Cardiff For Investment (its not all about the sheep!)

The largest city in Wales is also its capital---Cardiff. It is just logical that property investment market in the area is very active and ideally priced. To some, investment properties in the city could be impractically costly, while others attest being able to find and buy discount property units at below market value. Just like other urban centers and settlements across the United Kingdom, there are so many things about Cardiff that makes its property market thriving.
Because it is the capital of the region, Cardiff serves as a logical main engine of the Welsh economy’s growth. It is identified as among the fastest and most aggressively growing European cities. The city is also one of the most popular and preferred tourism destinations across the entire country. The economy, one of the reasons why Cardiff investment property market is succeeding, is predominantly benefiting from growing health and education industries. It is also fed partly by the industries of tourism, public administration, and retail. It is noteworthy that the city’s unemployment rate is comparatively lower against the national average.
In 2006, there were about 12 million tourists who took their vacations at Cardiff. Aside from hotels, many residential properties are converted into rentals and short-term vacation accommodations. Most visitors come because of the natural beauty, serenity, scenic spots, sophistication, and cultural wonders that are uniquely Welsh. Tourists from other nearby cities also prefer to take their accommodations here for practical and prudential reasons.
Cardiff is home to some 321,000 people, as of 2007 estimate. Investors should know that there would always be demand for investment properties in the area. Four major universities (University of Wales Institute, Cardiff University, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and University of Glamorgan) bring about 43,900 students to the city every year. This makes rental property investments in the area high-yielding and thriving.
Another factor that makes many property investors and buyers decide to acquire real estate here is the ideal weather. Cardiff has a relatively mild climate. Summer temperature could reach as high as 16°C (not very hot), while winter is about 4.5°C at its coldest (not extremely cold either). The city has generally lower rainfall compared to other cities and towns across Wales. City center of Cardiff is predominantly much warmer compared to outer regions like South Wales Valleys.
The public transport system helps keep investors coming. The extensive public transport system is comprised of bus and railway networks. It is home to the Cardiff Central Railway, which is the biggest rail transport system in Wales. Cardiff International Airport is known as the sole international airport in Wales, located at the south west of Cardiff city center.
Specific locations are ideal for specific property investments. Cardiff Bay is among the trendiest locations for properties. Fairwater and Ely in the west have numerous housing estates. Middle class and expensive properties mix at Heath, Cyncoed, Lisvane, and Llandaff. Gabalfa, Plasnewydd, and Cathays are most popular Cardiff centers among young professionals and students who are into rentals and low-cost housing.