Average Rent Cambridge UK by Area: Where Yields Are Highest Right Now

If you’re investing in Cambridge—or trying to improve returns from an existing property—the smartest place to start is with local rent and yield data. Not all areas of Cambridge perform the same. Some offer premium rents but lower yield. Others deliver steady income through shared lets or long-term ASTs. This breakdown of average rent Cambridge UK by neighbourhood reveals where landlords are earning most—and why.

Highest Rent by Area: City Centre, Station, Mill Road, Chesterton

Cambridge’s rental landscape is diverse. Here’s where average rents are currently strongest:

• City Centre (CB2): £1,600–£2,400/month for 1–2 bed flats. High demand from professionals, academics, and corporate lets.

• Station Area (CB1): £1,400–£1,900/month for 1–2 beds. A key commuter zone with fast access to London.

• Mill Road / Romsey: £700–£850 per room in HMOs. Popular with students and younger tenants.

• Chesterton (East and West): £1,400–£1,700/month for 2-bed flats. Increasing demand due to proximity to Science Park and new developments.

While the City Centre commands the highest rents, yield-focused landlords often find better value in Mill Road or Chesterton—where property prices are lower and tenant demand remains high.

Comparing Yields: HMO vs. AST by Area

Gross rental yield is a key metric for landlords. It compares the annual rental income to the property’s purchase price. Here’s how it looks across tenancy types:

• Mill Road HMO: Avg £3,000/month gross rental on a 4-bed = ~7–8% yield

• East Chesterton AST: 2-bed flat at £1,550/month = ~4.5–5.5% yield

• CB1 1-bed Flat: Rents at £1,450/month = ~3.5–4.5% yield

• Trumpington 3-bed Home: Family rents ~£2,500/month = ~3.5–4.2% yield

If your goal is high yield, HMOs in Mill Road or East Chesterton tend to outperform, though they require more management. ASTs in CB1 and CB2 offer stability and attract long-term professionals, but yields are generally lower.

What Drives Yield: Demand, Rent Levels, Property Type

High rental yield depends on three interconnected factors:

• Demand: Areas near transport hubs, universities, or business parks see consistent demand.

• Rent Levels: Higher rents improve income, but only if voids are low.

• Property Type: HMOs and well-located 1-bed flats often yield more than larger family homes.

Cambridge’s housing demand is fuelled by its unique mix of universities, biotech, and global companies. That means areas like Mill Road (young renters), CB1 (professionals), and Chesterton (researchers) remain resilient even during wider market shifts.

How Cambridge Stays Helps Landlords Maximise Area-Specific Returns

At Cambridge Stays, we work with landlords across the city—from student-focused HMOs to luxury short lets. Our local market data allows us to:

• Set and review rents based on postcode trends

• Identify high-demand micro-areas others miss

• Advise on property upgrades that justify premium rents

• Monitor yield performance and suggest strategy tweaks

Whether you’re buying, re-letting, or reviewing your portfolio, we help you make decisions backed by data—not guesswork.

Want data-backed rent reviews or area advice?

The best rental returns in Cambridge come from smart property selection and smarter pricing. Let Cambridge Stays show you where—and how—to make the most of your investment.