Arthur & Hamilton

Author name: Hasan Hussaini

Market Insights

April 2025 HMO Market Insights: Navigating Cardiff’s Evolving Landscape

As we progress through 2025, Cardiff’s HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) market continues to evolve amidst shifting policies, rental trends, and tenant preferences. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve. 📊 Rental Market Trends: Seasonality Returns The Cardiff rental market is experiencing a resurgence of traditional seasonality. After years of consistent demand, we’re now observing: This shift underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maintain occupancy and returns throughout the year. 💷 Rental Rates: Steady Growth Amidst Affordability Challenges In March 2025, the average monthly rent in Cardiff reached £1,104, marking a 9.7% increase from the previous year. For HMO landlords, this trend highlights the growing demand for affordable shared accommodations, especially as single-occupancy units become less accessible. 🏠 Housing Supply: 1-Bedroom Shortage Boosts HMO Demand A notable shortage of one-bedroom homes in Wales is driving more tenants towards shared accommodations. This trend is particularly evident in Cardiff, where: For landlords, this presents an opportunity to cater to a growing market segment seeking quality shared accommodations. 🏗️ Policy Landscape: Implications for HMO Development Cardiff Council’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) introduces policies that could impact HMO development: These policies aim to manage housing supply and urban development, potentially affecting future HMO projects. 🛠️ Compliance and Licensing: Staying Ahead With the reintroduction of Additional Licensing Schemes in areas like Cathays and Plasnewydd, landlords must ensure: Our team at Arthur & Hamilton offers comprehensive support to navigate these requirements seamlessly. 🤝 Partner with Arthur & Hamilton: Your Trusted HMO Specialist Navigating the complexities of the HMO market requires expertise and foresight. Here’s how we can assist: Let Arthur & Hamilton be your partner in achieving sustained success in Cardiff’s HMO market. Contact Us Today 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Phone: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Navigating Cardiff’s HMO Market with Expertise and Integrity.

Market Insights

March 2025 HMO Market Insights: Cardiff’s Golden Hour for Landlords?

Welcome to this month’s insider update from Arthur & Hamilton, your trusted partner in Cardiff’s property game. Whether you’re a seasoned HMO investor or a landlord looking to make smarter moves, March has brought big shifts that could shape your next big decision. Let’s unpack what’s happening—and how you can stay ahead of the market with us by your side. New Planning Rules: A Blessing in Disguise? Cardiff Council is turning the tide on new HMO development. The Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP)—with policies like H6 and EC6—intends to restrict further HMOs in core areas such as Cathays and Roath. At a glance, this might sound like bad news. But here’s the silver lining: fewer new entrants mean your existing HMO just became a lot more valuable. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re already seeing rising demand for well-managed properties as supply tightens. If you own an HMO, now is the time to ensure it’s operating at its full potential—or let us handle it for you. Rents on the Rise: The Numbers Don’t Lie March saw the average rent in Cardiff jump to £1,104, a 9.7% increase year-on-year. For context: En-suite HMO rooms are renting like hotcakes, with rates between £688 and £825/month. Shared living isn’t just a fallback option—it’s becoming a premium choice for students and professionals alike. At Arthur & Hamilton, we optimise rents by positioning your property to attract the right kind of tenants. Our data-driven pricing model helps you stay ahead of the curve—no guesswork, just results. HMO Yields in Cardiff: Quietly Exceptional Wales is making waves in the HMO sector, boasting average yields of 9.01%—among the highest in the UK. But here’s the kicker: many landlords aren’t realising their property’s full income potential. We help bridge that gap. Thinking about converting a vacant building into an HMO? One recent application in Cardiff proposes a 16-bedroom HMO in a repurposed office block. These adaptive reuse strategies are exactly where opportunity lies—and we can guide you through the entire process, from planning to profit. Selling? Make Your Exit Count Some landlords are considering selling at the top of the market—and that can be smart. But only if you do it right. Arthur & Hamilton offers a bespoke HMO Sales Ready™ service, ensuring your property is: ✔ Fully licensed✔ Compliant with all safety regs✔ Packaged with tenant agreements and high-quality visuals It’s not just about finding a buyer—it’s about attracting the right buyer, one who sees the full value of what you’ve built. Why Choose Arthur & Hamilton? We’re not just another letting agency—we’re a partner in performance. Based in Cardiff, with a portfolio of 50 tenants across 10 high-yielding HMOs, we live and breathe this market. Here’s what sets us apart: 🔹 Hands-on local expertise🔹 Personalised asset growth strategies🔹 Transparent, tenant-first management🔹 No-nonsense guidance on navigating regulations, planning, and market shifts Want higher returns without the stress? Let’s talk. Whether you own one property or a portfolio, Arthur & Hamilton is here to help you unlock its full value. Ready to optimise your HMO—or expand your portfolio? Drop us a line at info@arthurandhamilton.comOr give us a call on 020 4538 9330 Arthur & HamiltonWhere HMO landlords come to grow.

Market Insights

February 2025 HMO Market Insights: Navigating Cardiff’s Evolving Landscape

As we step into February 2025, Cardiff’s HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) market continues to evolve amidst shifting policies, rental trends, and tenant preferences. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve.​ Rental Market Trends: Seasonality Returns The Cardiff rental market is experiencing a resurgence of traditional seasonality. After years of consistent demand, we’re now observing:​CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent This shift underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maintain occupancy and returns throughout the year. CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent​ Housing Supply: 1-Bedroom Shortage Boosts HMO Demand A notable shortage of one-bedroom homes in Wales is driving more tenants towards shared accommodations. This trend is particularly evident in Cardiff, where:​ For landlords, this presents an opportunity to cater to a growing market segment seeking quality shared accommodations. Rooms in Cardiff​ Policy Landscape: Implications for HMO Development Cardiff Council’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) introduces policies that could impact HMO development:​ These policies aim to manage housing supply and urban development, potentially affecting future HMO projects. CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent​ Investment Opportunities: Adaptive Reuse and Market Positioning Despite regulatory changes, opportunities abound for savvy investors:​ At Arthur & Hamilton, we specialize in identifying and managing such opportunities to maximize your investment returns.​ Compliance and Licensing: Staying Ahead With the reintroduction of Additional Licensing Schemes in areas like Cathays and Plasnewydd, landlords must ensure:​ Our team at Arthur & Hamilton offers comprehensive support to navigate these requirements seamlessly.​ Partner with Arthur & Hamilton: Your Trusted HMO Specialist Navigating the complexities of the HMO market requires expertise and foresight. Here’s how we can assist:​ Let Arthur & Hamilton be your partner in achieving sustained success in Cardiff’s HMO market.​ Contact Us Today 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Phone: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Navigating Cardiff’s HMO Market with Expertise and Integrity.

Market Insights

January 2025 HMO Market Insights: Navigating Cardiff’s Evolving Landscape

As we step into January 2025, Cardiff’s HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) market continues to evolve amidst shifting policies, rental trends, and tenant preferences. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve.​ Rental Market Trends: Seasonality Returns The Cardiff rental market is experiencing a resurgence of traditional seasonality. After years of consistent demand, we’re now observing:​ This shift underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maintain occupancy and returns throughout the year. ​ Housing Supply: 1-Bedroom Shortage Boosts HMO Demand A notable shortage of one-bedroom homes in Wales is driving more tenants towards shared accommodations. This trend is particularly evident in Cardiff, where:​ For landlords, this presents an opportunity to cater to a growing market segment seeking quality shared accommodations. ​rent.com.au+43CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent+43Rooms in Cardiff+43 Policy Landscape: Implications for HMO Development Cardiff Council’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) introduces policies that could impact HMO development:​ These policies aim to manage housing supply and urban development, potentially affecting future HMO projects. ​ Investment Opportunities: Adaptive Reuse and Market Positioning Despite regulatory changes, opportunities abound for savvy investors:​ At Arthur & Hamilton, we specialize in identifying and managing such opportunities to maximize your investment returns.​ Compliance and Licensing: Staying Ahead With the reintroduction of Additional Licensing Schemes in areas like Cathays and Plasnewydd, landlords must ensure:​ Our team at Arthur & Hamilton offers comprehensive support to navigate these requirements seamlessly.​ Partner with Arthur & Hamilton: Your Trusted HMO Specialist Navigating the complexities of the HMO market requires expertise and foresight. Here’s how we can assist:​ Let Arthur & Hamilton be your partner in achieving sustained success in Cardiff’s HMO market.​ Contact Us Today 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Phone: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Navigating Cardiff’s HMO Market with Expertise and Integrity.

Market Insights

December 2024 HMO Market Insights: Navigating Cardiff’s Evolving Landscape

As we wrap up 2024, Cardiff’s HMO market continues to evolve amidst shifting policies, rental trends, and tenant preferences. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve.​ Rental Market Trends: Seasonality Returns The Cardiff rental market is experiencing a resurgence of traditional seasonality. After years of consistent demand, we’re now observing:​ This shift underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maintain occupancy and returns throughout the year. ​ Rental Rates: Steady Growth Amidst Affordability Challenges In December 2024, the average monthly rent in Cardiff reached £1,077, marking an 8.7% increase from the previous year. ​cardiffjournalism.co.uk For HMO landlords, this trend highlights the growing demand for affordable shared accommodations, especially as single-occupancy units become less accessible.​ Housing Supply: 1-Bedroom Shortage Boosts HMO Demand A notable shortage of one-bedroom homes in Wales is driving more tenants towards shared accommodations. This trend is particularly evident in Cardiff, where:​ For landlords, this presents an opportunity to cater to a growing market segment seeking quality shared accommodations. ​ Policy Landscape: Implications for HMO Development Cardiff Council’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) introduces policies that could impact HMO development:​ These policies aim to manage housing supply and urban development, potentially affecting future HMO projects. ​ Compliance and Licensing: Staying Ahead With the reintroduction of Additional Licensing Schemes in areas like Cathays and Plasnewydd, landlords must ensure:​ Our team at Arthur & Hamilton offers comprehensive support to navigate these requirements seamlessly.​ 🤝 Partner with Arthur & Hamilton: Your Trusted HMO Specialist Navigating the complexities of the HMO market requires expertise and foresight. Here’s how we can assist:​ Let Arthur & Hamilton be your partner in achieving sustained success in Cardiff’s HMO market.​ Contact Us Today 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Phone: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Navigating Cardiff’s HMO Market with Expertise and Integrity.

Market Insights

November 2024 HMO Market Insights: Navigating Cardiff’s Evolving Landscape

As we approach the end of 2024, Cardiff’s HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) market continues to evolve amidst shifting policies, rental trends, and tenant preferences. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve.​ 📊 Rental Market Trends: Seasonality Returns The Cardiff rental market is experiencing a resurgence of traditional seasonality. After years of consistent demand, we’re now observing:​ This shift underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maintain occupancy and returns throughout the year. CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent​ Rental Rates: Steady Growth Amidst Affordability Challenges In November 2024, the average monthly rent in Cardiff continued its upward trajectory, reflecting the growing demand for affordable yet private and comfortable living spaces. Rooms in Cardiff​ For HMO landlords, this trend highlights the growing demand for affordable shared accommodations, especially as single-occupancy units become less accessible.​ Housing Supply: 1-Bedroom Shortage Boosts HMO Demand A notable shortage of one-bedroom homes in Wales is driving more tenants towards shared accommodations. This trend is particularly evident in Cardiff, where:​ For landlords, this presents an opportunity to cater to a growing market segment seeking quality shared accommodations. Rooms in Cardiff​ Policy Landscape: Implications for HMO Development Cardiff Council’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) introduces policies that could impact HMO development:​ These policies aim to manage housing supply and urban development, potentially affecting future HMO projects. CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent​ Compliance and Licensing: Staying Ahead With the reintroduction of Additional Licensing Schemes in areas like Cathays and Plasnewydd, landlords must ensure:​ Our team at Arthur & Hamilton offers comprehensive support to navigate these requirements seamlessly. Shared Regulatory Services​ Partner with Arthur & Hamilton: Your Trusted HMO Specialist Navigating the complexities of the HMO market requires expertise and foresight. Here’s how we can assist:​ Let Arthur & Hamilton be your partner in achieving sustained success in Cardiff’s HMO market.​ Contact Us Today 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Phone: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Navigating Cardiff’s HMO Market with Expertise and Integrity.

Market Insights

October 2024 HMO Market Insights: Navigating Cardiff’s Evolving Landscape

As we approach the end of 2024, Cardiff’s HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) market continues to evolve amidst shifting policies, rental trends, and tenant preferences. At Arthur & Hamilton, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve. 📊 Rental Market Trends: Seasonality Returns The Cardiff rental market is experiencing a resurgence of traditional seasonality. After years of consistent demand, we’re now observing: This shift underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maintain occupancy and returns throughout the year. CPS Homes Estate and Letting Agent 💷 Rental Rates: Steady Growth Amidst Affordability Challenges In October 2024, the average monthly rent in Cardiff continued its upward trajectory, reflecting the growing demand for affordable yet private and comfortable living spaces. For HMO landlords, this trend highlights the growing demand for affordable shared accommodations, especially as single-occupancy units become less accessible. 🏠 Housing Supply: 1-Bedroom Shortage Boosts HMO Demand A notable shortage of one-bedroom homes in Wales is driving more tenants towards shared accommodations. This trend is particularly evident in Cardiff, where: For landlords, this presents an opportunity to cater to a growing market segment seeking quality shared accommodations. 🏗️ Policy Landscape: Implications for HMO Development Cardiff Council’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) introduces policies that could impact HMO development: These policies aim to manage housing supply and urban development, potentially affecting future HMO projects. 🛠️ Compliance and Licensing: Staying Ahead With the reintroduction of Additional Licensing Schemes in areas like Cathays and Plasnewydd, landlords must ensure: Our team at Arthur & Hamilton offers comprehensive support to navigate these requirements seamlessly. 🤝 Partner with Arthur & Hamilton: Your Trusted HMO Specialist Navigating the complexities of the HMO market requires expertise and foresight. Here’s how we can assist: Let Arthur & Hamilton be your partner in achieving sustained success in Cardiff’s HMO market. Contact Us Today 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Phone: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Navigating Cardiff’s HMO Market with Expertise and Integrity.

Licensing

Understanding Cardiff’s HMO Licensing Threshold Map

Licensed HMOs in Cardiff have two classifications; citywide, a mandatory HMO licencing system is in operation for dwellings that are three-storey or more, and contain at least five residents not forming a single household. In Cathays and Plasnewydd wards, an additional licence is also in operation for properties with three or more residents not forming a single household. Additional Licencing is not used in other wards. As of February 2016, 86% of all mandatory licenced HMOs were concentrated in two wards. A two-tier threshold is applied to determine when an area has reached the point at which further HMOs would cause harm and the Council to reject any HMO application: 1) In Cathays and Plasnewydd the figure of 20% 2) In all other wards, the figure of 10% This means that within Cathays or Plasnewydd, if more than 20% of the dwellings within a 50m radius of the proposed HMO are already established HMOs then this development would be considered unacceptable. In other wards, the figure must be 10%. This is shown as a map in examples below. This is justified because Cathays and Plasnewydd are home to a vastly greater number of HMO than other parts of the city, and are designated as Additional Licensing areas. Recognition of the role that HMOs play in these wards is reflected in the higher threshold, which allows for sustainable growth. Elsewhere, with smaller HMO numbers, the 20% threshold would allow for a large number of conversions from a low base. As such, the threshold of 10% is deemed more appropriate, allowing growth in these areas where there is demand, whilst retaining the essential character of those communities, and resisting the problems that can occur from HMO concentrations. The figure of 10% is recommended in the 2015 Welsh Government Houses in Multiple Occupation: Review & Evidence Gathering report. The map below shows the Cathays and Plasnewyddwards, within which the 20% concentration threshold would apply. All other wards would fall under the 10% concentration threshold. In the first example below, there are 34 dwellings within the radius, 16 of which are considered HMOs according to the councils licencing and council tax records. This constitutes 47% of properties, meaning the threshold of 20% has been exceeded. The council therefore would look to refuse this application unless its implementation, judged in the light of all other material considerations, would serve the public interest. In the second example, a property in Grangetown is shown. Within this 50m area, only one out of 53 other properties is an HMO. This is below the 10% threshold and therefore the conversion to an HMO would not be opposed subject to satisfactory compliance of the criteria set out on Policy H5, and SPG. 🧭 How Arthur & Hamilton Supports HMO Landlords At Arthur & Hamilton, we don’t just manage HMOs—we specialise in them. Our clients trust us to keep their properties compliant, profitable, and hassle-free. Here’s how we help: 🔍 Property Compliance Audit We inspect your property and tell you exactly what needs upgrading before you apply. 📑 Licence Application Management We handle the paperwork, liaise with Cardiff Council, and ensure your licence is submitted accurately and on time. 🔧 Full-Service HMO Management From tenant screening to rent collection, maintenance, and inspections—we do it all, so you don’t have to. 💼 Investment Advice Looking to convert a property to an HMO or expand your portfolio? We’ll help you assess potential properties and compliance risks before you invest. 📞 Let’s Talk If you’re a landlord in Cardiff and want expert help with your HMO property—whether it’s licensing, compliance, or full management—get in touch with us today. 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Call: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Cardiff’s Trusted HMO Specialists.

Licensing

Cardiff HMO Licensing Explained: Expert Guidance from Arthur & Hamilton

As the demand for shared housing continues to rise in Cardiff, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have become a vital part of the city’s rental landscape. However, managing an HMO is not just about letting rooms—it comes with legal responsibilities, especially around licensing and safety. At Arthur & Hamilton, we specialise in navigating the HMO landscape for landlords. Whether you’re converting your first property or managing a portfolio, this guide will help you understand Cardiff’s licensing requirements—and how we can help you stay compliant and profitable. 📋 What is an HMO—and When is a Licence Required? In Cardiff, an HMO is defined as a property rented to three or more people from different households who share common facilities like kitchens and bathrooms. There are two main types of licensing: ✅ Mandatory HMO Licensing You must apply for a licence if your property: ✅ Additional Licensing Even smaller HMOs (3 or more tenants) in certain wards—such as Cathays and Plasnewydd—may also require a licence under Cardiff’s Additional Licensing Scheme. In these locations, the property only requires to be 2-storeys. Failing to comply with these licensing laws can lead to significant penalties, rent repayment orders, and even criminal prosecution. 🛠️ What Are the Key Licensing Requirements? When applying for an HMO licence in Cardiff, landlords must meet a range of health, safety, and management standards, including: You’ll also need to pass a ‘fit and proper person’ test, and renew your licence every five years. Take a look at Cardiff Council’s official website for more information here: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/Business/Licences-and-permits/Houses-in-multiple-occupancy/Pages/default.aspx 🧭 How Arthur & Hamilton Supports HMO Landlords At Arthur & Hamilton, we don’t just manage HMOs—we specialise in them. Our clients trust us to keep their properties compliant, profitable, and hassle-free. Here’s how we help: 🔍 Property Compliance Audit We inspect your property and tell you exactly what needs upgrading before you apply. 📑 Licence Application Management We handle the paperwork, liaise with Cardiff Council, and ensure your licence is submitted accurately and on time. 🔧 Full-Service HMO Management From tenant screening to rent collection, maintenance, and inspections—we do it all, so you don’t have to. 💼 Investment Advice Looking to convert a property to an HMO or expand your portfolio? We’ll help you assess potential properties and compliance risks before you invest. 📞 Let’s Talk If you’re a landlord in Cardiff and want expert help with your HMO property—whether it’s licensing, compliance, or full management—get in touch with us today. 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Call: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Cardiff’s Trusted HMO Specialists.

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