If you're willing to take on a property project ranging from a cosmetic upgrade and make-over to a full renovation, then you might be about to get something in Cardiff that would otherwise be out of your reach.
It is also a way that canny property developers have snapped up potentially the most dated house on the street in a more expensive area and transformed it into the best property in its location, realising its potential and adding value in an area sure to tempt buyers.
It can be a challenge to find a renovation project still existing and waiting to be discovered in some of the most popular areas of the capital, but they do occasionally appear. And if you do the work these family homes can be your way into these suburbs and the chance to make your dream family home come to life in a location that you love.
Canton: £149,000 plus
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed terrace canton auction house south wales 149k
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed terrace canton auction house south wales 149k
Going to auction is this rarely found renovation project in the popular suburb of Canton, just around the corner from Victoria Park and down the road from Thompson's Park.
If you need a break from the renovation of this delightful abode into your dream home, then entertainment and lovely food is available a few minutes away at Chapter Arts Centre.
Open the Tardis-like blue, double front doors and a house that needs a full refurbishment is waiting inside. But if you can get it at the right price and have a decent budget, what an opportunity to get a foot on the rung of the property ladder within this vibrant suburb. According to the auction house the property has two reception rooms and a kitchen breakfast room on the ground floor and three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed terrace canton auction house south wales 149k
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed terrace canton auction house south wales 149k
There's a rear garden that has lane access at the back too. Each room will allow you to sprinkle over your renovation and interior design magic dust to create a charming family home surrounded by parks and a variety of social activities. The terrace has a guide price of £149,000 plus and is going to online auction with Auction House South Wales on Wednesday, May 19, from noon, with bidding opening online at noon on Monday May, 17. Call 029 2047 5184 to find out more.
Llandaff North: £250,000 plus
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: llandaff north, offers over 250k peter alan whitchurch
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: llandaff north, offers over 250k peter alan whitchurch
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: llandaff north, offers over 250k peter alan whitchurch
Literally next to the popular Hailey Park in this popular suburb, and with easy access to the Taff Trail into the city centre, this semi-detached home can enjoy all that the green areas the location can offer right outside the front door.
The house in Llandaff North inside looks cared for and was obviously a well-loved home. The decor may be dated in some places in some buyer's eyes but the rooms look tidy and fresh and many offer attractive original features that many homes of this vintage can't boast anymore. The wood block floors are a joy to find and evident in the two reception rooms and the quarry tiles found in the kitchen bring character to that space too. Stripped floorboards can be found upstairs, which bring instant charm to one of the bedrooms and complement the feature fireplace.
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: llandaff north, offers over 250k peter alan whitchurch
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: llandaff north, offers over 250k peter alan whitchurch
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: llandaff north, offers over 250k peter alan whitchurch
There are fireplaces to notice, adore and restore as part of the original heart and soul of this 1920s/1930s house; hopefully a new buyer will love them and keep them.
There's ample space outside to consider an extension and also ways that the current internal layout can be reconfigured to suit a more modern and sociable way of living. Alterations and additions are subject to planning consent of course, but this house is a period gem just waiting to totally shine.
The three-bed semi with park views is on the market for offers over £250,000 with Peter Alan, call their Whitchurch branch on 029 2061 2328 to find out more.
Rhiwbina: £300,000
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: Westfield Ave Birchgrove Peter Alan Whitchurch 300k
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: Westfield Ave Birchgrove Peter Alan Whitchurch 300k
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: Westfield Ave Birchgrove Peter Alan Whitchurch 300k
Bungalows that offer a chance to add value by updating them and are set within a quiet, residential cul-de-sac are quite a rare find in the capital, and so command a strong asking price. But they are also usually detached and on a good sized plot compared to their standard three-bed semi-detached counterparts.
This double-fronted two-bed example can be found quietly residing in a cul-de-sac in the lower Rhiwbina area of north Cardiff. It's pretty pink facade, brick detailing around the front door and windows and good-sized front garden and driveway are all pleasing features to greet you as you arrive and take-in the welcome this property extends.
Inside, the home is light and bright and just in need of a new owner modernising the spaces to suit their style and their needs. The two double bedrooms can be found at the front, either side of the front door, and each enjoy a charming bay window that means light is never in short supply.
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: Westfield Ave Birchgrove Peter Alan Whitchurch 300k
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: Westfield Ave Birchgrove Peter Alan Whitchurch 300k
© Peter Alan, Whitchurch / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: Westfield Ave Birchgrove Peter Alan Whitchurch 300k
One bedroom has classic built-in wardrobes around the bed area and a new owner shouldn't be too hasty at skipping them, rumour is these might be making an interior design comeback some time. Another fantastic retro design piece from the past are the cabinets in the other bedroom, which is currently set-out as an additional reception room.
But the best living space is arguably to be found at the rear of the house. The vast lounge diner is a joyful space, with warm wood parquet flooring and warmth from the sun streaming in through the duo of windows. As this room looks out over the rear garden, once the outside is refreshed too, what a lovely space to relax once one of the windows has been replaced by French doors.
One element that needs to come down rather than be replaced is the wall between the kitchen and this reception room, subject to planning and building control checks, then this space will become the sociable, and sizeable, heart of the home.
This brilliant bungalow with bundles of potential is on the market for £300,000 with Peter Alan, Whitchurch, call them on 029 2061 2328 to find out more.
Penylan: £320,000 plus
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed detached in penylan going under the hammer with auction house south wales for 320,000+
Surely a detached house located near some of the best open spaces in the capital, and one that needs an upgrade, is a rare beast. It is, but here is one that has been caught and tamed and now brought to auction with the view of once again becoming a busy Penylan family home.
Waterloo Gardens, Roath Park and the thriving hub of shops, restaurants and cafes along Wellfield Road and Albany Road are just a stroll away, so plenty to do and see when you're not submerged in power tools.
The charm of the facade of the home, with double bay windows and tile, brick and stone detailing, is sure to tempt you to step inside and once you do, the four bedroom house can offer you space as well as a number of original features to spot. The staircase is the obvious feature, but there are also skirtings, picture rails, floorboards and fancy cornices to notice and mark down in the 'keep' column of your renovation spreadsheet.
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed detached in penylan going under the hammer with auction house south wales for 320,000+
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed detached in penylan going under the hammer with auction house south wales for 320,000+
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed detached in penylan going under the hammer with auction house south wales for 320,000+
There's a lounge at the front that can enjoy the light from the bay window, and cornices and floorboards that just need sanding and sealing.
The dining room and kitchen at the rear are already semi-joined via a set of dividing doors between the two, and there's potential to take the flow of this family home further with direct access from this sociable space out into the garden, subject to planning consent.
© Auction House South WalesCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed detached in penylan going under the hammer with auction house south wales for 320,000+
The auctioneer said there was an extended completion period of ten weeks, thus allowing any potential purchaser the opportunity in obtaining a traditional mortgage for the purchase. So that just might open up the possibility of developing this lovely house into your dream family home, in a dream location, in a suburb that many people dream about moving to.
The detached four-bed dream home is going to online auction with a guide price of £320,000 with Auction House South Wales on Wednesday, May 19, from noon, with bidding opening online at noon on Monday May, 17. Call 029 2047 5184 to find out more.
Llanishen: £350,000
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed semi for sale for OIRO 350k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed semi for sale for OIRO 350k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed semi for sale for OIRO 350k with peter alan llanishen
This three-bed semi is a family home that's well positioned to take advantage of all that this popular suburb can offer, as well as a short walk to the main shopping street of Rhiwbina village in one direction, Lisvane in the other direction and Thornhill to the north.
For some retail therapy and maybe a latte on the go, Ty Glas Retail Park is literally around the corner - including DIY and building materials retailers - very handy for the new owner who gets their hands on this renovation project. The estate agent describes the abode in Llanishen as in need of renovation but it's a home to potentially live in as you tackle each task.
Back at the house, and the standard semi-detached layout of two reception rooms and a galley kitchen downstairs and there bedrooms and a bathroom is not a surprise. But maybe what is a very pleasant bonus is the size of the garden - this home sits on a generous plot just asking for a proportion to be used to extend the house - it's all about potential here.
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed semi for sale for OIRO 350k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 3 bed semi for sale for OIRO 350k with peter alan llanishen
Even the front garden is much bigger than you find at most semis in Cardiff and the space at the side of the house is handy to expand sideways and up, as well as out into the back garden. It all depends on getting planning permission of course, plus having the budget to do it, but once you have converted it into the property that suits you, it could be your forever family home.
The semi with the sizeable garden and sizeable potential is on the market with Peter Alan, Llanishen for offers in the region of £300,000, call them on 029 2061 8552 to find out more.
Lisvane: £625,000
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed in lisvane 625k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed in lisvane 625k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed in lisvane 625k with peter alan llanishen
This may be a property that is out of many buyer's price range , but as a way of getting a substantial detached family home in one of the prime suburbs in Cardiff, with walking distance to Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs, it works.
The house has obviously been well-maintained and loved with everything so neat and tidy; all you have to do is make it your own style or delight in the retro design features that still remain.
Everything about this house is spacious - the 5.5m long dining room, the 5.5m long lounge, the generous double garage that has potential to be converted or even absorbed into the living accommodation as part of a huge extension, subject to planning consent. Just don't tell the cars they're losing their bedroom.
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed in lisvane 625k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed in lisvane 625k with peter alan llanishen
© Peter Alan, Llanishen / rightmoveCARDIFF RENOS IN POPULAR AREAS: 4 bed in lisvane 625k with peter alan llanishen
The kitchen is separate from the dining room but a sledgehammer to the wall (subject to permission and expert advice) would blend the two spaces together, although you would lose arguably the best feature from the 1970's. Hurrah, the house still has its original hatch, a classic kitchen feature from decades past that many people still have a soft spot for.
Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, the master has an en-suite, and the family bathroom continues the cool retro features with enough space for a feature bidet.
Outside, the space continues with a stunning, immaculate and private garden and the whole house offers a tranquil spot nestled within a cul-de-sac, making it hard to believe that Llanishen railway station is just around the corner.
The mid-century classic house with space and potential to expand is on the market for £625,000 with Peter Alan, call the Llanishen branch on 029 2061 8552 to find out more.