H2 surge powers Solihull & M42 to above-average office take-up in 2025

Solihull and M42 office market activity lifts full-year take-up to 233,049 sq ft across 29 transactions.

The Solihull and M42 office market has delivered a reassuring performance across 2025, with second-half activity strengthening an already solid year and pushing total take-up to 233,049 sq ft across 29 deals, according to the latest report from commercial property consultancy, KWB.

Figures from KWB’s H2 2025 Solihull and M42 Office Market Review show that take-up finished the year 21% above the three-year average, underpinned by a growing appetite for larger, higher-quality space and a return of big-ticket transactions to the market.

“2025 has proved to be a dependable year in what remains an unpredictable, post-pandemic market,” said Malcolm Jones, Director of Office Agency at KWB. “What we’re seeing is not just activity, but commitment with more occupiers prepared to take larger floorspace and make longer-term decisions in the right locations.”

The year’s strongest signal of confidence was the 61,812 sq ft acquisition of Portland House by Boparan Holdings – the first 50,000 sq ft+ deal in the area since 2020 – supported by a total of six transactions above 10,000 sq ft during the year.

H2 was led by Pinewood AI’s 23,427 sq ft lease at One Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Business Park, which accounted for 32% of the half-year’s take-up and continued the area’s strong run of technology-led requirements.

“Solihull continues to appeal to businesses that want more from their office than desks and meeting rooms,” added Malcolm. “Larger floorplates give occupiers the ability to build in amenities, flexibility and stronger ESG performance, and that’s increasingly shaping how decisions are being made.”

The report also highlights an increase in the average transaction size to 8,036 sq ft in 2025 – around 30% higher than 2024 – reflecting occupiers’ desire for bigger, better space and strong on-site facilities, with assets such as AIR on Homer Road helping to set expectations for quality.

Geographically, Junction 6 remained the market’s anchor location. The area accounted for 15 transactions (52% of the annual total) and 157,904 sq ft, around two-thirds of total take-up, driven by the strength of Birmingham Business Park, the airport and the wider Coleshill area.

Sectorally, the breadth of occupier demand remained a defining feature of the market, while Technology (TMT) and Professional Services continued to provide consistent underpinning to post-pandemic performance.

With Solihull’s annual take-up finishing just 18,257 sq ft shy of the 10-year average, and further momentum expected from key regeneration and availability coming through, KWB expects the market to remain active into the first half of 2026.

“The story of 2025 is steady recovery, with clear pockets of strength – and H2 has reinforced that,” said Malcolm. “If we see continued confidence and the right supply coming forward, there’s every reason to believe Solihull and the M42 corridor can build on this in 2026.”

Read the full 2025 Solihull and M42 office market review here.

For more insights from the Solihull and M42 office market 2025 review, or for landlord or occupier advice, please contact:

Malcolm Jones

Phone

Email mjones@kwboffice.com

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