A recent analysis shows there’s a clear link between areas with strong employment growth and house price rises.
An article by The Times looked at a study by estate agency Hamptons International, which revealed the West Midlands’ economic and employment boom has positively impacted the region’s property market.
Employment figures from the Office for National Statistics between 2015 and 2018 and property sales figures from estate agency group Countrywide showed 16 of the top 25 local authorities that had a rise in employment rates also saw higher than average house price increases.
The West Midlands boasted a 6% increase in employment levels from 2015 to 2018, while the national average during that same time period was 3.5%. Savills forecasts the West Midlands to see a 14.8% growth in second-hand property prices across the next five years, suggesting the future looks bright.
Birmingham leads the growth
Birmingham is the main engine behind the growth in the West Midlands. Over the past three years, this regional city has boasted a 12% rise in employment levels and a 23% increase in house prices. The upcoming HS2 line is further driving house prices up as demand for city centre homes continues to grow.
Deloitte’s Regional Crane Survey even revealed residential development in Birmingham is at record levels. In the past year, 16 new-build developments have been completed and another 20 schemes are under construction. These projects include apartments, offices, and hotels and are bringing further investment to the thriving city.
A growing young population
The growing young population in the West Midlands has been cited as a strong indicator for a bright future ahead. PropCast, a website measuring demand for property in specific postcodes, revealed demand has increased by 5% in the region across the past three years and that most buyers have been millennials.
As Birmingham is considered one of the youngest cities in Europe, residents under the age of 25 make up 40% of the population. With five universities located in Birmingham and a high retention rate of graduates, the growing young population is expected to further increase demand in the city’s property market.
Dig deeper on the UK property market, listen to the latest BuyAssociation podcast
This month’s podcast will be covering everything you might need to know about Property Management & Mortgages. We will be joined by Matt Eastham from Easthams & Co – Property Management and Marcus Docker from Visionary Finance. Giving us their insider’s view on everything you need to know in the property management and mortgages markets. Hosted by our very own Katie Walker.
Covering our some of clients top questions and the latest changes in the UK propertymarket. Market trends. Section 21. Letting fee bans. Generation Rent. Buying a property in a LTD company.
