What Are The Most Affordable Places to Live in Cambridge?

The average property price in Cambridge currently sits at around £547,101, based on figures from Rightmove as of 13th January 2026.

While prices in central Cambridge remain some of the highest outside London, a number of surrounding areas offer more affordable entry points without sacrificing access to the city or quality of homes.

These nearby towns and villages have become a common focus for first-time buyers in Cambridge who are open to widening their search without leaving the region entirely.

Each area below offers something different in terms of property type, deposit requirement, and how lenders might assess homes for mortgage suitability.

We’ve outlined seven locations where property prices fall well below the city average and where affordability remains more achievable.

1. Haverhill

Property Prices in Haverhill

Haverhill properties are averaging around £282,467, placing them significantly below the Cambridge average and making the town one of the most accessible options for buyers looking to stay within range of the city.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit here would be approximately £14,124, rising to £28,247 at 10%, and £42,370 at 15%.

Types of Homes You’ll Find

Haverhill is made up of traditional terraces, post-war semis and newer family developments, offering a decent mix of size and layout.

Some of the more affordable properties sit on estates developed in the 1960s and 70s, with newer options on the outskirts commanding higher asking prices.

While condition is generally sound, homes at the lower end of the market may need cosmetic updates, which could influence lender appetite depending on the scope of work required.

Thinking About Buying in Haverhill? 

We’ll help you work out how lenders typically approach homes in Haverhill and whether your deposit gives you access to the wider pool of options available across the town.

2. Ely

Property Prices in Ely

Ely is averaging around £361,432, positioning it closer to mid-range for this list but still far below the Cambridge average.

The area is a strong choice for buyers looking for a mix of character and modern housing.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit works out at around £18,072, increasing to £36,143 for 10%, and £54,215 for 15%.

Type of Homes You’ll Find 

The housing market includes Georgian terraces, period cottages, and more modern semis and townhouses.

Buyers often find decent value in well-kept family homes with off-road parking and gardens.

Some newer estates include shared ownership schemes or leasehold elements, which may need checking as part of the mortgage process.

Most homes here are suitable for standard lending, though the age of the property and leasehold status may affect lender choice in some cases.

Thinking About Buying in Ely? 

We can support you in identifying how property type, tenure and age could influence your mortgage options when buying in Ely.

3. Papworth Everard

Property Prices in Papworth Everard

With an average price of £372,788, Papworth Everard continues to attract buyers who want to stay in a well-connected village setting without reaching Cambridge prices.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit would total £18,640, while 10% is £37,279, and 15% would mean saving £55,918.

Type of Homes You’ll Find 

The village offers a blend of modern builds and family-sized semis, with many properties built post-2000. Layouts tend to be practical, and most homes are freehold.

Energy performance ratings are often strong due to newer construction, and condition is rarely a concern for lenders.

A small number of homes may be leasehold, particularly flats, so it’s worth checking the terms early on.

Properties here are usually straightforward from a mortgage perspective, though affordability may still limit access depending on deposit size.

Thinking About Buying in Papworth Everard?

We’ll help you assess whether newer-build homes in Papworth Everard fall within your borrowing range and what lenders typically look for in similar developments.

4. Longstanton

Property Prices in Longstanton

Average house prices in Longstanton sit at around £384,912, making it one of the higher-priced areas on this list but still far more affordable than Cambridge itself.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit would come to £19,246, increasing to £38,491 for 10%, and £57,737 for 15%.

Type of Homes You’ll find 

Homes here are largely made up of newer-build townhouses and family semis, often within planned estates.

These properties tend to come with off-street parking, good energy efficiency, and standard construction methods that most lenders are happy to support.

The area has seen growth in recent years, which means the condition of homes is usually very good, though prices can reflect this demand.

Thinking About Buying in Longstanton? 

We’ll show you how your deposit and income might match up against homes in Longstanton and explain which lenders are most flexible with newer-build pricing.

5. Swavesey

Property Prices in Swavesey

Swavesey properties are averaging around £418,581, making this one of the more expensive areas in the affordability list, though still well below central Cambridge levels.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit would be roughly £20,930, while 10% is £41,858, and 15% totals £62,787.

Type of Homes You’ll find 

Properties in Swavesey lean towards detached homes and larger semis, many with gardens and multiple bedrooms.

Homes are typically well maintained, and some may be individually built, meaning layouts or construction methods could vary slightly.

These variations may require extra checks during the mortgage process, but most homes are well within standard criteria for major lenders.

Thinking About Buying in Swavesey? 

We’ll help you explore which properties in Swavesey are likely to fit your borrowing potential and explain how differences in build or layout might come into play.

6. Oakington

Property Prices in Oakington

The average home in Oakington is currently priced around £434,227, pushing this location closer to the top of the range but still below Cambridge’s main average.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit would be around £21,712, with 10% at £43,423, and 15% at £65,134.

Type of Homes You’ll find 

Homes in Oakington range from traditional cottages to updated detached houses and newer family builds.

There’s often strong competition for well-presented homes here, and that can raise prices above initial expectations.

Most properties are freehold and considered suitable by lenders, though condition and previous renovations can influence the terms offered.

Buyers looking for good internal space and outdoor areas often find value here, even with the higher price point.

Thinking About Buying in Oakington?

We’ll walk you through how lenders may assess property features or pricing in areas like Oakington and help you explore what your deposit can unlock.

7. Arbury Road, Cambridge

Property Prices on Arbury Road

Sitting closest to Cambridge in both location and pricing, Arbury Road averages around £439,000. It’s a popular target for buyers who want to stay within city limits but avoid the steepest areas of the market.

What Will a Deposit Look Like? 

A 5% deposit works out at approximately £21,950, increasing to £43,900 for 10%, and £65,850 for 15%.

Type of Homes You’ll find 

Properties include traditional bay-fronted terraces, 1930s semis and compact flats.

While many homes have been modernised, some retain original layouts or need upgrades, which can affect affordability depending on lender criteria.

Flats may be leasehold, so it’s important to factor in ground rent, service charges and lease length during your mortgage application.

Despite higher prices, the area remains popular for first-time buyers who want direct access to Cambridge without heading into the premium postcodes.

Thinking About Buying on Arbury Road? 

We’ll help you evaluate how lenders approach city-based properties and what kind of deposit gives you flexibility in a competitive location like this.

Looking Beyond the Averages

Even with Cambridge’s average house price sitting above £540,000, the wider region offers plenty of potential for buyers who are open to nearby areas.

With the right deposit and a clear understanding of what lenders expect, you may find more options than you first assumed.

Each of the locations listed above has its own property styles and mortgage considerations.

Some homes may be newly built or leasehold, others might need work. These differences matter when it comes to borrowing.

As a mortgage broker in Cambridge, we help buyers understand where their budget fits and what steps to take to improve their affordability in and around the city.

Date Last Edited: January 13, 2026