Cambridge Rental Prices Compared to Oxford: A Landlord’s Benchmark

Why Compare Cambridge and Oxford?

Cambridge and Oxford are two of the UK’s most sought-after rental markets, often compared for their academic prestige and strong investment potential. For landlords, understanding Cambridge rental prices compared to Oxford offers a useful benchmark for setting competitive rents and planning portfolio strategy in 2025.

Average Rents in Cambridge vs Oxford

In 2025, Cambridge studios and one-bed flats in the city centre typically command slightly higher rents than Oxford equivalents, driven by strong demand from tech-sector professionals and postgraduate students. Two-bed flats and HMOs in Oxford, however, can match or exceed Cambridge rates due to a large student population and strong corporate relocation activity. Suburban areas in both cities offer more affordable rents but vary depending on transport links and amenities.

Yield Comparisons Between the Two Cities

Gross yields in Cambridge’s central flats often range between 4.5%–5.5%, while Oxford’s HMOs can reach 6% or more. Net yields depend on landlord expenses, which in both cities are influenced by licensing fees, property maintenance, and insurance costs. Cambridge landlords benefit from steady corporate lets, while Oxford investors may achieve higher returns in student-heavy areas.

Tenant Demand Profiles in Each City

Cambridge’s tenant pool is a mix of academics, science park professionals, and short-term corporate visitors, while Oxford sees heavier reliance on university students and associated staff. Tourism plays a role in both markets, driving short-term rental demand, particularly during academic events and peak visitor seasons.

Lessons for Cambridge Landlords from Oxford’s Market

Oxford’s landlords often leverage targeted marketing to students and short-term visitors, adapting property layouts for maximum occupancy. Cambridge landlords can learn from this approach, especially when maximising HMO potential or diversifying into furnished short-term rentals.

Cambridge Stays’ Advice on Staying Competitive

Cambridge Stays regularly benchmarks local rents against Oxford to ensure our clients remain competitive. For one landlord, adjusting rent to match a similar Oxford property type led to a faster let and a 5% yield increase without extended void periods.

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