The Intermediary – July 2025 - Flipbook - Page 81
L O C A L FO C U S
Swansea
For buyers looking for a more
suburban lifestyle, Jones points
to developments on the outskirts,
particularly those with easy access
to the M4: “There’s always scope
for further expansion […] offering
a balance between convenience and
tranquillity.”
Sturgess also highlights strong
demand and supply in the SA4
postcode, covering Gorseinon,
Penyrheol and Loughor.
He explains: “The SA4 postcode
is growing in popularity due to
new-builds, school catchments,
and commuter access to the
M4. There’s a strong pipeline of
development around Parc Mawr and
surrounding areas.”
Infrastructure investment is adding
further momentum, Jones notes:
“Swansea is benefiting from some
fantastic projects that are either newly
opened or under construction.”
He cites the recently completed
104,000 sq. office block on The
Kingsway, which is set to bring
over 600 jobs into the city, with
companies like TUI already on board.
Additionally, the Ospreys rugby club
has announced a major redevelopment
of St Helen’s Stadium, featuring stateof-the-art pitches and modernised
fan facilities – underlining Swansea’s
growing appeal as both a residential
and economic hub.
Rental market
In contrast to a residential market on
the rise, Swansea’s buy-to-let (BTL)
market has cooled in recent years,
reflecting a national trend shaped by
ongoing rental reforms. At 18.8%, the
proportion of private rental stock in
Swansea is notably below the England
and Wales average of 23.6%.
Davies says: “The BTL market has
slowed right down due to the tax
changes over the last few years. We
still have many buy-to-let clients, but
they are mainly product transfers or
remortgages.”
Despite the challenges, brokers
say the market is far from dormant.
Sturgess explains: “Buy-to-let has been
more cautious, but not dead. We’ve
helped several landlords remortgage
this year and there’s still good appetite,
especially in student-heavy areas like
Brynmill and Uplands.”
Landlords are becoming more
strategic – reassessing yields,
operating through limited companies,
and looking for long-term value rather
than rapid expansion. Sturgess adds:
“Sensible, long-term investors are still
A buyer’s market
MARK JONES
director and mortgage and protection adviser at Mortgages by Mark
W
e are seeing signs of a buyer’s market. Increased
competition among high street estate agents is becoming
increasingly evident – which ultimately benefits sellers.
Interestingly, this surge in competition hasn’t led to lower
fees across the board. Instead, we’re seeing a shi in seller preferences
toward independent estate agents.
First-time buyers are extremely eager to purchase, but there’s a
shortage of suitable stock. Swansea always seems to have a new-build
development underway, which is an encouraging sign of steady growth.
Given the city’s wide geographic spread, there’s always scope for
further expansion. One of the most consistently active areas is SA1,
close to the waterfront. For those seeking a quieter lifestyle outside the
city centre, there are also numerous developments on the outskirts of
Swansea, ideally located just off the M4 motorway.
On the commercial side, Swansea benefits from some fantastic
projects that are either newly opened or under construction. Notably, a
104,000 square foot office block recently opened on e Kingsway in the
heart of the city, while the Ospreys rugby club has committed to major
overhaul of St Helen’s Stadium. ese projects alone highlight why
Swansea is such a promising place to live, work, and invest.
Swansea
Residents
738k
Average age
43.4
Residents per household
2.31
Swansea postcode area.
Source: www.plumplot.co.uk
active and keen to lock in competitive
rates while they can.”
Jones says: “While some enquiries
for new purchases have progressed
to full applications, it’s become
increasingly difficult for clients
to borrow the loan amounts they
need. Lenders have tightened their
affordability, which has ultimately led
to reduced borrowing capacity.”
Still, Jones notes that Wales is
currently seeing “record-high gross
rental yields on newly purchased buyto-let properties,” and with interest
rates and product options becoming
more competitive, the second half
of 2025 and into 2026 could signal a
return to form.
Overall, Swansea’s property market
paints a picture of cautious optimism,
grounded in economic realism but
buoyed by sustained demand, an
evolving borrower base, and a housing
stock that reflects both heritage
and modernity.
While headwinds persist, local
brokers are seeing real signs of
resilience. Regeneration and a
robust appetite for homeownership
continue to drive activity across a wide
spectrum of buyers. As the city grows
and adapts, its appeal lies in variety,
something increasingly valued by
both locals and those relocating from
further afield.
As Jones puts it: “Swansea, with its
unique blend of coastal charm, urban
convenience, and rural tranquillity,
presents a diverse landscape for
potential buyers.” ●
July 2025 | The Intermediary
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