As estate agents, we know that the investments in new homes in Birmingham are increasing. Recently we have also know that transactions in commercial property hit £845 million in 2015 due to the fact that the city is attracting more interest and investors. It is a new record and means almost double the five-year average.
The biggest percentage of the investment was in offices sales, a 76%, with £641 million from 25 deals, a 2% more than in the previous year's tally of £626 million, according to research by the CoStar Group.
Commercial real estate investments reached the amount of £67.5 billion, which is a 5% less than the record of £70.7 billion hit in 2014. However, 2015 has been the second strongest year in this kind of investment, with a 46% above the ten-year average.
Last year there were very important commercial property deals in Birmingham city centre, such as the acquisition of Colmore Plaza for £138.3 million by Ashby Capital or the purchase of 1 Colmore Square for £87.3 million by Legal & General.
The truth is that Birmingham is becoming more and more attractive for banks. A proof of this is Deutsche Bank’s back office move to Birmingham. HSBC has also announced their plans to relocate its retail operations from London to Birmingham.
According to the real estate analyst at CoStar Marianne Fitzpatrick, international investors are looking for value outside of London and the city of Birmingham is in a great moment thanks to the regeneration of its infrastructures.
As examples of this regeneration are New Street Station, the tram lines, which has been extended, and the plan to build the HS2 railway link to London. In addition, London has become more and more expensive, which has moved the attention from the capital to other cities such as Birmingham.
The county of West Midlands had also a rise of 6% in commercial property investment, with £2.66 billion in transactions in 2015.
The volume of investments in the office sector in West Midlands is higher than in other sectors, with a 31% of the total volume invested at £822 million, according to the UK Investment Transactions report created by the consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton. The second most important is retail, accounted for nearly 28%, which means £744 million of acquisitions.
In third position, the industrial sector reached the figure of £453 million, a 17%. Other sectors accounted for £645 million of transactions.
In total, the report shows that 2015 was a great year, being the performance a 54% above the five-year average and a 49% above the region's ten-year average. One of the most valuable deals in the region was the sale of the NEC for £307 million to LDC.
Monday 8 February 2016
Monday 25 January 2016
Where to live in Birmingham city
Birmingham has over one million citizens and a lot of residential areas. It’s Englands’s biggest city after London. Why is it becoming more and more popular as a place to live and work? In this guide from our estate agents in Birmingham you can discover why the centre of this city is one of the most attractive places to live in UK. We invite you to discover the most important areas in the centre.
At a short distance from the Bull Ring and New Street, you can find Digbeth, a well-known quarter for being the home of the most creative people in the city. You may consider moving here if you love attending cultural activities, as there are a lot around this quarter.
Population in Digbeth is multicultural and it is growing. This place is the home of the Irish community in Birmingham and large Chinese and Polish populations. Another interesting thing you should know is that it has a very active residents association which organizes events and collaborates with local businesses. This gives Digbeth a real sense of community.
Digbeth used to be an industrial area, but nowadays it’s transforming its old buildings, formerly warehouses, into new apartments. One of the most representative buildings is the Custard Factory, converted into a shopping and business hub. However, not everything is industrial buildings, you can also find a large green space: the Eastside City Park.
Take a look at this video:
If you wish to learn more about Digbeth, visit the blog Digbeth is good: http://digbeth.org
One of the most iconic buildings in this quarter is The Cube, a building with luxury studios and one and two bedroom flats with stunning views and automated car park. A great option if you can afford it.
You can also find high-standard properties to rent in Birmingham in other buildings of this quarter.
Population in this quarter is increasing at the same time as the economic activity, with more a more businesses established in this area. Jewellery Quarter is also well-known for being the home of over 100 jewellery retailers. There is also a large quantity of fine restaurants, pubs and art galleries.
For those thinking of moving here is good to know about the existence of the the Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Forum (JQNF), that has become the voice of the residents and work to improve the life in this quarter.
Other interesting areas are Moseley, Kings Heath, Edgbaston, Harborne and Sutton Coldfield.
Digbeth
At a short distance from the Bull Ring and New Street, you can find Digbeth, a well-known quarter for being the home of the most creative people in the city. You may consider moving here if you love attending cultural activities, as there are a lot around this quarter.Population in Digbeth is multicultural and it is growing. This place is the home of the Irish community in Birmingham and large Chinese and Polish populations. Another interesting thing you should know is that it has a very active residents association which organizes events and collaborates with local businesses. This gives Digbeth a real sense of community.
Digbeth used to be an industrial area, but nowadays it’s transforming its old buildings, formerly warehouses, into new apartments. One of the most representative buildings is the Custard Factory, converted into a shopping and business hub. However, not everything is industrial buildings, you can also find a large green space: the Eastside City Park.
Take a look at this video:
If you wish to learn more about Digbeth, visit the blog Digbeth is good: http://digbeth.org
The Mailbox
If you enjoy fashion, The Mailbox is definitely your place. There you will find high fashion shops and fine restaurants, such as Côte Brasserie, Miller & Carter, Harvey Nichols and Aluna.One of the most iconic buildings in this quarter is The Cube, a building with luxury studios and one and two bedroom flats with stunning views and automated car park. A great option if you can afford it.
You can also find high-standard properties to rent in Birmingham in other buildings of this quarter.
Jewellery Quarter
For classic homes lovers, there is Jewellery Quarter, a historic area in Birmingham with over 200 listed buildings from the 18th and 19th-century, although there are also plenty of redeveloped buildings, former factories converted in new apartments.Population in this quarter is increasing at the same time as the economic activity, with more a more businesses established in this area. Jewellery Quarter is also well-known for being the home of over 100 jewellery retailers. There is also a large quantity of fine restaurants, pubs and art galleries.
For those thinking of moving here is good to know about the existence of the the Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Forum (JQNF), that has become the voice of the residents and work to improve the life in this quarter.
Other interesting areas are Moseley, Kings Heath, Edgbaston, Harborne and Sutton Coldfield.
Monday 21 December 2015
The next millionaire’s row in Birmingham City
Located close to the Bullring, The Mailbox and The Cube, Holloway Head and surrounding streets are drawing the attention of more developers. These developers are planning to redevelop old buildings and transform them into exclusive flats. Because of this, Holloway Head might become Birmingham's millionaires' row by 2018.
Nowadays, an empty former showroom in Holloway Head, situated opposite Concord House, is going to be converted into nine luxury apartments. Architects aim they could cost around £1 million. This block was accommodating a catering company until last year.
The reason why these apartments might be so expensive is that Concord House (in the image in the left) which used to be a Debenhams warehouse, is opposite to them. Concord House was remodeled to build 19 high-end apartments and one of them is the most expensive flat in Birmingham city centre so far. It was sold for the price of £1.8 million last month.
In fact, these new nine apartments that are to be built soon are obviously aimed at the wealthiest citizens in Birmingham. The building will also include three new storeys to house larger apartments of 1,500 sq ft, with walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms.
H. Cicek, from Arch Planning and Licensing firm, said that there will be four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats as well as a three-bedroom penthouse on the 5th floor. Moreover, the building will have 11 parking spaces. In addition, the developer will leave some room for restaurants and coffee shops. These works in Holloway Head are going to begin in 2016 and are expected to take 2 years to complete.
It is clear that many developers are aware of the great potential of this area and there are more plans for it in the near future apart from these new apartments. The developer Romiga Holdings has recently got to build permission to 73 new flats in the place occupied by the former home of Eddie's rock club in nearby Gough. There are other plans to build 304 apartments on land behind the O2 Academy.
Panther Securities in another company who has shown interest on this neighborhood. The council gave them permission to develop 487 apartments in two towers of up to 14 stories on the site of the current HQ of Girlguiding Birmingham.
Nowadays, an empty former showroom in Holloway Head, situated opposite Concord House, is going to be converted into nine luxury apartments. Architects aim they could cost around £1 million. This block was accommodating a catering company until last year.
In fact, these new nine apartments that are to be built soon are obviously aimed at the wealthiest citizens in Birmingham. The building will also include three new storeys to house larger apartments of 1,500 sq ft, with walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms.
H. Cicek, from Arch Planning and Licensing firm, said that there will be four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats as well as a three-bedroom penthouse on the 5th floor. Moreover, the building will have 11 parking spaces. In addition, the developer will leave some room for restaurants and coffee shops. These works in Holloway Head are going to begin in 2016 and are expected to take 2 years to complete.
It is clear that many developers are aware of the great potential of this area and there are more plans for it in the near future apart from these new apartments. The developer Romiga Holdings has recently got to build permission to 73 new flats in the place occupied by the former home of Eddie's rock club in nearby Gough. There are other plans to build 304 apartments on land behind the O2 Academy.
Panther Securities in another company who has shown interest on this neighborhood. The council gave them permission to develop 487 apartments in two towers of up to 14 stories on the site of the current HQ of Girlguiding Birmingham.
Thursday 17 December 2015
Last days of Birmingham German Market 2015
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market 2015 finishes on the 22nd of December. Don’t miss the city’s favourite Christmas event! It’s your opportunity to enjoy traditional German food and nice hand-crafted items.
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market has become one of the most important in Europe and it is also the biggest Christmas market in the UK. It has more than 180 stalls and receives millions of visitors every year. Birmingham residents and tourists love it and it could become another reason among many others for many people to choose Birmingham city centre as a place to live.
However, if you prefer to taste local products, you can also have British sausages, real ale from small breweries and home-made chutneys and cheeses.
But not everything is food and drinks. In the craft market you will find a number of local artisans who can provide with unique handmade gifts, including Christmas decorations, ceramics, handbags, toys, cosmetics, glasswork and jewellery.
It is advisable to go walking to the city centre if possible or using public transport, but if you still decide to use your car, you can look for spaces to park here: at Town Hall in Brunel Street, Paradise Circus in Brindley Drive, Somerset House Garage in Temple Street, Snow Hill Station in Livery Street and the Grand Central shopping mall in Queens Drive.
Do you need further information? Visit this website: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket
The biggest German market outside German speaking countries
The reason why Birmingham has such a big German market is that the city is twinned with Frankfurt and Kurt Stroscher, Frankfurt City Council’s director of festivals and events, chose it in first place when he decided to export this German tradition abroad in 1997 to attract tourists to his home city.Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market has become one of the most important in Europe and it is also the biggest Christmas market in the UK. It has more than 180 stalls and receives millions of visitors every year. Birmingham residents and tourists love it and it could become another reason among many others for many people to choose Birmingham city centre as a place to live.
What can you find at Birmingham’s German Market?
Every day you can feel a festive atmosphere, with lots of people having a good time and enjoying delicious food and drinks. Of course, it is a great opportunity to try German traditional, such as bratwursts (white or red sausages), brezel (German traditional bread), marzipan sweets or pretzels and other products.Regarding drinks, there is a great variety of German beer and cider, as well as the traditional Glühwein (mulled wine).However, if you prefer to taste local products, you can also have British sausages, real ale from small breweries and home-made chutneys and cheeses.
But not everything is food and drinks. In the craft market you will find a number of local artisans who can provide with unique handmade gifts, including Christmas decorations, ceramics, handbags, toys, cosmetics, glasswork and jewellery.
Transport and parking
The German market is situated in Victoria Square and along New Street. To access the Craft Market and ice rink you have to take Fletchers Walk, as they are located in Centenary Square. The busiest times to visit are usually from 12pm to 2pm and from 5pm to 7.30pm, because many people go there during their lunch break or on their way home after work.It is advisable to go walking to the city centre if possible or using public transport, but if you still decide to use your car, you can look for spaces to park here: at Town Hall in Brunel Street, Paradise Circus in Brindley Drive, Somerset House Garage in Temple Street, Snow Hill Station in Livery Street and the Grand Central shopping mall in Queens Drive.
Do you need further information? Visit this website: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket
Thursday 10 December 2015
Is Great Barr a nice place to live? Our estate agents think so
If you are looking for nice areas to live near Birmingham city, you might have considered Great Barr. Our estate agents in Great Barr find this area very convenient for families, a place where selling or buying a property can often be done with in five weeks.
Location and connections of Great Barr
Great Barr is a large area in territory of Birmingham, Sandwell, West Bromwich and Walsall. Its name refers to the Scott family of Great Barr Hall. Great Barr includes the B42, B43 and B44 postcode areas and can be accessed by road through the M6 motorway. The closest train stations are Hamstead, Perry Barr and Tame Bridge Parkway.This area was originally rural and part of Staffordshire. In 1928 the urban district of Perry Barr was ceded to Birmingham. Great Barr is now part of the West Midlands region and after 1960’s became a very active residential area.
A family-friendly place
Great Barr has a large leisure centre (http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/greatbarrlc) with a lot of activities for children and adults, a golf club, a Community Hub, a library, a hospital and many restaurants, cafes, hotels and shops. Great Barr also benefits from a number of well rated primary and secondary schools.It is a place where families can enjoy a high quality life. Nearby there are two fantastic places to spend free time with children:
- Red House Park: a place to enjoy of playing fields, woods, parkland and lakes. The Red House is also located here.
- Bishop Asbury Cottage: an 18th cottage, home of the first American Methodist Bishop: Francis Asbury.
- Sutton Park: two miles away you can find a National Nature Reserve as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ideal to walk, run, ride your bicycle and play. It has over 2,000 acres and attracts over two million visits every year.
- Forge Mill Farm: a place where children will have the chance of seeing different farm animals and play. There is also a shop where you can buy fresh vegetables and meat, plants and gifts.
Housing in Great Barr
This is a very populated area, with a majority of houses owner occupied. With the area being so attractive, it is really important to achieve the best price for a house. It is a good idea to have expert local agents who can meet all your selling or buying requirements. No matter if your property is a detached house, a modern flat or a rural cottage, we will get it great exposure and better offers with an aim of getting more money in your pocket.
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