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Question and answer for the ?Property Expert? pages of the Post Property magazine, from Denny Maguire - December 11, 2006

The Jewellery Quarter is clearly a lively and fashionable area of the city centre but why does it seem so quiet residentially? Is it a good area to move to and invest in?

You're right, the Jewellery Quarter is a vibrant and distinctive area of the city because of its unique village atmosphere, where creatives work alongside an increasing number of other business professionals. As a result there is a burgeoning residential community in the area.

The Quarte's creative character is built upon a 200-year old international reputation as the place to buy jewellery in the UK, especially as much of it is crafted, manufactured or finished here. You really can feel the history as you walk through streets lined with hundreds of jewellery shops, workshops, bars and restaurants, as well The School of Jewellery. By night, socialising is a increasing part of the Quarter?s appeal with the buzzing entertainment on offer in the St Paul?s Square area.

Today the region is emerging as a model of mixed-use development, with a growing number of modern, service-led businesses trading not only at ground level with residents above, but also in stand-alone former manufacturing premises. It currently seems quiet residentially because apartment blocks are spread out across the Quarter, this though is changing. The scale of the buildings coupled with the sense of community make the Jewellery Quarter special and such a solid investment.

The residential market has found there is increasing choice in the area from purpose built apartments to lofts in former factories and interesting live/work freeholds where, for example, a designer can live above his/her studio. Although the Quarter is still primarily a trade area, it is developing as a residential hot spot as more and more professionals discover the character and benefits of being on the doorstep of the city's business and shopping districts.

My advice is to get on the property ladder in the Quarter quickly in order to reap the benefits of the changes taking place. The recent announcement of the Abstract land and Dandara purchase of the final large derelict site in the Quarter on Great Charles Street further confirms the regeneration is really happening. The areas infrastructure is improving at a rate of knots with the imminent arrival of the new Tesco Express and Lloyds Pharmacy as well as the newly trading dentist surgery, hairdresser, health shop, dry-cleaner and delicatessen.

The Jewellery Quarter's future as a residential centre for city centre living with a difference looks increasingly rosy.

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