Area Guide: Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most exciting cities in the UK. World renowned for its university, its innovation economy and its riverside beauty, Cambridge consistently draws professionals, families and investors from across the country.

With major regeneration underway and a growing number of high quality new build homes coming to market, now is a compelling time to consider buying property here.

Why buy a new build home in Cambridge?

Cambridge sits at the centre of what the government has dubbed "Europe's Silicon Valley". The city is home to globally significant science parks, biotech clusters and technology companies. Demand for housing is consistently strong and property values have shown long term resilience.

New build homes offer a number of practical advantages over older properties. They are built with modern insulation, energy efficient heating systems such as air source heat pumps and EV charging points built in.

Many carry an EPC A rating, meaning lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Buyers also benefit from a 10 year NHBC Buildmark warranty as standard.

For first time buyers, schemes such as Shared Ownership make it possible to get onto the property ladder in Cambridge with a smaller upfront deposit. Several developments listed on within Cambridge offer shares from as little as 25% of the full market value.

Cambridge also offers outstanding connectivity. Trains reach London King's Cross in under an hour and the city is well served by the A14 and M11. A quarter of all work journeys within Cambridge are made by bicycle, making it one of the UK's most cycle friendly cities.

Regeneration projects and major developments

Cambridge is in the middle of a significant period of investment and renewal. Several major projects are either underway or approaching delivery.

The Cambridge Growth Company and Development Corporation

In 2024 the government established the Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) as a subsidiary of Homes England.

Its purpose is to remove barriers to growth and accelerate delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure across Greater Cambridge. The government has committed up to £400 million to support this work.

In February 2026 the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government launched a consultation on establishing a centrally led development corporation for Greater Cambridge.

This body would have powers to assemble land, approve major development and attract private investment. It forms part of a £500 million investment in the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor.

Mill Yard, Mill Road

One of the most significant regeneration projects in the city centre is Mill Yard on Mill Road, a brownfield site developed by Railpen and Socius with a total value of £180 million.

The development includes 110,000 sq ft of office space, 70 build-to-rent apartments, residential railway cottages, a crèche and a community pavilion set around a 1.55-acre public park. Construction is now underway.

Cambridge Business Park

In November 2024 The Crown Estate announced outline plans to regenerate the Cambridge Business Park in north-east Cambridge.

The vision is to transform the 20 acre site into a mixed use innovation hub featuring laboratories, offices, homes, leisure space and a high street. Improved access to Cambridge North station is included in the proposals. Phased completion is anticipated by 2030.

Northstowe New Town

Northstowe, located just north of Cambridge, is one of the largest new settlements being built in the UK.

Built on the former RAF Oakington airfield, it is designed around sustainable living with schools, lakes, parklands and cycleways already in place. It is growing rapidly and provides an affordable entry point for buyers who want to stay within easy reach of Cambridge city centre.

Cambridge South East Transport (CSET)

The CGC has allocated £7.2 million to advance the Cambridge South East Transport project.

This will improve bus and active travel connections to the south of the city including access to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, one of the largest biomedical research and healthcare clusters in the world.

Schools and Colleges in Cambridge

Cambridge has an excellent reputation for education at every level. Below is a selection of well-regarded schools and colleges across the city.

• The Perse School - Hills Road, CB2 8QF
• Stephen Perse Foundation - Union Road, CB2 1HF
• Hills Road Sixth Form College - Hills Road, CB2 8PE
• Long Road Sixth Form College - Long Road, CB2 8PX
• Cambridge Regional College - Kings Hedges Road, CB4 2QT
• Impington Village College - New Road, Impington, CB24 9LX
• Chesterton Community College - Gilbert Road, CB4 3NY
• Parkside Community College - Parkside, CB1 1EH
• St Mary's School - Bateman Street, CB2 1LY
• University of Cambridge Primary School - Eddington Avenue, CB3 1SE

The University of Cambridge itself, founded in 1209, remains one of the top two universities in the world and is a major employer and economic driver for the city.

Popular areas to live in Cambridge

Cambridge offers a varied range of neighbourhoods each with a distinct character.

Newnham is one of the most prestigious postcodes in Cambridge. It sits to the south-west of the city centre and is popular with academics and professionals. Tree-lined streets and proximity to the river and University give it a calm and refined atmosphere.

Chesterton lies to the north of the city and has evolved into a popular choice for families and young professionals. It offers good schools and easy access to the city centre by bike or bus.

Cherry Hinton to the south-east is well connected and more affordable. It appeals to families and first-time buyers looking for good value within Cambridge.

Romsey and Coleridge sit to the south-east and are known for their community feel. Both are within cycling distance of the train station and offer a mix of property types at relatively accessible price points.

Eddington is Cambridge's newest district, built around the university's west Cambridge site. It is a purpose-built neighbourhood with high-quality architecture, a primary school and a growing retail and community offer. It attracts university staff and professionals seeking a modern lifestyle.

Darwin Green to the north-west is one of the city's most significant new residential communities. With a 15 acre central park, a sports pavilion, a library and a retail hub all planned or in development, it is fast becoming a popular choice for buyers who want the benefits of a new home in a well-connected location.

Sports teams in Cambridge

Cambridge has a proud sporting heritage and supports competitive teams across several disciplines.

• Cambridge United FC - League One football club based at the Abbey Stadium, Newmarket Road. One of the most supported clubs in the East of England.
• Cambridge City FC - Non-league football club with a long local history, based at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
• Cambridge Rugby Union Football Club - Playing in National League competition at Volac Park in Grantchester Road.
• Cambridge University AFC and CURUFC - The university's football and rugby teams take part in the famous Varsity Matches against Oxford and have strong student followings.
• Cambridge Cricket Club - One of the oldest cricket clubs in the county, playing at Fenner's Ground.

New build developments in Cambridge on newhomesforsale.co.uk

There are currently 22 new build developments listed in and around Cambridge on newhomesforsale.co.uk. Here are four worth exploring right now.

Darwin Green by Barratt Homes

Cambridge, CB3 0GX

Darwin Green is a well established new community just 1.6 miles from Cambridge city centre. Barratt Homes is offering a range of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments alongside 3 and 4 bedroom houses.

Residents benefit from a 15 acre Central Park, a sports pavilion and a retail hub on their doorstep. The development is connected to Cambridge city centre by a direct cycle route taking just 13 minutes. Viewings are by appointment.

Darwin Green by David Wilson Homes

Cambridge, CB3 0GX

Also within the Darwin Green masterplan, David Wilson Homes is offering 3 and 4 bedroom houses.

These larger homes are designed for families looking for space and quality within an established and growing community. Excellent road links via the A14 and M11 make commuting straightforward.

Franklin Gardens by Barratt Homes

Cambridge, CB3 0XX

Franklin Gardens offers a broad range of home types including 2 bedroom apartments through to 5 bedroom houses.

The development sits on the edge of Cambridge with cycle routes into the city centre and access to a 15 acre park, a library and retail facilities. It is open seven days a week for viewings.

L&Q at Darwin Green (Shared Ownership)

Cambridge, CB3 0YJ

For buyers looking to get onto the property ladder in Cambridge, L&Q is offering Shared Ownership homes at Darwin Green with shares starting from 25%.

All homes are ready to move into now and are covered by an NHBC warranty. A new release of 2 bedroom apartments and 2 and 3 bedroom houses has just launched.

To view the full range of new build homes currently available in Cambridge visit our Cambridge location page.