Cardiff Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Cardiff, South Glamorgan, South Wales, UK)

The Welsh capital has undergone enormous change in the past decade, shedding its former industrial image to become a more relaxed alternative to London. This lively city is fast attracting investors, who enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle offered by Cardiff Bay and the easy access to the stunning Welsh countryside.

The compact city centre is the location of choice for serviced apartments, yet elevated property prices here mean most buyers prefer to purchase property outside the centre in the likes of nearby quiet Llandaff, trendy Cardiff Bay or Atlantic Wharf, and smart Pontcanna. Students often choose to rent short-term accommodation near Cardiff University and the city's other major educational institutes.


Property prices in Cardiff have dropped since 2007, with flats and terraced and semi-detached homes being among the cheapest buys. Expect to pay a premium for a detached home with a garden, which are typically more than twice the price of a Cardiff flat.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments in Cardiff are more expensive than regular apartments although noticeably cheaper than staying in a hotel for an extended period, with savings of up to 30 percent being possible. Serviced apartments have become more commonplace in recent years, as the city has seen a surge in development and business investment.

Local serviced apartments offer both leisure and corporate options in both Cardiff Bay and the city centre. Typical services include broadband Internet and cleaning. Monthly stays at a serviced apartment do not require the signing of a contract and all utilities are included, making them especially convenient for long-term stays. Discounts are often applied to stays of longer than a week.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Mortgages are available to expats wishing to purchase Cardiff property, yet the usual deposit of 20 percent of the property price is likely to increase if you are not a UK national. Factor in estate agent fees, property tax and stamp duty when you calculate the total costs.

While an agent can handle many aspects of buying apartments or houses in Cardiff, you will also want to enlist the help of a property solicitor to carry out the legal side of the purchase.

Real Estate Agents

Cardiff real estate agents have extensive portfolios and usual advertise current properties in their office windows. Expect to pay up to three percent of the property price in estate agent fees when purchasing through a local Welsh realtor.

Here are some recommended Cardiff estate agents:

Moginie James Estate Agents
Address: 108 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 5AD, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)29 2046 0294
Email: cardiffbay@moginiejames.co.uk
Website: www.moginiejames.co.uk
A professional estate agent dealing in sales and rentals across Cardiff Bay.

Peter Alan Estate Agents
Address: Ty Croes Cwrlwys, Copthorne Way, Valegate Retail Park, Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff, CF5 6EH, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)845 045 5550
Website: www.peteralan.co.uk
A South Wales realtor with more than 40 years of experience and over 20 regional branches.

Thomas George Letting Agents
Address: 30 Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2DZ, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)29 2053 7722
Email: sales@thomasgeorge.net
Website: www.thomasgeorge.net
This reputable letting agent handles both sales and lets in the Cardiff area.