The Great Garden Grab: Why West Cambridgeshire Detached Homes are Flexing Their Muscles — November 2026
If you've been following the CB23 market lately, you'll know it's not moving as one. Detached houses, semis, terraces and flats are all on different paths, and right now in West Cambridgeshire, it's the detached homes pulling ahead.
I'll stick my neck out: despite the headlines about a "stuck" economy, I think the gap between flats and larger family homes in villages like Papworth Everard and Croxton will widen further over the next year. It sounds backwards, but the more expensive homes are the ones holding up best.
The Big Picture: Why is this happening?
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 3.75%. That's lower than it was, but borrowing is still a stretch for first-time buyers. Anyone looking at a flat or starter home in Knapwell is having to watch every pound.
Inflation is at 3.6% and wages are growing at 3.1%. With prices rising faster than pay, buyers are being selective. They're not just after somewhere to live; they want a home they'll stay in for the long term.
What's the price on the tag?
Here's what sellers in CB23 are asking this November:
- Detached House: £602,593
- Semi-Detached House: £401,313
- Terraced House: £337,133
- Flat: £206,750
The step from a terrace to a semi is around £64,000. The bigger story is the gap between a flat and a detached house — nearly £400,000. That's more than the price of a terraced house on top.
The 7-Year Winning Streak
Compare today with 2019 and the picture is clear:
- A detached house bought 7 years ago is worth £104,188 more today.
- A flat bought then is worth £22,034 more.
£22,000 is still a decent gain, but it's well behind the family homes. Since the pandemic, buyers have put gardens and home offices near the top of their lists, and in places like Yelling, space is what people are paying for.
What this means for you
If you own a detached home: You're in a strong position. Supply is limited compared with demand, so values should hold up well even if the wider market stays quiet.
If you're a first-time buyer: It's not easy, but flats in CB23 are currently the value option. They haven't risen as fast as larger homes, so they're more affordable relative to earnings — a realistic way to stop renting and get on the ladder.
If you own a flat and want to move up: The next step is getting more expensive, which is frustrating. But with mortgage approvals at 53,400 a month nationally, lenders are still keen on buyers with a good record.
Looking Ahead
Over the next 12 months, I expect terraced houses to be the ones to watch. They're the middle ground for buyers who can't stretch to a detached home but still want a garden.
The West Cambridgeshire market is resilient, but it's moving at two speeds right now. Whether you're in a flat or a large family home, it pays to know where your property sits — and what your options are.