Latest Rent to Home tenant looks to the future in Cambridge

When 'Lei' moved into one of our refurbished properties last month, buying a first home shifted from a distant goal into an active plan. 

'Lei' is the latest tenant to join our unique Rent to Home initiative, having moved into one of our Great Shelford properties. 

The award-winning scheme - the first of its kind in the UK - enables renters to reclaim up to 70 per cent of the rent they pay to use as a deposit when they are ready to buy their first home. 

Like many aspiring buyers, 'Lei' faced the combined pressure of high regional house prices and the challenge of building a substantial deposit while paying monthly rent. Rent to Home has provided a practical stepping stone: a quality rental home to enjoy today, alongside a built-in mechanism to save for tomorrow. 

‘Lei’ said:  

“Before Rent to Home, I was in limbo, wondering whether I’d be able to buy in the area or whether I’d need to look elsewhere. It would have taken me a lot longer to save a substantial deposit, but this scheme gives me the opportunity to stay here and start thinking about my future in the area. 

“When I found out I’d been successful, I thought, ‘hang on a second, is this really true?’ I love the flat, particularly the light and the location, and it’s given me the chance to put down roots and see Cambridge as a place for my long-term future. 

“I’d encourage anyone thinking about applying to just go for it. I honestly thought something like this would never happen to me, but it has. It’s an amazing scheme.” 

Applications for our next Rent to Home property in Longstanton close on Monday 2 November 2026. Visit our Rent to Home page for more information and to apply.

The three-storey townhouse on Mitchcroft Road features three bedrooms, a flexible study or fourth bedroom, a family bathroom, en-suite, fitted kitchen, enclosed rear garden and two allocated parking spaces. Located six miles from Cambridge, it benefits from transport links via the Guided Busway, A14, M11 and A1. 

Peter Burrows, Chief Executive at The Cambridge, said: 

“Lei’s experience in Great Shelford is a great example of what we want Rent to Home to achieve: giving people who might otherwise struggle to save a deposit the opportunity to put down roots in the area they call home. It’s fantastic to hear that the scheme has given her greater confidence to plan for her future in Cambridge. 

“We know that saving for a deposit while paying rent and everyday household costs remains a significant challenge for many aspiring first-time buyers. With our next property in Longstanton, we’re looking forward to giving another household the same opportunity to take a step towards homeownership.” 

Nine tenants across six Cambridge-rented properties are currently on track to benefit from the scheme, with more than £201,000 in rent projected to be returned in coming years to help fund first-time buyers’ deposits.  

To date, ten previous Rent to Home tenants have successfully purchased their own homes, collectively reclaiming £169,290 to support their move onto the property ladder. 

For questions, or to register your interest, visit our Rent to Home page, email makingthedifference@cambridgebs.co.uk or call 0345 601 3344.