Wales Property Buying Guide

Wales has a population of over three million across 22 counties. These include Conwy, Denbighshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Newport and Cardiff.

 

South Wales is the country’s most highly populated region due to the concentration of large industrial towns and cities like Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. You’re never far from nature in Wales, with three National Parks – Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast – and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to enjoy.

 

If you’re on the hunt for a move closer to nature, or you’re building up your buy-to-let portfolio, find all you need to know about buying a home in Wales in our buying guide. When buying a house with us, you can benefit from competitive mortgage and interest rates and a wide range of offers to help you get on the property ladder.

Home of the red dragon, 400 castles, dramatic landscapes and vibrant cities, Wales is a fantastic place to invest in a property. Houses here are more affordable than in the rest of the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The country boasts various up-and-coming areas where home buying could bring short- and long-term profits.

The Bridgend Valley and the Rhondda Valley are proven hotspots for property investors. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales and plenty of cycling and walking trails, houses here provide exciting opportunities. Property prices in Bridgend Valley rose by 20%, while Rhondda Valley saw an increase of 40%.

Wrexham and Bangor are promising cities for investors. Both are prominent university locations, each housing around 10,000 students. Despite being one of the smallest cities in the UK, Bangor launched a campaign to become the UK’s Capital of Culture by 2025, thanks to its wide array of amenities and historical sites.

Wrexham also recorded a 15% jump in house prices between 2020 and 2023. Manufacturing, biotech and financial sectors helped the city become North Wales’ economic powerhouse.

Other cities where investing means profits are Swansea and Cardiff. Both experienced a 16% increase in property prices over the same period. They’re well-connected to Bristol, Cheltenham and Bath while offering more for your money.

Although small, Wales packs many beautiful places into its land, from lush valleys and more than 400 castles to rugged coastline and picturesque market towns on the edge of spectacular national parks. No matter where you visit, Wales is sure to steal your heart.

Usk

Named the Best Place to Live in Wales by the Sunday Times, Usk is a picturesque Monmouthshire town with a thriving community. It lies between the Brecon Beacons National Park and Wye Valley, crossed by the River Usk. The village offers excellent transport links to Newport, Cardiff and Cwmbran.

Aberystwyth

Where the Rivers Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol meet and converge into the North Sea, Aberystwyth benefits from a desirable location with spectacular views. Discover the coast, waterfalls, canyons and endless walking and biking trails.

Penarth

Penarth is a pleasant seaside town a few miles from Cardiff and Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales. Explore the marina and the Victorian pier, stroll along the beautiful Esplanade or visit the Art Deco Pavilion.

Good things come in small packages, especially in Wales. The country squeezes some of the UK’s most beautiful natural scenery into its small land mass. Wales is a great place to raise a family thanks to its quiet, laid-back atmosphere and attractions.

Crickhowell

In the heart of the Brecon Beacons, this desirable town in Powys is a brilliant spot to call home. It lies within commuting distance of some of Wales’ main cities like Newport, Swansea and Cardiff, not far from the English border. Whether you want to take your kids to Glanusk Park or prefer sticking to fantastic local amenities, homes in Crickhowell promise entertainment all year.

Conwy

Conwy sits along the banks of its eponymous river, overlooking Llandudno on the Creuddyn Peninsula. It is famous for its majestic 13th-century castle and surrounding nature spots, like Carnedd Llewelyn and Snowdonia National Park.

Tenby

Lively and welcoming, this seaside resort on the western side of Carmarthen Bay is enclosed by preserved medieval walls, offering opportunities for shopping and exploring. Most of Tenby’s schools are rated good by the Welsh Estyn inspection.

Estyn rankings of best schools in Wales 

School	Estyn Rating	Date of Inspection
Birchgrove Primary	Excellent	January 2020
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Hamadryad	Excellent	February 2020
Nant Y Parc Primary School	Excellent	December 2019
Rhydypenau Primary School	Excellent	March 2018
St Julian’s Primary School	Excellent	October 2018
Cardiff High School	Excellent	March 2019
Cowbridge Comprehensive School	Excellent	April 2019
Olchfa School	Excellent	February 2018
The Bishop Of Llandaff CIW High School	Excellent	February 2018
Ysgol Bryngwyn School	Excellent	May 2017

Wales is one of the most attractive rural locations in the UK, with abundant beautiful countryside to explore. Looking for a riverside property or a home near the beach? You’ll be spoilt for choice.

Port Talbot

This seaside town appeals to different types of homebuyers along Swansea Bay, thanks to its desirable location. Afan Forest Park and the Brecon Beacons National Park are right next door. You also have various beaches within reach of Port Talbot.

Cwmbran

Cwmbran is a former mining town, a stone’s throw from the Brecon Beacons National Park, home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. Nearby attractions such as Cwmcarn Forest and Llandegfedd Watersports Centre are great for days out with friends or family.

Ammanford

Ammanford is a former coal-mining town with more affordable properties than in other parts of Wales. They offer access to the Brecon Beacons, the coast and Gower AONB.

From Cardiff and Newport and medieval market towns to spectacular nature spots and glorious stretches of coastline, Wales is worth exploring from top to bottom.

Once a predominantly agricultural country, Wales became an industrial and economic powerhouse famous for its iron manufacturing industry. Transport is very efficient, with the M4 running from the English border to Swansea, passing by Newport and Cardiff. Trains are also reliable and operated by Transport for Wales.

Cardiff International Airport serves major European destinations, Africa and North America.

If you’re thinking of Wales as the place to be or want to add another property to your portfolio, our buying guide is here to help.

Buying your home in Newport

Steeped in history, multicultural and dynamic, Newport offers plenty of possibilities. A short drive from the Welsh capital and the Wye Valley in the opposite direction, it offers fantastic hiking, shopping and entertainment. Property prices increased slightly between 2020 and 2023, up by 6%. Buyers preferred terraced houses over semi-detached and detached.

Caerleon

Around five miles northeast of Newport City Centre, Caerleon is a quiet market town on the banks of the River Usk. It offers excellent travel links to Cwmbran, Cardiff and Caldicot while close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley. Property prices in Caerleon increased by around 6% between 2020 and 2023.

Ponthir

If you prefer the peace of the countryside to the bustle of the city, houses in Ponthir could be for you. With nature spots like Cwmcarn Forest, Twmbarlwm and Llandegfedd Reservoir on your doorstep, you’ll have options for hiking, picnics and other outdoor adventures.

Buying your home in Cardiff

The Welsh capital is a crowd-pleaser, a brilliant place to call home. With attractions to suit all ages, historical landmarks, cultural hubs and within reach of beautiful nature spots, new homes in Cardiff are increasingly sought after.

Llanishen

Less than five miles north of Cardiff City Centre, this suburb has many green spaces to enjoy outdoor activities. Properties in Llanishen appeal to homebuyers thanks to the variety of local parks and amenities. Prices experienced a similar rise to Cardiff, slightly less than 15% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Swansea

Swansea is Wales’ second largest city by population. It’s ever-improving and boasts incredible beaches and local amenities. Take advantage of the Maritime Quarter while exploring Afan Forest Park and Weobley Castle on the outskirts. Property prices rose by more than 15% from 2020 to 2023, with semi-detached proving most attractive to buyers.

Southgate

This quaint village in West Glamorgan benefits from an attractive location on the Gower Peninsula. Southgate lies within walking distance of numerous beaches and delightful bays. The Gower AONB is also on your doorstep.

Buying your home in Neath

Surrounded by Neath Valley, Neath is an attractive location a few miles from the coast. Close to Port Talbot and Swansea and within reach of the Brecon Beacons National Park, homes attract buyers thanks to their access to nature spots. The property market recorded an increase of 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Bridgend

Around 20 miles south of Neath, Bridgend boasts excellent transport links to Barry, Cardiff and Caerphilly. It also offers access to Afan Forest Park and the coast. Property prices rose by almost 20% between 2020 and 2023, with buyers preferring semi-detached homes over terraces.

Buying your home in Barry

Barry enjoys a prime position along the South Welsh coast, a destination of choice among homebuyers. Independent shops and restaurants, museums and Barry Island Pleasure Park make this town in the Vale of Glamorgan a great place to call home. Property prices in Barry increased by slightly more than 10% between 2020 and 2023.

St Athan

Seven miles west of Barry city centre, St Athan is a quiet village boasting prime access to Bridgend, Cardiff and Penarth.

Buying your home in Wrexham

Wrexham is the biggest town in Northeast Wales and one of the most desirable places to buy a home. Not far from the border with North West England, it’s surrounded by natural gems like Snowdonia National Park, the Shropshire Hills and the Peak District a little further afield. Conveniently located for exploring the local area, houses in Wrexham are popular among buyers.