How Birmingham is mirroring Manchester's recent success story

Written by Alicia O’Boyle from Select Property

Birmingham is a major UK city, located in the centre of the country, providing pivotal direct access to all significant areas of the UK.

Named the UK’s ‘second city’, Birmingham is currently embarking on a major growth trajectory, echoing the transformative journey Manchester experienced just a few years ago.

London is no longer considered the best investment for UK property investors, with the London market remaining stagnant or declining in recent years. 

Many UK property investors are now looking towards Birmingham for investment, and it's clear to see why. 

A look back at Manchester 

Manchester’s skyline has evolved drastically over the past few years, transforming districts into ‘skyscraper cities.’

The regeneration in the city has seen major funding into community focused areas, developing 24/7 districts such as in Circle Square. 

Manchester's transport has also seen major changes in recent years, through a metro expansion and Manchester airports significant terminal upgrades.

Due to regeneration projects, accessible transport and world-class education, Manchester’s population has boomed.

The surge in population for Manchester has firmly placed this city on a global stage.

Major businesses have relocated to Manchester, including Puma, alongside multiple other international businesses.

The Northern city is also ‘stealing the show’ from London, as the prestigious Brit Awards make the move to Manchester for the upcoming years. 

This positive growth in Manchester has led to strong investor confidence, underpinned by several key themes: regeneration, population, education, transport and employment. Key themes that are quickly emerging in Birmingham. 

Birmingham’s current ascent 

Birmingham, named the UK’s second city, has historically been considered a runner up to Manchester.

However, thanks to major investment and backing by major players, including His Royal Highness, the King, Birmingham is quickly establishing itself as a top UK city.

Comparable to Manchester’s evolution several years ago, Birmingham is at the beginning of its regeneration journey, with its future being spectacularly shaped to further affirm the city as a powerhouse. 

The West Midlands region is targeting a staggering £19 billion in regeneration projects in the city, across a variety of transformative schemes including Paradise Birmingham, Smithfield Birmingham, Central Edge, and Arden Cross. 

These significant projects are drawing in an abundance of global businesses, with EY, PwC, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and the BBC all holding major offices in Birmingham city centre. 

Birmingham also boasts a 49 per cent graduate retention rate, with major blue-chip employers in the city offering young professionals ample employment opportunities.

This is also leading to a large population increase, which has led to a significant supply and demand imbalance. Birmingham is required to build more homes than any other UK city (127,000) due to the immense demand to live in this thriving city. 

HS2, the £106 billion bullet train is also boosting Birmingham, as this upgraded transport will provide a direct link to the capital in under an hour.

Birmingham is set to be transformed into a commuter hotspot for high-earning Londoners overnight, further contributing to Birmingham’s growing appeal. 

A mirrored journey 

The key themes that have led to the success of Manchester, are echoed strongly in Birmingham. 

Both Manchester and Birmingham: 

• Feature major transport links 
• Have received significant investment into regeneration projects
• Boast incredibly high graduate retention rates
• Provide a base for a multitude of international blue-chip employers

Manchester was predicted to have incredible growth five years ago and is now one of the highest performing cities not only in the UK but also in Europe. 

Today, Birmingham has a mirrored forecast, as it embarks on its extensive growth trajectory. 

Why invest now?

Currently property in Birmingham is available at an attractive entry price, creating a unique opportunity for savvy investors.

By investing in Birmingham now, at the beginning of its transformation, investors can gain lucrative returns as the city follows a journey on par with Manchester’s. 

At Select Property, they have over 20 years experience in developing and sourcing the best property investment opportunities for our global investors.

Their portfolio has largely been Manchester based, however now, they are also expanding into Birmingham, due to the incredible transformation this city will see. 

Select Property’s latest development, Edition Birmingham, offers the highest level of luxury in the city, providing premium amenities rarely seen outside of London. Mirroring the success of Manchester, property in Birmingham is also likely to surge, making the time to invest now.