Historical marketing analysis — originally published November 2020; updated 16 October 2026. Figures quoted in the original article were Rooms in Cardiff’s historic applicant-acquisition breakdowns for 2016–2020, not verified 2026 benchmarks. Portal usage, rental demand and ranking positions change. No occupancy rate or Google ranking is guaranteed by using a particular marketing channel.
What the 2020 HMO tenant-attraction analysis highlighted
The 2020 article compared referrals to Cardiff room advertising from search engines, social media, property portals and other channels. The broader lesson remains useful: landlords should not rely on a single website to fill rooms, but any marketing strategy must be measured against its actual cost and quality of enquiries.
Reported figures in the original campaign suggested search engines accounted for approximately 54% of new housemates in 2020, social media approximately 30%, and property portals approximately 10%. These are historical figures from that campaign, not an independently validated survey, a current benchmark or an assurance of future occupancy.
How should Cardiff HMO landlords reduce avoidable room voids?
Start by checking achievable rents, the property’s condition, accurate advertising, suitable applicant processing, viewings and the time needed for occupation contracts. A landlord may benefit from multiple marketing channels but empty rooms can still occur, and the best mix varies by location and property type.
Explore current Cardiff HMO lettings & occupancy support for room marketing, enquiry handling and turnarounds. For broader operational support, see HMO Management Cardiff. Where landlords want to compare an agreed income structure with conventional management, review our property-specific HMO rent guarantee assessment.
Calculate the actual cost of voids
Our free Cardiff HMO Profit Calculator can help estimate lost income and running costs. The free 20-minute HMO Performance Review is available for a discussion of the property’s operating position.
Request Cardiff HMO lettings assistance
If you own a shared house in Cardiff, use the updated landlord enquiry form below or contact Rooms in Cardiff. This article does not advertise guaranteed tenant placement or a fixed fee.
