Cranes Over Birmingham: Inside the City’s Record-Breaking Construction Boom
Look up from any vantage point in Birmingham city centre and you’ll see them: construction cranes dotting the skyline in every direction. The Deloitte Birmingham Crane Survey 2026 confirms what residents already know – the city is in the midst of its most active building period in a generation.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The annual survey reveals 23 new construction starts in 2025, more than double the 11 recorded the previous year and the highest in five years. A total of 40 developments are currently under construction across the city centre, ranging from residential towers to office refurbishments and hotel projects.
Most strikingly, 4,594 homes were completed in 2025 across 13 schemes – the highest number in the crane survey’s 24-year history. The residential sector dominates new starts, reflecting the continued demand for city centre living and the attractiveness of Birmingham to institutional investors.
Landmark Projects
The largest project currently under way is Neighbourhood JQ on Newhall Hill in the Jewellery Quarter, a £150 million development delivering 504 apartments. Close behind is Brindley Drive, a £145 million scheme of 581 apartments near the canal network.
These mega-projects are complemented by dozens of smaller schemes across the city, from converted office buildings to purpose-built student accommodation. The diversity of development reflects the breadth of demand for Birmingham property.
The Build-to-Rent Boom
A significant trend highlighted by the survey is the dominance of build-to-rent, which accounts for over 55% of homes under construction. This institutional investment model – where entire blocks are built specifically for the rental market – has transformed the city centre’s housing landscape.
While build-to-rent developments typically offer high-quality amenities including gyms, co-working spaces, and concierge services, the trend has raised questions about affordability and home ownership opportunities for younger residents. Meanwhile, the council has announced 62 new affordable homes in Druids Heath, acknowledging the need to balance market-rate development with social housing provision.
Office and Hotel Sectors
The commercial sector remains active, with 477,223 sq ft of office space completed in 2025 and another 733,912 sq ft under construction. Notably, 73% of office schemes are refurbishments rather than new builds, reflecting both sustainability considerations and the heritage value of Birmingham’s commercial building stock.
The hotel sector has returned after two years of inactivity, driven by the expected influx of visitors for the European Athletics Championships in August 2026 and Birmingham’s growing reputation as a conference and events destination.
What It Means for Birmingham
The construction boom is reshaping Birmingham’s identity as a city. The West Midlands is showcasing a £20 billion+ investment pipeline at the UKREiiF 2026 property conference, while Lloyds Banking Group has committed £2.5 billion in new finance for West Midlands businesses. The cranes on the skyline are not just building structures – they’re building Birmingham’s future.