Rental Market Insight - Cambridgeshire

Market Overview

Tenant demand remains exceptionally high across Cambridgeshire. Many prospective tenants continue to face limited choice due to a shortage of rental stock, resulting in strong competition for quality homes.

 

The most sought-after properties include:

 

• Two and three-bedroom family homes 
• Modern apartments close to Cambridge city centre 
• Homes within walking distance of railway stations 
• Properties near Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Science Park and the Biomedical Campus 

 

Well-presented homes that are accurately priced are typically securing tenants within a relatively short marketing period.

 

 

Rental Prices

 

Rental values have remained stable to moderately increasing during recent months. Whilst the rapid rental inflation seen over the past two years has begun to ease, landlords continue to achieve strong rents where properties are well maintained and energy efficient.

 

Areas experiencing particularly robust demand include:

 

• Cambridge 
• Trumpington 
• Chesterton 
• Eddington 
• Histon 
• Impington 
• Waterbeach 
• Cambourne 
• St Neots 
• Ely 

 

Larger family homes continue to attract significant interest as households prioritise space, home offices and access to high-performing schools.

 

 

Supply Remains the Challenge

 

The greatest issue facing the Cambridgeshire rental market is still the shortage of available homes.

 

Several factors continue to restrict supply, including:

 

• Some landlords choosing to exit the market. 
• Ongoing regulatory changes affecting the private rented sector. 
• Strong levels of tenant retention, reducing turnover. 

 

This imbalance between supply and demand continues to support rental values across the county. 

 

 

What This Means for Landlords

 

Current market conditions remain favourable for landlords who invest in maintaining their properties.

 

Homes that achieve the strongest results generally offer:

 

• Modern kitchens and bathrooms 
• Neutral décor 
• Good Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings 
• Reliable broadband connectivity 
• Outdoor space or allocated parking where possible 

 

Professional photography, realistic pricing and proactive property management continue to be key factors in attracting high-quality tenants.

 

 

What This Means for Tenants

 

Tenants should expect competition for the most desirable properties, particularly those close to employment hubs and transport links.

 

Being fully prepared before viewing can make a significant difference. Having identification, proof of income and references ready enables applicants to move quickly when the right property becomes available.

 

 

Legislative Update

 

The private rented sector continues to adapt to the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act, with landlords and letting agents adjusting to changes affecting tenancy agreements, possession procedures and tenant protections. Remaining compliant and keeping documentation up to date has become increasingly important for landlords throughout Cambridgeshire.

 

 

Outlook for the Coming Months

 

Looking ahead, the Cambridgeshire rental market is expected to remain resilient throughout the remainder of the year.

 

Demand from professionals, university staff, students and families continues to underpin the market, while limited housing supply is likely to maintain upward pressure on rental values. Although rental growth is expected to be steadier than in previous years, the county remains one of the strongest performing private rental markets in the East of England.

 

For landlords, the current environment continues to present an excellent opportunity to maximise returns through high-quality presentation, effective marketing and professional property management.