First-time buyer's guide to Cardiff

Cardiff is within reach

The average first home in Cardiff cost around £233,000 in early 2026, but plenty of flats and terraces sell for well below that. With deposits from 5%, schemes to give you a leg-up, and most first homes falling under the £225,000 Land Transaction Tax threshold, getting on the ladder here is more achievable than the headlines suggest. The key is knowing your numbers before you start.

Cardiff's first-time-buyer market spans a wide price range. Outer areas such as Fairwater, Ely and Rumney often offer terraced houses below the city average, while Cathays and Roath attract buyers willing to pay a premium for proximity to the city centre and university quarter. Flat conversions in inner-city postcodes can frequently be found in the £140,000 to £180,000 range, putting them within reach on a single income. The key is knowing which type of property — flat versus house, leasehold versus freehold — suits both your plans and your budget. Leasehold flats are common in Cardiff and bring their own due-diligence checklist: check the lease length, service charge history and any planned major works before committing.

Beyond the deposit, plan for a cluster of one-off costs that first-time buyers sometimes underestimate. Solicitor and conveyancing fees typically run to £1,500 to £2,500. A survey is strongly recommended — a Homebuyer Report costs roughly £400 to £700 for a standard terrace. You will also need to budget for building insurance (required from the day of exchange), moving costs and any initial repairs or redecoration. Setting aside at least £3,000 to £5,000 over and above your deposit as a buffer for these buying costs is a sensible target before you begin viewing seriously.