M42 and Solihull office market 2025 H1 review

Key M42/Solihull office market 2025 transactions

Completing 16 deals in H1 2025, just one shy of the 5-year average of 17, the M42 and Solihull office market is seeing growth in the larger transaction brackets, having totalled 159,408 sq ft in six months.

The most significant deal is Boparan Holdings’ purchase of all 61,812 sq ft of Portland House. One of several key freehold purchases in H1, and the third largest since 2015, this deal accounts for 39% of the region’s take-up.

Following this pivotal deal is a second freehold sale, with MSI purchasing 20,133 sq ft of Washington House at International Park. These two noteworthy transactions were joined by two further freehold sales in Q2, suggesting that occupiers are looking to make more permanent investments in the area

Restaurant group’s purchase feeds market rejuvenation

Boparan Holdings, the name behind a top UK restaurant group, has secured the largest deal of Solihull’s H1. Owners of several high-profile food chains, Boparan’s freehold purchase of 61,812 sq ft of office space at Portland House is the third largest since 2015.

Having formerly taken space at T3 Trinity Park, as well as 9 Colmore Row in Birmingham city centre, Boparan are looking to consolidate their teams at one strategic location. As their new headquarters is positioned alongside Birmingham Airport, new opportunities to provide restaurant options within the travel sector will be available and key to their continued growth.

Since 2015, the largest deal in the region is Portland House’s neighbour, Ingenuity House, with the 113,657 sq ft transaction whilst under the name International House. This is noteworthy as, during 2025, Ingenuity House has lived up to its name – offering now multiple spaces rather than the building as a whole. Completing two deals in Q1, Ingenuity House has let a total of 18,720 sq ft in 2025 thus far, proving flexibility in a sought-after area will pay dividends.

The airport continues to be one of Solihull and the M42 corridor’s most unique selling points when attracting new occupiers, offering exceptional event, social and retail benefits, as well as connectivity.

M42 sector variety underpins H1 success

The second largest deal of the first half, MSI’s freehold purchase of 20,133 sq ft at Washington House, not only shows a wider commitment to long-term investment in the area, but also how sought-after Solihull continues to be.

From women’s health specialists and business coaches, to travel agents and home installations, H1 saw a wide and diverse range of companies take space in the Solihull area. In fact, the range was so diverse that 58% of the take-up was categorised as ‘Other’ in terms of the wider business sector.

However, when you consider the selling points that the region offers, this should come as no surprise. Solihull remains a more affordable, city-adjacent market for occupiers, with excellent amenities, green spaces and superb connectivity via road, rail and air.

Furthermore, with these sectors taking space in H1 from 1,263 sq ft to 61,812 sq ft, Solihull also offers the range of office space needed to meet the scope of every occupier’s requirements.

J6 poised for biggest share in a decade

In-line with Solihull’s overall return to prominence in H1, the Junction 6 area has also flourished once more with 11 deals made – the most of any of the local sub-regions.

With significant transactions at Birmingham Airport and the major business spaces, J6 totalled 138,199 sq ft, a share of 87% of the H1 take-up. This six-month figure already surpasses J6’s full-year totals of 2024 and 2023 at 92,873 sq ft and 94,877 sq ft, respectively.

Whilst the first half’s largest transaction, the aforementioned Portland House purchase, has greatly contributed to this figure, nearby commercial communities have also had an immensely positive effect. International Park, Ingenuity House and Birmingham Business Park together amassed 61,767 sq ft, 39% of Solihull’s H1 take-up, showing these spaces remain as reliable as ever to attract new leases.

The Junction 6 area will be one to keep a close eye on during the second half of 2025. If the trend of deals made and space taken continues, it could be a landmark year, and possibly the largest since 2015’s record-breaking 302,739 sq ft total.

Lack of Birmingham space benefiting Solihull market?

Birmingham city centre’s disappointing start to 2025 has led many to assume office space has become limited in the area. This idea is supported by Solihull’s equally positive H1, possibly luring businesses to the M42 corridor for greater availability.

The data shows that Birmingham secured 5 deals in size brackets of 10,000 sq ft and above, for a total of 99,850 sq ft. This accounted for 55% of the total square footage for H1, yet no transactions were made in the 50,000+ bracket. Solihull, meanwhile, completed 4 deals above 10,000 sq ft, one of which was in the 50,000+ bracket. These deals accumulated 109,040 sq ft of space for 68% of the overall take-up for the area.

With these figures in mind, and the fact that the UK’s overall take-up has been strong, especially throughout the other Big Six cities – it could be stated that Birmingham can still offer high-quality office space but only through smaller deals. It will be noteworthy to see if 2025’s H2 continues this trend in Solihull, with additional, larger transactions completed to close out the year.

AIR down to final two lettings

The catalyst for Solihull’s success in 2024, AIR continued to let space in H1 2025. The 1,615 sq ft deal completed with industrial property developers, Warmflame Developments, follows the three significant transactions from the previous year.

AIR is now nearing full capacity with just two suites remaining, comprising 11,192 sq ft and 4,282 sq ft, respectively. Boasting a town centre location, ESG benefits and a high-quality fit out, AIR’s rapid success is a further example of the demand for headquarters-level office space in Solihull.

Long-term investment proving viable with H1 sales

A key theme of Solihull’s 2025 thus far has been how the trends and figures have reinforced stability within the region. This may be most pertinent when looking at the four freehold sales that occurred in H1.

Whilst the Boparan and MSI acquisitions, the two largest deals of the first half, were the most newsworthy, they were also supported by two smaller freehold sales in Q2. West Midland House and Empire House, comprising 2,285 and 2,175 sq ft respectively, were acquired – adding to an overall total of 86,405 sq ft in freehold sales.

This sales total accounts for 54% of Solihull’s entire H1 take-up, a significant margin that shows how excited occupiers are for a future in the M42 region. These sales have become a rarity in Birmingham’s commercial property market and yet, Solihull’s affordability and wider opportunities have encouraged long-term planning and investment.

Outlook for M42/Solihull H2 2025

2025 as a landmark year

With such positivity generated by the first half of the year, assuming this will continue into H2 is an easy prediction to make. However, the current unbalanced nature of the commercial property market, as well as the implications of political and economic upheaval throughout the world, may prevent 2025 from becoming the major year it could be.

J6 success and other sub-regions

Junction 6 was a standout success story in the Solihull office market 2025 H1 and will be of great interest in H2. If further airport and business park space can attract new occupiers over the second half of the year, it will greatly increase the likelihood of 2025 being a significant year. However, a reduction in J6 take-up may mean improved results in other sub-regions.

Solihull’s resilience attracts businesses of all sectors

Solihull’s broad business community offers something for every operation. The local market has continued to show resilience during times of economic upheaval and has outperformed many other local regions in the face of confidence issues. Look for a further range of diverse businesses to take space in H2.