The short-term rental market in Cambridge is evolving, with growing demand for high-quality, fully serviced accommodation from business travelers, academics, and long-term guests.
Traditional Airbnb stays are shifting towards professionally managed serviced apartments that offer hotel-like amenities with the comfort of a home.
This guide explores why serviced accommodation is the future of short-term rentals in Cambridge and how landlords can capitalize on this growing trend.
1. What is Serviced Accommodation & How is it Different from Standard Short-Term Rentals?
1.1 What is Serviced Accommodation?
🏡 Serviced accommodation is a fully furnished rental property that provides:✔ Hotel-style cleaning & linen changes✔ High-speed WiFi, smart TVs, and workspaces✔ Flexible stay options (nightly, weekly, or monthly)✔ Self-check-in & 24/7 guest support
✔ Tip: Unlike standard Airbnbs, serviced apartments offer professional management, corporate partnerships, and premium guest services.
1.2 How Does it Differ from Traditional Airbnb Rentals?
Feature | Standard Airbnb | Serviced Accommodation |
Cleaning & Linen | Host-managed | Regular professional service |
Guest Support | Host-dependent | 24/7 dedicated support |
Target Market | Tourists & short-stay guests | Corporate travelers, NHS staff, long-term stays |
Amenities | Basic | Premium (workspaces, weekly housekeeping, luxury toiletries) |
Occupancy Rates | Seasonal fluctuations | High year-round |
✔ Tip: Serviced apartments attract business travelers, corporate guests, and long-stay visitors who prefer a consistent, high-quality experience.
2. Why Serviced Accommodation is Thriving in Cambridge
2.1 Growing Demand from Corporate & Business Travelers
🚀 Cambridge’s tech hub, BioCampus, and global corporations bring in thousands of business travelers annually.🏢 Companies prefer corporate housing over hotels for cost savings and employee comfort.🏡 Relocating professionals stay in serviced apartments for weeks or months before securing long-term housing.
✔ Tip: Properties near Cambridge Science Park, the Biomedical Campus, and the city centre see high demand for serviced accommodation.
2.2 Increase in Remote & Hybrid Workers
💻 Professionals on flexible work schedules need fully equipped apartments with:✔ Dedicated workspaces✔ Fast WiFi✔ Home comforts
🏡 Serviced accommodation fills the gap between hotels and long-term rentals, offering flexibility for remote workers.
✔ Tip: Listing your property as remote work-friendly attracts digital nomads and corporate guests.
2.3 Cambridge’s Tourism & Academic Markets Demand Extended Stays
🎓 University lecturers, researchers, and visiting professors require mid-term housing.🏥 NHS professionals working at Addenbrooke’s Hospital often need accommodation for 1-6 months.👨👩👦 Serviced apartments cater to families attending Cambridge graduations, international students, and event attendees.
✔ Tip: Properties near universities, hospitals, and conference centres benefit from consistent bookings from mid-to-long-term guests.
3. How Serviced Accommodation Benefits Landlords & Investors
3.1 Higher Occupancy Rates & Steady Year-Round Demand
✔ Serviced accommodation appeals to corporate travelers, NHS staff, and professionals, reducing seasonal fluctuations.✔ Unlike standard Airbnbs, serviced apartments secure long-term corporate contracts, leading to fewer vacant nights.
✔ Tip: Properties with long-stay bookings (14+ days) see more stable cash flow and less turnover hassle.
3.2 Higher Profit Margins Compared to Traditional Lets
💰 Serviced accommodation earns 30-50% higher returns than long-term rentals.📈 Flexible pricing allows landlords to adjust rates based on demand.
Rental Type | Monthly Income |
Long-term rental | £1,500/month |
Serviced accommodation | £120/night x 20 nights = £2,400/month |
✔ Tip: With professional management, landlords can increase profitability while reducing workload.
3.3 Less Wear & Tear, More Professional Upkeep
✔ Regular cleaning & inspections keep properties in excellent condition.✔ No long-term tenants = fewer tenancy disputes, evictions, and maintenance backlogs.
✔ Tip: Well-maintained serviced apartments retain property value better than traditional rentals.
4. How Landlords Can Transition to Serviced Accommodation
4.1 Upgrade Your Property for a Premium Stay Experience
🏡 Essential amenities for serviced accommodation:✔ Luxury bedding & high-quality linens✔ Fast WiFi & ergonomic workspace✔ Fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances✔ Smart TV & Netflix access
✔ Tip: Offering hotel-level quality attracts high-end corporate clients.
4.2 List on Multiple Booking Platforms for Maximum Exposure
📢 Serviced accommodation should be listed on:✔ Airbnb & Booking.com (for short-stay guests)✔ Corporate housing platforms (AltoVita, Blueground)✔ Direct booking websites (to secure long-term contracts)
✔ Tip: Multi-platform exposure reduces void periods and increases direct bookings.
4.3 Work with a Professional Serviced Accommodation Management Company
🏢 Managing a serviced apartment requires:✔ Dynamic pricing & revenue optimization✔ Corporate partnerships & direct bookings✔ 24/7 guest communication & professional cleaning services
✔ Tip: A property management service handles everything, ensuring higher occupancy and passive income for landlords.
5. How Cambridge Stays Helps Landlords Succeed in Serviced Accommodation
✔ Full-service Airbnb & serviced accommodation management✔ Dynamic pricing to maximize revenue✔ Corporate partnerships & relocation agency connections✔ High-end furnishing, cleaning, and maintenance support✔ Direct booking strategies to reduce reliance on Airbnb fees
How Cambridge Stays Helped a Landlord Switch to Serviced Accommodation
Property: A city-centre 2-bed apartment.Challenge: The owner struggled with inconsistent bookings on Airbnb.Solution: Transitioned to serviced accommodation, partnered with corporate clients, and listed on multiple platforms.Result: Increased revenue by 40% and secured long-term contracts with business travelers.
📈 Serviced accommodation is the future of short-term rentals in Cambridge, offering:✔ Higher returns✔ Steady occupancy✔ Premium guest experiences
🏢 Corporate clients, NHS professionals, and long-term travelers prefer serviced apartments over traditional Airbnbs.
📞 Want to transition to serviced accommodation and maximize your rental income?🔹 Contact Cambridge Stays today for expert management and property optimization!
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