Who rents in Haverhill?
NHS staff commuting to Cambridge make up a significant part of the Haverhill tenant base, and that’s changed the shape of the market over the past few years. Where the typical tenant used to be younger and often a prospective first-time buyer, Cheffins’ lettings team is now seeing more people who work at Addenbrooke’s, including a growing number arriving from overseas to take up NHS roles. This group typically looks for two or three-bedroom properties with good bus links to Cambridge and somewhere to park.
Families with one or two children make up the rest of the picture, drawn by the same value-for-money case that brings buyers to Haverhill in the first place.
Why Haverhill works for landlords
Who you’d be letting to
Haverhill’s tenants are more concentrated around one type than in most nearby towns, and that’s an advantage for landlords rather than a risk. NHS staff on Cambridge contracts are a consistent, growing group, including a rising number arriving from overseas to take up roles at Addenbrooke’s. Families renting between purchases or while saving for a deposit make up another group of renters, meaning there’s always a reliable pool of demand that’s easy to let to consistently.
Where landlords are buying
Landlords buying in Haverhill typically choose between two clear options. Franklyn Way and the wider Arboretum development are well-specified and positioned for the Addenbrooke’s commute, which means they command the top rents in town and let quickly. For better yield on a lower purchase price, the Chimswell Estate offers similarly sized properties for less, without moving away from the same side of town that tenants want.
Three-bedroom ex-local-authority houses are a strong choice for landlords looking at value. They offer excellent space for the price, and our lettings team describes them as offering good returns for landlords. Two-up-two-down modern starter homes are the other strong option, particularly for landlords wanting lower-maintenance properties.
A note on the current investment landscape
Rental legislation changes over the past two to three years have deterred some investment purchases in Haverhill, and both our sales and lettings teams have seen a slowdown in landlords buying compared with a few years ago. For landlords who stay active in the market, that means less competition when a good property comes up, at a time when tenant demand, particularly from NHS and Addenbrooke’s staff, remains strong.
Separately, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has changed the practical requirements for all landlords, regardless of when they bought. Our Renters’ Rights Act hub covers what you need to know to stay compliant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Haverhill?
The average rent across Cheffins’ active rentals in Haverhill is £1,200 per calendar month. This ranges from £903 for a two-bedroom house to £2,037 for a four-bedroom house, with two-bedroom flats at £981 and three-bedroom houses at £1,287.
How quickly do rental properties let in Haverhill?
New instructions typically go from listing to let agreed in 14 to 21 days. It’s the properties with strong bus links to Cambridge and off-street parking that tend to let fastest, reflecting what most Haverhill tenants are searching for.
Are rents rising or falling in Haverhill?
Rents have grown by more than 20% since 2022, from £993 to £1,200 today. Growth has continued over the past 12 months too, though more slowly than before. This slowdown is likely because mortgage accessibility has allowed some tenants to buy rather than rent.
Where are the best areas to invest in buy-to-let in Haverhill?
Franklyn Way and the wider Arboretum development, including Fleming Way and Rutherford Place, are the premium choice, particularly for the direct bus route to Addenbrooke’s. The Chimswell Estate offers similar-sized properties at a better price for landlords who are prioritising yield, and three-bedroom ex-local-authority houses across the town are consistently good performers if you’re a value-focused investor.
Who rents in Haverhill?
NHS staff commuting to Cambridge, including a growing number of overseas arrivals working at Addenbrooke’s, make up a significant part of the tenant base. And it’s families with one or two children that make up much of the rest. This second group is drawn by the same affordability that brings buyers to Haverhill.