Cambridgeshire Property Market Update – April 2026

Strong Sales, Rising Stock & What It Means for You

As we move into April and enjoy the first signs of Spring, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been a very active March in the property market and to look ahead at what this means for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.

At Ellis Winters, we’ve seen strong momentum build throughout March, and encouragingly, that activity has continued into the early weeks of April.

A Strong Start to the Spring Market

Spring is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for the property market, and this year is proving no different.

March delivered a high number of agreed sales, aligning with what we would typically hope to see as we enter the spring selling season. While there has been some wider economic uncertainty (particularly around mortgage rates) this hasn’t dampened activity in the way some may have expected.

Instead, buyers are motivated, sellers are entering the market, and overall transaction levels are strong.

National Trends: More Activity, More Competition

Looking at national data, the picture becomes even clearer.

Sales agreed across the UK rose by an impressive 40% compared to February, highlighting a significant jump in activity month-on-month. However, alongside this surge in demand, there has also been a notable increase in supply.

Stock levels are currently at their highest point for this time of year in 11 years.

What does this mean in practice?

Quite simply, buyers now have more choice… and that naturally creates more competition between sellers.

This is reflected in another key statistic: price reductions are up by 44%. Sellers are having to adjust expectations and respond to market conditions in order to attract interest.

The Local Picture: Strong Performance and Market Share

While national trends are important, the local market tells an even more compelling story.

Across Chatteris, St Ives and the surrounding villages, Ellis Winters agreed approximately 25% of all property sales during March.

This is a strong indication of both demand in the area and the effectiveness of a proactive, well-informed estate agency approach.

Across all offices, we’ve seen consistent performance and a high level of buyer engagement; reinforcing that the local market remains healthy and active.

Pricing Is More Important Than Ever

With increased stock levels comes increased competition.

For sellers, this means that pricing strategy is absolutely critical.

Gone are the days where simply listing a property would guarantee immediate interest. Buyers are now comparing multiple options, assessing value more carefully, and making decisions based on both price and presentation.

This doesn’t mean properties aren’t selling… far from it. But it does mean that getting the price right from the outset is key to achieving a timely and successful sale.

Should You Move Now?

One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether now is a good time to move.

Based on current conditions, the answer is yes.

The market is active, buyer demand is strong, and seasonal factors (such as longer days and better weather) are helping properties show at their best.

If you are considering selling, this is an ideal window to take advantage of motivated buyers and increased market activity.

Delaying could mean facing even more competition later in the year, particularly if stock levels remain high.

Mortgage Rates: A Period of Adjustment

Mortgage rates have been a key topic of conversation over recent months.

Compared to earlier in the year, rates have increased slightly. This is largely due to lenders reacting to the Bank of England’s decision not to reduce the base rate as some had anticipated.

Previously, many lenders had priced their products assuming a rate cut would come. When that didn’t happen, adjustments were made.

The good news is that we are now seeing signs of stabilisation.

While rates are higher than some borrowers would like, they are no longer fluctuating as dramatically, which brings a degree of certainty back into the market.

Rental Market: A Return to Normality

The rental market is also showing signs of change… but in a positive and more balanced way.

Tenants now have more choice, which is a shift from the highly competitive conditions seen over the past few years.

As a result, properties are taking slightly longer to let. Where landlords may previously have secured a tenant within 3–4 days, it is now more typical to see a timeframe of a couple of weeks.

Importantly, this is still a relatively quick turnaround in historical terms.

For landlords, the key takeaway is similar to the sales market: pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Standing out in a competitive market is essential to securing the right tenant promptly.

Monthly Summary…

The property market this Spring is active, competitive, and full of opportunity.

Buyers benefit from increased choice, sellers can take advantage of strong demand, and landlords are operating in a more balanced, sustainable environment.

The key across all areas is strategy… particularly around pricing and presentation.

If you’re thinking about making a move, selling, or letting your property, speaking to a local expert can make all the difference. Our team at Ellis Winters are always on hand to provide tailored advice, whether that’s an initial valuation, market insight, or guidance on next steps.

Spring is here and the market is moving.

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