits from street parking directly in front, and there are several car parks nearby, making it easily accessible for both shoppers and residents. Its central location in an affluent area, combined with the mix of high-street retailers and popular restaurants, makes it an ideal property for those looking to invest in a high-potential retail and residential asset.

Bond Wolfe’s Livestreamed Auction

The auction, scheduled for Thursday, 24 October, will be live-streamed via Bond Wolfe’s website. Prospective buyers can participate in the auction remotely by proxy, telephone, or online bidding. The sale is expected to generate significant interest from investors and developers across the country, given the property’s prime location and its potential for both retail and residential use.

To participate in the auction, interested parties are encouraged to register to bid via Bond Wolfe’s website or contact the auction team for more details:

• Register to bid
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0121 312 1212

Investment Potential

This property offers an excellent opportunity for investors and developers alike. With the approved planning permission for a residential flat conversion and its prime location in Harborne’s thriving retail area, the property presents the potential for a dual-income stream—from both the retail unit and residential space. The guide price of £295,000 offers a competitive entry point for a property in such a desirable and high-demand location.

With Harborne continuing to grow as one of Birmingham’s most sought-after residential and commercial districts, this property represents a strategic investment in a key area poised for continued development and growth.