Pinewood AI's lease at One Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, was the largest Solihull office deal in H2. Credit: KWB

Larger deals return as Solihull and M42 office take-up rises above average

25 February 2026 15:37 Mike Sheridan Comments (0)

A strong second half to the year saw the M42 and Solihull office market push past the three-year average, according to new research from commercial property consultancy, KWB.

Figures from the company’s 2025 Solihull and M42 Office Market Review show that over 2025, take-up was 233,049 sq ft across 29 deals, finishing the year 21% above the three-year benchmark, underpinned by a growing appetite for larger, higher-quality space and a return of big-ticket transactions to the market.

Food firm Boporan Holdings’ purchase of the 61,000 sq ft Portland House office building at Birmingham Airport was the largest deal of the year, while H2’s biggest transaction saw ‘Automotive Intelligence Platform’, Pinewood AI secure 23,427 sq ft at One Central Boulevard.

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, according to Malcolm Jones, director of office agency at KWB.

“The story of 2025 is steady recovery, with clear pockets of strength – and H2 has reinforced that,” he said.

“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.

“Solihull continues to appeal to businesses that want more from their office than desks and meeting rooms. 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.

“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.”
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.