Five reasons to live in Birmingham
All eyes are on England's second city, Birmingham. Ambitious plans are underway that are making it an attractive location for property buyers and investors.
The central city of Birmingham is growing in popularity and brimming with possibilities. It’s a city with a future-focussed ‘big plan’ and opportunities in the area are soaring. The vibrant, youthful city is attracting global businesses and young professionals.
Birmingham is an evolving city. Its skyline has altered dramatically in recent years, and change is a constant in the UK’s second city. It’s not gone unnoticed either. Its economy is growing with global firms relocating there from London. And the city was listed in the 2024 World’s Best Cities rankings - one of only five UK cities.
In contrast to the recent reports on budget cuts by Birmingham council, our most recent research indicates a substantial expected growth in the city's economy over the next ten years.
Anna Ward, an Associate in Knight Frank's research team says, “The city’s economy is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, boosted by the relocation of finance and tech firms from London and an increase in higher earners from the capital.”
Its location in the centre of England is beneficial too. The cosmopolitan city has more miles of canal than Venice and more parks than Paris. Plus beautiful countryside is right on its doorstep. Here, we share five of the many reasons to love Birmingham life.
1. Birmingham is a growing area
It’s a boom time in Birmingham, and its economy is forecast to outpace the UK average, according to Knight Frank Research. Blue-chip employers like Goldman Sachs and HSBC have chosen to open offices here. There’s also a burgeoning hub for life sciences in the area.
With a growing population and expanding workforce, there’s increasing demand for new homes. High quality homes at that. Interestingly, 53% of schemes with detailed plans granted in Birmingham are for developments with 100 plus homes.
SETL, Jewellery Quarter
This stunning development of 102, one and two bedroom apartments is set in the heart of the buzzing Jewellery Quarter. With such a central location, it’s easy to walk to the city’s business district and stations.
The sleek and stylish, contemporary apartments are well-equipped and finished to a high specification. SETL residents can also make use of the wellness studio, co-working lounge and rooftop garden with views across the city skyline. Contact Megan Robottom for further information.
2. Big city plan
Birmingham is a city with a growth mindset. Its Big City Plan is a 20-year vision to encourage and support Birmingham’s ongoing transformation into a world class city centre. Over the next decade, a pipeline of new, mixed-use developments are due to be delivered. That equates to over 170,000 sq ft in new retail and commercial space. The city centre’s already an exciting destination, and it’s set to deliver even more reasons to spend time there.
The Bank, Sheepcote Street, B16
Experience luxury living at The Bank, a popular new development in the heart of the city. The 33 storey development has been thoughtfully created by award-winning architects and designers. The light-filled spacious one to three bedroom apartments provide breathtaking views across Birmingham.
The Bank’s prime position is so convenient. You’ve easy access to the Metro tramline, the canalside bars and restaurants, and Five Ways train station is a mere two minutes away. The city’s extensive entertainment options are right on your doorstep. Please contact Imogen Tudor for further information.
3. Hub for Higher Education
With five universities in the area, Birmingham is home to over 80,000 students. A vast proportion of those who study here decide to stay. Birmingham has one of the highest graduate retention rates in the country at 41%. This is a major contributor to the city’s diverse, vibrant and young population. It also has a big impact on the significant demand for rental properties.
Alben Works, Legge Lane, B1
The epitome of chic urban living, Alben Works offers contemporary loft-style homes in the city centre. The individually designed apartments benefit from high ceilings, luxury finishes, tall triple glazed windows and an open plan flow.
The nine two and three bedroom homes in this gated development benefit from privacy, security and a car parking space - a prized thing in the city. Please contact Imogen Tudor for further information.
4. Award-winning dining
The UK’s second city is luring high earning Londoners away from the first city. Data shows a 26% increase year on year in people earning £70,000-plus moving from London to Birmingham.
They can expect more property for their money without having to compromise on lifestyle. Birmingham has an exceptional dining scene, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the UK, outside London. Choose from Aktar Islam’s Opheem for remarkable Indian fare, or Carters of Moseley for Modern British cuisine. And that’s just for starters.
5 bedroom house, Hazelwood
Around 30 minutes from Birmingham by train, Hazelwood offers an idyllic rural location with easy access to the city. This new, gated development of 17 detached properties is nestled within seven acres of beautiful countryside. The five bedroom, five bathroom homes have been finished to an exceptional standard.
With a private plot of around a third of an acre, there’s a feeling of space and openness about these homes. The backdrop of countryside, and a nearby Area of Outstanding Beauty Cannock Chase, amplifies this further still. Please contact Kate Horton for further information.
5. Extensive transport links
Birmingham’s positioning in the middle of the country makes it easy to access multiple locations. The arrival of the HS2 rail link will speed up train travel hugely, with London less than an hour’s journey. Birmingham Airport hosts flights for international travel.
The motorway hub known as Spaghetti Junction connects the city to the north, south, east and west of the UK. Oxford, for example, is around 90 minutes away. But Birmingham city itself is very walkable or easy to cycle around.
4-5 bedroom homes, Park Attwood
Seven beautiful, new homes have been created in this highly desirable location. Finished to a high specification, the homes have attractive, open plan spaces and superb bedrooms. With fantastic countryside views and generous plot sizes, Park Attwood provides plenty of space for family life.
Birmingham can be reached by direct train in 45 minutes. There are also rail links to London and Worcester. Please contact Chris Priestley for further information.
Contact the Birmingham New Homes team to find out more about property opportunities in the area.
