Cambridge aims to retrofit homes to cut emissions, improve housing quality, and address inequality through coordinated policies and funding.
Cambridge’s Housing Market Faces Challenges Amid Growth
Cambridge is home to a leading university, tech firms, and start-ups. The city is known for innovation and growth, with an economy that outpaces the UK.
The job market has grown, leading to a population increase of over 17% in ten years. However, housing supply has not kept up. The average house costs 16 times the median salary. Nearly a third of households rent in an expensive private sector. The average house price in Cambridge is almost double the national average, but the energy efficiency of homes is low, with an average EPC rating at the low end of C.
There is a 10-year gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest neighborhoods. Fuel poverty rates are also higher than the national average.
Need for Sustainable Housing Solutions
This situation is not sustainable. The housing stock contributes almost a third of the city’s carbon emissions. Retrofitting homes with insulation and energy-saving technology can improve energy efficiency and make homes healthier and more resilient to extreme weather.
Now is a critical time for change. The government plans to increase funding for local authorities under the Warm Homes Plan. This aligns with the Renters’ Rights Act, which aims to improve housing quality and may raise energy efficiency standards to EPC ‘C’ by 2030. With 31% of Cambridge households in the private rented sector and 23% in social housing, a proactive strategy could improve living standards for many residents.
City Council’s Efforts and Future Plans
The city council is making progress within funding and policy limits. It is one of the first councils to have a net zero strategy and a carbon management plan. The council has worked on decarbonizing housing stock and has initiated programs like Solar Together and Action on Energy.
The council plans to publish an updated climate change strategy in March 2026. To enhance retrofitting efforts, the council commissioned the Better Homes report to analyze local needs and identify ways to drive change. Coordinated policies are needed to move beyond fragmented initiatives.
Key Areas for Improvement
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Retrofit Strategy | A unified strategy for the area, needing support from local stakeholders. |
| Accessible Finance | Support for residents to navigate government grants and private finance. |
| Skilled Workforce | Training for 230,000 more people in retrofit skills is needed. |
| Public Engagement | Raising awareness and collaborating with stakeholders is essential. |
Cambridge is at a crossroads. It can either continue with uneven growth or build a resilient future. Retrofitting homes can address climate issues, ease living costs, and ensure healthier housing for all residents. The city council plays a role in guiding this process, and everyone must engage and advocate for necessary changes.
