38 MERLIN DRIVE
ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE CB6 3EE
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
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)
Flood risk
Zone: 1
Risk: Low
Job (default Low)
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).
House Price Index (HM Land Registry — official index, not sold-price averages): East Cambridgeshire. Series: Detached. As of February 2026.
Rental Range
Estimated market rent for East Cambridgeshire. Low = conservative, Realistic = average, Optimistic = best case.
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 — 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).