The Cambridge rental market is shifting, with more landlords moving away from traditional long-term lets and exploring the higher returns and flexibility of serviced accommodation.
With rising demand from business travelers, tourists, and academics, serviced accommodation offers a more profitable, flexible, and hassle-free alternative to conventional rentals.
In this guide, we’ll explore why more Cambridge landlords are making the switch, the financial benefits, and how professional property management makes the transition seamless.
1. What Is Serviced Accommodation?
Definition:
Serviced accommodation refers to fully furnished properties available for short-term stays, typically offering hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, WiFi, and flexible check-ins.
How It Differs from Traditional Rentals:
Feature | Serviced Accommodation | Long-Term Rental |
Stay Duration | Short-term (days/weeks) | Long-term (6-12 months+) |
Income Potential | Higher nightly rates | Fixed monthly rent |
Tenant Flexibility | No long-term contracts | Lease agreements |
Management Effort | Can be outsourced | Requires ongoing landlord involvement |
Common Guests in Cambridge:
🏢 Business Travelers – Corporate professionals from tech firms, Bio Campus, and research institutes.🎓 Academics & Researchers – Visiting lecturers and PhD students from Cambridge University.🛬 Tourists – Short-stay visitors exploring the city’s historic sites and events.🏥 NHS & Relocation Workers – Medical professionals on short-term assignments.
With high occupancy potential, serviced accommodation caters to a wide range of Cambridge visitors, ensuring consistent income for landlords.
2. Key Reasons Landlords in Cambridge Are Choosing Serviced Accommodation
1. Higher Rental Yields & Profits
💰 Why It’s More Profitable Than Long-Term Lets:
Serviced accommodation can generate 30-50% more income than standard long-term rentals.
Higher nightly rates due to Cambridge’s tourism, university events, and corporate demand.
Dynamic pricing allows landlords to maximize peak season earnings.
🔹 Example:A 2-bedroom apartment in central Cambridge could earn £1,500 per month as a long-term rental but £4,000+ per month as a serviced accommodation with high occupancy.
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Uses dynamic pricing tools to optimize rates based on seasonal demand.
Ensures high occupancy with strategic marketing.
2. Increased Flexibility
🏡 Why More Landlords Prefer Short-Term Stays:✔️ No long-term tenant contracts – Keep control over availability.✔️ Use the property when needed – Perfect for landlords who want occasional access.✔️ Easier price adjustments – Adjust rental rates based on market conditions.
Unlike long-term rentals, where landlords are locked into 12-month agreements, serviced accommodation offers more control and adaptability.
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Handles availability and pricing adjustments to keep occupancy high.
Allows landlords to reserve personal stays when needed.
3. Growing Demand in Cambridge
📈 Who’s Booking Serviced Accommodation?✔️ Business travelers & tech professionals – From Cambridge’s booming tech industry and Bio Campus.✔️ Academics & visiting lecturers – Short-term stays from University of Cambridge faculty & researchers.✔️ NHS staff & relocation workers – Medical professionals preferring short-term housing.✔️ Tourists & event attendees – Visitors seeking more space & comfort than hotels.
🔥 Why Demand Is Rising:
Hotels are expensive & less flexible.
Business travelers prefer home-like stays with kitchens.
Cambridge’s tourism industry continues to grow.
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Targets the right guest demographics through strategic marketing.
Maintains high occupancy rates year-round.
4. Avoiding Tenant Legislation Challenges
📜 Why Landlords Are Leaving Long-Term Rentals:✔️ Stricter UK rental regulations – More restrictions on evictions, rent increases, and tenant rights.✔️ Rent arrears & problem tenants – Risk of missed payments and lengthy eviction processes.✔️ Tenant disputes – Managing difficult tenants can be stressful and time-consuming.
💡 Serviced Accommodation = Fewer Legal Risks
Short-term guests have no tenant rights or eviction complications.
Easier to manage bookings & guest compliance.
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Handles guest screening to prevent issues.
Provides legal compliance for all short-term rental regulations.
5. Hassle-Free Management with Professional Services
🏢 Why Many Landlords Prefer Hands-Off Hosting:✔️ No more guest communication & bookings – Everything is handled by experts.✔️ No more maintenance headaches – A team takes care of repairs & inspections.✔️ Automated guest check-ins & turnovers – Ensuring smooth operations.
💡 Real-Life Success Story:Emma, a Cambridge landlord, switched from a long-term tenant to serviced accommodation. Within 6 months, she:✅ Increased monthly revenue by 40%✅ Eliminated rent arrears & tenant disputes✅ Had 95% occupancy with zero management stress
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Handles bookings, guest services & maintenance.
Uses automation tools to optimize operations.
3. How to Transition from a Traditional Rental to Serviced Accommodation
🏡 Key Steps for Success:1️⃣ Furnish the property for short-term stays – Quality furniture, bedding & amenities.2️⃣ List on top platforms – Airbnb, Booking.com & corporate booking sites.3️⃣ Use strategic pricing & marketing – To attract the right guests.4️⃣ Ensure compliance with UK short-let regulations.
💡 The Importance of Choosing the Right Location in Cambridge
Properties near Cambridge University, Bio Campus & city centre have higher occupancy rates.
Close access to transport links & business hubs increases demand.
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Handles furnishing, listing & marketing.
Ensures full regulatory compliance.
4. Why Cambridge Landlords Are Partnering with Professional Management Companies
🏆 What Professional Airbnb Management Offers:✔️ Maximizes income with dynamic pricing & high occupancy.✔️ Handles cleaning, maintenance & guest support – Hassle-free hosting.✔️ Provides 24/7 guest communication – No more dealing with last-minute inquiries.
📈 Why It’s the Best Option for Cambridge Landlords:
No day-to-day management required.
Increases revenue while minimizing effort.
Professional teams ensure high standards & great reviews.
🚀 How Professional Management Helps:
Secures more bookings & repeat guests.
Offers a complete hands-off solution for landlords.
Serviced Accommodation is the Future for Cambridge Landlords
With higher returns, growing demand, and fewer rental headaches, serviced accommodation is the smartest investment for Cambridge landlords.
📩 Interested in higher profits with less hassle?👉 Let us manage your serviced accommodation—contact Cambridge Stays today!
Comments