Cardiff’s apartment scene is changing quickly. With new developments, shifting rental patterns and areas growing in popularity, the city offers opportunities for buyers, landlords and tenants alike. Whether you’re looking to invest, sell, rent or move in yourself, here’s our up-to-date guide on prices, rental demand and the neighbourhoods worth your attention.
Cardiff apartment prices and rental costs
For buyers
The average Cardiff property sold for around £270,000 in May 2025, up 4% on last year. Flats averaged about £165,000 — a 2.2% rise. First-time buyers typically paid £232,000, while those buying with a mortgage spent around £275,000.
For landlords and tenants
Average flat rents in June 2025 reached £1,124 per month — a 9.5% increase in a year. One-bedroom apartments average £871 pcm, two-beds £1,042, and three-beds £1,147. Across Wales, average rent is £804 pcm, up 8.2%. While national rents are easing slightly, competition remains strong in many Cardiff postcodes.
Key trends shaping the market
Growth of build-to-rent
Modern, managed apartment blocks are becoming a bigger part of Cardiff’s skyline. Wood Street House, PLATFORM_ Cardiff and Verse have added hundreds of high-quality rental units with amenities like gyms, roof terraces and coworking spaces. Build-to-rent apartments often achieve higher rents than traditional lets — one-beds average £944 pcm, two-beds around £1,240.
High-yield investment zones
The CF24 area, covering Cathays and Roath, remains a buy-to-let hotspot with yields around 8.9%. High demand from students and hospital staff helps keep occupancy rates strong.
Affordability pressures
Rising rents have pushed more tenants to their maximum budget, leading to slower increases and some landlords reducing asking prices to secure tenants.
Where to rent
City centre and Cardiff Bay
Premium apartment blocks like Verse and Gramercy Tower offer concierge services, rooftop spaces and gyms. Two-bed units typically rent for £1,100–£1,400 pcm.
CF24: Cathays and Roath
Characterful conversions and Victorian terraces attract young professionals and students. One- and two-bed flats rent for £900–£1,350 pcm.
Up-and-coming areas
Atlantic Wharf and Canton are growing in popularity, with waterside apartments renting for £950–£1,200 pcm and good transport links.
Where to buy
For investors
CF24 is still a top performer for yields, suiting HMOs and multi-let models.
For homebuyers
Pontcanna, Penylan and Rhiwbina appeal to those looking for community feel, parks and good schools — with steady long-term value growth.
For luxury living
High-spec developments like Altolusso or stylish church conversions near St James sell for £350,000–£400,000 and attract professionals seeking city-centre convenience.
Practical tips
Renters
- Compare neighbourhoods based on commute, amenities and green space
- Consider managed buildings for ease of maintenance and added facilities
Buyers and landlords
- Track first-time buyer and mortgage-based average prices to judge timing
- Balance yield potential with long-term capital growth
- In the current market, competitive pricing is key to selling or letting quickly
Sellers
With supply levels normalising, accurate pricing and strong presentation will help attract the right buyers.
For a detailed rental or sales valuation, you can arrange a free, no-obligation appointment with Martin & Co Cardiff.
Lifestyle and infrastructure
Cardiff offers a balance of city life and open green space, from Bute Park to the waterfront. Improved transport through the South Wales Metro, the new Central Square Interchange, and future projects like the planned 15,000-capacity arena in Atlantic Wharf are set to boost connectivity and demand further.
Outlook for the rest of 2025
We expect rental growth to ease to around 3% annually by year-end, with sales values rising 2–3% as mortgage rates soften and confidence improves. Build-to-rent will keep expanding, but high demand means competition for quality homes will remain strong.
