A particular take on property
ISSUE ONE
A FRESH OUTLOOK:
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
AND NATIONAL INSIGHT
GREAT PROPERTIES IN
A VIBRANT MARKET
WHY THE CITY OF
DREAMING SPIRES IS
THE PLACE TO BE
INSIGHT
A particular take on property
ISSUE ONE
Welcome
Mark Smith, Partner, explains how our Oxford office brings a range of
services and fresh expertise to the city’s robust property market
to &Oxford, a magazine full of local flavour
from the Strutt & Parker team based on
Banbury Road. Let us give you a taste of the
wonderful properties and rich culture to be
found in and around this historic city.
W
PHOTOGRAPHY (COVER AND THIS PAGE) Alun Callender
‘
02 &Oxford
e were delighted to open a Strutt & Parker
office in Oxford last year. As well as being an
internationally renowned city with a vibrant
educational and business community, Oxford
is also a perfect geographical fit with our regional offices in
Banbury, Moreton-in-Marsh, Pangbourne, Newbury and
Cirencester, as well as our 10 London offices.
‘We couldn’t be working in a more exciting environment.
Oxford has a wonderful mix of a vibrant city and access to
wonderful countryside, including the Cotswolds. With the
outstanding university and schools, and world-renowned
research facilities, the city and surrounding towns are hugely
attractive to a wide range of clients moving to the area. The
proximity and established links to London are also key: Oxford
is the destination of choice for many families leaving the capital.
‘I am proud to head our Agency team of five; all of our
agents have in-depth local market knowledge covering both
the city and the surrounding countryside. Our Farming and
Land Management team, headed by Mark Juniper, handle all
aspects of farming and land management and includes Deputy
Senior Partner Tom Richardson and Associate Rachel Brodie,
who focus on strategic reviews of rural estates.
‘Miles Collison heads up Development and Planning, and
is supported by a team of specialists experienced in handling
complex strategic development sites as well as bespoke single
plots, and everything in between.
‘Together, our multidisciplinary team will provide clients
with a balanced overview of any property enquiry. Working
together in an open-plan office, we can also consider
alternative options that may add value – alternatives that a
smaller firm might miss. Our desire, therefore, is to provide a
service that includes the purchase of an investment townhouse,
the management or sale of a mixed-used farm or estate in the
outlying counties, or planning advice on the expansion of the
market towns – and much more besides.
‘By offering a bespoke service that identifies opportunities
and provides advice that takes a long-term view, we hope to
forge lasting relationships with all our clients. We believe our
experience, energy and expertise, coupled with our ability to
take a fresh perspective, will make a vital difference and help
our clients get the best results.’
Read on to find out more
Page 04 First & foremost: local highlights
and the hottest properties
Page 06 Residential market overview
Page 07 Portfolio: property showcase
Page 11 Your complete property partner:
our services explained
Page 12 Trends & analysis: expert
overview of the national market
Page 14 Why we love Oxford:
locals reveal why there’s
no place like home
Page 15 Find us: local centre highlights
and our neighbouring offices
Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com
struttandparker.com/oxford 03
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
First &
foremost
SEASONAL
FAVOURITE
A hotel, restaurant and cooking school started by
Raymond Blanc in 1984, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
is the ultimate luxury treat. Attention to detail is
paramount to the French chef, whose menu in
the two-Michelin-star restaurant takes you from
duck liver and ginger biscuits to goat’s curd and
honeycomb in nine delicious courses. Even the
hotel suites have been given special thought, such
as the dimness of the lights before and after a meal.
‘I designed all my rooms, I designed my gardens.
I’m a control freak really,’ says Blanc. The food is
sourced throughout the UK, and the quality is
reflected in the prices. ‘Yes, it is expensive, but
it is the nature of excellence,’ he says. ‘When you
leave, I hope you will feel richer rather than poorer.’
RIDER’S HAVEN
Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire
A stylish Victorian farmhouse with modern additions,
which is well positioned in more than 7.5 acres
of both garden and paddocks. This house offers
fantastic accommodation as well as excellent
equestrian facilities to suit both novice and
more advanced riders.
£1,500,000 FOR SALE
Contact 01865 366660
manoir.com
CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER
It started in 1678–1683 as a room full of curiosities that Elias Ashmole
collected from gardeners, travellers and collectors. Today, the Ashmolean
Museum is home to Oxford University’s outstanding art and archaeology
collections, and stands as Britain’s oldest public museum – and possibly
the oldest in the world. Don’t miss Live Friday Nights, when the museum
is open after hours, and includes theatrical performances, creative
workshops and talks, as well as drinks and tapas. Entry is free.
ashmolean.org
DESIGNER
BARGAINS
bicestervillage.com
GRAND DAY OUT
If you’re looking for somewhere to lay the picnic rug while
soaking up British history, make a day trip to Blenheim Palace in
Woodstock. Home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough,
Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and
is a World Heritage Site. Tour the palace and gardens, where
walking round the state rooms, Churchill Exhibition, landscaped
parkland, great lake and beautiful formal gardens will work up an
appetite. During the summer, concerts and festivals – including
the Blenheim Palace Battle Proms Concert and the Blenheim
Palace Flower Show – are staged in the palace and park.
blenheimpalace.com
04 &Oxford
PHOTOGRAPHY Chic Outlet Shopping (Bicester Village); Corbis (Blenheim Palace);
Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford (Ashmolean Museum)
If you love designer brands
at great prices, luxury outlet
shopping mecca Bicester
Village is the place to shop.
The retail experience is
thoughtfully designed
with spacious boutiques
showcasing the world’s leading
fashion and lifestyle brands and
alfresco areas for taking coffee
and lunch breaks. It’s also had
the royal approval from Kate
Middleton, who says she loves
shopping there because it’s all
perfectly ‘contained’. Just
make sure you get there early
to avoid crowds – it’s a
popular tourist destination
and the coaches drop off the
masses at around 11am.
MAKE A DATE
May Morning in Oxford, 1 May
oxfordmaymorning.com
Cornbury Music Festival,
The Great Tew Park, 4–6 July
cornburyfestival.com
CLA Game Fair, Blenheim Palace,
18–20 July
gamefair.co.uk
The Big Feastival, near Kingham,
29–31 August
jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival
Blenheim Palace International
Horse Trials, Blenheim Palace,
11–14 September
blenheim-horse.co.uk
Oxford Open Doors, 13–14 September
oxfordpreservation.org.uk
Dragon Christmas Charity Sale,
Dragon School, December
dragonsale.org
VILLAGE LIFE
Shrubbery Cottage, Hethe, Oxfordshire
A delightful cottage perfect for family living in this
highly sought-after village. This lovely property is
in a peaceful location in the heart of Hethe, with
views across the Oxfordshire countryside.
£675,000 FOR SALE
Contact 01865 366660
struttandparker.com/oxford 05
OVERVIEW
PORTFOLIO
Keepers Cottage,
Kingsey, Buckinghamshire
A detached Victorian
cottage with development
potential in a wonderful
4.48-acre rural setting.
£700,000 SOLD
Oxford on top
Our expert reflects on
the residential market,
and explains why
Oxford is a such
sought-after location
‘T
he market for property in
the OX2 area of Oxford
– and particularly the
premium roads close to the
independent schools, University
and University Parks – remains
highly competitive, with a
general lack of stock keeping
prices high. Average sale prices
in Oxford are in excess of
£350,000, with a flat averaging
more than £225,000 and a
detached house commanding
over £560,000. These prices are
20% higher than the South East
as a whole and 70% higher than
the national average.
‘Given Oxford’s status as one of
the world’s premier educational
centres, it is not surprising that
there is a significant investment
market. According to Halifax,
house prices in Oxford have risen
by more than 600% in the past
25 years. Compare this with the
FTSE 100, which has risen from
2020 to 6770 – an increase of
around 335%.
‘There are still large variances
within the OX2 postcode,
however. The very best detached
houses command prices of more
than £1,000 per sq ft, whereas
a modern flat or a townhouse
in the heart of OX2 would
fetch about £450–500 per
sq ft. With the lack of available
land to build on, the continued
demand for houses in Oxford
and a strengthening economy
in general, we anticipate that
prices will continue to show
strong growth.’
Mark Smith, Partner
House prices in
Oxford have risen
by more than
600%
in the past 25 years
Prices are
20%
higher than the South
East as a whole and
70%
High Street, Bampton,
Oxfordshire
A beautifully presented Grade II
Listed townhouse with separate
cottage in the heart of the
conservation area of this
thriving small town.
£695,000 FOR SALE
higher than the
national average
AVERAGE SALE PRICES IN
OXFORD ARE IN EXCESS OF £350,000,
WITH A FLAT AVERAGING MORE THAN
£225,000 AND A DETACHED HOUSE
COMMANDING OVER £560,000
06 &Oxford
Davenant Road, Oxford
A modern five-bedroom
detached family house in a
Victorian style, conveniently
situated close to Summertown
and central Oxford.
£1,050,000 SOLD
Hayward Road, Oxford
Offering scope for extension, this
is a spacious family house in an
exclusive north Oxford road.
£695,000 SOLD
For further details of any of these properties
or to enquire about other available properties,
contact the team on 01865 366660
struttandparker.com/oxford 07
PORTFOLIO
East View, Clapton-onthe-Hill, Gloucestershire
A three-bedroom period
cottage with outstanding
views in the heart of
the Cotswolds.
£570,000 FOR SALE
The Manor House, Lower
Oddington, Gloucestershire
An exceptional Grade II
Listed Cotswold house
set in its own wonderful
gardens and grounds.
£2,250,000 SOLD
Inn for All Seasons,
Burford, Gloucestershire
A substantial Grade II Listed
19th-century property with
secondary accommodation,
currently trading as a hotel but
with planning permission for
conversion into residential use.
£1,000,000 FOR SALE
Market Place, Woodstock,
Oxfordshire
A mixed-use freehold
investment in the heart of
Woodstock, incorporating a
three-bedroom flat (businesses
not affected).
£795,000 FOR SALE
Cygnet House,
Tetsworth, Oxfordshire
A small private gated
development of just four
new Georgian-style homes
set in generous plots.
£599,950 FOR SALE
School House,
Whichford,
Warwickshire
An attractive period
house overlooking
the village green.
£685,000 UNDER OFFER
For further details of any of these properties
or to enquire about other available properties,
contact the team on 01865 366660
08 &Oxford
The Old Mill, Stratton Audley,
Oxfordshire
A wonderful family house in
an idyllic rural location, with
2.83 acres. A further threebedroom barn in 0.84 acres
is available separately at a
guide price of £550,000.
£1,250,000 FOR SALE
The Corn Barn, Black Bourton, Oxfordshire
A striking four-bedroom, Grade II Listed barn
conversion, which is part of a small
development in a secluded rural setting.
£695,000 FOR SALE
Little Thatch, Hinton
Waldrist, Oxfordshire
Full of character in a
delightful village setting,
this four-bedroom,
Grade II Listed family
house boasts a stylish
modern kitchen.
£745,000 SOLD
Lansdowne House,
Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire
A three-bedroom period
cottage with lovely views
in this popular north
Oxfordshire village.
£450,000 UNDER OFFER
struttandparker.com/oxford 09
OUR SERVICES
The Gables, East Hagbourne,
Oxfordshire
Set in more than a quarter of an
acre in a pretty village that is well
placed for access to London,
this characterful Grade II Listed
house has Tudor origins.
£750,000 FOR SALE
Your complete property partner
We don’t just buy and sell houses. Our multidisciplinary Oxford office
delivers a diverse range of property services for a variety of clients
Peyton Lodge, Stoke Lyne,
Oxfordshire
A beautiful five-bedroom
Cotswold-style home.
£585,000 SOLD
RESIDENTIAL SALES
We market all types of property, from cottages
to castles. Our clients benefit from the local
knowledge of our estate agency teams and a database
of over 27,000 active buyers in our national network.
Contact Mark Smith on 01865 366661
FARMING
Our experts offer a complete farming
service, advising on a huge variety of
issues and helping farmers to make the
most of their farming businesses.
Contact Mark Juniper on 01865 366701
LAND MANAGEMENT
We manage two million acres of land
across the UK, and act for more than 600
retained clients across 450 rural estates.
Hawkswell Gardens,
Oxford
A detached four-bedroom
family house in need of
updating in the heart of
Summertown.
Offers over £700,000
Contact Rachel Brodie on 01865 366702
Stonecroft, Ardley,
Oxfordshire
A spacious village property
in a convenient location.
£595,000 SOLD
PLANNING
Our team has in-depth local knowledge and
experience in handling major residential and
mixed-use schemes as well as the diversification
and development of rural land and buildings.
FOR SALE
Contact Mike Robinson on 01865 366670
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Magnolia Cottage,
North Aston, Oxfordshire
A charming thatched
cottage with parklandstyle gardens.
£715,000 SOLD
Chilswell Farm, Boars Hill,
Oxfordshire
A beautiful Grade II Listed barn
conversion just four miles away
from Oxford city centre.
£795,000 FOR SALE
Our dedicated team specialises in the sale and acquisition of
residential development sites, acting for private and public
landowners, as well as housebuilders, developers and investors.
Contact Miles Collison on 01865 366667
PROFESSIONAL VALUATIONS
Our surveyors are experienced in carrying out
the valuation of all property types for secured
lending, transfer or tax-planning purposes.
Contact Miles Collison on 01865 366667
For further details of any of these properties
or to enquire about other available properties,
contact the team on 01865 366660
10 &Oxford
OUR GLOBAL REACH
935 affiliate offices in 44 countries
Strutt & Parker is the sole UK affiliate
of Christie’s International Real Estate,
which puts it at the heart of the
world’s leading network of luxury
real estate specialists. It’s an affiliation
that brings together Strutt & Parker’s
service ethos, expertise and coverage
of the UK property market with a
global connection to international
buyers and markets.
Christie’s International Real Estate
is an invitation-only network of 137
affiliated estate agents in 44 countries,
all of which specialise in high-value
properties ($1 million+). Our affiliation
with prime brokerages across Europe,
Asia-Pacific, the Americas, the Caribbean
and Africa gives Strutt & Parker the
power to bring UK properties to the
attention of buyers worldwide while
giving UK clients expert advice on
buying and selling internationally.
This relationship goes beyond just
bricks and mortar. Joining forces with
a wholly owned subsidiary of Christie’s
gives Strutt & Parker a unique
relationship with the world’s leading
art business – an invaluable advantage
when it comes to receiving the best
advice on fine art and antiques.
struttandparker.com/oxford 11
OVERVIEW
Trends & analysis
A
W
Opportunity
knocks
hile the dismal winter
weather may have
discouraged some
vendors from bringing their
properties to the market, the
residential sector looks set fair
for the remainder of 2014.
‘The market is definitely in a
much better place than it has been
for many years,’ says Michael
Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt
& Parker. ‘Inevitably, in all
markets there are hotspots and
colder spots – both geographically
and price-wise – but in general,
the government has been pretty
successful in using the housing
market to restimulate the economy.’
Unsurprisingly, it’s London that’s
benefiting the most from the UK’s
improving fortunes, with prices in
the capital continuing to outstrip
those in the rest of the country –
prime central London values are
conservatively expected to grow
by around 6–8% this year. But the
positive ripple effect on outlying
areas can’t be underestimated.
‘Purchasers see the discrepancy
between the capital and other
markets in the south-east as a
real opportunity, which benefits
the likes of Oxford, St Albans,
Cambridge and Guildford,’ says
Fiddes. ‘More and more people
want the convenience and
cost-effectiveness of urban living.’
While the run-up to next year’s
general election could rein in the
market a little, Fiddes doesn’t
predict any longer term stagnation:
‘We may see a more cautious
market in the first few months
of next year, though there’s
nothing to suggest current levels
of growth won’t be sustained
through 2016 and 2017.’
86%
of buyers with
Strutt & Parker buy
property for their
primary use
23%
of vendors in
Central England
sell to downsize
Market
knowledge
is key
A positive
outlook
n increasingly active
country house market
reflects the improving
economic picture in the UK,
according to James Mackenzie,
Head of the Country Department
at Strutt & Parker. Although the
sector has traditionally been
non-recessional – thanks to steady
interest from international and
expat buyers – many more
domestic clients are now taking
advantage of the widening gap
between prices in the capital and
desirable outlying areas. ‘We’re
very busy showing people around
properties and agreeing sales at
£2 million-plus, right around the
country,’ says Mackenzie.
Meanwhile, Strutt & Parker
continues to extend its global
reach through its burgeoning
relationship with Christie’s
International Real Estate. ‘We’re
talking a lot to our Christie’s
colleagues in New York, the
Middle and Far East and South
Africa,’ says Mackenzie. ‘Most of
the buyers from these countries
are actually coming back home to
the UK. Not only are they getting
a lovely home, they’re seeing solid
growth in their investment.’
While talk of a mansion tax
in 2015 could affect confidence,
‘right now, everything looks pretty
good’, concludes Mackenzie. ‘The
economy is healthier, the buyers
are back in the market and even
the weather’s better. There’s every
reason to crack on.’
W
WORDS Dave Flanagan ILLUSTRATION Dennis Carrier/Synergy
Strutt & Parker experts reflect on the
nationwide property picture
hether tracking emerging
trends or analysing the
behaviour of buyers and
sellers, Strutt & Parker’s research
department is proving indispensable.
‘Our insight dovetails with the
detailed local knowledge of our
agents,’ says Stephanie McMahon,
Head of Research at Strutt & Parker.
‘It all helps clients understand what’s
going on in the market.’
A recent focus for McMahon and
her London-based team has been
the preparation of Strutt & Parker’s
landmark Housing Futures report.
Headline statistics include a 6%
drop in home ownership since 2001,
and a doubling of private-rented
occupancy from 1990s levels.
‘We’re seeing a big movement of
ageing baby-boomers now seeking
property for later life,’ says
McMahon. ‘In contrast, we’ve got
the younger “Millennials” who are
finding it quite hard to get onto the
housing ladder and therefore going
into the rental market. That puts
pressure on the housing stock.’
Also, fewer people are buying for
investment purposes, with a pattern
of lifestyle-driven movement into
amenity-rich towns and cities such
as Oxford. ‘These are just the first
outcomes from the research,’ adds
McMahon. ‘We’ve still got a lot of
information to publish and will be
examining all the trends in more
detail over the coming months.’
To request a copy of the Housing
Futures report, please visit
struttandparker.com/housingfutures
WHY STRUTT & PARKER?
OUR BRAND
For more than 125 years,
Strutt & Parker has created
a brand that signifies
outstanding results delivered
through high-quality and
integrity-rich service.
OUR MARKETING
EXCELLENCE
We are committed to
constantly evolving our
marketing approach
to ensure that your property
is seen ahead of the rest.
Our dedicated in-house
marketing and PR team
ensures that our brand
and your property are
consistently and strongly
represented in every
media outlet.
OUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Strutt & Parker has built an
industry-leading website
for buyers of quality real
estate, with more than
200,000 visitors to
struttandparker.com
every month. We also have
a mobile-friendly website
and use QR codes and NFC
technology to give access
to properties on the go and
from any mobile device.
OUR NATIONAL NETWORK
Strutt & Parker’s extensive
and growing network of 50
offices covers the whole of the
UK, from Exeter to Inverness.
Our 400+ sales professionals
work as a team to help achieve
great property results for you.
OUR BUYERS DATABASE
With 2,000 buyers registering
with us every month, we have
more than 27,000 active
buyers – all of whom are
shared across our network of
UK offices, showcasing your
home to more prospective
buyers nationally.
BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER
Fiona Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications at Strutt & Parker,
explains why Open House Days are a must
Q What is Open House Day?
A It’s a day when we throw open the
doors of all the houses we’re selling, so that
prospective buyers have the chance to view
as many properties as they wish, without
the need to make appointments. We run
Open House Days twice a year, in the
spring and autumn.
Q How does it help buyers and sellers?
A Buyers like it because it gives them the
freedom to see lots of properties on one
day. They can plan their own route and
it’s really time-efficient. They also like the
opportunity to meet vendors. From a seller’s
perspective, you’ve got a lot of prospective
buyers coming through the door to see your
house on a single day. We know that 90
per cent of searches start online, but nothing
replaces the value of seeing a property for real.
Q How effective is Open House Day?
A We had 650 properties take part in our
last event, with one in ten receiving offers on
the day, to a value of more than £58 million.
The results speak for themselves.
Q What do you have to do to get involved?
A You can register to take part with your
local Strutt & Parker office. Once you’ve
provided your details, you’ll receive a
registration card. You can then view as
many houses on the day as you wish. Visit
struttandparker.com/openday for more details.
FIND US
S&P
P
S&
S&P
‘Oxford. What a great
place to live! I love it.
It has an international,
cosmopolitan flavour
with the transient
student population
always keeping the city
fresh. The restaurant
scene is better than
ever. East Oxford is
my favourite area for
eating out.’
Jon Ellse, Portobello
Restaurant & Bar and
Mamma Mia Pizzeria
Why we love
Oxford
‘I particularly love
Oxford’s architecture
and its relaxed
atmosphere. It also
has easy access to
some of the UK’s
prettiest countryside.’
Helen Armstrong, Global
Marketing Manager
‘Oxford is a fantastic
city and a great place in
which to be the head of
an independent school.
The excellent schools in
and around the city make
it a vibrant educational
environment that offers
students and parents both
excellence and choice.’
Sami Cohen, Principal,
d’Overbroeck’s College
14 &Oxford
‘We moved here as a
family two years ago. We
wanted to be near good
schools and – being
passionate about rowing
– the loveliest stretches
of the Thames, with the
tranquillity, wildlife and
beautiful scenery along
its banks. In Oxford, we
can indulge our love of
culture and the arts. Each
visit brings us something
new to appreciate.’
Simon Keogh,
local resident
ILLUSTRATION Maps Illustrated PHOTOGRAPHY Alun Callender
‘I came to Oxford 15
years ago after having a
very nomadic life – and
I have now lived here
longer than anywhere
else previously. Oxford
is an amazing city with
so much history and yet
is thoroughly modern.
Most important for my
family and me, it is small
enough that there are
rural villages nearby,
giving us the best of
both the countryside
and the city.’
Sarah Senior,
local resident
What makes the city such a special place to
work and live? We ask a few local residents
Strutt & Parker Oxford
269 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 7LL
Tel: 01865 366660
oxford@struttandparker.com
Our neighbouring offices
Strutt & Parker Oxford
269 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 7LL
Tel: 01865 366660
oxford@struttandparker.com
Banbury
Newbury
20 Horse Fair
Banbury OX16 0AH
Tel: 01295 273592
55 Northbrook Street
Newbury RG14 1AN
Tel: 01635 521707
Cirencester
Pangbourne
15 Dyer Street
Cirencester GL7 2PP
Tel: 01285 653101
1 High Street
Pangbourne RG8 7AE
Tel: 0118 984 5757
Moreton-in-Marsh
London
Fosse House, High Street
Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0LH
Tel: 01608 650502
Ten offices in central London
Visit struttandparker.com for
details
struttandparker.com/oxford 15
Oxford
Newbury
269 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 7LL
Tel: 01865 366660
55 Northbrook Street
Newbury RG14 1AN
Tel: 01635 521707
Banbury
Pangbourne
20 Horse Fair
Banbury OX16 0AH
Tel: 01295 273592
1 High Street
Pangbourne RG8 7AE
Tel: 0118 984 5757
Cirencester
Country House Department
15 Dyer Street
Cirencester GL7 2PP
Tel: 01285 653101
13 Hill Street
London W1J 5LQ
Tel: 020 7629 7282
Moreton-in-Marsh
London
Fosse House, High Street
Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0LH
Tel: 01608 650502
Ten offices in central London
Visit struttandparker.com for
details
struttandparker.com
To visit the Oxford
office homepage, simply
hover your phone over
the QR code (right).