The demographic of those living in the city centre is changing as the market matures, according to Philip Jackson from city living specialist estate agency Maguire Jackson.
So which areas and developments should potential buyers keep an eye on?
My tips for 2005 will be the Jewellery Quarter and the trusted Convention Quarter.
The Jewellery Quarter is an absolute gem because of its location close to the city centre, its scale, character and heritage. The supply of residential properties is restricted by conservation bodies and so there will always be a demand in the area and slowly we are seeing more businesses catering for the residents.
St Pauls Square will wake up in 2005 to the sound of development both of the Thomas Walker building and Miller Developments Maxim 61 - a new block on the south side. St Pauls is a litmus test to the increasing popularity of the area.
The area is also increasingly attractive to businesses because of the number of smaller freehold buildings available. Theres a friendliness and intimacy around the Jewellery Quarter that, for me, really makes it stand out from other pockets of city living.
Meanwhile, the Convention Quarter will continue to consolidate its prime spot for city-living as its bang in the middle of everything - culture, leisure and commerce. The location is very tight with most of the major sites have now been built on. Holliday Wharf - currently taking shape - is one of the last major Convention Quarter sites.
