Introduction to Jewellery Quarter
Renowned for Europe’s largest cluster of businesses in the jewellery trade, Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter (JQ) once employed over 30,000 people. It’s also been described as a ‘national treasure’ and ‘a place of unique character’ by the English Heritage. Whilst the connection to the quarter’s past is still alive and prospering with hundreds of designer brands and unique handmade goods, the present has ushered in a wave of artisans, designers, digital and media agencies – and with it a vibrant generation of young professionals now calling it home. When the weekend comes around, groups from all over the city take advantage of a wealth of great pubs, restaurants and green spaces within this quarter on the outskirts of the city centre.
Interesting Facts:
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is responsible for producing 40% of the United Kingdom’s jewellery
The whistles on the Titanic were manufactured in the JQ
The quarter has over 200 listed buildings
The original FA Cup was manufactured in the JQ
Key Stats in the JQ
For your next property investment
26% Growth
In the past 5 years the JQ has seen a grown of 26% on asking prices
Population Growth
The population expected to grow to 1.34 million by 2020 in Birmingham
57.7% Private Rent
The private rented sector makes up 57.7% of the Jewellery Quarter market
Is Jewellery Quarter a good place to invest?
The district’s proximity to the city centre’s major offices (a 15-minute walk), coupled with the M6 motorway just a 15-minute drive away, make the Jewellery Quarter a commuter’s dream, both in and out of the city. Against the backdrop of jewellers that trade here and historic monuments like the Chamberlain Clock, The Jewellery Quarter has gained a contrasting reputation as the home to a much younger demographic. The majority of residents are aged 21-30 here, most of whom will not yet be homeowners but instead long-serving members of ‘generation rent’. With little sign of this changing soon, the investment case remains as credibly strong as ever, with an average price growth of 28% reported over the last three years.
Where is the Jewellery Quarter located?
LEISURE & SHOPPING
COMMERCIAL & KEY DEVELOPMENTS
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL
A Place of History – Deciding where to buy in Birmingham
Jewellery Quarter in high rental demand
As one of the most diverse cities in the UK, Birmingham has an outstanding cultural offering, with world-class facilities, a renowned arts programme and thriving dining scene. Home to the Symphony Hall, the Hippodrome and Birmingham REP, Birmingham also hosts the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, just two examples of an extensive cultural landscape that makes up the second city.
Property prices in the area have risen by 28% over the last three years, making the Jewellery Quarter a top performer for growth on this list. Average rental prices have risen to around £930pcm and property in the area includes everything from luxury converted flats to loft-style apartments and townhouses. As Birmingham’s population grows, the Jewellery Quarter will remain heavily in demand.
Latest Jewellery Quarter Property Investment News
Read the latest residential and commercial property news in Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
25
Apr
Development Updates
The Grand Exchange Update – April 2023
12
Apr
Development Updates
SevenCapital Chelmsford Office Building 75% Let With New 22,000 Sq Ft Gallagher Lease
07
Mar
SevenCapital Group News
£258m Development Facility Secured on Flagship Kensington Residential Development
01
Mar
Development Updates
The Grand Exchange Update – February 2023
Key projects near the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham Smithfield: With an investment value of over £1.5 billion, delivering 300,000sq.m of new retail and commercial space including 2,000 new homes. The new development includes new vibrant retail markets, family spaces, cultural buildings, new transport infrastructure and public squares.
HS2: Covering the area that will house the HS2 Curzon Street station in Birmingham city centre, along with £724m million in investment into the surrounding area. The masterplan envisages the creation of 36,000 new jobs. 4,000 new homes and 600,000 square metres of commercial development. Connection Birmingham to London with a 45-minute commute, along with other key locations including Manchester and Leeds.
Paradise & Arena Central: Within a stone’s throw of the Jewellery Quarter, the development of the Paradise & Arena Central area promises to change the landscape of Birmingham. With £700 million of investment, 1.8 million sq. ft of new, grade A office space, retail, leisure and a circa 250 bedroom hotel will see it become a hive of activity right in the city centre. In recent years, PwC has moved into One Chamberlain Square and HSBC has brought their HQ – along with 3,600 members of staff – to the West Midlands across the square.
Tenant Profile
Zoe and Pete have recently graduated from the University of Birmingham. Having lived at home for 6 months to save for a deposit, they now rent in the Jewellery Quarter (JQ). Pete works at a nearby creative agency, whilst Zoe is a trainee accountant in the city centre. With a household income of around £50,000, they pay the higher rental prices as being around the other like-minded young professionals calling the JQ home is important to them.
They find the independent food and drink scene in the area attractive. They regularly sit down to great pub food at 1000 Trades, sip craft ales at The Button Factory on the weekend, whilst Pete orders a flat white from Espresso Quarter on his lunch break. The green space available at to them at St. Paul’s Square is an added bonus, and it’s the place of choice for summer picnics.
They’ve chosen to live in The Kettleworks because the apartment is modern. It comes fully furnished, allowing them to move straight in and begin their life together there. Zoe’s short commutes into work, just a 15-minute walk, is another compelling factor.
