Accommodation in Cardiff

New arrivals in Cardiff will have accommodation near the top of their list of priorities. Fortunately, the Welsh capital offers a medley of housing options in various areas and suburbs, and house hunters will undoubtedly be able to find something to suit their lifestyle and budget.

Areas and suburbs in Cardiff

Cardiff is quite small, but its various neighbourhoods are decidedly non-generic, and you'll have your pick of an eclectic range, from quirky inner-city pockets and glitzy blocks of high-rises to quiet family-friendly suburbs on the outskirts. 

Vibrant central neighbourhoods such as Canna and Roath are ideal for young expats, while laid-back suburbs like Llandaff and Lisvane appeal to family life.

Most of Cardiff is well served by excellent transport links. Whether you choose an apartment in the bustling city centre or a larger freestanding house in one of the leafy village-like suburbs, commuting to work shouldn't be much of an issue. 

Areas and Suburbs in Cardiff
Getting Around in Cardiff

Types of accommodation in Cardiff

Accommodation in Cardiff ranges from big modern apartments and studios to affordable row houses and large Edwardian family homes – it just depends on the house hunter's style, budget, and needs. 

Rent on flats, whether they're in Cardiff's city centre, Cardiff Bay or any of the city's upmarket neighbourhoods, are much cheaper than in the likes of London, and you'll get far more bang for your buck.

Some of the city's architecture is stunningly preserved, and there are plenty of renovated apartment blocks that come with all the required luxuries and modern amenities that residents could hope for.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Some rental homes in Cardiff come fully furnished, allowing you to simply move in with your personal effects. These tend to cost more than unfurnished rentals, so you may have to decide between whether you want to bear the initial cost of buying or shipping your own furnishings or pay extra each month to have furnishings included.

It's important to note that 'furnished' properties vary significantly, so be sure to confirm what furniture, lighting, curtains and appliances are included in the property beforehand.

Short-term lets

If you haven't arranged accommodation before your arrival, we recommend renting short-term accommodation as a base while you house hunt for a longer-term solution. This gives you time to explore the various areas at your leisure and view homes in person to find out what suits you best.

Short-term lets are generally not as pricey as hotel stays, though they are more expensive than renting long term. One major benefit is that short-term lets provide you with everything you need for your stay, from cutlery to linen, and often include amenities such as WiFi.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Cardiff Short-Lets

Finding accommodation in Cardiff

A good place to start the house hunt is reputable property sites, or property pages on social networks. These can give you an idea of what to expect in the local market.

Alternatively, a good letting agency can be very helpful. Agents can advise regarding districts that would be most suitable to your needs and provide a more in-depth look at the renting options in Cardiff. You should note that letting agencies will only show properties they have listed in their portfolio, so it's always a good idea to visit several.

Useful links

• Rightmove
• Zoopla

Renting accommodation in Cardiff

Applications

When the search is finally over, and you've found something you like, you will need to submit an application as soon as possible. You'll likely face competition from other prospective renters, particularly in popular areas. 

Applicants must typically hand over references and information about their credit history. Those without renting and credit histories in Wales or the UK may still be approved, but perhaps at a slightly inflated price.

Deposits

In most cases, tenants must pay a deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent, but if you lack a local credit history or references, you may be asked to provide up to six months' rent upfront. This is most commonly the case with letting agencies but not always private landlords, so renters without the funds for this kind of expense may do well to opt for private leasing.  

Leases

Flats available for rent are let by agencies or directly by private landlords. The typical long-term lease is for six months or a year. Rental rates vary according to the size of the property, the location and the level of furnishing.

Utilities in Cardiff

Utilities and council tax aren't typically included in the cost of rent and are an extra expense for the tenant. Renters should keep this in mind when budgeting for housing expenses.

For more info see: Setting up Household Utilities in the UK