What is Happening in the Housing Market in Wales?

If you’re thinking about a property move in the popular North Wales areas of Llangefni, Bangor, Holyhead, Gwynedd or Anglesey, you’re probably wondering what is happening with the housing market in Wales right now. 

The average property price for first-time buyers in Anglesey was £197,000 and £179,000 in Gwynedd over the 12 months up to June 2026, meaning this market is more accessible than many other parts of the UK. 

Property market analysis for wales 2026

Also if you’re a second-stepper, (time to move onto your next property) stable pricing along with high levels of supply mean that while you may need to be realistic when pricing your current home, you may get a better deal when purchasing a larger property. 

Aside from house prices, mortgage rates and availability of homes are big considerations. This article hopefully provides analysis of the current property market in North Wales, covering buying, selling and renting. 

The 2026 Wales Property Market Overview 

It’s important to note that the housing market is in a constant state of flux, and of course different regions and even villages having their own micro market and dynamics so, with competing sources providing slightly different figures for the Welsh property market its understandable why you would need a seasoned professional on your side, one who has been working in your area for years, is qualified and knows the market inside out.

Looking below, you’ll see some of the statistics from official sources to help you to understand what is happening in the property market in Wales right now. 

The UK House Price Index revealed that the average house price in Wales in June 2026 was £213,000, an annual increase of 1.8%. 19 of the 22 local authorities in Wales saw an increase in house prices over the 12-month period, with Blaenau Gwent in South Wales having the highest increase of 8.9%, and Pembrokeshire prices decreasing the most (-4.2%). 

Across the whole of Wales, sales volumes were down, recording 3,073 sales in April 2025 but a lower volume of 2,003 in April 2026. Over the last year, the annual sales volumes for properties in Wales decreased by around 16%. 

The context of the drop in sales volumes is important; the Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in Wales increased by 1% on higher-rate bands from 11 December 2024. Additionally, average mortgage interest rates were decreasing through 2025, boosting buyer confidence – but the conflict in Iran starting in February 2026 has led to higher mortgage borrowing costs and market uncertainty. 

According to the Rent Smart Wales register, there were 4,089 registered rental properties in Wales in May 2026, down by 2% since May 2021. The combination of higher interest rates, stricter regulations introduced through the Renting Homes (Wales) Act and higher Land Transaction Tax on second homes have influenced the decline in rental properties. 

How Are Anglesey and Gwynedd Performing in 2026? 

Both Anglesey and Gwynedd experienced a stronger house price growth compared to the whole of Wales. 

While properties are now taking slightly longer to find a buyer and some that have asked too much are having to realign their pricing strategy to the 2026 market, the latest ONS figures show that the average house price in Gwynedd was £207,000 based on prices over the 12 months up to June 2026, which represented a 5.7% increase from June 2025. 

In Anglesey, the average house price was £240,000, up 6.7% from June 2025. The overall rise across Wales was significantly lower at 1.8% over this same period.  

Area Average house price – June 2026 Annual increase 
Gwynedd £207,000 5.7% 
Anglesey £240,000 6.7% 
Wales overall £213,000 1.8% 

The sales volumes published in the UK House Price Index showed that in Gwynedd, 90 sales were completed in April 2026, compared to 107 in April 2025. There is a similar picture for Anglesey, with 39 sales completed in April 2026, lower than the 59 sales recorded in April 2025. 

The average monthly rent in Anglesey rose by 4.2% to £710 in the year up to June 2026, while in Gwynedd, average monthly rent increased by 7.3% to £722.  

What’s Driving the North Wales Property Market in 2026? 

Affordability is seen as the main factor influencing the market right now. The Bank of England base rate had been falling from August 2024 through to December 2025. During this period, the base rate fell from 5.25% to 3.75%, and there were expectations that the rate would continue to fall through 2026. Whilst they do feel high compared to recent years and particularly to those now coming off their 5 year fixed rates set when they were lower, interest rates remain lower than the long term average over the last 30 – 40 years of between 5% to 6%.

However, the conflict in Iran has had a significant impact on global economies, with rising energy costs affecting inflation rates. Due to this, the Bank of England have chosen to maintain the 3.75% base rate through to August 2026. 

Many mortgage lenders started to remove products from the market when the Iran war started and the ongoing uncertainty has led to mortgage rates increasing again. 

Looking at North Wales, and areas such as Gwynedd specifically, stable rent growth and a tourism sector are positive signs for landlords. 

Bangor University also helps to drive rental demand in Gwynedd, with a student population of over 10,000. 

Average Rent in North Wales 

Area Average monthly rent 
Bangor £875 to £1,400 pcm 
Gwynedd £722 pcm 
Isle of Anglesey £710 pcm 
Holyhead £550 to £900 pcm 
Llangefni £600–£1,400 pcm 

Gwynedd and Anglesey rent data is based on ONS statistics, Holyhead, Bangor and Llangefni are collected from property portal advertised rent. 

What types of properties are in demand? 

A study from Principality Building Society found the highest demand for terraced properties across Wales with a fall in demand for the detached homes. Fewer flats are sold in Wales than other types of property, however, the data showed an increase in demand for this type of home over the past year. 

Housing market wales 2024

In Bangor, there is a high demand for family properties, while the appeal of coastal properties continues to drive demand in Beaumaris and Menai Bridge. If you are considering buying your next home, there is a good level of supply right now. 

Where is the North Wales market heading in 2026? 

Supply in the Welsh market is currently high, with fewer transactions. However, people may be waiting to see what happens with mortgage rates, inflation the autumn budget and house prices, before committing to a move.  

The currently perceived high interest rates have created a cautious buyers’ market but developments in Iran are likely to have a large influence on the North Wales housing market throughout the rest of 2026. Many would-be-buyers are holding back from committing to higher interest rates and mortgage costs but if the Bank of England start to reduce the base rate again, this will likely get the market moving faster again. 

This means there is likely to be pent up demand especially among first-time buyers keen to get a foot on the housing ladder as rents increase. It naturally follows, that in the current market could actually be a good time to buy.

North Wales Rental Market: What Landlords and Contract Holders Should Know 

The North Wales rental market continues to have strong demand and rent has increased annually in Gwynedd, Anglesey and the majority of Wales. 

Latest recorded ONS figures show average monthly rent of: 

  • Gwynedd – £722 pcm  
  • Isle of Anglesey – £710 pcm 
  • Wales – £843 

For investors looking for the best areas to invest in, demand from Bangor University students generally provides consistent rental property demand. 

From a contract holders (formally known as tenants) perspective, rental prices in Gwynedd and Anglesey are lower than the Wales average and are significantly lower than areas just across the Wales border such as Cheshire West and Chester, where the average monthly rent is £986. 

And Finally – North Wales know how….

Ultimately, whatever happens to the housing market, the right time to move house is down to your personal circumstances, whether that’s a job, school or need for more or less space.  

This Wales Property Market Guide for 2026 should help you to decide if now is the right time for you to move in North Wales – whether in Menai Bridge, Llanberis, Rhosneigr, Caernarfon, Beaumaris or beyond. To discuss the North Wales property market in more detail get in touch.

In summary, we know the market, we know who, what where and when – you just need to know us!

We’d love to talk your though our portfolio of properties.  To get you moving quicker, you need an award-winning agent that brings together unrivalled innovative marketing expertise and comprehensive local coverage with national connections – all at an affordable price. So, for a free, no-obligation valuation appraisal, contact your local office

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Williams & Goodwin The Property People are members of the Guild of Property Professionals, National Association of Estate Agents, Association of Residential Lettings Agents, National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and are Chartered Valuation Surveyors we are members of a National Network of approximately 800 independently owned and operated Estate Agents.

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