Oxford property market news
June 2010
Whilst we have seen stock levels increasing and further media predictions of a downturn across all sectors, Oxford and the county as a whole seems to be remarkably resilient, with premium prices still being achieved for the best of their kind.
Whilst stock levels have increased, there is still an imbalance of demand versus supply with more buyers than houses. Viewings are steadily increasing throughout the year, as are the registration of new buyers. The majority of these buyers are Londoners searching for a lifestyle move and/or perhaps a second home.
Low interest rates and the reputation of the excellent schools continue to attract a wide audience.
In the City itself, the best houses in the best roads are keenly fought over, with records being made at over £1,000 per square foot.
A house in walking distance of the Dragon and/or Summer Fields preparatory school in Summertown are the most keenly sought after.
The surrounding countryside leading from Thameside villages in the south of Oxford, to the Cotswolds, are also still highly in demand attracting local buyers, Londoners and also a growing phenomena of Oxford vendors, looking for weekend houses outside the city.
Houses for sale
At the top of the list are the houses within the Cotswolds, within commuting distance of Charlbury railway station, the Wychwoods & villages around Kingham railway station & the famous Dalesford “farmshop”.
To the south of the City lies the premium commuting villages, around Wallingford, with a fast commute to London Paddington from Didcot. Within the south also lie the very pretty Thames side villages.
To the north east, the hot spots still seem to surround the top schools, with Swanbourne and Winchester House top of the list. The expanding economy of Milton Keynes and the pretty villages in the Claydons, together with the lure of the non fee paying grammar school system, all make for a sought after part of our region.