Houses in Oxford | Expert advice for homebuyers
Are you searching for houses in Oxford? With several diverse and appealing areas to choose from, you may need a little help deciding where to look.
Oxford’s exceptional schools and universities, vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, and extensive parks, make it a very popular city for homebuyers.
Its strategic location in central southern England means convenient transport links to London, Birmingham, and nearby airports.
Whether you are looking for somewhere with a cosmopolitan feel or a family-friendly atmosphere, Oxford will deliver.
Where to buy a house in Oxford
There are several areas in Oxford that stand out for their unique appeal. Many of these centre around their own high streets giving them their own individual feel.
Banbury Road and South Parade in Summertown, Walton Street in Jericho, Cowley Road in Cowley, and London Road in Headington are all examples of this.
Jericho
Jericho is popular for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and proximity to the city centre. From the late 18th to the mid-20th century, Jericho was an industrial area that had grown up alongside the Oxford Canal.
Property styles range from late Georgian and Victorian ‘two-up, two-down’ terraced workers’ cottages to modern apartment buildings by the canal, built on the site of the former Eagle Ironworks.
Jericho offers a vibrant community with independent shops, an arthouse cinema, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Central North Oxford
Central North Oxford contains smaller suburbs, such as Walton Manor, Park Town, and Norham Manor.
From the mid-19th century, this residential suburb of large detached and semi-detached houses was developed by St John’s College to lease to prosperous local business owners, professors, and members of the clergy.
Architectural styles include Victorian Gothic-style red or yellow brick houses, detached villas, and classically designed terraced crescents.
The area is popular with families due to its generally larger properties and gardens, and its prestigious schools, such as Dragon School and Oxford High School.
Summertown
Summertown, in the north of the city, allows easy access into the city centre, the ring road, and Oxford Parkway Railway Station.
Houses are primarily Victorian and Edwardian semi-detached townhouses and terraced cottages, although more modern developments have been built on the western side of the suburb.
The area has excellent amenities, including a mix of independent and high street shops, and a variety of eateries.
Excellent schools include Summer Fields and St Edwards. Summertown is the perfect place for professionals and families alike.
East Oxford
For those looking for a diverse and lively area to live, East Oxford, which includes Cowley and Headington, offers a mixture of Victorian and modern housing.
Cowley is celebrated for its multicultural community, restaurants offering cuisine from Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, and its vibrant nightlife.
Headington is the home of Oxford’s major hospitals and Oxford Brookes University’s largest campus. It also boasts highly esteemed schools like Rye St Antony and Headington School.
Exclusive roads in Oxford
The most exclusive roads are in Central North Oxford – to the east of Banbury Road and north of University Parks.
Among those particularly sought-after are Linton Road, Charlbury Road, Crick Road, Belbroughton Road, and Chadlington Road.
Other places to look for houses in Oxford
Boars Hill and Cumnor Hill are rural areas situated a couple of miles to the southwest of Oxford. Typically, properties are substantial detached houses within large plots.
Wolvercote is to the northwest of the city and has retained its village feel. It dates back to Saxon times and is known for its picturesque setting near Port Meadow and the River Thames.
Wheatley is a large, historic village around five miles east of Oxford. This characterful village is an ancient settlement dating back to Roman times. It provides a mix of period and modern properties.
What to consider when looking at houses for sale in Oxford
When buying a house in Oxford, you should first consider your priorities.
For families, access to top schools will likely be top of the list. If so areas like Summertown and Central North Oxford are good places to look.
For those connected to academia, living near Oxford’s universities could be essential, with Jericho and Headington being popular choices.
Commuters should consider areas with strong transport links, like Summertown, which provides easy access to road and rail networks.
The rivers Thames and Cherwell flow through the city, as well as the Oxford Canal and many small streams and brooks. Therefore assessment of flood risk should be undertaken in the area you are considering.
Access to green spaces, such as the parks in North and East Oxford or the riverside walks in the west and south of the city, can enhance quality of life.
Additionally, living near cultural attractions, such as museums, theatres, and art galleries, in the city centre may appeal to those who enjoy an active social life.
Balancing these factors can help buyers focus their priorities when choosing a house in Oxford, aligning their choice with their lifestyle needs.
Finding suitable houses in Oxford
As with any purchase, buying a house in Oxford involves several key steps.
Before beginning your search it’s important to determine your budget and secure a mortgage agreement in principle should you be planning to buy with finance.
With your finances in place, research Oxford’s property market, focusing on areas that meet your needs, such as proximity to schools and transport.
It is at this stage that Garrington is often approached by a buyer to share their expertise and assist in navigating the Oxford market to find the perfect place.
Consideration of Oxford’s unique factors, such as conservation areas, is crucial during the process.
Conservation areas in Oxford
Oxford has several conservation areas designed to preserve the city’s historic character and architectural heritage. When looking for houses in Oxford it is important to check their conservation status. Some of the notable conservation areas in Oxford include:
Central, which covers the historic core of the city, including the university and college buildings, colleges, properties, streets, and public spaces; North Oxford Victorian Suburb, which encompasses the Central North Oxford area, and Jericho.
As Oxford has expanded in size, it has absorbed what were quaint and characterful villages, which have been designated as conservation areas to preserve their village feel. These areas include Old Headington, Old Marston, and Iffley Village.
Conservation areas are subject to specific planning controls to maintain their historical and architectural significance, their appearance and ambience. Therefore, any alterations or developments typically require special permissions.
Off market houses in Oxford
In Oxford, many houses are sold off-market, often for reasons of privacy and discretion. Homeowners may prefer to avoid public listings to keep their intentions private or to test the market quietly.
This approach allows sellers to control the pace of the transaction, ensuring a smoother process that aligns with their plans.
For buyers, finding off-market properties can be challenging, as these homes aren’t listed on traditional property portals.
Registering with local estate agents is a start, but working with a property finder is highly effective.
A property finder has local knowledge and a network of contacts. They often learn about off-market opportunities before they reach a wider audience.
They can approach homeowners directly, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you see properties that others might miss.
Houses in Oxford
Oxford offers a large choice of property styles, environments, and lifestyles. From its vibrant centre to wide leafy streets and quaint village-like sanctuaries, you’ll no-doubt find the perfect property to call home.
If you are looking for houses in Oxford and would like further advice on the best places to live, contact Garrington for an initial discussion without obligation.
