Business Details
34 Years
experience
Award-Winning Property Agency in Birmingham
Established in 1992, Direct Housing has become one of Birmingham's most respected property agencies. Founded by Glenda Houston, our team has consistently delivered exceptional service across lettings, sales, and property management. Over three decades, we've earned industry recognition including West Midlands Property Woman of the Year and Sandwell Business Woman of the Year awards. Our experienced team maintains long-standing relationships with clients, offering tailored solutions for residential and commercial property needs. We combine local market expertise with innovative approaches to property management and tenant relations.Our commitment to transparency and professionalism is demonstrated through structured tenancy processes and prompt maintenance responses. With a proven track record serving students, landlords, and homeowners, we prioritise client satisfaction through clear communication and reliable service delivery. Our physical presence in Selly Oak provides accessible support for all property-related inquiries. Through evolving market conditions, we've maintained core values of integrity and customer-centric service. This enduring approach has made us a trusted partner for property transactions across Birmingham and the West Midlands region.
Services
Lettings
Sales
Property Management
Student Accommodation
Landlord Services
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 30 years of property market expertise in Birmingham
- Award-winning team with industry-recognised excellence
- Responsive property management and maintenance service
- Transparent tenancy processes with clear communication
- Specialist student accommodation and landlord services
Associations and certifications
- Propertymark
What people say
Best letting agency
Responsive and accommodating
Stress-free experience
Professional maintenance service
Reliable communication
Services
Lettings
We provide comprehensive residential and commercial letting services with transparent tenancy agreements. Our process includes property viewings, tenant screening, and ongoing management support. With specialist student accommodation options, we match properties to individual needs across Birmingham and the West Midlands region.
Sales
Our property sales team offers expert valuation, marketing, and transaction management services. We handle residential and commercial property sales with professional guidance throughout the buying/selling process. Our local market knowledge ensures competitive pricing and successful transactions.
Property Management
We offer end-to-end property management including maintenance coordination, rent collection, and tenant communication. Our proactive approach ensures property upkeep and timely issue resolution. Regular inspections and clear reporting maintain landlord-tenant relationships effectively.
Student Accommodation
Specialist student housing solutions with tailored tenancy agreements and dedicated support. We provide well-maintained properties near educational institutions with flexible terms. Our team assists with move-in processes and ongoing property management requirements.
Landlord Services
Comprehensive support for property owners including tenant acquisition, legal compliance, and financial reporting. We handle maintenance requests and property inspections while ensuring regulatory adherence. Our services maximise rental income potential with minimal landlord involvement.
People
Glenda Houston
Founder
Established Direct Housing in 1992 and led the company to multiple industry awards. Recognised for property expertise through West Midlands Property Woman of the Year and Sandwell Business Woman accolades. Built a dedicated team maintaining high service standards.
Melissa Smith
Property Manager
Experienced property management professional handling tenant relations and maintenance coordination. Known for prompt issue resolution and clear communication with residents. Provides dedicated support for student accommodation and landlord clients across Birmingham.
Questions
What property services do you offer?
We provide lettings, sales, and property management services for residential and commercial properties across Birmingham and the West Midlands region.
Do you handle student accommodation?
Yes, we specialise in student housing with properties near educational institutions and tailored tenancy agreements to suit academic schedules.
What areas do you cover?
Our primary service areas include Birmingham, Selly Oak, and the wider West Midlands region for all property-related transactions.
How do you manage property maintenance?
We coordinate prompt maintenance services with regular property inspections and responsive repair scheduling to ensure tenant satisfaction and property upkeep.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept BACS transfers, debit/credit card payments, and cash for our property management and agency services.
Reviews (5)
James Foley
May 06, 2022
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I am very pleased with the help and support my friends and I received when trying to find a house to stay. On arrival we were welcomed by the direct housing team. Lauren S was very helpful and professional and worked closely with Melissa there and then to accommodate us. Clare and Lauren S couldn't be more helpful in the following stages and were very easy to work with. Prior to my dealing with direct housing I looked around at other agents and I wish I didn't waste my time. I should have went straight to direct housing as they were a pleasure to deal with. As an international student from Ireland I am now very excited for next term.
Adrian Kidner
May 06, 2022
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My first property viewing experience ever. With no experience or idea what to ask or expect. I phoned Direct Housing Selly Oak and had a chat with Clare. She cold clearly tell I didn't have a clue. But her genuine kindness and advice that only comes from the hart made the whole process seem easy with a bit of humour too. BIG THANK YOU.
Kostandina Kristaqi
Feb 07, 2022
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The ladies at Direct Housing (Bristol Road) go above and beyond to make housing for students easy, and reliable. As a Canadian international student my flatmates and I were juggling a bunch of different things while planning our move to the UK, and Direct Housing eased one of the biggest burdens- housing! Melissa Smith and her colleagues made the process so easy for us with the constant correspondence, and their attention to our concerns. Melissa, Rebecca and all the ladies are a pleasure to work with, and I would highly recommend Direct Housing for your letting needs, if you are looking for comfortable, trustworthy, and attentive service!
SAj
Feb 01, 2022
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Direct housing helped me to get a nice room which is economical compared to the other counterparts I found the staffs at office very helpful. Miss. Laurie snipe helped and supported since the day I went the office. Highly recommend for students coming to Birmingham and selloak
Sophie Spicer
Jan 22, 2022
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We recently had interactions with Becky Bhogal who is new to the repairs role regarding a leak with our shower in our rented property. Becky was very polite and friendly and was also very prompt with contacting our landlord and making sure the issue was sorted. She has given me confidence that similar issues would be dealt with in the same manner in the future
