Salisbury Road, Cathays presents an excellent six bedroom HMO investment opportunity in the heart of one of Cardiff’s most established student locations. Currently generating £39,675 per annum in rental income, the property offers a circa 8% gross yield and is fully Rent Smart Wales compliant as a 6 bed. Planning permission is already in place to increase the property to 7 bedrooms, with further potential to create an 8-bedroom HMO, subject to the necessary consents, however, the kitchen renewed in 2025 accomodates the change to 8 bedrooms. Ideally positioned for student life, the property is within easy reach of Cardiff University, Cardiff city centre and a wide range of local amenities, including supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, takeaways, bars and shops. With strong existing rental income and clear scope to increase the number of bedrooms and future returns, this represents an attractive opportunity for HMO investors seeking a well-located, income-producing property with genuine value-add potential.

Six-Bed HMO | £39,675 Annual Rental Income | Circa 8% Yield | Planning Permission for 7 Beds | Potential for 8 Beds - New Kitchen installed in 2025 to accommodate the expansion. At current rent levels, an 8 bed would achieve £53,000 which is closer to a 10% yield.

An excellent opportunity to acquire a substantial six-bedroom HMO in the heart of Cathays, one of Cardiff’s most established and sought-after student locations.

Currently producing £39,675 per annum in rental income, the property offers an attractive circa 8% gross rental yield, providing investors with a strong existing income stream and further scope to increase returns through the property’s existing planning potential.

The property is fully compliant with Rent Smart Wales requirements as a six bed, offering an established and ready-to-run HMO investment. Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing form an important part of the regulatory framework for privately rented property in Wales.

Development & Value-Add Potential

A particularly attractive feature of the property is the planning permission already in place to convert the existing six-bedroom HMO into a seven-bedroom property. This provides an incoming investor with a clear opportunity to increase the accommodation provision and potentially enhance the rental income.

In addition, there is potential for the property to be configured as an eight-bedroom HMO, subject to the necessary planning, licensing and building/regulatory requirements. This gives the property a compelling value-add angle for investors looking to increase both rental income and capital value over the longer term.

Prime Student Location

Situated in Cathays, Salisbury Road is ideally positioned for the Cardiff student market. Cathays is synonymous with student living and benefits from its proximity to Cardiff University’s Cathays campus, which is a short walk from Cardiff city centre. The university describes its Cathays campus as being home to the majority of its academic schools, with extensive student facilities and the Students’ Union located nearby.

The surrounding area provides the lifestyle that students look for, with a wide variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, takeaways and other everyday amenities all within easy reach. The area also benefits from excellent access to Cardiff city centre, university facilities and the wider transport network.

The nearby Cardiff Students' Union provides cafés, shops, bars, live music and student facilities, while the Cardiff University Centre for Student Life provides extensive social and study facilities at the heart of the university campus.

Investment Summary
Six-bedroom HMO
£39,675 current annual rental income
Circa 8% gross yield
Rent Smart Wales compliant as a six bed
Planning permission in place for conversion to seven bedrooms
Potential for an eight-bedroom configuration, or en suites subject to the necessary consents
Prime Cathays student location
Excellent proximity to Cardiff University
Strong selection of local shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and student amenities
Easy access to Cardiff city centre