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Cambridge Commercial Property to Let for Serviced Accommodation: A Guide for Cambridge UK Owners

  • Writer: Cambridge Stays
    Cambridge Stays
  • Apr 2
  • 2 min read

Serviced accommodation isn’t just for residential flats or holiday homes. In Cambridge’s high-demand market, commercial spaces can be transformed into lucrative short-let properties—if you know how to do it right. Whether you're exploring a new use for vacant offices or diversifying your rental strategy, here's what every landlord should know.


What Is Serviced Accommodation in a Commercial Context?

Serviced accommodation means fully furnished, short-stay-ready spaces. In a commercial property context, this could be:

  • Former offices repurposed as business travel suites

  • Mixed-use spaces converted into boutique short-term lets

  • Flexible-use buildings with self-contained units for guests

These setups offer hotel-style experiences in non-traditional settings—perfect for today’s mobile workforce.


Why It Works in Cambridge

Cambridge sees consistent demand for high-quality short-term stays due to:

  • A steady stream of business travellers and visiting academics

  • Conference attendees from Addenbrooke’s, the Science Park, and the university

  • Corporate relocation clients and research teams

Your commercial property to let in Cambridge can cater to these guests—often at higher nightly rates than traditional office rents.


Which Properties Are Suitable?

Not every commercial space fits the serviced model. Look for:

  • Central or well-connected locations (e.g. near the station, colleges, or parks)

  • Self-contained access for easier guest turnover

  • Flexible planning or mixed-use permissions

Cambridge Stays can assess your unit and advise on suitability.


Licensing, Fit-Out, and Compliance Considerations

Before conversion, ensure:

  • Planning use class allows short-term stays (may require change of use)

  • Property complies with fire safety, accessibility, and guest accommodation rules

  • Furnishings, décor, and utilities are suitable for short stays

We help landlords navigate these steps quickly and correctly.


Revenue Potential vs. Traditional Commercial Letting

While traditional leases offer stability, serviced setups can:

  • Achieve higher income per square foot

  • Adapt to seasonal demand (e.g. summer tourism, term-time academic lets)

  • Offer greater flexibility for landlords who may want to pivot use

Dynamic pricing and careful occupancy management make the difference.


Why Partner with a Management Agency for Serviced Conversions

Short lets require more than a listing. Expect:

  • Daily or weekly turnovers

  • Guest communication, reviews, and customer service

  • Maintenance, linen, and stock management

  • Dynamic pricing strategy for platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com

Most landlords don’t have time to manage this solo.


Cambridge Stays Supports Serviced Commercial Setups

We handle:

  • Full guest management and hospitality setup

  • Fit-out advice, styling, and photography

  • Listing optimisation and performance tracking

  • Regulatory and compliance guidance

From the first inquiry to 5-star guest reviews—we manage the entire process.


Want to Turn Your Office Space into High-Performing Accommodation? Let’s Explore the Opportunity

Your empty or underused commercial unit could become one of Cambridge’s most in-demand short-term stays.

Get in touch with Cambridge Stays to discover the potential of serviced commercial lettings.

 
 
 

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