What’s It Like to Live in Cambridge?
Cambridge is a well-connected, historic city offering a mix of traditional character and modern convenience. Its housing stock, educational institutions and employment opportunities attract professionals, families and retirees alike. For prospective home buyers, especially those considering older or period homes, a thorough understanding of local property conditions is key to making the right purchase decisions.
Architectural Features of Properties
Cambridge is known for its blend of period homes and newer developments. You’ll find Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces and 20th-century semi-detached properties sitting alongside modern infill housing and university-owned buildings.
Historical Buildings and Their Features
The city features numerous listed buildings, such as the 16th-century Corpus Christi College. Preservation restrictions often apply to properties like these, affecting the scope of renovation and extension projects.
Local Stone
Cambridge properties often feature gault clay brick and locally sourced limestone. These materials can be porous and may stain or weather over time. Maintenance includes regular cleaning, repointing and damp management.
Survey Findings Specific to Cambridge
Damp issues are not uncommon, particularly in older homes near the River Cam. Areas such as Chesterton and Mill Road have properties where rising damp or poor ventilation are regularly noted in surveys.
Subsidence risks are often linked to clay-rich soil, especially in the Trumpington and Cherry Hinton areas. Seasonal soil movement can affect foundations, so these locations benefit from structural checks during a building survey.
Cambridge homes with slate or clay tile roofs occasionally show slipped tiles and degraded flashing. These should be checked during any Level 2 or Level 3 inspection.
Energy efficiency varies widely. Older homes with single glazing, solid walls or original fireplaces tend to have lower EPC ratings, making insulation upgrades a priority for buyers looking to reduce long-term running costs.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Local Amenities
Cambridge boasts top-rated schools such as The Perse School and Parkside Community College. There is also a wide selection of local healthcare, leisure centres and libraries.
The River Cam and Jesus Green offer recreational space for walking, punting and picnicking. These outdoor features are popular with families and professionals looking for greenery within walking distance.
Notable Places
King’s College Chapel is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and a central hub for cultural events. The Market Square, surrounded by independent shops and eateries, serves as a vibrant focal point for the local community.
Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks
Homes near the River Cam, particularly in Grantchester Meadows and Fen Ditton, can be at higher risk of flooding. Buyers should consider a flood risk assessment as part of their due diligence.
Radon Risks
Cambridge sits in a low to moderate radon area according to UK radon maps. While not typically a concern in newer homes, older or poorly ventilated properties may benefit from radon testing during survey inspection.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion
The city centre and key routes such as Hills Road and East Road experience significant congestion during rush hour. The narrow road layouts and cycle lanes can add to delays for car users.
Public Transport
Cambridge Railway Station offers direct links to London King’s Cross, Ely and Norwich. Guided busways also connect the city to surrounding villages like St Ives and Trumpington Park & Ride sites.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas
The Kite, Newnham and Brooklands Avenue are all designated conservation areas. Properties here are subject to stricter planning regulations. Buyers should be aware that external changes, including window replacements and extensions, often require specific permissions.
Future Projects
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus expansion and East West Rail project are two key developments. While they will improve infrastructure, short-term disruption in some neighbourhoods is expected.
Safety and Crime Statistics
Cambridge’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average. However, central areas like Market Ward and Petersfield have seen slightly higher figures, mostly related to antisocial behaviour and petty theft. Suburban locations such as Trumpington and Queen Edith’s tend to report lower crime levels, making them popular with families.
Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations
For most Cambridge properties, a Level 2 Home Survey is suitable. However, older or structurally altered homes may need a Level 3 Building Survey. These reports assess structural stability, moisture ingress, insulation performance and roof conditions.
Unique Survey Challenges
In listed buildings or properties within conservation areas, surveyors must consider traditional construction techniques and heritage features, which can complicate repairs or modifications.
Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Building Materials
Gault clay brick and limestone require specific maintenance such as lime mortar repointing and breathable render. Timber-framed properties, especially in the city’s older sectors, may show signs of movement or decay and should be carefully inspected for rot and pest infestation.
Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared to Ely or St Neots, Cambridge offers stronger public transport, greater employment options and a higher density of high-performing schools. However, house prices in Cambridge are significantly higher and prospective buyers may find more space for their budget in villages like Histon, Sawston or Waterbeach. That said, Cambridge’s historic appeal, cultural offerings and investment potential remain strong selling points.
Top Places to Live in Cambridge and Why
Cambridge offers a variety of residential areas, each with different advantages depending on your needs. Whether you’re looking for character homes near the city centre or newer builds with space to grow, here are some of the most sought-after places to live in Cambridge:
Newnham
Newnham is one of Cambridge’s most desirable areas, especially for families and professionals. It’s close to the River Cam and several university colleges, with tree-lined streets and period homes. Property here often comes at a premium, but buyers value the quiet environment and access to good local schools and green spaces.
Trumpington
Located to the south of the city, Trumpington has seen significant development in recent years. It combines older homes with newer estates such as Great Kneighton, which are popular with commuters thanks to the guided busway and easy access to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the M11.
Chesterton
Close to the city centre and the River Cam, Chesterton offers a mix of Victorian terraces and newer homes. The area is particularly convenient for those using Cambridge North railway station and benefits from good cycling routes into town. Riverside walks and local amenities add to its appeal.
Romsey
Romsey is a lively and diverse neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. Many of the properties are former railway workers’ cottages, now modernised and sought-after by first-time buyers. Mill Road, a short walk away, provides independent shops, cafés and excellent bus links.
Queen Edith’s
Located near Addenbrooke’s and the Biomedical Campus, Queen Edith’s is popular with professionals and medical staff. Properties range from 1930s family homes to larger detached houses. The area is well served by schools and is seen as a quieter alternative to the city centre.
Cambridge City Centre
Living in the heart of the city gives you access to everything Cambridge has to offer – historic buildings, markets, shops and the University. While property is more expensive, it’s ideal for buyers wanting to be at the centre of Cambridge life. Period homes and converted apartments are common here.
When choosing where to live in Cambridge, it’s important to factor in commute routes, local schools, conservation area restrictions and the age and condition of the property. A full RICS Home Survey can help you weigh up the options before you buy.
Cambridge’s Property Market Trends – 2025
Here’s a simple overview of this year’s prices and what’s happening locally.
Average Prices – Cambridge (April 2025)
| Property Type | Average Price | Most Common |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | £578,713 | Yes |
| Flats | £351,139 | No |
| Semi-detached | £642,825 | No |
Source: Rightmove, June 2025
The average house price in Cambridge is just under £577,817. Terraced homes are the most common type sold, followed by semi-detached and flats. Prices have risen by about 5 to 7% compared with last year.
What’s Happening in the Area?
- Orchard Park: 75 affordable new homes are being built.
- Council-Led Housing: Cambridge City Council and Homes England are working together to deliver more affordable homes for local people.
- Waterbeach New Town: A large new neighbourhood is being developed, with over 4,500 homes planned, a relocated station and space for schools and businesses.
For First-Time Buyers
Two-bedroom homes in Cambridge are still in demand. A recent Rightmove report highlighted Cambridge as a good place to find suitable homes for first-time buyers, though prices remain high by national standards.
In Summary
Cambridge remains a strong, growing market. Prices have increased steadily and local councils are investing in housing projects to help meet demand. If you’re planning to buy, it’s worth booking a survey to make sure you’re confident about what you’re purchasing.