Cost of moving up Cardiff property ladder reaches almost £100,000

The cost of moving up Cardiff’s property ladder has reached almost £100,000 as new figures reveal a growing gap between the average price paid by first-time buyers and those moving to their next home.

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that first-time buyers in Cardiff paid an average of £234,000 for a property in July 2026.

By comparison, existing homeowners moving to another property paid an average of £333,000, creating a £99,000 difference between the two.

Both figures have increased over the past year. The average first-time buyer property has risen from £228,000 to £234,000, an increase of 2.9%, while the average paid by home movers has increased from £325,000 to £333,000.

Cardiff estate agent Thomas H Wood says the figures reflect an important part of the local housing market, particularly in North Cardiff, where buyers moving from starter homes into larger family properties make up an important part of demand.

Paul Wood, Director at Thomas H Wood, said: “We often talk about the challenge of getting onto the property ladder, but there is another affordability question for people who are already homeowners and want to take that next step.

“A first home might have been perfect for a couple when they bought it, but a few years later they might need another bedroom, a garden, more living space or want to move closer to a particular school.

“That next move can represent quite a significant jump in price, particularly when buyers start looking at larger family homes in popular parts of Cardiff.

“What the £99,000 gap shows is why people need to look beyond the headline Cardiff average. Your current property may have increased in value too, so the important figure is really the difference between what your existing home is worth and what the property you want to move to is likely to cost.”

The figures come as the wider Cardiff housing market continues to record steady price growth.

The average Cardiff property was valued at £272,000 in July 2026, according to provisional ONS figures, up from £265,000 in July 2025. The 2.7% annual increase compares with growth of 2.6% across Wales and 1.4% across the UK.

The latest UK House Price Index also points towards stronger growth among the types of properties often associated with families moving further up the housing ladder.

Across Wales, semi-detached properties recorded the strongest annual growth of any property type, increasing by 3.4% to an average £215,000 in July.

Terraced homes increased by 2.7% to £172,000 and detached homes by 2.5% to £336,000. In contrast, the average price of flats and maisonettes fell slightly by 0.3% to £129,000.

Paul added: “Family homes continue to attract buyers across areas such as Whitchurch, Rhiwbina and Radyr, but there can be significant differences from one area, street and property type to another.

“Schools, gardens, parking, transport links and access to local amenities can all influence what someone is prepared to pay.

“We also see a lot of people who want to remain within the same part of Cardiff. They like the area and have established roots here, but their circumstances have changed and they simply need a different property.

“That can create a healthy local market where people are moving between different types of homes within the same communities.”

Despite rising prices, the figures do not suggest a return to the rapidly accelerating property market seen during previous periods.

Across the UK, an estimated 97,000 residential property transactions worth £40,000 or more took place in July 2026, according to HMRC figures referenced in the UK House Price Index. That was 1.1% lower than in July 2025.

Thomas H Wood says this makes realistic pricing particularly important for homeowners considering selling.

Paul said: “There are buyers in the market, but they are doing their homework and price remains important.

“For anyone thinking about moving, particularly if they are looking to move into a larger family home, understanding the value of their existing property is a sensible place to start.

“The national statistics are useful, but ultimately property markets are local. Knowing what is selling, what buyers are looking for and what they are prepared to pay in your particular part of Cardiff gives you a much clearer picture.”

Thomas H Wood has been selling and letting homes in Cardiff for more than 50 years, with branches in Whitchurch and Radyr.