Cardiff Local Property Guide
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Welcome to Cardiff
Welcome to Cardiff – known for its rich history, thriving sports scene, and warm, welcoming locals. One of the smallest capitals in Europe, the Welsh first city offers everything you could want from city life; a thriving nightlife, snack spots for foodies, and a huge shopping centre – all whilst still retaining a friendly and familiar charm.
If you’re in the mood to catch a game, you’re in the right place. The iconic Principality Stadium at the heart of the city is the home of Welsh rugby, and any local will tell you the atmosphere on a game day in Cardiff is unparalleled. Fans can catch a footie game at Cardiff City Stadium, or don their skates and head down to Ice Arena Wales to watch the Cardiff Devils.
The city also has a buzzing music scene – having played hosts to superstars from Paul McCartney to Beyoncé. But it also has a few superstars of its own. Singers Shirley Bassey and Charlotte Church hail from Cardiff, as do sports icons Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale.
History buffs will know Cardiff is the city with the most castles in the world – most famously Cardiff Castle. And Sci-Fi fans will recognise iconic buildings like the Wales Millennium Centre and the National Museum of Wales from Doctor Who – as the city is also a major centre for TV and film.
There’s truly something for everyone – so if you’re considering moving to the area, why not check out houses for sale in Cardiff, Wales? You can get in touch with knowledgeable estate agents in Cardiff to see what’s available in the area.
Find your local estate agent in Cardiff
If you’re on the hunt for houses for sale in Cardiff or are looking to put your Cardiff property on the market, finding the right estate agent can be key. To talk to a local estate agent with expertise in the Cardiff house sales or lettings market, simply enter your postcode to start your property search.
What’s it like to live in Cardiff?
A diverse city and the capital of Wales, Cardiff offers the perks of a city lifestyle, with the stepping stones to nature always within reach – all with a lower cost of living than its English counterparts, like Bristol. The bustling city centre provides everything from small, local businesses to popular eateries. Home to four major universities, Cardiff is a hub for learning. With such an array of activities throughout the city, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye – families and young professionals alike.
Looking to find your next Cardiff property for sale? Check out some of the top areas to live in and around the city, below.
Cardiff: Getting around the city
Located in the South of Wales, the capital city may appear far from the action. But with the well-linked Central Station, and a number of main roads leading into and around the city, it’s a well-connected hub with the added benefit of less traffic than a larger city. With a bus network stretching into the suburbs, plenty of parking, and a cyclist and pedestrian-friendly city centre, you’re sure to get where you need to go.
By train
Cardiff Central Station drops passengers in the heart of the city, but also boasts direct links to Newport, Bath, Bristol, and more – with a direct train to London Paddington taking around 2 hours. For more local travel, stations are dotted throughout the local area from Penarth to Llanishen, giving locals the option to hop on and off as needed. And, with new stations across Cardiff tipped for the near future, the city’s rail network is set to keep growing.
By car
Making the move to Cardiff with a car couldn’t be easier, as there are a number of spots to park up and jump out in the city centre. Cardiff is accessible by the M4 motorway to the north of the city, meaning central London is a 3-hour drive away, and nearby Bristol around an hour, making it an easy decision to take the trip over the Prince of Wales Bridge.
By bike
Cardiff is a bike-friendly city, with several cycle ways connecting the capital and the surrounding suburbs whilst keeping cyclists safe – and bike racks aplenty. The city’s cycle network is only growing, and the easy gradients make cycling beginner-friendly. Whether you want to keep fit or keep your emissions down, cycling is a great option for travelling around the Welsh capital.
By bus
Cardiff is serviced by a well-linked network of buses, with some running 24/7. Whether you’re west of Cardiff in Ely, or northeast in Pontprennau, there’s a route that’ll get you into the centre. And with a variety of ticket options and deals available, you can check out the local area at your leisure.
Distances and journey times are approximate.
What’s the cost of living in Cardiff?
The Welsh capital has a relatively low cost of living for the UK, and was named one of the most affordable of the UK’s university cities in a recent study by NatWest. From takeaways to supermarket spend – and even local shopping prices, Cardiff comes in as a lower cost option when you dig into affordability.
Properties for sale in Cardiff
Cardiff is a vibrant and varied city, and living in the city centre would provide a great option for students, young professionals and commuters. The suburbs also have a lot to offer: the affluent and trendy Pontcanna offers space and culture; St Mellons is a great place for first-time buyers to snag a decent-sized property; and areas like Roath and Llandaff provide a leafy haven for those looking for a touch of nature.
The price of properties for sale in the Cardiff area is varied – as the houses to buy come in all forms and cover an array of areas surrounding the city hub – but the overall average price over the last year is around £292,500.
Average costs by property type in Cardiff (at the time of writing, November 2023):
Detached house: £477,109
Semi-detached house: £328,949
Terraced house: £272,722
Flat: £171,280
There’s anything from 3-bedroom houses for sale in Cardiff, through to smaller flats and terraced homes. The price range differs depending on area, age, and a range of other factors. Keep reading to delve into some specific neighbourhoods and find the most relevant Cardiff house sales for your needs.
Areas to purchase property in Cardiff
City centre
Average house price: £222,783
It’s no surprise that for students, graduates, and young professionals, the city centre is the place to be. A hub for media activity, those taking creative courses at the local universities gravitate towards here – with BBC Wales a stone’s throw from Cardiff Central, and ITV Wales just around the corner. And there’s lots to do otherwise, with a thriving nightlife, pubs aplenty, and shopping for the small biz fan – or those in search of their high-street favourites. The city centre boasts unique, winding Victorian arcades, like Morgan Quarter and Castle arcade, packed with indie shops and food stops – so you’re never short on something to do.
Check out houses for sale in Cardiff.
Saint Mellons
Average house price: £251,239
For families, young professionals, and first-time buyers, Saint Mellons is a great option to secure a reasonably sized house at a price that won’t break the bank. The older houses in the area boast larger rooms and bigger gardens, and the newer homes are slightly boxier. But wherever you are in the neighbourhood, you’re not far from Hendre Lake Park – a stunning spot with lovely lake views, walks in nature – and even a designated fishing spot, if that’s your thing!
A good investment, Saint Mellons has plans in place for a railway station – Cardiff Parkway – which is sure to boost house prices, making it an ideal spot for commuters.
Search for your new home in St Mellons.
Pontcanna
Average house price: £365,198
One of the trendier areas of Cardiff, Pontcanna is an up-and-coming area with plenty of in-vogue shops and eateries. The lush, leafy suburb is known for its plentiful walking paths, as well as large green spaces like Pontcanna Fields and Sophia Gardens. The nearby Chapter Arts Centre is a home for contemporary arts and cinema, showcasing films, plays, performance art, and live music.
Overall, the area is predominantly residential with quieter areas and more spacious houses, with the added bonus of being within walking distance of the city centre. If you’re after creativity and culture, but still want access to the great outdoors, this quaint part of the city could be right for you.
Find out what properties are for sale in Pontcanna.
Splott
Average house price: £222,402
Splott sits to the south of the capital, not far from the city centre. Often unfairly derided by city residents, the area boasts plenty of character and diversity, and is a short drive away from the trendy Cardiff Bay area. The Railway Gardens Community Hub provides an opportunity for residents to connect, offering a green space in which to come together on local projects – from veg gardens to one-off events.
This working-class area of the city is full of personality, and several local schools make it a great option for young families. The lower house prices mean it’s ideal for homebuyers looking to save a few pounds whilst being close enough to walk to the city centre.
See the latest properties for sale in Splott, Cardiff.
Cardiff Bay
Average house price: £215,594.
Slightly outside the city centre, Cardiff Bay boasts a stunning waterfront area. The local Mermaid Quay is packed with various restaurants as well as a mixture of high-street shops and small independent boutiques. The Cardiff Bay Trail offers a scenic walk around the water and to the pretty seaside town of Penarth – with stops along the way for historic landmarks like the Norwegian Church or iconic buildings like the Senedd.
With few schools nearby, the Bay is an ideal spot [AE3] for young professionals – and with a higher volume of flats and studios, it’s ideal if you’re looking for something smaller with easier upkeep.
Interested in life in Cardiff Bay? Find a house or flat for sale in Cardiff Bay.
Whitchurch
Average house price: £320,817
Located to the north of the capital city, Whitchurch is just a 10-minute drive from the centre. And for non-drivers, the options of Llandaff North and Whitchurch Station provide other options, as does the Taff Trail – a cycle route heading to Cardiff Bay. In terms of properties, the area offers a variety, giving house buyers in Whitchurch plenty of options – from bungalows and retirement properties through to apartments and terraced houses. There’s really something to suit every housing need. Whitchurch is also home to both a high school and a primary school, meaning growing families can stick around and make a home.
With tree-lined streets, plenty of local businesses, and a community feel, Whitchurch is a solid choice for people drawn to the Cardiff area.
Look for Whitchurch, Cardiff houses for sale.
Roath
Average house price: £268,807
Picture this: rose gardens to relax in, a circular route for joggers and dog walkers, and paddle boats to explore the lake in the summertime. That’s Roath and Roath Park Lake – arguably some of the most well-known, and well-loved areas in the city – admired by locals and tourists alike.
With enviable views of the lake and its iconic lighthouse, it’s no surprise that some properties in Roath come with a hefty price tag to match. And although either side of the Victorian park, homes have recently sold for as much as £730,000. Not every property in the area comes with such an eye-watering price tag. It’s certainly on the higher end for Cardiff, but the picturesque area and the multicultural surrounding suburb is certainly a favourite for homebuyers looking to move to the Roath area.
Find your new home – search houses for sale in Roath, Cardiff.
Llandaff
Average house price: £342,252
Llandaff sits northwest of Cardiff, with close links to the A470 and M4. The historic suburb is the former home to children’s author Roald Dahl, and offers breathtaking landmarks like the Victorian Gothic mansion, Insole Court, or the striking Anglican cathedral and parish church, Llandaff Cathedral.
But that’s history. Today, the quiet residential suburb of Llandaff has a community feel, bolstered by its thriving High Street. So, although frequent trips into the city aren’t always necessary, it is easily accessible by road and public transport. And with the River Taff and Llandaff Meadow nearby, the picturesque countryside isn’t far away, wherever you buy a house in Llandaff, Cardiff.
On the hunt for a home in Llandaff? Check out the latest properties for sale in this area of Cardiff.
Quick facts about life in Cardiff
Cardiff is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities.
Dubbed the ‘City of Castles’, Cardiff is famous for being the city with the most castles in the world.
Population: 488,000
Average temperature in winter: 8.6C
Average temperature in summer: 21.8C
Average house price: £292,512
Average monthly rent: £1,561
Households: 156,264
Schools: 98 primary schools, 18 secondary schools
Helpful links
All city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare: Cardiff City Council
Public transport in and around Cardiff: Transport in Cardiff
Search for Cardiff houses for sale
Have a property to sell? Let’s get you sold. Connect with your local Cardiff estate agent
Find your next house for sale in Cardiff
Looking to move to Cardiff? Whether it’s the appeal of a city lifestyle with a more compact, community feel, or the opportunity to be near to the action whilst still being able to explore the beautiful surrounding lakes and parks, Cardiff has a lot to offer. Find out what you need to know about Cardiff house sales, and connect with your local estate agent in Cardiff to get your home search started.
See other Purplebricks local property guides.