Cambridgeshire Property Market Update – February 2026

Buyers Are Back, Confidence Is Building, and Local Advice Matters More Than Ever

As we move into February 2026, the local property market across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and the Fens is showing clear signs of renewed confidence. After a busy January, one thing is clear: buyers are back, interest is strong, and activity is building across both sales and rentals.

National headlines may grab attention, but as ever, the real story is in the local detail.

National Headlines vs Local Reality

Recent data from Rightmove made waves, reporting a 2.8% rise in national asking prices in January – the largest increase seen in over a decade. On the surface, that suggests a rapidly rising market and confident sellers.

However, locally we’re seeing something more nuanced… and arguably healthier.

While some sellers are testing the market with ambitious asking prices, our region remains price-sensitive, with buyers well-informed and willing to walk away if values don’t stack up. Stock levels rose sharply in January, which is typical for the start of the year, giving buyers more choice and more negotiating power.

That balance has shaped the market we’re seeing on the ground.

Buyers Are Back and They’re Serious

One of the most encouraging signs from January is the return of motivated buyers. Viewings are up, interest levels are strong, and agreed sales have exceeded expectations for the time of year.

Several factors are driving this:

• The budget uncertainty is behind us
• Interest rates have eased, improving affordability
• Confidence has returned after a cautious end to last year

Crucially, this isn’t just browsing. Buyers are engaging, making offers, and moving forward when pricing is realistic.

Pricing Still Matters. Perhaps More Than Ever.

Despite national data pointing to rising asking prices, pricing accuracy remains critical locally.

We’ve seen a noticeable number of price reductions where initial expectations haven’t matched market feedback. That doesn’t signal a weak market but quite the opposite. It shows a market that is active, responsive, and honest.

Homes that are priced correctly from day one are:

• Generating strong interest
• Achieving viewings quickly
• Progressing to sale without delay

Where properties struggle, the reason is almost always price and not demand.

A Strong Start to the Year for Sales

January delivered a surprisingly strong number of agreed sales, and that momentum has continued into February. This reinforces what many suspected: there was pent-up demand waiting for the right conditions.

For sellers considering waiting until spring, it’s worth noting that:

• Buyer activity is already high
• Competition between sellers is increasing
• Well-priced homes are moving now, not later

In many cases, acting sooner rather than later could be the smarter move.

What About the Rental Market?

After a slower Christmas and early January period, the rental market has rebounded quickly.

Stock levels have fallen again as properties have been let, and we’re seeing:

• Increased competition between tenants
• Strong interest levels
• Good rental values being achieved

This return to “normal” is largely seasonal. Tenants rarely give notice before Christmas, and landlords often wait until the new year to market properties. That pause has now passed.

Will Rents Rise in 2026?

Looking ahead, there is a strong case for continued upward pressure on rents this year.

Several factors are at play:

• Ongoing supply and demand imbalance
• Increased compliance and legislative costs for landlords
• Budget changes affecting landlord taxation
• The impact of the Renters Reform Bill

While these pressures are challenging for landlords, the reality is that increased costs often filter through into rents, particularly where demand remains high.

A Market That Rewards Good Advice

This is not a “one-size-fits-all” market.

Whether selling, buying, renting or letting, success in 2026 will come down to:

• Clear motivations
• Realistic pricing
• Timing that fits your personal circumstances

Some clients prioritise achieving the highest possible price. Others value speed, certainty, or aligning multiple moves. Often, it’s a balance of all three.

The same applies to rentals; whether the goal is maximising income or securing reliable tenants quickly.

The Bottom Line

The local property market is active, optimistic and moving, but it remains sensitive to pricing and strategy.

• Buyers are back and engaged
• Sellers who price realistically are being rewarded
• Rental demand remains strong
• Expert local advice has never been more important

If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026 (whether now or later in the year) the best first step is a conversation. Understanding your options early could help you take advantage of the momentum already building in the market.

To watch the video of our monthly market update please visit here.