Buy to Let Investing in South Oxfordshire

South Oxfordshire is an area of central England within the Thames Valley. The most northern tip of the region sits to the west of Oxford city and the southern edge just below Henley on Thames.

Raymond Blanc’s famous Le Manoir aux Qaut Saisons hotel and restaurant is nestled within countryside close to Oxford, and road access to Oxford, the Cotswolds and London is direct.

The stunning Chiltern Hills and River Thames traverse the region, with the latter providing around 47 miles of mostly rural riverside. The Thames Path and Chiltern Ridgeway are both popular walking destinations, and major towns are Henley on Thames, Thame, Didcot and Abingdon.

The region’s property hot spots

Henley on Thames is a pretty market town on the banks of the River Thames and is world famous for the glamorous yearly rowing regatta. Thame, towards the south east of the region, is a popular historic market town. Abingdon and Didcot are more centrally located towns and both offer good ranges of amenities and housing to Oxford and London commuters.

The popularity of South Oxfordshire is largely due to the combination of rural character and a convenient central location. M40 and A34 road access (Midlands, South and London) is easy, plus two rail stations at Didcot Parkway and Haddenham near Thame offer 45 minute direct rail links to London.

Local Employment

The nature of local employment is where South Oxfordshire’s unique Buy to Let advantage is truly derived.

What is regularly referred to as the South Oxfordshire ’Science and Technology Vale’ or 'Second Silicon Valley' is made up of large laboratories and research centres at Culham and Harwell, both close to Didcot. Also, Milton Park near Abingdon is a large leading science and business park and home to 200 employers and almost 9,000 employees.

These large contract employers bring employees who relocate to the area just for the term of their contract. With no intention of putting down roots they generally seek good quality local rental accommodation, the demand for which is kept consistently strong.

Buy to Let success

Professional renter demand across South Oxfordshire reaches from one and two bedroom town centre apartments right through to large, detached family homes.

The bulk of demand is for smaller, conveniently located and modern homes. Tenants like convenience, particularly so if they are only based in the area only for a short time. Apartments tend to be popular with international professionals and young families, and parking is important as many of the larger local employers are based in ‘out of town’ locations.

Furnishing is also a significant consideration as many tenants arrive with just a laptop and suitcase. The condition and quality of furnishings can be as important as the property itself, often proving ‘make or break’ in eliminating annual void periods.

The capital outlay required for investing in South Oxfordshire compared to Oxford itself is much lower. A greater supply of available properties and lower entry level pricing also helps to bolster rental returns.

We fully and successfully advise clients on both diversifying existing investment portfolios, and entering the South Oxfordshire Buy to Let market afresh.

For more advice or guidance on investing in South Oxfordshire property please contact us on 01491 833163 or email enquiries@oxonps.co.uk