Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the United Kingdom Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Cambridge's property market is included in our pack
Cambridge rents remain among the highest in the UK outside London, driven by world-renowned universities, a thriving biotech sector, and persistent housing shortage.
In this article, we break down current rental prices by property type, explore which neighborhoods command premium rents, and share practical insights for landlords and tenants.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest data and market shifts.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cambridge.
Insights
- Cambridge rents in 2026 are growing at around 3% year-over-year, a notable slowdown from the 8 to 10% spikes seen during 2022 to 2024.
- A typical 1-bedroom apartment in Cambridge now costs around £1,700 per month, roughly 40% higher than the UK average for similar properties.
- Properties near Cambridge Station or the Biomedical Campus often let within 7 to 14 days, about half the time of listings in outer neighborhoods.
- Furnished rentals in Cambridge command a premium of roughly £150 to £250 per month, reflecting strong demand from visiting academics and international hires.
- Off-street parking can add £75 to £150 per month to Cambridge rents, as central parking is extremely limited and highly sought after.
- The CB1 area near Cambridge Station sees the fastest rental turnover in the city, driven by young professionals commuting to London.
- Cambridge's rental vacancy rate sits at just 2 to 3%, well below the UK average, signaling a landlord-friendly market.
- Energy-efficient properties in Cambridge can command 5 to 8% higher rents, as tenants increasingly prioritize lower utility bills.
What are typical rents in Cambridge as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Cambridge is around £1,350 (approximately $1,820 USD or €1,550 EUR).
Most studio rentals in Cambridge fall within £1,200 to £1,550 per month (about $1,620 to $2,090 USD or €1,380 to €1,780 EUR), depending on condition and exact location.
The main factors that push Cambridge studio rents up or down include proximity to the city centre or train station, building age and condition, and whether the unit comes furnished or with bills included.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is around £1,700 (approximately $2,295 USD or €1,955 EUR).
The realistic range for most 1-bedroom rentals in Cambridge sits between £1,500 and £1,950 per month (about $2,025 to $2,630 USD or €1,725 to €2,240 EUR), with variation based on quality and amenities.
In Cambridge, you'll find the cheapest 1-bedroom rents in areas like Cherry Hinton and Arbury, while neighborhoods such as Newnham, the city centre, and CB1 near the station command the highest prices.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is around £2,200 (approximately $2,970 USD or €2,530 EUR).
Most 2-bedroom rentals in Cambridge fall within £1,950 to £2,600 per month (about $2,630 to $3,510 USD or €2,240 to €2,990 EUR), with newer or well-located properties at the top end.
Neighborhoods like Cherry Hinton, King's Hedges, and Romsey offer Cambridge's most affordable 2-bedroom rents, while Newnham, De Freville, Riverside, and central areas near the colleges are among the priciest.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambridge.
What's the average rent per square meter in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Cambridge is around £33 to £38 per month (approximately $44 to $51 USD or €38 to €44 EUR monthly).
Across Cambridge neighborhoods, rents per square meter typically range from £28 in outer areas to over £45 in prime central locations (about $38 to $61 USD or €32 to €52 EUR).
Compared to other major UK cities, Cambridge rents per square meter are higher than Manchester or Birmingham, roughly on par with Oxford, but still below central London rates.
Properties that push rent per square meter above the Cambridge average tend to be newly built, near the station or major employers, with premium finishes or energy-efficient upgrades.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Cambridge in 2026?
As of early 2026, Cambridge rents have increased by an estimated 2% to 4% year-over-year, with the most likely figure around 3%.
The main factors driving this year's rent changes in Cambridge are continued undersupply of rental homes, strong tenant demand from universities and biotech, and a gradual cooling from the post-pandemic surge.
This year's rent growth in Cambridge is noticeably slower than the 8% to 10% annual increases seen during 2022 to 2024, reflecting more sustainable market conditions.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Cambridge in 2026?
As of early 2026, projected rent growth for Cambridge is expected to remain in the low-to-mid single digits, most likely between 2% and 4% for the year.
Key factors influencing Cambridge rent growth include the city's persistent housing shortage, strong employment in universities and life sciences, and limited new housing completions relative to demand.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth include CB1 near the station, Trumpington near the Biomedical Campus, and Eddington, where new professional housing is in high demand.
Risks that could cause rents to differ from projections include a broader UK economic slowdown, changes to immigration or student visa policies, or a surge in new rental supply.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in the UK. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Cambridge as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest rents in Cambridge are Newnham, De Freville and Riverside, and the central Market area, where 2-bedroom apartments often exceed £2,800 per month (about $3,780 USD or €3,220 EUR).
These Cambridge neighborhoods command premium rents because they combine proximity to the historic centre, river views, top-rated schools, and beautiful period properties.
Typical tenants in these high-rent Cambridge areas are senior university staff, visiting professors, biotech executives, and professional families seeking the best quality of life.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Cambridge.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Cambridge right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Cambridge are CB1 near Cambridge Station, Petersfield, and the Mill Road and Romsey area.
Young professionals in these Cambridge neighborhoods typically pay between £1,400 and £1,900 per month for a 1-bedroom (about $1,890 to $2,565 USD or €1,610 to €2,185 EUR).
What attracts young professionals to these areas is the combination of fast rail access to London, a lively social scene with cafes, modern apartments, and easy cycling routes to major employers.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambridge.
Where do families prefer to rent in Cambridge right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Cambridge are Trumpington, Queen Edith's, and Cherry Hinton.
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom homes in these neighborhoods typically pay between £2,000 and £2,800 per month (about $2,700 to $3,780 USD or €2,300 to €3,220 EUR).
What makes these Cambridge neighborhoods attractive to families is the combination of good-sized homes with gardens, safe streets, parks, and strong local amenities.
Top-rated schools nearby include Trumpington Community College, Queen Edith Primary School, and Cherry Hinton Church of England Primary School.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Cambridge in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Cambridge are CB1 and Petersfield near Cambridge Station, Chesterton near Cambridge North, and the West Cambridge university campus corridor.
In these high-demand Cambridge areas, well-priced properties typically stay listed for only 7 to 14 days, compared to 20 to 30 days in less connected neighborhoods.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of Cambridge's transit or university hubs is around £100 to £200 per month (about $135 to $270 USD or €115 to €230 EUR).
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Cambridge right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Cambridge are Newnham, the central and Riverside areas, and Trumpington.
Expats renting in these Cambridge neighborhoods typically pay between £1,800 and £3,000 per month (about $2,430 to $4,050 USD or €2,070 to €3,450 EUR).
What attracts expats to these areas is walkability to the historic centre, proximity to university departments and research institutes, and modern or well-maintained housing stock.
The most represented nationalities in these Cambridge neighborhoods include Americans, Germans, Chinese, Indians, and academics on fixed-term contracts with the university or biotech firms.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Cambridge.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Cambridge right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Cambridge?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the Cambridge rental market are postgraduate students and visiting researchers, young professionals in tech and biotech, and NHS or Biomedical Campus staff.
Postgraduate students and researchers make up an estimated 30% to 35% of Cambridge renters, young professionals 25% to 30%, and healthcare workers 15% to 20%.
Postgraduates typically seek 1-bedroom or shared flats near the university, young professionals prefer modern apartments near the station, and NHS staff look for affordable units near Addenbrooke's Hospital.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Cambridge.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, an estimated 55% to 60% of tenants prefer furnished rentals, while 40% to 45% opt for unfurnished, reflecting the city's large transient academic population.
Furnished apartments in Cambridge typically command a premium of £150 to £250 per month (about $200 to $340 USD or €170 to €290 EUR).
Tenant profiles that prefer furnished rentals in Cambridge are visiting academics, international researchers, corporate relocations, and anyone on a fixed-term contract.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Cambridge?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Cambridge are off-street parking, secure bike storage, high-speed broadband, private outdoor space, and strong energy efficiency.
Off-street parking in Cambridge can add £75 to £150 per month ($100 to $200 USD), secure bike storage adds £25 to £50, high-speed broadband adds £20 to £40, a garden or balcony adds £50 to £100, and a high EPC rating can add £50 to £100.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambridge, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Cambridge?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rentals in Cambridge are energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, double glazing), fixing damp and ventilation, refreshing kitchens and bathrooms, adding a home office space, and improving bike storage.
Energy upgrades cost £2,000 to £8,000 and can increase rent by £50 to £100 per month; kitchen and bathroom refreshes cost £3,000 to £10,000 and add £75 to £150; fixing damp costs £1,000 to £5,000; adding a home office costs £500 to £2,000 and adds £25 to £75; better bike storage costs £200 to £1,000 and adds £20 to £50.
Renovations with poor ROI in Cambridge include luxury finishes that exceed what the local market will pay for, overly personalized decor, and expensive smart home systems.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UK versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Cambridge as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rentals in Cambridge is around 2% to 3%, reflecting a tight and competitive market.
Vacancy rates across Cambridge range from under 2% in high-demand areas like CB1 and Newnham to around 4% in peripheral locations like King's Hedges.
Cambridge's current vacancy rate is below its historical average of 4% to 5%, signaling that rental demand continues to outpace supply.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambridge.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Cambridge is around 15 to 25 days for a well-priced 1 to 2 bedroom property.
Across Cambridge, days on market range from 7 to 14 days near the station or universities to over 30 days for overpriced listings in outer neighborhoods.
Compared to one year ago, Cambridge's days-on-market has increased slightly as the market cooled, but listings still move faster than the UK average.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Cambridge?
The peak months for tenant demand in Cambridge are July, August, and September, driven by the start of the academic year and new research placements.
Cambridge's seasonal demand is heavily shaped by the university calendar, with a smaller spike in January for mid-year starts and relocations.
The lowest tenant demand in Cambridge typically falls in November and December, when academic moves have settled and holidays slow decision-making.
Buying real estate in Cambridge can be risky
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What will my monthly costs be in Cambridge as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Cambridge landlords should expect annual Council Tax charges ranging from £1,570 for Band A to £2,355 for Band D (roughly $2,120 to $3,180 USD or €1,800 to €2,710 EUR).
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Cambridge runs from £1,570 for smaller flats up to £4,710 for the largest homes (about $2,120 to $6,360 USD or €1,800 to €5,420 EUR).
Council Tax in Cambridge is calculated by property valuation bands set in 1991, with rates determined by combined charges from city, county, police, and fire authorities.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambridge, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Cambridge right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental in Cambridge is around £2,000 to £3,000 for a flat (about $2,700 to $4,050 USD) and £3,000 to £5,000 for a house (about $4,050 to $6,750 USD).
Depending on property age and condition, annual maintenance costs can range from £1,500 for a modern flat to over £6,000 for an older house needing regular repairs (about $2,025 to $8,100 USD).
Most Cambridge landlords set aside roughly 8% to 12% of their annual rental income for maintenance.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Cambridge right now?
In Cambridge, landlords most commonly pay utilities in HMO arrangements or bills-included lets, typically covering gas, electricity, water, and broadband.
For a typical Cambridge flat on a bills-included let, landlords can expect to pay around £150 to £250 per month for combined utilities (about $200 to $340 USD or €170 to €290 EUR).
In standard single-let tenancies, the tenant pays all utilities and Council Tax directly, while landlords are responsible only for building insurance and service charges.
How is rental income taxed in Cambridge as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Cambridge is taxed as UK income at your marginal rate (20% basic, 40% higher, 45% additional rate).
Main deductions Cambridge landlords can claim include letting agent fees, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, accountancy fees, and mortgage interest (restricted to a 20% tax credit).
A common tax mistake specific to Cambridge landlords is failing to account for the mortgage interest restriction, which can understate tax owed for higher-rate taxpayers with buy-to-let mortgages.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Cambridge.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the UK compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cambridge, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and how we used them.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| ONS Housing Prices in Cambridge | The UK's official statistics agency, publishing accredited local rent estimates. | We used it as our anchor for typical Cambridge rents just before January 2026. We also used its year-over-year figures to ground our rent change estimate. |
| ONS Private Rent and House Prices UK | The official national release on private rent inflation, widely used by policymakers. | We used it to check whether Cambridge's rent growth is hotter or cooler than the national picture. We also used it to frame our outlook assumptions. |
| VOA Private Rented Market Statistics | Official government source built from Rent Officer data on actual market rents. | We used it to validate rent data methodology and convert Cambridge averages into bedroom-specific estimates. |
| Cambridge City Council Private Rented Housing | The city's own evidence pack on the local private rented sector and affordability. | We used it to understand who rents in Cambridge and local demand pressures. We also used it to support our vacancy narrative. |
| Cambridge City Council Empty Homes | The council's official policy page on local empty-home pressures. | We used it to support the point that Cambridge is structurally undersupplied. We also used it to inform our vacancy assumptions. |
| Cambridge City Council New Homes | Council evidence note with local housing delivery and completions data. | We used it to inform the supply pipeline part of our outlook. We also used it to explain why rents stay sticky. |
| Rightmove Rental Price Tracker | The UK's largest property portal, publishing consistent data on advertised rents. | We used it to benchmark Cambridge against UK rental momentum. We also used it to triangulate the 2026 direction of travel. |
| Zoopla Rental Market Report | Major UK portal with a regular, method-described rental report. | We used it to cross-check that late-2025 rental growth is cooling. We also used it to shape our growth range for Cambridge. |
| Zoopla UK Rental Market Report PDF | Documents how Zoopla's rental index is built using repeat-transaction methodology. | We used it to justify using portal data as a secondary cross-check. We also used it to keep our outlook methodology-backed. |
| Bidwells Cambridge Rental Market Report | Long-established Cambridge-focused property consultancy publishing local research. | We used it to add Cambridge-specific insights on prime segments. We also used it to inform which neighborhoods command premiums. |
| DLUHC Live Tables on Dwelling Stock | The UK government's official housing stock tables, including vacancy data. | We used it as a reality check on how vacancy is defined. We also used it to separate stock vacancy from lettings vacancy. |
| English Housing Survey 2023-24 | Accredited official survey on housing conditions and tenure in England. | We used it for tenant profile context. We also used it to support renovation priorities like damp and efficiency. |
| Ofgem Typical Household Energy Use | The UK energy regulator defining typical consumption figures. | We used it to estimate utility costs matching UK billing norms. We also used it for landlord and tenant budgeting guidance. |
| Cambridge City Council Council Tax | Official local authority page listing Council Tax charges by band. | We used it to quantify Council Tax amounts. We also used it to explain edge cases where landlords can be liable. |
| HMRC Rental Income Tax Guidance | Official HMRC guidance on how rental income is taxed and what's deductible. | We used it to describe how rental income is taxed. We also used it to frame deductible versus restricted costs. |
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