Cardiff vs Swansea for Property Investment
Swansea leads on gross yield at 6.2%, while Swansea has the lower entry price at £195,000. Here is how the two markets compare on yield, price, deposit and tenant demand.
Cardiff vs Swansea at a glance
| Metric | Cardiff | Swansea |
|---|---|---|
| Average gross yield | 5.5% | 6.2% |
| Average property price | £275,000 | £195,000 |
| Implied monthly rent | £1,260 | £1,008 |
| 25% deposit | £68,750 | £48,750 |
| Stamp duty (additional property) | £15,000 | £9,750 |
| Population | 365,000 | 245,000 |
| Region | Wales | Wales |
| Investor rating | Excellent | Good |
Cardiff
Expect a spread of semi-detached family homes, period conversions and new-build apartment schemes, with terraces concentrated in the older inner areas. Tenant demand is underpinned by a large student population, public-sector employers including hospitals and councils, supported by a population of around 365,000. On the average £275,000 purchase, a 5.5% gross yield implies roughly £1,260 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Welsh capital with universities and government employment.
- WorkableStandard buy-to-let
- Strong fitHMO / rent by the room
- WorkableFirst-time landlord
Swansea
Typical stock is a mix of terraces, ex-council semis and a growing number of apartment conversions closer to the centre. Tenant demand is underpinned by a large student population, local employment in services, healthcare and logistics, supported by a population of around 245,000. On the average £195,000 purchase, a 6.2% gross yield implies roughly £1,008 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Waterfront regeneration and university demand.
- WorkableStandard buy-to-let
- Strong fitHMO / rent by the room
- Strong fitFirst-time landlord
Which is the better investment?
If monthly cash flow is your priority, Swansea is the stronger option on paper at 6.2% gross. If you want the lower capital commitment, Swansea needs around £48,750 as a 25% deposit. Averages only take you so far, though — run the actual listing through PropertyROI before you offer.
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