10 reasons why you should be investing in Birmingham
Written by Alicia O’Boyle from Select Property
An undisputed UK leader for regeneration and transformation, Birmingham is one of Europe’s most attractive cities for property investors.
From leading growth forecasts to attractive entry prices and becoming a hub for global blue-chip businesses, here are 10 undeniable reasons why you should invest in Birmingham.
1 Top of the charts
Birmingham has been revealed as the leading UK city for property investment by JLL.
The UK’s second city is forecast to see sales price growth of 24 per cent and rental growth of 18.8 per cent over the next five years, higher than any other UK city.
Charging ahead of all other UK cities, Birmingham has established its position as a top UK investment city.
New build apartments in particular are also in demand, with the average price increasing by 4.1 per cent over the year.
2 A city evolving
Undergoing a remarkable transformation across a multitude of sectors, Birmingham's regeneration projects are shaping the city into a hub of innovation.
Comparable to Manchester’s evolution several years ago, Birmingham is in the midst of its transformation period, presenting an incredible window of opportunity for investors.
The £1.2 billion Paradise scheme is well underway with the first phases of the project complete.
Described as a ‘once in a generation’ venture, Paradise has introduced 2 million sq ft of new business and leisure space and over 100,000 new jobs.
A new economic growth zone, named the ‘Central Edge’ was recently revealed at the UKREiiF 2025.
Building on the success of the i54 business park, home to international business such as Jaguar Land Rover, the new scheme will create almost 150,000 new jobs and will deliver a combined £582M GVA to the UK economy.
These projects are some of the many regeneration projects taking place across Birmingham, underpinning the city as an economic powerhouse that is continually growing.
3 Leaders in PropTech
A revolutionary digital tool, offering an innovative way for both international and domestic investors to explore key regional developments has just been launched in the West Midlands.
A first for the UK property industry, Site Selection WM is a ground-breaking property investment platform, further cementing Birmingham’s position as a top investment city, as it leads the way in PropTech.
4 Academic excellence
Boasting five exceptional universities, Birmingham is renowned as a major hub for higher education in the UK.
Birmingham also has a strong international appeal, attracting 18,000 global students to the city to live and study each year.
The significant presence of international students enriches Birmingham’s cultural landscape, building a strong community.
Alongside the student population, Birmingham also has an impressive graduate retention rate.
Across its five universities, 49 per cent of graduates choose to remain in the city to work after completing their studies.
This creates sustained, consistent demand in the city centre and is a contributing factor to the growing supply and demand imbalance.
5 Demand outweighing supply
In a research study by Marrons, it was revealed that Birmingham is required to build over 100,000 new homes in less than two decades.
Historically, Birmingham has experienced an undersupply of rental property, particularly in the city centre.
With the ever-growing population and strong graduate retention rate, Birmingham is required to build more homes than any other UK city by 2040.
The imbalance between housing demand and supply is a unique opportunity for investors, with lucrative returns predicted.
6 The youngest city in Europe
The combination of world-class university education, impressive graduate retention rate and flourishing job market has secured Birmingham with the title of the youngest city population in Europe.
There is a prime rental demographic in the city with 25-34 year olds making up a large percentage of the city’s entire population.
The youthful population of the city has led to an increased demand in modern, luxury city centre accommodation.
7 A hub for global business
With an economy going from strength to strength, Birmingham’s growing business sector attracts a strong talent pool, from young professionals to senior C-suite employees.
Major blue-chip employers from across a variety of industries have chosen Birmingham as a key headquarters base, including: Goldman Sachs, HSBC, PwC, BBC, and Deloitte.
Many of these offices are located in Centenary Square, moments away from our latest development: Edition.
Commanding a prominent position in the city centre, Edition, is an impressive 46 storey development boasting some of the rarest and sought-after amenities in the city.
Edition is the first residential Birmingham development to feature a swimming pool and a two-storey climbing wall, alongside golf simulator and private dining room, providing residents the ability to live an exceptional lifestyle.
Editions superior fitness facilities, including spin suite, yoga studio and state-of-the-art gymnasium reside on the 44th and 45th floors, transforming city living in Birmingham.
8 Strong economic outlook
A thriving job market, demand for accommodation and impressive graduate retention rate results in Birmingham having a strong economic outlook.
Forecasting economic growth of a staggering 16 per cent within the next decade, Birmingham’s predicted GVA growth exceeds previous growth rates, conveying the major, positive influence Birmingham's regeneration projects will have on the city’s economy.
The economic growth is also driven by an increase in the life sciences and tech industries, as more high earning professionals are drawn to the city through an abundance of new job opportunities.
The window of opportunity for property investors is now.
9 Attractive entry points
Luxury property in Birmingham can be secured with significantly less capital than required in London. Apartments in Birmingham present more attractive entry points, whilst offering higher rental yields.
Investors are beginning to look outside of the capital for property, with Birmingham firmly in the spotlight, leading the growth forecasts.
Off-plan opportunities are also increasing in popularity, as only a small amount of capital (often 10-25 per cent) needs to be committed, with the rest of the payment not required until completion.
Investors who choose off-plan developments can also benefit from accelerated capital growth on their property.
10 Connecting the nation
Located in the heart of the UK, Birmingham's central position presents excellent connection opportunities, making it a pivotal hub for both residents and businesses alike.
Alongside the well developed road network to the UK’s major motorways, Birmingham also boasts some of the best rail networks, providing direct links to every corner of the country.
The upcoming arrival of HS2 will also transform the city, making Birmingham a hotspot for London commuters.
HS2 will open up the city to Londoners, as the bullet train will make access to the capital quicker from Birmingham than Zone 3 London. Beyond road and rail, Birmingham also features an impressive international airport, providing the city with a global reach.
Investing in Birmingham
It’s clear to see why so many global investors are looking to Birmingham. With undeniable forecasts, major regeneration and a thriving population, Birmingham is establishing itself as an economic powerhouse.
Select Property has over 20 years experience as a leading UK property developer, focusing on top cities such as Birmingham. They have a range of investment opportunities available in this prominent city.
Contact Select Property to learn more, or watch their latest podcast to find out about one of their latest developments: Edition.