Strongest rise in 2 years for house prices in Wales

Buyer confidence is still growing

The average price of a home sold in Wales increased to £238,413 in the first quarter of 2025, up 2.2% on the previous quarter and 4.0% higher than the same period last year. 

The figures have been released by Principality Building Society in its Wales House Price Index for Q1 2025 (January - March), which demonstrates the rise and fall in house prices in each of the 22 local authorities in Wales.  

While affordability challenges remain, the steady rise in both prices and the number of transactions – which reached 10,000 in Q1 (up 20% on last year) – suggests buyer confidence is still growing, despite households continuing to navigate cost-of-living pressures, in an elevated rates environment and global economic uncertainty.  

A mixed picture at a regional level

Outside of the national picture of moderate rises in prices, there is a mixed picture at a regional level.   

Three authorities in South Wales saw house prices reach record highs, with Bridgend seeing the highest annual change of any authority at 11%, closely followed by Blaenau Gwent which reported an increase of 6.8% and Caerphilly with 6.6%. 

Other areas, including Ceredigion, saw prices fall in Q1, dropping 10.1% from the final quarter of 2024. Meanwhile the year-on-year trend for the same region suggests just over a 3% drop, with some experts suggesting this is due to policy changes such as Welsh Government’s adjustments to second home taxation. 

Overall, Principality Building Society research, based on HM Land Registry data, reveals that price declines in regional areas have eased over the past three quarters compared to the same period last year, offering some signs of stability for buyers and sellers in a shifting market. 

A positive start to 2025

Speaking about the Q1 House Price Index, Iain Mansfield, Chief Financial Officer at Principality Building Society, said: 

“The housing market in Wales has had a positive start to 2025, with prices rising quarter on quarter at their fastest pace in over two years.  

Despite a challenging economic backdrop, we’re seeing a year-on-year growth of transactions, spurred on by supply challenges and falling rates. Meanwhile, affordability remains a key factor shaping the market landscape.” 

A decline in house building

A key driver of the year-on-year transaction growth could be the ongoing supply issues with the last 25 years seeing a notable decline in house building in Wales.  

Significant policy changes such as the extension of the Welsh Government’s Help to Buy scheme, second home tax adjustments, and plans to build more affordable housing aim to combat this challenge and curb investor activity.

Housing is high on the agenda

Iain continues: “Across Westminster and Wales, housing is high on the agenda. Looking ahead, the UK Government remains publicly committed to extensive planning reforms – setting out an ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes over the next 5 years, representing a significant shift in the UK’s housing landscape.  

“This, paired with the Welsh Government’s Help to Buy Wales extension and additional £10 million investment allocated to kickstart housing schemes across Wales signals a clear message that policymakers recognise the importance of housing to families and individuals across the country.  

Sustainable housing solutions

“Despite external pressures such as cost of living, inflation, and global economic pressures, the housing market in Wales is moving forward in a positive direction, with increased consumer confidence and areas of strong regional performance.  

Principality Building Society is dedicated to working with housing associations and other developers to deliver sustainable housing solutions for communities across Wales as part of the solution; providing affordable, quality homes.” 

Principality Building Society, a mutual organisation which is owned by Members, and not shareholders, aims to support and build a society of savers where everyone has a place to call home. For more information, take a look at our Wales House Price Index.