Welcome back to another episode of Padarn Property blogs! This week we’ll be delving into the current rental market at Aberystwyth as the summer comes to an end.  

As summer draws to a close in Aberystwyth, the town starts to take on a different rhythm. The seafront quietens, the tourist crowds thin, and for those of us watching the property market, the focus naturally shifts from holiday lets and short stays back to long-term rentals. 

Aberystwyth is unique in its rental dynamics. Unlike larger cities where demand remains relatively steady year-round, this town’s market is deeply influenced by its academic calendar. With thousands of students from Aberystwyth University returning in September, the end of summer is often the final flurry of activity for landlords, letting agents, and tenants alike. 

Student Demand Peaks Early 
By late August, most student lets have already been signed and secured. In fact, many landlords start advertising as early as November for the following academic year. That means by the end of summer, the student market is largely tied up, and competition among tenants is less frantic. For landlords, this is a moment to reflect on how well their properties performed over the past year—were void periods avoided? Did rents reflect the market fairly? Was tenant turnover higher than expected? 

A Shift Towards Professionals and Families 
With student tenancies mostly settled, the end of summer opens up more opportunities for professionals, young families, and long-term renters. Properties slightly outside the town centre, in areas like Waunfawr, Penparcau, and Llanbadarn, often see more interest at this stage. These renters are less tied to the academic cycle and often prefer to move once the busy summer period has passed. 

Rents and Market Confidence 
Rental prices in Aberystwyth have remained fairly resilient, despite the national conversations about affordability and cost-of-living pressures. Smaller one-bedroom flats and HMOs remain in high demand due to the student population, but there’s also noticeable interest in well-maintained family homes with gardens, especially as more people continue to work from home. 

Looking Ahead 
As autumn settles in, the market stabilises. Landlords who haven’t let their properties by now may need to adjust pricing or presentation to attract non-student renters. For tenants, particularly professionals and families, this can be a great time to secure a quality rental without facing the fierce competition of the spring student rush. 

Aberystwyth’s rental market may be seasonal, but it’s also steady in its own way. As the town transitions from summer sunshine to autumn term-time buzz, the balance between students, locals, and newcomers keeps this market both resilient and refreshingly dynamic. 

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! 

Until next time, happy house hunting! 

Ben McEvoy