Sold STC Detached

38 MERLIN DRIVE

ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE CB6 3EE

3 beds 1 baths 840 sq ft Listed 17 May 2023 (-1104d)

£385,000

Guide Price

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Front 1.JPG Living room 1.JPG Living Room 2.JPG Kitchen 1.JPG Kitchen 2.JPG Conservatory 2.JPG Conservatory.JPG Bed 1.JPG Bathrom main.JPG Bed 2.JPG Bed 3.JPG Rear House.JPG Rear House 2.JPG Garden 1.JPG

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Property details

Tenure

FREEHOLD

Floor area

78 m²

Council tax band

C

EPC rating

D

Year built

England and Wales: 1967-1975

Last sold

£385,000 Nov 2023

Price per m²

£4,936/m²

Local average

£456,461 (-15.7%)

Deprivation

Decile 10 (30,855 of 33,755)

Street crime

127 incidents within 1 mile (Mar 2026)

Key features

  • Entrance Hall & Cloakroom
  • Dual Aspect Living Room
  • Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room
  • Conservatory
  • Three Bedrooms
  • Family Bathroom
  • Garage & Driveway Parking
  • Front Garden & Enclosed Rear Garden
  • No Upward Chain

Additional details

Heating
Gas, Gas central
Parking
Garage, Driveway
Garden
Front garden, Rear garden

Description

A superbly presented three bedroom detached property which lies within an enviable near central cul-de-sac position with views towards Ely Cathedral and close to a wide range of facilities.

ELY

Home to a world famous 900 year old Cathedral, the historic city of ELY lies on the river Great Ouse probably no more than 15 miles from the City of Cambridge. There are a very good range of shopping facilities within the centre itself including a market which takes place on both Thursdays and Saturdays. A comprehensive range of local schooling is available. The area boasts a number of sporting facilities including an 18 hole golf course, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and squash club whilst socially there are an excellent variety of pubs and restaurants, including the new Ely Leisure Village anchored by a 6 screen Cineworld with family restaurants and takeaways. The A10 links the two cities from which links to the A14 and M11 provide routes to London (70 miles) and the rest of the country. From Ely's mainline rail station Cambridge can be reached in approximately 17 minutes with London beyond (Kings Cross / Liverpool Street) which can be accessed within 1 hour 15 minutes.

ENTRANCE HALL

Entrance door with double glazed insets, staircase rising to first floor, two radiators (one upright), door through to:-

CLOAKROOM

with double glazed window to front. Suite in white comprising WC and wash hand basin with tiled surrounds.

DUAL ASPECT LIVING ROOM
4.85 m x 3.40 m (15'11" x 11'2")

(3.85m maximum) with double glazed bow window to front, French door with windows either side to the rear garden, feature fireplace, two radiators.

KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
4.84 m x 2.82 m (15'11" x 9'3")

(3.00m maximum) Triple aspect room with double glazed windows to front and rear and door with double glazed insets to side leading to the rear garden. Comprehensively fitted with a matching range of natural finish wall and base units with drawers, roll edge work surfaces over with metro style tiled splashbacks. Built-in cooking appliances include a double oven/grill in a stainless steel finish, a five ring gas hob with a glass and stainless steel extractor hood over. Further appliance spaces for a dishwasher, washing machine and upright fridge freezer (subject to measurements) and additional built-in microwave oven by Electrolux. Island with a breakfast bar and further appliance space below, upright radiator, wall mounted gas boiler serving the central heating and hot water systems.

CONSERVATORY
3.30 m x 3.17 m (10'10" x 10'5")

Of brick and double glazed construction under a pitched polycarbonate roof with radiator, wood effect flooring and double French doors to the rear garden.

FIRST FLOOR LANDING

with double glazed window to rear, radiator and downlighters to ceiling.

BEDROOM ONE
3.51 m x 2.91 m (11'6" x 9'7")

plus door recess. Double glazed picture window to front, radiator, built-in double wardrobe.

BEDROOM TWO
2.86 m x 2.85 m (9'5" x 9'4")

plus door recess, with built-in wardrobe with sliding doors, radiator and double glazed window to front enjoying views towards Ely Cathedral.

BEDROOM THREE
2.95 m x 1.80 m (9'8" x 5'11")

with double glazed window to rear. Radiator.

BATHROOM

with double glazed window to rear. Modern fully tiled suite in white comprising panel enclosed bath with mixer tap and shower unit over, WC and vanity unit with inset wash hand basin. Radiator. extractor fan and downlighters to ceiling.

EXTERIOR

The property lies within a small spur consisting of just four detached house at the Upherds Lane end of Merlin Drive, therefore a lot closer to the City centre. It is set back from the road behind a front garden which is predominantly laid to lawn and half enclosed by a Laurel hedge, whilst adjacent to this is a driveway providing vehicle hardstanding which in turn leads to the GARAGE with up and over door, power, light and personal door to rear garden.
The rear garden consists of three distinct sections. From the Conservatory is a timber decked patio where there is gated access to the front, also a personal door to the garage. Adjacent to this is a paved patio and finally beyond this it is predominantly laid to lawn.

Listed by

Ely

Pocock & Shaw

Reference: 86139711

EPC Rating & Upgrade Cost

Current rating: D

Potential rating: C

Inspection date: 18/05/2023

Current heating cost: £1,335/year

Potential heating cost: £1,217/year

Est. upgrade cost to C: £14,500

Recommendations

  • Floor insulation (solid floor) (£4,000 - £6,000)
  • Solar water heating (£4,000 - £6,000)
  • Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWp (£3,500 - £5,500)

View full EPC on gov.uk

Flood risk

Zone: 1

Risk: Low

Job (default Low)

Floorplans

Floorplans

Floorplans

EPC Graphs

Energy performance certificate (EPC)   Find an ene

Energy performance certificate (EPC) Find an ene

EE

EE

FENSA Certificates

This property has 3 FENSA certificate(s) on record, indicating window/door installations by FENSA-approved installers.

FENSA Certificate #4441657

Property Details

Street: 38 Merlin Drive

Town: ELY

Postcode: CB6 3EE

Installation Details

Items: 9 windows and 3 doors

Certificate Issued: 05/02/2007

Work Completed: 01/09/2005

This certificate data was retrieved from FENSA's database

FENSA Certificate #16803258 Recent

Property Details

Street: 38 Merlin Drive

Town: ELY

Postcode: CB6 3EE

Installation Details

Items: 1 door

Certificate Issued: 18/05/2025

Work Completed: 11/09/2024

This certificate data was retrieved from FENSA's database

FENSA Certificate #16872326 Recent

Property Details

Street: 38 Merlin Drive

Town: ELY

Postcode: CB6 3EE

Installation Details

Items: 9 windows

Certificate Issued: 06/07/2025

Work Completed: 20/06/2025

This certificate data was retrieved from FENSA's database

What is FENSA? FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) is a government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. Certificates indicate that work was completed by FENSA-approved installers.

Price history

93% since 2009

Event Date Price % change
Sold 08/11/2023 (2 years ago) £385,000 +93.5%
Sold 12/11/2009 (16 years ago) £199,000

Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Crown copyright.

Sold Comparables

Same street and nearby sales within 0.25 miles (last 5 years). Data from Land Registry Price Paid.

Address Price Date Type
2 RAVENS COURT, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3ED £420,000 27/03/2025 Detached
Same street 49 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £475,000 01/11/2023 Semi-detached
Same street 32 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £335,000 30/08/2023 Semi-detached
71 DOWNHAM ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1BB £520,000 08/06/2023 Detached
77 BERESFORD ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3WA £532,000 28/04/2023 Detached
Same street 17 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £340,000 28/03/2023 Detached
90 DUNSTAN STREET, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3AQ £470,000 24/03/2023 Detached
Same street 28 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £405,750 17/03/2023 Terraced
18 ALTHORPE COURT, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3DH £345,000 05/12/2022 Detached
234 COLUMBINE ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3WP £375,000 04/10/2022 Detached
47 BERESFORD ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3WA £415,000 03/10/2022 Detached
34 ST ANDREWS WAY, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3DZ £407,000 26/09/2022 Detached
11 BERNARD STREET, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1AU £335,000 02/09/2022 Detached
10 CHIEFS STREET, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1AR £345,000 26/08/2022 Detached
91 DOWNHAM ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3DY £677,000 07/07/2022 Detached
34 DOWNHAM ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1BL £800,000 16/03/2022 Detached
89 DOWNHAM ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3DY £880,000 12/01/2022 Detached
162 WEST FEN ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3AD £345,000 22/12/2021 Detached
Same street 44 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £420,000 10/12/2021 Detached
Same street 25 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £330,000 12/11/2021 Detached
108 COLUMBINE ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3WN £530,000 24/09/2021 Detached
31 UPHERDS LANE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1BA £481,375 30/06/2021 Detached
51 WEST FEN ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1AN £600,000 30/06/2021 Detached
Same street 51 MERLIN DRIVE, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3EE £431,111 28/06/2021 Detached
59 DOWNHAM ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 1BB £775,000 21/06/2021 Detached
83 DOWNHAM ROAD, ELY, EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB6 3DY £435,000 11/06/2021 Detached

Street average: £390,980 (7 sales)

Area average: £509,862 (19 sales)

Capital growth trend

Land Registry outcode average: last 12 months vs 5y and 10y ago (from sold prices).

5y growth 27.9%
10y growth 41.4%

House Price Index (HM Land Registry — official index, not sold-price averages): East Cambridgeshire. Series: Detached. As of February 2026.

1y (index) 0.5%
5y (index) 18%
10y (index) 34.3%

Rental Range

Estimated market rent for East Cambridgeshire. Low = conservative, Realistic = average, Optimistic = best case.

Low £916/mo
Realistic £1,018/mo
Optimistic £1,120/mo

Based on Local Authority from postcode lookup → East Cambridgeshire.

Location

Nearby

Nearest stations, universities and amenities (distance from property).

Type Name Distance
Bus stop Wrens Close 0.0 miles
Shop Rowley Fine Art 0.3 miles
Shop One Stop 0.3 miles
Train station Ely 1.0 miles
Hospital Princess of Wales Hospital 1.1 miles
University Cambridge University Boathouse 1.4 miles
Train station Littleport 4.9 miles
Hospital Doddington Community Hospital 10.7 miles

Street-level crime

Category Count
Violence and sexual offences 41
Anti-social behaviour 33
Shoplifting 27
Criminal damage and arson 5
Public order 5
Other crime 4
Burglary 3
Vehicle crime 3
Drugs 2
Theft from the person 2
Other theft 1
Possession of weapons 1
Total incidents 127

Within 1 mile during Mar 2026. Source: data.police.uk (England & Wales).

Schools nearby

Nearest open schools with Ofsted ratings (England). Closed schools are not shown. Data from Get Information about Schools and Ofsted.

Name Type Distance Ofsted
Active Learning Trust Linc 19 - 25 Other 0.2 miles (No rating)
Highfield Ely Academy Other 0.2 miles Good — 7 Nov 2014
Ely College Secondary 0.3 miles Good — 8 Jul 2019
Lantern Community Primary School Primary 0.4 miles Good — 23 Jul 2014
King's Ely Other 0.5 miles (No rating)

Rental Comparables

Residential lets from OpenRent and Rightmove for the area (same bedroom count). Use to validate rent estimates. Student lets are excluded.

Title Rent Beds Distance As seen on
3 Bed End Terrace, West Fen Road, CB6 £1,495/mo 3 0.14 miles OpenRent
3 Bed Terraced House, St. Marys Street, CB7 £1,350/mo 3 0.37 miles OpenRent

Average rent: £1,423/mo (2 listings)

Rent-driven metrics

Based on OpenRent comparables.

Rent ratio 0.37%
Max investor price (0.8%) £177,875
Target investor price (1%) £142,300
Gross yield 4.4%
Cost-to-rent ratio 22.6×
Monthly cashflow £-260/mo 75% LTV, 3.95% APR (5yr fixed), 25yr term
Cash-on-cash ROI -2.8%
  • Rent ratio — Monthly rent ÷ purchase price (1% rule). 1%+ = strong, 0.8–1% = okay, <0.8% = weak for cashflow.
  • Max investor price — Rent ÷ 0.8%; the price at which rent would be 0.8% of price (Stoke-style target).
  • Target investor price — Rent ÷ 1%; the price at which rent would be 1% of price (strong cashflow band).
  • Gross yield — Annual rent as % of purchase price (no costs).
  • Cost-to-rent — Price ÷ annual rent (from OpenRent comparables). Under 14× = strong, 14–16× = acceptable, 17×+ = compressed.
  • Cashflow — Rent minus mortgage, 10% maintenance, £25/mo compliance. Assumes 75% LTV, 3.95% APR (5yr fixed), 25yr term.
  • ROI — Annual profit ÷ cash in (deposit + 4% purchase costs).