Swansea Local Property Guide
Welcome to Swansea
Swansea is a city of heritage and culture, with a rich history and several museums to show for it, like the Waterfront Museum, and notably, Swansea Museum, the oldest in Wales. It’s also the birthplace of the 20th century poet, Dylan Thomas, and the permanent fixture, The Dylan Thomas Centre, documents his life and times.
But it’s not all so studious. The city is also the home turf of actress Catherine Zeta Jones, and Welsh national treasure, Rob Brydon.
Swansea also has a reputation for its legendary nightlife, and famously, Wind Street is known as the home of an unforgettable night out. So, it’s perhaps unsurprising to hear that the city is home to a handful of university campuses, notably Swansea University, which has two live-on campuses for students in attendance.
And there’s a great deal up and coming, too, with developments planned for the SA1 area soon. Entertainment is plentiful; the local Grand Theatre showcases music, drama and shows, and Swansea Stadium – the home of Swansea City Football Club – hosts an array of comedians and musicians.
Shopping fans will be familiar with the famous Swansea Market, the largest indoor market in Wales with over 100 stalls, providing a unique shopping experience. Another famous landmark of the city is Meridian Quay Tower – the tallest building in the country!
For those who crave stunning views and a break amongst nature, there are local parks aplenty, such as Singleton Park, the home to a beautiful botanical garden. You’re also never far from the beach, with coastal cycle paths and beaches galore within walking distance, and the Gower reachable in under an hour’s drive.
Find your local estate agent in Swansea
If you’re on the hunt for properties for sale in Swansea or are looking to put your Swansea house on the market, finding the right estate agent can help you take the next steps. To talk to a local estate agent with expertise in Swansea house sales and lettings, simply enter your postcode to start your search.
What’s it like to live in Swansea?
Swansea is a vibrant and varied city, and depending on where you choose to live, it can make a great home for students, professionals, families, and couples. On the smaller side for a city, almost everything you could want is within walking distance. But one of its unique qualities is its proximity to some of the most gorgeous beaches in Wales, with Swansea Bay accessible from the city centre, and the nearby Gower Peninsula close to access by car or bike.
Whether you’re after a buzzing city centre, beautiful coastal walks, or fairy-tale forests, it’s not surprising if you’re on the hunt for a Swansea house for sale.
Swansea: Getting around the city
You might assume the best way to travel in and around Swansea is by car – and whilst that is an option, with good access from the M4, there are other choices. With a major train station and an extensive bus timetable, you’ve got options when it comes to journeying around the local area.
By train
Swansea Station, located on the High Street, is the main train station in the city. A direct train can take you to London Paddington in under 3 hours, or into Wales’s capital city in under an hour. A few minor train stations such as Gowerton, Llansamlet, and Pontarddulais also service the local areas.
By car
Swansea is accessible by car via the M4, using Junction 47 if you’re heading from the Carmarthen direction, and Junction 42 if you’re heading in from Cardiff. Also easily accessed from the M4 are Swansea’s two park and ride sites, based at Landore and Fabian Way. These schemes operate Monday to Saturday from 7AM until 7PM, giving you another option if you don’t fancy tackling city centre traffic.
By bike
For the keen cyclist, there are several routes for both travel and leisure. Route 43 of the National Cycle Network connects the Celtic Trail and Swansea further out into Wales, and the Swansea Bike Path hugs the coastline to provide enviable views of the stunning Swansea Bay and Mumbles Head – and it’s a short enough ride for families, too! You can also hire a Santander Cycle from docking stations around Swansea Bay – a fun and affordable way to traverse the city.
By bus
In and around the city centre, Swansea is serviced by an extensive network of buses. You can also explore the surrounding area – such as Mumbles, Gower, Neath, Port Talbot, and the Valleys using buses with stops dotted throughout. And, with an ‘Explore Wales’ pass or an ‘Explore South Wales’ pass, you can unlock unlimited access to most local buses and trains on certain lines.
Distances and journey times are approximate.
What’s the cost of living in Swansea?
When it comes to living in the UK, Wales generally comes in as a much more budget-friendly option than other large cities across England. As the second largest city in Wales, Swansea is a cheaper option that its capital counterpart. Whether you’re heading out for fast food, filling your basket for a weekly shop, on the lookout for a new property or planning a night of entertainment, Swansea is a budget-friendly city where your money is sure to go further.
Swansea: Houses for sale
Swansea is a city where everyone can feel at home. It’s an easy place to live – with a sprinkle of seaside, a dash of countryside, with the added benefits of city living within reach. The area offers a full range of properties, whether you’re after a detached house in Swansea, a 6-bedroom home with oceanside views, or a flat nearer to the city centre. The overall average house price over the last year is around £212,247.
The average costs by property type in Swansea (at the time of writing, November 2023) are:
Detached house: £363,017
Semi-detached house: £206,019
Terraced house: £151,795
Flat: £145,503
House options in Swansea vary greatly – as do the price tags attached. Read on to check out some of the different neighbourhoods and local areas to figure out exactly where you could find your next home in Swansea Wales.
Neighbourhoods in Swansea
City centre
Average house price: £144,100
A prime spot for commuters and young professionals, the city centre offers an array of flats for sale at very affordable prices, and homes with up to 5 bedrooms. With several university campuses dotted around the area – including the Swansea University Singleton campus, it’s a great choice for students too.
When you combine the many housing options with the benefits of being within walking distance of all the action, it’s easy to see the appeal of this small city. With an abundance of high-street favourites as well as plenty of specialist stores, banks and fast-food outlets, you’ll have your day-to-day needs met right on your doorstep. And, with a stadium, an arena, swimming pools and museums, entertainment is covered too.
Does life in Swansea city centre take your fancy? Take a look at Swansea house sales today.
Sketty
Average house price: £279,901
Situated to the west, Sketty is perfectly positioned just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, with quick access to the stunning Swansea Seafront. This ideal location comes with the added bonus of being less pricey than the surrounding areas like the Mumbles.
Popular family parks like Singleton and Brynmill are walkable, and with an array of local shops for your convenience, it’s easy to see why the area is popular with families and students alike. It’s a diverse neighbourhood with several schooling options, from primary to secondary and sixth form, making it the ideal place for young families to call home.
Search for houses for sale in Sketty.
Bishopston
Average house price: £371,682
Bishopston is one of the largest villages on the Gower Peninsula and is just 6 miles southwest of the centre of Swansea city – making it easily commutable. The area was previously named one of the best places to live in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why.
With enviable beauty spots and delicious eateries on your doorstep, it’s no surprise families of all ages are flocking to this area. Residents can make the short trip to the coast to Caswell Bay Beach, Langland Bay, and Three Cliffs Bay. You’re sure to see exactly why the surrounding areas have been deemed and ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ by the National Trust – and will be overjoyed to have these scenic spots within driving distance of your home.
Check out houses for sale in Bishopston, Swansea.
Uplands
Average house price: £267,176
A trendy and sociable area of Swansea, Uplands is a lively neighbourhood with pubs, bars and live bands. A locality for students and young people and families, it’s a small, friendly neighbourhood with most amenities within walking distance.
If the nightlife isn’t your thing, Uplands sits just a mile west of the city centre, and close to Singleton Park and Swansea Botanical Gardens – which showcases rare and exotic plants from around the world. And, if you’d rather kick back on the beach with a book, the neighbourhood is just a 5-minute walk from Swansea beach.
Search for your new home in Uplands, Swansea.
Mumbles
Average house price: £331,936.
One of the pricier neighbourhoods in Swansea, this popular spot has a special place in the heart of locals and tourists alike. The famous Swansea Bike Path follows a family-friendly route, curving around Swansea Bay and offering a breathtaking view of Mumbles Head and the Gower Peninsula.
With seafront pubs along the famous Mumbles Mile, the area is full of character and charm. Steeped in history, there are many local landmarks like the iconic Victorian Pier and Oystermouth Castle. And for retail therapy fans, there are plenty of quirky shops and local favourites. As with every tourist hotspot, when the sun comes out, so does the traffic, so this is an important consideration for those thinking of moving to the area. However, many people say that once you move to Mumbles, you’ll never want to leave!
Interested in property in the Mumbles?
Penllergaer
Average house price: £249,502
Penllergaer is located around 4.5 miles northwest of Swansea city centre, with easy access via the M4. A quieter neighbourhood, the area is surrounded by the natural beauty that rural Wales is known for, such as the Valley Woods, boasting peaceful woodland walks, babbling brooks and picturesque waterfalls.
Located only a 40-minute drive from some of the beautiful Gower beaches, and around a 20-minute drive into the city centre, Penllergaer can really offer the best of both worlds. And although a car will come in handy, there are several bus stops available – as well as a few eateries, coffee shops, and supermarkets.
Find out what properties are for sale in Penllergaer.
Morriston
Average house price: £142,721
A 12-minute drive north of the city centre sits Morriston, a vibrant working-class community with great access to schools, green spaces, the city hospital, and all the amenities you could need just around the corner.
With local parks hosting wildlife and fitness facilities, like Morriston Park, the area is a good option for families and couples looking to move to Swansea at a lower price tag. The area offers anything from 3-bedroom houses for sale, to spacious apartments in modern duplexes.
Find a house for sale in Morriston.
Birchgrove
Average house price: £212,700
Popular with families, the neighbourhood of Birchgrove is situated within reach of both a primary and a secondary school. Although the houses are priced above average for some of Swansea, the modern and spacious properties are situated on generous plots, and with a low crime rate, Birchgrove is among the top 20 safest towns in West Glamorgan.
Nearby are local parks and the area boasts a quieter atmosphere, with most cul-de-sacs set slightly back from the main roads in and out of the area, still with access to the M4 nearby.
See the latest houses for sale in Birchgrove, Swansea.
Quick facts about life in Swansea
If you’re on the hunt for a house for sale in Swansea, you might try searching Abertawe – the Welsh name for the area.
A gem for independent shopping fans, Swansea Market is the largest indoor market in Wales with over 100 independent stalls.
Population: 316,000
Average temperature in winter: 8.3C
Average temperature in summer: 19.6C
Average Swansea house price: £197,494
Average monthly rent: £1,083
Households: 105,000
Schools: 95
Helpful links
All city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare: Swansea Council.
Public transport in and around Swansea: Swansea transport information.
Search for Swansea houses for sale.
Have a property to sell in Swansea? Let’s get you sold. Connect with your local Swansea estate agent.
Find your next Swansea house for sale
Looking to move to Swansea? With access to staggering cliffside views, forests from a fairy-tale, and all the home comforts of city living, it’s certainly a desirable location.
To find out more about making the move, learn what you need to know about houses for sale in Swansea, and connect with a local estate agent in Swansea to get your new home search started.
See other Purplebricks local property guides.