Birmingham Crane Survey 2026

The residential sector continues its dominance, with a record 4,594 new homes completed in 2025, the highest in the survey’s history. This was supported by 17 residential-led new starts. The Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector accounts for 55% of the homes under construction this year. The emergence of the first co-living scheme starting on site also highlights the market’s responsiveness to acute demand for high-quality, convenient accommodation for young professionals and graduates.

The Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector saw 1,664 bedspaces under construction, with one new start. While slightly down from last year’s record for the number of units under construction, the overall pipeline of sites with planning permission is significant, and if implemented, would accommodate a growing student population.

The office sector delivered 477,223 sq. ft. across six schemes, two of which are new starts, with 46% being refurbishments. A further 733,912 sq. ft. is under construction across five schemes, with 73% of this being refurbishment projects like Colmore Gate and the Typhoo Wharf Tea Factory. This reinforces the "renew not new" trend, driven by a focus on quality and sustainability.

In the education sector, two schemes completed, including a change of use for Birmingham City University which also represented a new start. However, there are no education schemes under construction, raising questions about the pace of construction activity in this area despite significant acquisitions and planning approvals in previous years. The healthcare sector continues on a steady trajectory with Birmingham Children’s Hospital still under construction.

The retail and leisure-led sectors saw one new start in 2025, the refurbishment of Moseley Baths. This scheme, alongside two residential-led mixed-use developments delivering integrated flexible retail/leisure floorspace, demonstrate that targeted, place-making developments are realising investment, contributing to the city’s vibrancy and community functionality.

The hotel sector reached a turning point after two years of no activity, with one dedicated hotel new start and two mixed-use schemes also delivering hotel beds, marking the highest level of activity in five years. This validates the sustained efforts in promoting 'Brand Birmingham' through sporting and cultural initiatives, translating cautious optimism into tangible construction.

A report that measures the developments taking place across Birmingham city centre and their impact. Property types include residential, office, hotel, retail and leisure, student accommodation, education and research facilities, and healthcare.

Developers building new schemes or undertaking significant refurbishments exceeding any of the following sizes:
Office – 10,000 sq. ft.;
Retail and Leisure - 10,000 sq. ft.;
Residential property – 25 new homes or student bedspaces;
Education, Healthcare and Research – 10,000 sq. ft.;
Hotel – 35 hotel beds.

Data for the Crane Survey was recorded between 3 January 2025 and 3 January 2026.

The local Deloitte Infrastructure and Real Estate team has monitored construction activity and planning permissions granted, supplemented by rigorous field research. This research has been verified by industry contacts and in-house research teams.