For many homeowners, February has traditionally felt like a quiet month for property. Christmas is over, spring has not yet arrived, and the market is often assumed to be waiting rather than moving. In North Cardiff, that assumption no longer holds true.
As we move into early 2026, the data tells a very different story. Housing supply across key suburbs including Whitchurch, Llanishen, and Heath is down by around 22% compared to last year. At the same time, buyer demand has remained steady, and in some cases intensified. The result is a clear seller’s sweet spot, where motivated buyers are paying strong prices to secure homes before the spring rush begins.
For homeowners considering a move, and for buyers and investors trying to understand where the market is heading, February has become a strategically important month. As experienced estate agents in Cardiff, Martin & Co Cardiff is seeing first-hand how this supply squeeze is shaping behaviour, pricing, and opportunity across North Cardiff.
This article explains what is driving the 22% squeeze, why February matters more than many people expect, and what it means if you are selling, buying, or investing in this part of the city.
What the 22% supply drop really means for North Cardiff
A 22% reduction in available homes is not a small adjustment. It represents a meaningful change in market balance, particularly in family-focused suburbs where choice is already limited.
Rightmove listing data shows that fewer properties came to market in North Cardiff over the past year, with the biggest reductions seen in three and four-bedroom homes. These are the homes most sought after by upsizers, growing families, and relocating buyers, groups that tend to be decisive and financially prepared.
When supply falls at this level, buyers adjust their behaviour. They spend longer searching, act more quickly when suitable homes appear, and are often willing to pay a premium to secure the right property rather than risk missing out.
For sellers, this shift changes the negotiating dynamic. Instead of competing against dozens of similar listings, well-priced homes stand out more clearly, particularly when they come to market before spring increases overall stock levels.
Why February outperforms the spring market
Spring is often seen as the peak selling season, and in terms of raw activity, it usually is. More homes are listed, more buyers are browsing, and transaction volumes rise. However, more activity does not always mean better outcomes for sellers.
February sits in a unique position. Serious buyers are already active, often because they want to move before the summer or secure a property ahead of school deadlines. These buyers are typically well prepared, with mortgage agreements in place and clear priorities.
At the same time, many potential sellers are still waiting for spring, which keeps supply artificially low. This combination creates a competitive environment that favours sellers rather than diluting attention across too many listings.
As estate agents in Cardiff, we often see that February listings attract higher quality enquiries. Viewings are more focused, feedback is clearer, and negotiations move faster because buyers are aware that alternatives are limited.
North Cardiff hotspots feeling the squeeze most
Whitchurch
Whitchurch continues to be one of North Cardiff’s most sought-after suburbs. Its village feel, strong schools, and easy access to the city make it a consistent favourite with families and professionals.
Average prices in Whitchurch now sit at around £375,000, reflecting sustained demand and limited supply. Over the past year, the number of available homes has dropped sharply, and properties that are priced correctly are attracting strong interest.
In February, this effect is amplified. Buyers who have missed out on previous opportunities are often prepared to move quickly, particularly if a home offers space, off-street parking, or proximity to local amenities.
Llanishen
Llanishen’s appeal lies in its balance. Good transport links, green spaces, and a mix of property types attract both families and professionals looking for long-term value.
Supply here has also tightened, especially for traditional family homes. Compared with last year, fewer new instructions have come to market, while buyer demand has remained resilient.
This imbalance means that sellers in Llanishen often face less competition in February than they will later in the year, allowing pricing to hold firm and, in some cases, exceed expectations.
Heath
Heath benefits from its proximity to the city centre, major employers, and well-established residential streets. Demand here is consistent, particularly for homes that offer flexibility for home working.
With fewer properties available, buyers are paying closer attention to new listings. February often sees strong early interest, as buyers try to secure a purchase before wider competition increases in March and April.
What the data says about buyer demand
Market sentiment is best understood through reliable data rather than headlines. The Zoopla Price Index shows that Cardiff has remained relatively resilient, with steady demand supporting values despite broader economic uncertainty.
Rightmove’s House Price Index points to a similar pattern. While growth has moderated from previous highs, prices in desirable parts of Cardiff have held up well, particularly where supply is constrained.
Importantly, both datasets indicate that price performance is strongest where choice is limited. In North Cardiff, the 22% reduction in supply has created exactly those conditions.
This does not mean every home will achieve a record price. Presentation, pricing, and location still matter. However, the overall environment is more supportive for sellers than it has been at the same point in previous years.
Why motivated buyers pay more in low-supply markets
When choice is restricted, buyers behave differently. Emotional factors play a bigger role, particularly when buyers have been searching for some time without success.
In February, many buyers are motivated by timing. They want to move before spring competition increases, before mortgage rates change, or before personal deadlines such as school moves or job relocations.
This urgency often translates into stronger offers. Buyers are more likely to bid competitively, reduce conditions, or compromise on minor issues to secure a home that meets their main needs.
For sellers, this creates an environment where pricing can be more robust, provided expectations are realistic and guided by local market insight.
What this means for homeowners thinking of selling
For homeowners in Whitchurch, Llanishen, and Heath, February 2026 represents a window of opportunity rather than a quiet period.
Listing now means entering the market when buyer demand is focused and competition from other sellers is lower. It also allows time for a transaction to progress before the market becomes busier and more complex in spring.
Pricing strategy is crucial. Overpricing can still deter buyers, even in a low-supply market. However, well-priced homes often generate momentum quickly, which can support stronger final outcomes.
Working with experienced estate agents in Cardiff helps ensure that pricing reflects both current data and real buyer behaviour, rather than assumptions based on past seasons.
If you are thinking about selling your home in North Cardiff, arrange a free, no-obligation valuation to understand what buyers are currently willing to pay and how strong demand could work in your favour.
What this means for buyers and investors
For buyers, February can feel challenging in a low-supply market. Choice is limited, and competition can be strong. However, it also offers clarity.
Homes that come to market at this time are often serious sales, not test listings. Sellers tend to be motivated, which can make negotiations more straightforward once an offer is accepted.
For investors, the key is decisiveness. Rental demand in North Cardiff remains underpinned by employment, education, and transport links. Securing a property early in the year can position an investor well for the longer term, particularly if supply remains constrained.
Understanding micro-location differences is essential. Not all streets perform equally, even within the same suburb. Local advice can help investors focus on areas with the strongest fundamentals.
If you are looking to buy or invest in North Cardiff, view the latest properties currently available and speak to the team about homes coming to market soon.
Timing the market in North Cardiff
Timing does not mean trying to predict the exact peak or trough. It means understanding how supply and demand interact at different points in the year.
February offers a rare alignment of motivated buyers and reduced competition. By March and April, more homes typically come to market, which can dilute attention and shift negotiating power.
For sellers, acting before that shift can make a tangible difference. For buyers, understanding these dynamics helps set realistic expectations and strategies.
National trends often mask these local patterns. North Cardiff behaves differently to other parts of the city, and broad statistics rarely capture that nuance.
Local perspective from Martin & Co Cardiff
Martin & Co Cardiff works closely with buyers and sellers across North Cardiff on a daily basis. We see how quickly conditions can change from one street to the next.
Enquiry levels, viewing feedback, and agreed prices are monitored in real time, allowing advice to be grounded in what is actually happening rather than what is assumed.
This local insight is particularly valuable in a low-supply market, where small differences in presentation or timing can have a significant impact on outcomes.
Key takeaways for sellers, buyers, and investors
The 22% squeeze in North Cardiff is reshaping the early 2026 market. Reduced supply, steady demand, and motivated buyers have created a seller’s sweet spot that challenges traditional seasonal assumptions.
February is no longer a quiet month. For many, it is the most strategic moment to act before competition increases and conditions change.
Making informed decisions, supported by local data and expertise, is the key to navigating this market with confidence.
Final thoughts
Property markets are always evolving, but some moments stand out more than others. In North Cardiff, February 2026 is shaping up to be one of those moments.
Whether you are selling, buying, or investing, understanding the forces behind the 22% supply squeeze can help you act with clarity rather than hesitation.
If you would like to discuss your plans, ask questions about the North Cardiff market, or understand your next steps, contact Martin & Co Cardiff for straightforward, local advice.
