Leading regional property experts Cheffins have released their latest Datapoint report, offering a detailed analysis of the Cambridge commercial property market over the last year. Drawing on their deep local knowledge and transactional insight across the region, the report highlights a year of cautious recovery, with improving confidence across the office, laboratory, and industrial sectors.
While economic uncertainty has continued to influence occupier behaviour, Cheffins’ on-the-ground expertise points to a market that is beginning to regain momentum—particularly for high-quality, well-located space.
Laboratories: Challenging Conditions, But Early Momentum
Cheffins report that the life sciences sector remained under pressure in 2025, with take-up totalling 78,300 sq ft, reflecting funding constraints and a continued focus on conserving capital.
However, their data shows encouraging signs:
- A notable increase in deal volumes compared to 2024
- Activity strengthening towards the end of the year
- Demand driven by early-stage, innovation-led businesses
Supply has risen significantly to around 550,000 sq ft—double the previous year—creating both opportunity and increased competition across the market.
Offices: Stabilisation and Gradual Recovery
According to Cheffins, the Cambridge office market showed clear signs of stabilisation, with approximately 360,000 sq ft transacted across 56 deals—an improvement on 2024 levels.
Key trends identified include:
- Strong demand for Grade A space, particularly in out-of-town and campus locations
- A steady flow of smaller deals underpinning overall activity
- Increasing polarisation between prime and secondary stock
Prime rents remain robust at around £65 per sq ft in the city centre, while secondary space continues to lag—highlighting occupiers’ focus on quality, efficiency, and flexibility.
Industrial: Resilient but Cooling
Cheffins’ analysis shows industrial take-up at 243,000 sq ft in 2025, down on the previous year, with fewer large-scale transactions completing.
Despite this, the report highlights several positive indicators:
- A strong pipeline of space currently under offer heading into 2026
- Continued investor demand for freehold opportunities
- Consistent occupier demand for well-specified Grade B space
The evolving mid-tech sector also continues to play an important role in Cambridge’s industrial landscape.
Outlook for 2026: Cautious Optimism
Cheffins’ outlook for the year ahead is one of measured optimism.
Their report reinforces that Cambridge’s fundamentals remain exceptionally strong, underpinned by its global reputation for innovation, science, and technology.
As confidence gradually returns and occupiers re-engage with the market, 2026 is expected to see continued improvement—particularly where the right balance of quality, flexibility, and pricing is achieved.
📄 Read the full Cheffins Datapoint report here: Cheffins Datapoint