Cambridge is one of the UK’s top-performing short-term rental markets, attracting a diverse range of visitors, including tourists, business travelers, academics, and students. The city’s historic appeal, thriving university culture, and booming biotech sector make it a prime destination for Airbnb investments.
📊 Why Cambridge is an Ideal Airbnb Market:✅ High year-round demand from university events, corporate travel, and tourism.✅ Premium nightly rates in key locations, especially near Cambridge University.✅ Diverse guest profiles allow investors to cater to multiple market segments.
But not all areas in Cambridge offer the same level of profitability. To maximize returns, investors need to choose the right location based on demand, accessibility, and pricing potential.
This guide explores Cambridge’s top Airbnb investment areas, how to strategically select properties, and how Cambridge Stays can help investors optimize their short-term rental success.
1. What Makes a Great Location for Airbnb in Cambridge?
A profitable short-term rental investment depends on several key factors:
1. Proximity to Major Attractions & Business Hubs
🎓 Cambridge University Colleges, King’s College Chapel, and historic sites.🏢 Science Park, Biomedical Campus, and Addenbrooke’s Hospital.🚶 Walkability to city center, museums, and nightlife spots.
2. Accessibility to Transport Links
🚆 Cambridge & Cambridge North train stations provide connections to London.🚍 Strong bus networks serve the city and surrounding business districts.🚗 Close proximity to major roads (A14, M11) improves accessibility.
3. High Demand from Different Guest Segments
✈️ Tourists looking for historic and cultural experiences.💼 Corporate travelers needing business-friendly accommodations.🎓 Academics & students seeking short-term housing near the university.
4. Availability of Local Amenities
🍽 Access to restaurants, shops, coworking spaces, and gyms enhances guest experience.🏞 Green spaces and riverside locations add appeal for long-term corporate stays.
📌 Pro Tip: Airbnb properties in well-connected, high-demand areas consistently achieve higher occupancy rates and premium pricing.
2. Top Areas in Cambridge for Airbnb Investment
1. City Centre (Historic Cambridge)
🏡 Best for: Tourists, university visitors, business travelers.📍 Key attractions: Cambridge University colleges, King’s College Chapel, Fitzwilliam Museum, shopping districts.🏠 Property types: Premium apartments, period homes.💰 Pricing potential: High nightly rates due to prime location.
📊 Why Invest Here?✔ Always in high demand—ideal for short-term, high-turnover stays.✔ Tourists pay premium prices for historic charm and walkability.✔ University events drive year-round bookings.
📌 Pro Tip: Properties near the River Cam or Market Square perform exceptionally well.
2. Mill Road & Petersfield
🏡 Best for: Young professionals, students, budget travelers.📍 Key attractions: Lively cafés, independent shops, vibrant nightlife.🏠 Property types: Victorian terraces, modern apartments.💰 Pricing potential: Mid-range but strong demand due to affordability.
📊 Why Invest Here?✔ Popular among students & digital nomads looking for affordable stays.✔ Buzzing social scene attracts younger travelers.✔ Lower purchase price than city center but high occupancy rates.
📌 Pro Tip: Convert spare rooms into co-living spaces to maximize earnings.
3. Newnham
🏡 Best for: Academics, researchers, families seeking quiet stays.📍 Key attractions: Green spaces, riverside walks, proximity to Cambridge University.🏠 Property types: Larger homes, garden flats.💰 Pricing potential: Higher for long-term corporate & family stays.
📊 Why Invest Here?✔ Ideal for extended corporate bookings from visiting lecturers & researchers.✔ Attracts family travelers seeking peaceful stays away from city noise.✔ Less competition = higher average occupancy per booking.
📌 Pro Tip: Target business travelers & extended-stay guests to maximize revenue.
4. Chesterton & Cambridge North
🏡 Best for: Business travelers, commuters, tourists seeking easy access.📍 Key attractions: Cambridge North Station, Science Park, riverside walks.🏠 Property types: Modern flats, townhouses.💰 Pricing potential: Growing due to transport links & business expansion.
📊 Why Invest Here?✔ Rising demand from corporate guests working at Science Park & tech firms.✔ Affordable investment entry point compared to city center.✔ Great for hybrid long-term & short-term stays.
📌 Pro Tip: Properties near Cambridge North Station attract commuters & business professionals.
5. Trumpington & Addenbrooke’s Hospital Area
🏡 Best for: Healthcare professionals, business visitors, long-term stays.📍 Key attractions: Biomedical Campus, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, countryside access.🏠 Property types: New-build apartments, townhouses.💰 Pricing potential: High for medium- to long-term rentals.
📊 Why Invest Here?✔ Consistent demand from medical staff & corporate guests.✔ Lower competition compared to the city center.✔ Great for monthly corporate rentals & serviced accommodations.
📌 Pro Tip: Furnished apartments perform well in this area—longer stays = fewer turnovers.
6. Cambridge Science Park & Business Districts
🏡 Best for: Corporate travelers, researchers, tech professionals.📍 Key attractions: Cambridge Science Park, major corporate offices.🏠 Property types: Modern apartments, serviced accommodations.💰 Pricing potential: High, especially for corporate bookings.
📊 Why Invest Here?✔ Home to global biotech & tech companies—perfect for corporate Airbnb rentals.✔ Higher nightly rates for short-term corporate stays.✔ Strong demand for furnished apartments with workspaces.
📌 Pro Tip: Focus on business-friendly amenities like high-speed WiFi, workspaces, and 24/7 check-in.
3. Investment Strategies for Maximizing Airbnb Returns in Cambridge
📌 Choosing the Right Property Type:🏡 City center flats: Best for tourist-heavy short-term lets.🏢 Business district apartments: Ideal for corporate extended stays.🏠 Larger suburban homes: Perfect for longer family or academic stays.
📌 Balancing Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental Strategies:✔ Peak seasons: Maximize income with high nightly rates.✔ Off-season: Offer discounted long-term stays to maintain occupancy.
📌 Why Airbnb Management Maximizes Returns:✅ Dynamic pricing adjustments to optimize earnings.✅ Guest communication & issue resolution for higher ratings.✅ Regular maintenance & professional cleaning to enhance guest experience.
4. How Cambridge Stays Helps Investors Succeed in the Airbnb Market
🔹 End-to-End Airbnb Management – From pricing optimization to guest handling & cleaning.🔹 Market Insights & Strategy – Helping investors choose profitable locations.🔹 Real Case Study: Increased Profits – Investors saw 30% higher occupancy rates after working with Cambridge Stays.
📢 Looking to invest in Cambridge Airbnb properties?👉 Let Cambridge Stays help you find, set up, and manage a high-performing short-term rental.
🚀 Contact us today to maximize your Airbnb earnings!
Comments