LoginSubscribe to Alerts

Oxford commuter homebuyers benefit from speedy London/Midlands rail link

Posted 22 May 2017 by Helen Christie

Oxford is in a great location for commuters, just one hour from both Birmingham and London and boasts fantastic facilities and a unique history...

Famous for its university and ancient dreaming spires, the new high-speed rail link at Oxford Parkway, which opened in October 2015, has helped stimulate demand in property markets to the north of the city.

Commuters using the line can now be in London Marylebone in under an hour. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of Londoners looking to buy property in Oxford, also in part driven by good schools and excellent transport links.

Oxford-based property expert Ray Withers, CEO of Property Frontiers, says: “This high-speed rail link extension makes Oxford an even better proposition for commuters and businesses with close links to the capital, but also opens up Oxford and the Cotswolds to Londoners to take advantage of the culture and natural beauty on offer.”

A major new road, the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway is planned, which could help increase the chance of thousands of new homes being built in the south of Oxford. Oxford City Council leader Bob Price says: “The expressway has huge implications for developing economic growth and housing.”

A monthly season ticket to London costs £472.40 from Oxford (£4,920 annually) with the fastest journey time between Oxford and Paddington taking just 55 minutes. Trains to Birmingham take 58 minutes (£489.60 monthly, £5,100 annually); Reading takes 22 minutes (£257.30 monthly, £2,680 annually).

Oxford has good access to the M40 and A40 making it an easy drive to London, which is just 60 miles away. Heathrow Airport is just over an hour away via the M40 while Birmingham is 77 miles away and takes 1hr and 40mins.

The town has a good range of high street shops, independent retailers, restaurants, bars and pubs catering for local residents as well as the student population from Oxford and Oxford Brookes universities.

Oxford's world-famous covered market is home to numerous traders selling a variety of goods from fruit and vegetables, breads and cakes, to leather goods and jewellery. The Gloucester Green market is a traditional and vibrant open-air market held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

There are a number of leisure centres in and around the city including an ice rink in Oxpens Road and several theatres including the Oxford Playhouse. Parks include University Park with its seven large Giant Sequoia trees planted in about 1888. Meadows surround the town offering walks, jogging and open-air events.

There is a huge choice of schools from both the state and private sector including East Oxford Primary School, Oxford Spires Academy and leading independents St Edwards School and Headington School.

Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in Oxford:

Orchard Gate (David Wilson Homes) -  A charming development of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes just north of the popular village of Kingston Bagpuize just 10 miles from Oxford. Each home offers spacious, modern living with large landscaped gardens perfect for growing families. Prices from £565,000. Find out more about Orchard Gate from David Wilson Homes 

Orchard Gate (David Wilson Homes)

Bradbery Gardens Phase 2 (Miller Homes) - Just a few miles down the road from Oxford is Didcot. Bradbery Gardens consists of a selection of two-bedroom apartments, and three- and four-bedroom homes. Prices start from £332,000. View more about Bradbery Gardens Phase 2

Bradbery Gardens Phase 2 (Miller Homes)

The Stables (Lagan Homes) - In the popular village of East Hanney, Lagan Homes have a development of 39 new build homes. A selection of three-, four- and five-bedroom houses, residents of The Stables will benefit from all the charm of the Oxfordshire countryside, as well as being able to use the excellent transport links to Oxford. Prices start from £340,000. View more about The Stables from Lagan Homes

The Stables (Lagan Homes)

Heritage Park (Persimmon Homes) - Less than 10 miles away from Oxford city centre is Heritage Park. Located in the charming village of Sutton Courtenay in Oxfordshire, Heritage Park is a development of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. Sutton Courtenay is an ideal spot for nature lovers, with the countryside right on the doorstep, and Didcot, Oxford and Bicester Village can be reached easily by bus or train. Prices start from £355,000. Find out more about Heritage Park

Heritage Park (Persimmon Homes)

Tilbury Fields (Charles Church) – This traditional collection of four- and five-bedroom homes ideally located on the edge of the historic city of Oxford and within easy reach of amenities. Help to Buy is available. Prices from £464,950. View more about Tilbury Fields from Charles Church

​​​​​​Tilbury Fields (Charles Church)​​​​​​​​​



Malabar (Spitfire Homes)
29 February 2024
Spitfire Homes has announced the next stage of the major development in Daventry, now open for house-hunters to visit...Read more
The ‘Corndon’ house type from Cavanna Homes
29 February 2024
Friday 1 and Saturday 2 March are the dates of an Open House event for a decorated new view home at Bellevue...Read more
A Bromford show house
29 February 2024
Bromford has released the first of a brand new design of three-bedroom house for sale at its Park Lane site in in Cradley Heath...Read more
Sign up for email alertsGet the latest properties and updates sent directly to your inbox daily, weekly or immediately you are in control.
Subscribe to Alerts
Search news and advice

Click here to see your activities