Spotlight On – OXFORD
Oxford is an established high value market attractive to both investors and owner occupiers. Amongst its many charms, access to top performing schools, strong local employment, as well as good commuter links into London and Birmingham make Oxford and the surrounding villages a very desirable place to live.
Oxford attracts a diverse group of residents including students and commuters. It is famously home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The city grew up around the university and the buildings that exist today boast some of the finest architecture in the country. With an abundance of green space, good schools, a thriving cultural scene and its close proximity to the stunning Cotswolds, it is fair to say that property prices err on the expensive side. Not only that but, there is also a shortage of available property to buy given the fact that Oxford is – despite its obvious grandeur – a small city of just over 150,000.
Punts at Magdalen Bridge
However, there is a buoyant rental market away from the city centre. The areas of Headington, Marston, Elsfield and the Cowley Road/Iffley Fields areas in the North and East of Oxford have a good choice of modern and traditional living at reasonable prices.
Elsewhere, North and West Oxford, Botley, Wytham and Summertown are more affluent suburban areas, dominated by Regency and Victorian housing. County Homesearch Director for Oxfordshire, Stephen Wolfenden also adds: “A hidden gem within walking distance of the centre is Jericho. Its prime location makes it a very desirable place to live and it is home to many independent art galleries, boutiques, delicatessens and restaurants including Raymond Blancs Petit Blanc.”
“There are very few cities in the UK that can offer such a variety of property, history, world class education, entertainment and leisure facilities in such a compact area. It’s no surprise then that rental property continues to be in such demand.”
Posted on the 26th January, 2012
