1. Home to the First Steam-Powered Train: Cambridge was the site of the first steam-powered train in the world, built by the engineer William Henry Barlow in 1845. This train was used for the railway between Cambridge and the nearby town of Ely. 2. Historic Botanical Gardens: The University of Cambridge boasts a beautiful and expansive botanical garden that spans 40 acres. Established in 1762, it is home to over 8,000 plant species from around the world, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers. 3. The Cambridge Union Society: Founded in 1815, the Cambridge Union is one of the oldest debating societies in the world. It hosts numerous high-profile speakers and events, providing a platform for lively discussions and debates on various topics, often featuring prominent politicians, academics, and public figures.
The housing market in Cambridge, UK, is characterized by high demand and rising prices. As of November 2024, the average house price in Cambridge was £503,000 (approximately €587,000), representing a 4.8% increase from the previous year. This is significantly higher than the average price in the East of England (£340,000 or €397,000) and Great Britain (£292,000 or €341,000). The city has experienced growth in its housing stock, with 56,411 homes as of 2021, up from 43,445 in 2001. However, the demand for housing continues to outstrip supply, leading to high prices and rents. The private rental sector plays a significant role in Cambridge's housing market. The average monthly rent in December 2024 was £1,747 (€2,040), a 9% increase from the previous year. This is higher than the average for the East of England (£1,203 or €1,405) and Great Britain (£1,327 or €1,550). Social housing, primarily provided by the Cambridge City Council, accounts for a notable portion of the housing stock. As of April 2022, there were 7,155 council homes in the city, with an increase of 52 homes over the previous year. While specific figures for the ownership-to-rental ratio and price per square meter are not provided in the given data, the high prices and strong rental market suggest a competitive housing environment in Cambridge.
The Cambridge City Council is actively addressing the housing crisis through several initiatives. The city aims to deliver 40% affordable housing in new developments over a certain size. They have an ambitious 10-year development program to provide environmentally friendly council homes by 2032, building on their previous successful 500 homes program. The council's Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document outlines objectives for delivering affordable housing, ensuring it meets housing needs and contributes to sustainable, inclusive communities. They are also working on a draft Affordable Housing SPD to support policy implementation. Concrete activities include: 1. Cambridge Investment Partnership: A collaboration to increase affordable housing supply and address losses from Right to Buy. 2. Sustainable Housing Design Guide: Sets key principles for building new homes and developing land. 3. Housing Development Agency: Leads the council's housing development work. 4. Accessibility standards: 100% of new council homes must be accessible and adaptable, with 5% wheelchair-user dwellings. 5. Greening of Affordable Housing: Incorporates sustainable building practices and green design in affordable housing projects. 6. Collaboration with other entities: Working with Anglian Water, Land Securities PLC, and Homes England to unlock development in Northeast Cambridge. The city is also exploring innovative solutions like mixed-income housing, utilizing pre-existing structures, and improving public transportation to address housing affordability.