Cambridge city guide: Forward-thinking historic city
New residential projects are creating rare opportunities for property investment in the UK's fastest growing economy within commuting distance of London
World famous for its prestigious university, cutting-edge research and magnificent heritage, Cambridge is also one of the UK's leading technology hubs and fastest-growing economies.
A huge student population, excellent career opportunities and convenient access to London ensure consistently high demand for residential property in Cambridge, and several new developments are providing opportunities for overseas property buyers and landlords.
Best and brightest
There's more to Cambridge than its elite university, but the institution's influence on local life and the economy is undeniable. University colleges are spread across the city and one in five local residents are students, many of whom remain in the city after graduation for postgraduate research or recruitment into the highly-skilled local workforce.
Cambridge's science parks are partnerships between the universities and businesses that continue to attract substantial overseas investment from the world's largest brands. These partnerships have been instrumental in growing Cambridge's reputation as a world leader in fields such as biotechnology, medical research, software and pharmaceuticals, particularly around the high-tech cluster nicknamed 'Silicon Fen.'
The growing importance of Cambridge's technology and research sectors have placed the city among the UK's fastest growing economies in recent years. Less than an hour from London and international airports, Cambridge is a convenient location for businesses in all fields, and access will improve further with the new East-West Rail link and Oxford-Cambridge Expressway expected to open in the next decade.
Country charm and city convenience
Cambridge's reputation for work and study overshadows its other perks as a comfortable and stimulating place to live. Numerous performance venues, museums and art galleries provide one of the richest cultural offerings outside London, and a packed events calendar has something for everyone – from the live bands of the Big Weekend to the Cambridge Folk Festival and traditional Midsummer Fair.
Cambridge's shopping and dining options are just as diverse. With three shopping centers, traditional markets, independent boutiques and the wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars that modern city dwellers expect, Cambridge has all the attractions of city living with the English countryside on its doorstep.
Families with children are also exceptionally well provided for in Cambridge, with many highly rated primary, secondary and independent schools in the area. These include the University of Cambridge Primary School, St Bede's Inter-Church School and Chesterton Community College, all rated 'Outstanding' by education authority Ofsted.
Buoyant residential market
With consistently high demand from domestic and overseas students, professionals and families, Cambridge property can offer investors and landlords some of the highest yields in the UK. The problem, until recently, was the lack of new supply. Cambridge's heritage architecture may be one of its greatest draws for visitors and residents, but stringent building restrictions have long stifled development in the small city, even as they maintained high levels of demand and prices.
This situation is gradually improving as more new residential developments are opening up Cambridge and surrounding areas to investment. The Government's proposed CaMKOx Arc initiative for Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford is also aiming to bring one million homes and 1.9 million residents to England's 'brain belt' by 2050 by creating new neighborhoods and amenities.
One such district in Eddington, a new community less than two miles from Cambridge's historic city center designed by the University of Cambridge as a successful model of sustainable urban planning. Premium homes and apartments are now available in Eddington at Knights Park, combining modern living with convenient access to Cambridge, London and the surrounding countryside.
For more information about Knights Park and other residential properties in Cambridge and the UK, please contact:
Christine Wong (REN06667)
JLL International Residential
M: +6012 908 6318
