Average Rent Cambridge UK: How to Use Market Data to Set the Right Price

In a market as competitive—and varied—as Cambridge, setting the right rent isn’t just about checking Zoopla or making a guess based on last year. Whether you’re letting a flat near the station or managing a multi-room HMO in Chesterton, using accurate, up-to-date market data can be the difference between a steady stream of income and a property that sits empty. Here’s how Cambridge landlords can make data work for them.

Where to Find Reliable Rent Data for Cambridge

There’s no shortage of rental estimates online, but not all sources are equally useful. Portals like Rightmove and Zoopla offer a rough average, but they don’t always reflect the nuance of Cambridge’s micro-markets—think difference in yield between CB1 and Arbury, or furnished vs unfurnished flats to let Cambridge UK.

For real insights, landlords should look at:

• Recent listings for comparable properties

• Letting agents Cambridge reports on average tenancies

• Internal yield reports from platforms like PropertyData or Home.co.uk

• Insights from full-service providers like Cambridge Stays

These sources help ensure you’re comparing like-for-like. A flat to let Cambridge in the CB2 area near the University will not command the same price as a similar-sized unit on the city edge.

AST vs HMO: Pricing Per Unit vs Per Room

Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) require entirely different rent strategies. An AST typically sees rent paid for the whole unit—usually a flat or house—while an HMO is priced per room.

In Cambridge, a well-maintained 2-bed flat might rent for £1,500–£1,800 per month depending on location. In contrast, HMO rooms near Mill Road or East Road can fetch £700–£900 per room, especially with en-suite setups. That means the total rental income can significantly exceed a standard AST—provided the property is managed well and kept compliant.

To get it right, landlords must also factor in:

• Utilities (often included in HMOs)

• Voids due to higher turnover

• Licensing costs for HMOs

Cambridge Stays supports both strategies and can help landlords weigh the short-term returns against long-term costs.

Using Comparables Without Undervaluing Your Property

Many landlords rely on ‘comps’—recent lettings of similar properties—but fail to adjust for features that add or subtract value. Proximity to rail, EPC rating, parking, outdoor space, and furnishings all matter.

For example, two apartments to let Cambridge might be identical in size, but the one with private parking and a balcony could command £100 more per month. Likewise, a house to let in Cambridge that has recently been refurbished could outperform an older equivalent by 5–10%.

Always assess comps by:

• Square footage

• Condition and amenities

• Letting agent quality (good agents rent faster at better prices)

How Cambridge Stays Benchmarks and Reviews Your Rent Strategy

At Cambridge Stays, we don’t just look at averages—we analyse.

Our local experts continuously monitor rental performance by property type, area, and season. Whether you’re listing a flat to let Cambridge or a short let Cambridge near ARU, we use:

• Internal data across 30+ Cambridge properties

• Real-time demand trends

• Local vacancy rates and tenant feedback

This lets us recommend the highest sustainable rent based on market appetite—not guesswork. We also conduct mid-tenancy reviews and help implement structured rent increases with clear communication and full legal compliance.

Want a data-backed rent assessment? We can help.

Pricing your property is too important to leave to chance. With the right data and expert interpretation, Cambridge landlords can boost profits, reduce voids, and stay competitive—whether they have one house or an entire portfolio.

Cambridge Stays offers bespoke rent reviews and market assessments for all property types. Let’s get the numbers working for you.