Wales property market at the beginning of 2026 – prices, rent, dynamics
According to the UK House Price Index, the average property transaction price in Wales in 2025 reached £211,000, which is 3.6% higher than the previous year. At the same time, the volume of transactions in Wales increased significantly compared to the previous year.
Cardiff
In the Welsh capital Cardiff, the average property price reached £269,000, which is 1.2% higher than the previous year. The rental market in Cardiff also saw notable growth: the average monthly rent in 2025 reached approximately £1,147, which is 7.3% higher than in 2024.
Rental rates by number of rooms in Cardiff (data for the last quarter of 2025):
One-bedroom apartment – £889 per month
Two-bedroom apartment – £1,061
Three-bedroom apartment – £1,174
Four-bedroom and larger – £1,667
Newport
In Newport, the average property price in 2025 reached £226,000, which is 4.0% higher than in 2024. The rental sector in Newport also grew rapidly – the average monthly rent reached £941, which is 11.9% higher than the previous year.
Swansea
In Swansea, the average property price at the end of 2025 is estimated at £210,000, which is 4.4% higher than the previous year. The rental market here is also growing: the average rent is £818 per month, roughly in line with the Welsh average.
Regions
Monmouthshire – the most expensive county with an average property purchase price of £320,000. Flintshire and Wrexham showed the most dynamic price growth during the year. Ceredigion is the only location where property prices are falling.
The average rent across Wales in 2025 increased by approximately 6–7% year-on-year compared to 2024. Rent growth in major cities (Cardiff, Newport) was above the Welsh average, reflecting strong urban demand.
Also read: Pound weakens amid slowing inflation
Annual dynamics
Average property transaction price growth:
Wales: 3.6%
Cardiff: +1.2%
Newport: +4.0%
Swansea: +4.4%
Rental growth:
Cardiff: +7.3%
Newport: +11.9%
Swansea: +6.2%
Overall market characteristics
In 2025–2026, the Welsh property market is characterized by:
moderate and varied growth in property prices, with stronger growth in major cities than in rural areas;
steady increases in rental rates, especially in student and business centers;
diverse local trends – some areas grow faster, others remain stable or even see declining average prices;
an overall market picture in which tenant and buyer demand remains high while supply is limited.
Also read: Britain seeks a path after Brexit
Comparison with UK markets
England remains the most expensive property market. The market in 2025 was stable, without significant acceleration. Average property price: £292,000. Annual change: +1.5%.
The Scottish market showed higher growth rates than England and Wales. This is due to a combination of moderate prices, steady demand, and relative supply stability. Average property price: £192,000. Annual change: +3.3%.
Northern Ireland led in price growth in 2025. The main factor is limited supply amid stable demand. Average property price: £193,000. Annual change: +7.0%.
Comparison of rental markets
In England, rents are the highest in the UK. Rent growth in 2025 is estimated at 6–8% year-on-year, with continued pressure on tenants.
In Scotland, rent growth is more moderate – 4–5% per year. The dynamics are influenced by active government regulation of the rental market.
In Northern Ireland, rental rates are growing in the range of 5–6% per year with limited supply.
Market differences
England – an expensive market with low growth, high sensitivity to interest rates, and strong regional polarization.
Wales – a more affordable market with moderate growth, steady local buyer demand, and limited new construction.
Scotland – a market with balanced prices and higher annual growth, partly due to regulation and local demand.
Northern Ireland – a catching-up market, where growth is high but prices remain moderate.
Forecast for 2026
Experts at International
Investment expect property prices in the UK to rise on average by 2–4% in 2026. In England, growth is likely closer to the lower end – 2%, in Wales – 2.5–4.0%, in Scotland – about 3%, in Northern Ireland – 3–5%.
In 2026, rental growth is expected to slow compared to 2025, reaching 2–4% per year across all parts of the UK.