A step-by-step guide to securing your Cardiff student accommodation for 2025-26
The prospect of securing your Cardiff student accommodation well in advance of the next academic year can be both exciting and a little nervewracking. To ensure a smooth and successful experience, it's important to know when to start your search, understand how a letting agent organises property viewings and be aware of the steps you'll need to take once you find your ideal home. This guide from our lettings team provides a clear explanation of each stage, from beginning to end, to help you navigate the process with confidence.
1. Read our advice on choosing your student house in Cardiff
Looking for your first "home after halls" is one of the most significant rites of passage for students, but one false step can cause you a headache for the entire year. Before diving into the details, be sure to review this advice if you haven’t already. It offers valuable insights into selecting your housemates, choosing the right part of Cardiff for you and managing your budget effectively.
Top tip: Make sure that all of your group members are on the same page before starting viewings. Miscommunications or differing expectations can lead to disagreements and delays, so having a clear agreement on preferences, budgets and priorities can save a lot of hassle later on!
2. When to start looking for your Cardiff student house
Most Cardiff student properties for the 2025-26 academic year will be available to secure from October 2024. Last year, we began scheduling property viewing slots at the start of October, with viewings kicking off on the 18th. By the end of the first two weeks, we had let around 170 properties, which is roughly 15 per day!
A great way to get ahead is to sign up to our waitlist for Cardiff student accommodation 2025-26. By starting early, you avoid the rush and competition that typically heats up later in the year. This gives you more time to compare options and make an informed decision without feeling pressured, plus you’ll have access to the biggest selection of homes before things start getting snapped up.
Top tip: If you begin your search earlier than mid-October, you may come across a number of properties from other Cardiff letting agents. Bear in mind that as the largest letting agent in Cardiff, we will be preparing to list over 1,500 properties for the 2025-26 academic year. So it could be worthwhile to hold out just a little longer to see what we have to offer. With our extensive range of options, you might find the perfect home right here with us!
3. Pop in for a chat with our team
Start by popping into our Cardiff student lettings office on Woodville Road, Cathays for a chat with a member of our team. We'll discuss your priorities, preferred locations and budget. This helps us understand exactly what you’re looking for and ensures we find the best options for you.
If you’ve spotted some properties on our website that catch your eye, let us know. We’ll check their availability and take you out to visit them. Based on what you’ve told us you’re looking for, we’ll suggest other suitable properties for you to consider and take you to see those too. You’re welcome to book an appointment even if you haven’t got any specific properties in mind, we’ll listen and make some informed picks for you!
4. We take you on your home viewings
At CPS Homes, we want to make the viewing process as easy as possible for you. During a single visit, we’ll take you to all the properties you’re interested in, using our transport if some are located a bit further out. During out busiest periods we can even book viewing appointments in up until 8pm.
Top tip: Once you find a place you like, it’s important to act fast. Student housing in Cardiff can get booked up in no time, especially larger properties for groups. Due to high demand, we no longer offer second viewings, unfortunately. So to ensure you don’t miss out on your ideal home, it’s important to make a decision during your initial visit.
5. Secure your property with a holding deposit
After you return from the viewings and decide on a home you like, we can secure it for you with a holding deposit, which can be paid by card on the day. This deposit demonstrates your commitment to the property and ensures that it is held exclusively for you, preventing others from booking it. Don’t worry—this fee is later deducted from your overall deposit when you move in. If you don’t pay the holding deposit, we won’t be able to keep the property for you unfortunately, so be sure you have enough funds in your bank accounts when you arrive.
6. Sign your Occupation Contract
Once you've paid your deposit, the next step is to read and sign your Occupation Contract (previously known as a 'Tenancy Agreement'). Please make sure to read it in full and understand your responsibilities as a contract-holder. The signing process is streamlined through our online system, DocuSign, which allows you to sign documents quickly and securely from anywhere.
At this stage you’ll also need to provide the following details of a guarantor who is a UK homeowner. This is a standard requirement for students to ensure that rent payments are guaranteed. If you’re unable to provide a UK homeowner guarantor, let us know - we can discuss alternative arrangements with the landlord, such as an advance payment for a few months. You can learn more about the signing process here.
7. Pay your tenancy deposit
After placing your holding deposit, you’ll need to pay the full tenancy deposit (sometimes referred to as a 'bond') to secure the property. This is held in a government-backed deposit protection scheme and will be returned to you at the end of your tenancy, provided everything is in order with the property when you move out. Your holding deposit will go towards this payment.
Important note: Contrary to what some people think, landlords and letting agents are not simply able to take money from a tenancy deposit – deposits are protected with government-regulated deposit protection services and cannot access them.
8. Celebrate with a bottle of Prosecco from CPS Homes!
Once your tenancy is confirmed, it’s time to celebrate! At CPS Homes, we’ll welcome you to your new home with a bottle of Prosecco, our way of saying thank you for choosing us.
Want to know what happens next? Read our moving in guide and many more resources over on the student section of our website.
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
