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:
- 1-bedroom flats: £856/month
- 4-bedroom homes: £1,609/month
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.com
Or give us a call on 020 4538 9330
Arthur & Hamilton
Where HMO landlords come to grow.