Cambridge Property Management for Landlords Expanding from Short Let to AST Models

Tired of the Airbnb hustle? For many Cambridge landlords, the allure of short-term letting is starting to fade. Whether it’s due to increasing regulation, seasonal income gaps, or the sheer operational load, the shift towards long-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) is gaining serious traction. But making the move from short let to AST isn't as simple as flipping a switch. Here's how to transition your property with minimal friction and maximum gain.

Why Landlords Are Moving from Short-Term to Long-Term in 2025

The short let market in Cambridge has long attracted landlords looking to maximise nightly rates. But in 2025, the landscape is changing. Regulation of short lets is increasing, especially in historic and residential zones. Competition from new listings and tightening council rules make it harder to sustain high occupancy without steep discounts.

Meanwhile, demand for long-term lets is growing. Professionals relocating to Cambridge, postgraduates, and families are all seeking stable homes, and they prefer the reliability of AST contracts. The result? A move from transient guests to dependable tenants.

Key Differences in Tenant Expectations, Contracts, and Compliance

Short-let guests expect hotel-like convenience—flexible check-ins, toiletries, fast Wi-Fi, and a tourist-ready setup. AST tenants are after a home. They want quiet surroundings, a well-maintained property, functional appliances, and long-term reliability.

Legal obligations shift, too. With ASTs, you'll need to comply with right-to-rent checks, deposit protection, annual gas safety certificates, and proper tenancy agreements. Council tax becomes the tenant's responsibility, not the landlord's, and wear and tear patterns shift significantly.

AST properties must also align with stricter housing regulations—from EPC standards to fire safety. The upshot? Long-term tenants bring less turnover, but require more upfront compliance.

How to Prepare a Short-Let Property for AST Tenancies

First, assess your layout and furnishings. While short let properties are often heavily styled, AST tenants usually want space to make it their own. Think: remove excessive decor, offer partial furnishing, and prioritise storage over aesthetics.

You may also need to:

• Reconfigure room use (e.g., turn a "holiday snug" into a functional office or second bedroom)

• Upgrade appliances to more durable, energy-efficient models

• Check that all fire and electrical safety measures meet long-term rental codes

• Adjust pricing to reflect AST market expectations, not Airbnb comparisons

The biggest shift? Marketing strategy. You’ll no longer list on Airbnb or Booking.com but instead need presence on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OpenRent—or through a trusted Cambridge letting agent.

How Cambridge Stays Smoothly Manages the Transition

At Cambridge Stays, we specialise in both short let and AST management, so we understand the nuances of switching models. We start with a full audit of your current property and recommend the upgrades needed for a smooth AST transition.

Our team handles everything:

• Tenant sourcing, referencing, and contract setup

• Safety checks, maintenance coordination, and EPC compliance

• Repositioning your listing for long-term tenant appeal

• Pricing strategy based on current Cambridge long-term letting demand

We also offer guidance on whether to keep one or two units in short-term while transitioning others to AST, creating a balanced portfolio with year-round income.

Thinking of Switching to Long-Term? We’ll Guide the Process.

Transitioning from short let to AST in Cambridge isn't just a business decision—it's a strategic pivot. But it doesn’t have to be risky or stressful. With the right partner, you can enjoy hands-off property income, better tenant relations, and fewer sleepless nights chasing cleaners or chasing rent.

Cambridge Stays is here to help landlords future-proof their investments with confidence. Ready to make the switch? Let’s talk.