Cardiff Commercial Property Report
A Guide to Wales’ Capital of Ambition on Comparetheoffices.com
Why Cardiff? A Young, Ambitious, and Connected Capital
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a city brimming with energy, confidence, and ambition. It has successfully transformed itself into a modern, dynamic hub for creative industries, financial technology (FinTech), and life sciences. The city is home to the BBC’s Welsh headquarters, a thriving TV and film production scene, and major operations for companies like Monzo, Starling Bank, and Admiral Insurance. Its youthful population, driven by three major universities, provides a rich and diverse talent pool for growing businesses.
Cardiff offers a superb quality of life, combining the amenities of a bustling capital with easy access to stunning coastline and countryside. With huge investment in regeneration and public transport, including the forthcoming South Wales Metro, the city is cementing its position as a highly connected and forward-thinking place to live and work. For businesses seeking a location that offers growth, talent, and an outstanding work-life balance, Cardiff is a compelling choice.
The Cardiff Office Market: A Snapshot
Cardiff’s office market is characterised by strong demand and a continuing focus on high-quality, sustainable workspaces. In 2024, office take-up in the city centre totalled over 500,000 sq ft, demonstrating sustained business confidence. There is a clear “flight to quality,” with occupiers increasingly seeking Grade A buildings that offer excellent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials, state-of-the-art technology, and amenities that promote employee wellbeing.
Prime headline rents for new, best-in-class office space have reached £35 per sq ft, driven by a new wave of development at schemes like Central Square. With a healthy pipeline of new and refurbished stock, the market is well-equipped to meet the sophisticated demands of modern businesses, especially those in the high-growth tech and professional services sectors.
Your Office Strategy: Choosing Between Flexibility and Tradition
The decision between a flexible serviced office and a traditional lease is fundamental to a company’s real estate strategy. A serviced office provides an agile, all-inclusive solution, ideal for companies needing speed, scalability, and predictable costs. In contrast, a traditional lease offers a long-term, bespoke home with full control over branding and culture, but at the cost of higher upfront investment and less flexibility.
| Factor | Serviced Office | Traditional Leased Office |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | Short-term, flexible licenses, often on a monthly or annual basis, allowing for easy adaptation. | A long-term, legally binding lease, typically for a minimum of 5 years, providing stability. |
| Costs | A single, predictable monthly payment covering rent, rates, utilities, internet, and cleaning services. | Tenants pay a base rent plus separate, variable costs for rates, service charges, utilities, and insurance. |
| Move-in Time | Very rapid. Companies can often occupy a fully furnished and operational office within a matter of days. | A longer process involving legal work, design, and physical fit-out, which can take several months to complete. |
| Amenities | Access to shared, professionally managed amenities such as meeting rooms, kitchens, and breakout areas. | The tenant is responsible for providing and managing all of their own amenities within their demised space. |
Featured Office Providers in Cardiff
Cardiff’s workspace market offers a diverse range of high-quality options, from modern business centres to beautifully restored character buildings.
The Maltings
A landmark Grade II listed building, The Maltings offers unique and characterful office space. This fully serviced business centre combines historic charm with modern amenities, including a new reception, on-site gym, and cafe.
- Iconic Grade II listed building
- On-site gym, cafe, and meeting rooms
- Character-filled office spaces
- Manned reception and support services
Cathedral Road
Located on one of Cardiff’s most prestigious tree-lined avenues, this business centre provides high-quality serviced offices in an elegant period property. It offers a prestigious address with excellent access to the city centre.
- Prestigious Cathedral Road address
- Elegant period property with modern interiors
- Fully furnished and serviced offices
- Meeting rooms and business support
Fitzalan House
Situated in a prime city centre location, Fitzalan House offers a range of modern, flexible office suites. The building provides a professional environment with a focus on convenience and excellent connectivity.
- Central city location
- Modern, professional office suites
- Flexible terms and configurations
- Excellent access to public transport
Spotlight on Key Business Districts
City Centre & Central Square
The area around Cardiff Central station has been transformed by the Central Square development, creating a new, world-class gateway to the capital. It is now the city’s premier business district, home to the BBC’s Welsh headquarters, major government offices, and a host of blue-chip financial and professional services firms. Its direct access to transport and high-quality office stock make it a prime location.
Cardiff Bay
The regenerated waterfront of Cardiff Bay offers a unique and dynamic setting for business. It is the heart of political life in Wales, home to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and the Wales Millennium Centre. The Bay is also a major hub for the creative industries, with a cluster of media, TV, and digital companies drawn to its inspiring environment and purpose-built facilities.
Cathays Park
Cathays Park is Cardiff’s magnificent civic centre, an area of stunning Edwardian architecture and green spaces. It is dominated by major public sector institutions, including Cardiff University and National Museum Wales. This district provides a prestigious and tranquil setting, popular with organisations linked to academia, government, and the public sector.
The Future of Cardiff: City-Shaping Developments
Cardiff’s growth is being propelled by a series of ambitious, large-scale regeneration projects that are enhancing its infrastructure and creating new destinations for business and leisure.
Central Quay
The £700 million Central Quay project is set to transform the former Brains Brewery site into a vibrant new riverside destination. This masterplan will create a new urban neighbourhood with over 1,000 new homes, a waterfront park, and over one million sq ft of new commercial space, including offices, hotels, and retail. It will extend the city centre southwards and create a new, dynamic link to Cardiff Bay.
South Wales Metro
The South Wales Metro is a multi-billion-pound infrastructure project that will revolutionise public transport across the Cardiff Capital Region. By integrating heavy and light rail, the Metro will create a faster, more frequent, and more reliable transport network. This will significantly improve connectivity, widen the talent pool accessible to Cardiff businesses, and support sustainable economic growth across the region.
Conclusion: A Capital City on the Rise
Cardiff’s commercial property market is dynamic, confident, and supported by strong economic fundamentals. The city’s successful focus on high-growth sectors like FinTech and creative media, combined with its youthful talent pool and exceptional quality of life, makes it a highly attractive destination for business. The ongoing “flight to quality” is being met by a pipeline of high-spec, sustainable office developments, ensuring the city can meet the needs of the most demanding occupiers. With major regeneration and infrastructure projects underway, Cardiff is a capital city with a clear vision and a bright future.
Key Takeaways for Businesses:
- A Hub for Future-Focused Industries: Cardiff is a national leader in FinTech, cybersecurity, and the creative sectors.
- A Deep and Diverse Talent Pool: The city’s three universities provide a continuous pipeline of skilled graduates.
- Demand for High-Quality Space: The office market is defined by a strong focus on sustainable, amenity-rich Grade A buildings.
- Transformed by Investment: Major projects like Central Quay and the South Wales Metro are creating a world-class infrastructure for growth.