Cardiff’s rental market has rarely stood still, but 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year. The Atlantic Wharf regeneration is a major mixed-use redevelopment centred on the new Cardiff Arena, with plans for homes, offices, retail, leisure and public spaces that are set to reshape Cardiff’s southern waterfront. It is quietly rewriting the rental geography of the entire city, and nowhere is that more visible than in the CF24 postcodes of Roath, Adamsdown, and Splott.
For landlords and buy-to-let investors weighing up where to position their portfolios, these three inner-city neighbourhoods deserve serious attention right now.
Why Roath, Adamsdown and Splott are in the spotlight
As Cardiff Bay rents continue to climb on the back of arena-related demand, a natural overspill is occurring. Young professionals, hospitality workers, and creative-sector employees drawn to the Bay are increasingly looking one or two miles north for more affordable rents – and they are landing in Roath, Adamsdown, and Splott.
These are not fringe locations. Roath is one of Cardiff’s most established and characterful inner suburbs, with its tree-lined streets, Roath Park, and thriving independent café and restaurant scene along City Road and Albany Road. Adamsdown sits just minutes from Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Queen Street station, making it highly accessible for commuters. Splott, long considered Cardiff’s best-kept secret, is now firmly on the map as a genuinely affordable alternative with excellent transport links and a growing community identity.
All three sit within the CF24 postcode and are absorbing a new wave of contract-holder demand that landlords should not ignore.
What the rental data is telling us in 2026
Cardiff continues to outpace the Welsh average on rental growth. According to the latest available data, average rents in Cardiff have been rising at a faster rate than the rest of Wales, with the city’s average monthly rent for a two-bedroom property now sitting well above the national Welsh benchmark.
Across CF24, landlords are reporting strong contract-holder demand with low void periods, particularly for one- and two-bedroom properties suited to single professionals and professional couples — the very demographic being attracted by the Atlantic Wharf Arena’s hospitality, events, and tech-adjacent employment opportunities.
Yield comparisons across CF24
For data-driven landlords, the yield picture across these neighbourhoods is compelling. Roath has historically offered gross yields in the region of 5–6%, underpinned by consistent demand and relatively stable property values. Adamsdown, where entry-level property prices remain lower, can offer yields nudging closer to 6–7% for well-presented stock. Splott continues to attract investors seeking higher-yield opportunities, with some properties delivering above 7% gross — one of the stronger performances in the Cardiff market.
These figures compare favourably to many comparable UK cities, and with Atlantic Wharf-driven demand adding a structural tailwind, the fundamentals for buy-to-let in Cardiff in 2026 look genuinely positive across all three postcodes.
Regulatory obligations Cardiff landlords must know
Operating a buy-to-let in Wales is not the same as operating one in England, and landlords must be fully across their Welsh-specific obligations.
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
All landlords in Cardiff — whether they own one property or a portfolio of twenty — must issue occupation contracts to their contract holders under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. The standard occupation contract replaced the assured shorthold tenancy in Wales, and the documentation requirements are distinct from English equivalents.
If you are still using outdated tenancy agreements, you are not compliant. Contract holders in Roath, Adamsdown, and Splott are increasingly aware of their rights, and professional management is essential.
Rent Smart Wales licensing
Every landlord renting property in Wales must be registered with Rent Smart Wales. If you manage your own properties, you must also hold a Rent Smart Wales licence. This applies whether you own a single flat in Adamsdown or a multi-property portfolio spread across Splott and Roath.
Failure to comply can result in civil penalties and restrictions on serving notice to contract holders. Belvoir Cardiff works with landlords across CF24 to ensure full compliance. removing the administrative burden from busy portfolio landlords and first-time investors alike.
Making Tax Digital for landlords
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now being introduced for eligible landlords and represents one of the biggest changes to tax reporting in recent years. If your rental income meets HMRC’s qualifying threshold, you may be required to keep digital records and submit updates using compatible software instead of relying solely on an annual self-assessment tax return.
For landlords with one property or a larger portfolio across Cardiff and CF24, preparing early can help make the transition smoother. Reviewing your record-keeping systems, speaking to your accountant, and ensuring you are using compatible software can help you stay compliant with HMRC’s requirements and avoid unnecessary disruption.
If you are unsure how Making Tax Digital applies to your circumstances, Belvoir Cardiff can help point you towards trusted tax professionals who can advise on the practical steps needed to prepare for the new reporting requirements.
What to look for when investing in CF24 right now
Property types with the strongest demand
One- and two-bedroom flats and terraced houses are consistently the most sought-after property types in Roath, Adamsdown, and Splott. Contract holders in these areas tend to be professionals aged 25–40, often working in Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Bay, or the growing hospitality and events sector linked to the Atlantic Wharf development.
Properties close to transport corridors — particularly those within walking distance of Cardiff Queen Street, Cardiff Central, or well-served bus routes along Newport Road — command premium rents and attract higher-quality contract-holder applicants.
EPC ratings and future-proofing your portfolio
Welsh Government energy efficiency expectations are tightening. Landlords investing in CF24 should prioritise properties with EPC ratings of C or above or factor improvement costs into their acquisition calculations. Better-rated properties are not only more attractive to contract holders but will also be better positioned as regulatory requirements evolve.
Why local expertise matters more than ever
The Cardiff rental market in 2026 is nuanced. Neighbourhood-level dynamics, Welsh legislative requirements, MTD obligations, and the structural impact of Atlantic Wharf all require landlords to make decisions based on current, localised intelligence — not generic national guidance.
Belvoir Cardiff has deep roots in the CF24 market, working with landlords from single-property owners to multi-site portfolio investors across Roath, Adamsdown, and Splott. Our team understands what contract holders in these postcodes are looking for, what compliance looks like under Welsh law, and how to position your investment for maximum occupancy and yield.
Take the next step with Belvoir Cardiff.
Whether you already own property in CF24 or you are actively looking at buy-to-let Cardiff 2026 opportunities, getting an accurate, up-to-date rental valuation is the essential first step.
Book a free rental valuation with Belvoir Cardiff today and find out exactly what your property could achieve in the current market — with expert guidance on Rent Smart Wales compliance, occupation contracts, and MTD preparation included as standard.
Ready to talk? Contact the Belvoir Cardiff team directly to discuss your portfolio, explore new investment opportunities in Roath, Adamsdown, or Splott, or get clarity on your Welsh landlord obligations. Our advisers are on hand to help you make informed, confident decisions in one of Wales’s most dynamic rental markets.
