When summer is here and temperatures start to rise living in the heart of the city can turn into one hot slog. But instead of looking out of the window and daydreaming about an escape to the country or the coast, the solution could be right around the corner. With careful selection, renting a city centre apartment could help you make the most of the summer months – and keep you cool as those around you start to overheat. Take a look at this checklist compiled by the residential lettings team at Bruton Knowles - and see what type of summer lifestyle your monthly rent can buy you.

A view of your own...from £800 a month
What better way to unwind on a warm summer’s evening than relaxing in the luxury of your home, enjoying a terrific view? If this sounds like heaven, then a city apartment with a balcony is a must. Rising above the city skyline there are apartments in Centenary Plaza that command 180 degree views, with under-lit balconies. Liberty Place offers an external balcony so grand it has almost a lighthouse feel to it. For an impressive view, stand on the terrace of an apartment at Islington Gates and you’ll look out over the canal and the Jewellery Quarter. From £550 a month, you won’t need to leave the city to find a breath of fresh air.

Rising above the City skyline… for £900 a month
Should you choose to leave the heat at ground level, why not escape up to a cool loft living space? A fashionable warehouse conversion in Wexler Lofts, in the midst of the Jewellery Quarter offers the ultimate in contemporary living, providing plenty of open space, and light in a truly individual and highly stylish environment. With marble bathrooms, wood floors, the extra benefits of city parking and even a concierge service from £900 a month, loft living can offer not so much home but a lifestyle choice at a realistic price. Alternatively, look towards Erdington for spacious 2/3 bedroom warehouse conversions with 100 yr old exposed beams and chrome ceiling fans, that start at £1000 a month.

Fit for summer… from £600 a month
If relaxing by the pool is a priority for you, the Art Deco style Britannic Park development, half a mile from Moseley Village, offers a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and large communal gardens for £825 a month. If you are looking to get fit in time for your summer holiday, Centenary Plaza on Holliday Street offers a residents only gym package as part of the rental price, whilst most apartments also have a balcony to relax on from just £600 a month.

Summer Living …from £650 a month
Relaxing with an al fresco dinner or a drink on the terrace - you don’t have to go on holiday when you have access to the delights that Birmingham has to offer. Many apartments, such as brand new luxury apartments in Southside, are a mere stroll away from an eclectic choice of restaurants, from Italian to Japanese, modern European to Mexican. Offering a peaceful haven on Hurst Street, with views of a beautiful courtyard within the development, one and two bedroom apartments are priced from £650 a month.

Away from it all… £550 - £1150 a month
As summer reaches its peak, the leafy and shady suburbs of areas such as Edgbaston could be an escape from the commotion of the city. Suitable for both the individual and families, houses and apartments are available to those who want to leave the city behind in the evenings and wind down in a suburban retreat. Character period properties are perfect for hot weather with their cool interiors and private gardens. A six bedroom Georgian house could be yours for £2000 a month whilst impressive 2 bedroom apartments with high ceilings and original features within a converted Victorian house are available from £850 a month. If you prefer something smaller a one bedroomed, ensuite apartment is £550 a month.

For further details on residential lettings in Birmingham, please contact the Bruton Knowles lettings team on 0845 200 2580.