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Rents soar in Carmarthen as town faces record demand

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RENTS in Carmarthen have surged nearly 59 per cent since 2019, with the average room in SA31 now advertised at £588 a month, up from £370 before the pandemic. Only seaside town Rhyl has seen a steeper increase in Wales, according to new figures from flatshare site SpareRoom. Across Wales, the average monthly rent is £592, up 46 per cent on 2019.

Suburban squeeze

SpareRoom says renters priced out of big cities are flooding commuter and market towns, a pattern now biting in West Wales. Spokesperson Matt Hutchinson said: “The flatshare market in the suburbs is groaning under the weight of demand from renters priced out of city living. When renters reach their ceiling of affordability, there isn’t really a choice, they have to move somewhere cheaper. Carmarthen, with its transport links and amenities, is a clear example of that shift.”

Local picture

Official statistics show the average private rent in Carmarthenshire reached £644 per month in August 2025, up five per cent year-on-year and 31 per cent over the last five years. Carmarthenshire County Council has approved a 2025–28 housing investment plan funded partly by rents, based on a 2.7 per cent rise for council stock in 2025–26, one of the lowest increases in two decades, while acknowledging affordability pressures.

Students and supply

Carmarthen’s student population adds pressure. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has prioritised on-campus rooms for first-years and froze some university-owned rents in 2023–24, but shortages mean many students are competing directly in the town’s rental market. National research has found only one in six campus rooms are affordable at typical budgets.

Benefit gap

For lower-income renters, Local Housing Allowance rates often trail market rents. In Carmarthenshire, the current allowance caps, such as £400 for a one-bedroom and £535 for a three-bedroom, leave a significant shortfall against average asking prices.

Why it is happening

The pandemic triggered a shift in demand as remote working encouraged many to move to towns like Carmarthen. Supply has failed to keep pace, with mortgage and compliance costs leading some landlords to sell, reducing the pool of available homes. Demand has also been rising more generally across Wales, pushing up prices even in areas once considered affordable.

What next

The Welsh Government’s rent policy leaves social landlords to set increases within an affordability framework, while housing charities argue rents should be tied more closely to local incomes and benefits. With demand showing no sign of slowing, tenants in Carmarthen may face further rises in the months ahead.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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