Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the United Kingdom Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Oxford's property market is included in our pack
Everything in this guide is written from the perspective of January 2026, and we focus exclusively on what apartments actually cost in Oxford, including the hidden fees that surprise many foreign buyers.
We constantly update this blog post to keep the data fresh and reliable for anyone planning a purchase.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Oxford.
Insights
- Oxford flat prices dropped about 5% year-over-year by late 2025, while house prices stayed flat, suggesting apartment buyers have more negotiating power than they did a year ago.
- Foreign buyers who are not UK residents for tax purposes pay roughly 6,000 to 7,000 pounds more in stamp duty on a typical Oxford apartment compared to UK residents, making residency status a major budget factor.
- The price gap between Jericho (around 7,000 pounds per square meter) and Blackbird Leys (around 4,000 pounds per square meter) shows Oxford's neighborhood pricing can vary by almost 2x within a 15-minute bike ride.
- Service charges on Oxford flats range from 1,800 to 3,600 pounds per year, and newer buildings with amenities like lifts or concierge services sit at the higher end of that range.
- First-time buyers in Oxford can purchase a flat up to 300,000 pounds without paying any stamp duty in 2026, but properties above 500,000 pounds lose this relief entirely.
- Oxford's average flat price of around 311,000 pounds is still roughly 15% above the UK national average for apartments, reflecting the city's constrained housing supply.
- Council tax for most Oxford flats falls into Band C or D, which means around 2,200 to 2,600 pounds per year, a recurring cost that catches many foreign buyers off guard.
- The Bank of England cut rates to 3.75% in December 2025, which should gradually ease mortgage costs and support modest flat price stabilization into 2026.
How much do apartments really cost in Oxford in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, the average apartment price in Oxford is approximately 311,000 pounds (around 415,000 US dollars or 358,000 euros), while the median sits closer to 285,000 pounds (380,000 US dollars or 328,000 euros), since a handful of expensive flats push the average higher than what most buyers actually pay.
In terms of price per square meter, Oxford apartments typically cost around 5,600 pounds per square meter (7,500 US dollars or 6,450 euros per square meter), which translates to roughly 520 pounds per square foot.
Most standard apartments in Oxford fall within a price range of 225,000 to 450,000 pounds (300,000 to 600,000 US dollars or 260,000 to 518,000 euros), depending on size, condition, and neighborhood location.
How much is a studio apartment in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Oxford costs around 215,000 pounds (approximately 286,000 US dollars or 247,000 euros), though prices vary depending on location and building quality.
Entry-level to mid-range studio apartments in Oxford generally range from 190,000 to 240,000 pounds (253,000 to 320,000 US dollars or 219,000 to 276,000 euros), while high-end or luxury studios in premium areas like Jericho can reach 280,000 to 320,000 pounds (373,000 to 426,000 US dollars or 322,000 to 368,000 euros).
Studios in Oxford typically measure between 30 and 40 square meters, which is fairly standard for the UK market and reflects the compact nature of this property type.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Oxford costs around 290,000 pounds (approximately 386,000 US dollars or 334,000 euros), making it the most common entry point for first-time buyers in the city.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Oxford generally range from 250,000 to 330,000 pounds (333,000 to 439,000 US dollars or 288,000 to 380,000 euros), while high-end or luxury one-bedroom flats in central Oxford or Jericho can reach 380,000 to 450,000 pounds (506,000 to 599,000 US dollars or 437,000 to 518,000 euros).
One-bedroom apartments in Oxford typically measure between 45 and 55 square meters, giving buyers enough space for comfortable living while keeping prices more accessible than larger units.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Oxford costs around 410,000 pounds (approximately 545,000 US dollars or 472,000 euros), which represents the most popular choice for couples and small families.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Oxford generally range from 360,000 to 480,000 pounds (479,000 to 639,000 US dollars or 414,000 to 552,000 euros), while high-end or luxury two-bedroom flats in sought-after areas like North Oxford can reach 550,000 to 700,000 pounds (732,000 to 931,000 US dollars or 633,000 to 805,000 euros).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Oxford.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Oxford costs around 540,000 pounds (approximately 718,000 US dollars or 621,000 euros), though these units are relatively scarce since most three-bedroom properties in Oxford are houses rather than flats.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Oxford generally range from 480,000 to 650,000 pounds (639,000 to 865,000 US dollars or 552,000 to 748,000 euros), while high-end or luxury three-bedroom flats in premium locations can exceed 750,000 to 900,000 pounds (998,000 to 1,197,000 US dollars or 863,000 to 1,035,000 euros).
Three-bedroom apartments in Oxford typically measure between 85 and 110 square meters, and their scarcity in the market often adds a premium to the price compared to smaller units.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Oxford typically cost 10% to 20% more than comparable resale flats, reflecting the premium buyers pay for modern specifications, warranties, and energy efficiency.
For new-build apartments in Oxford, the average price per square meter is around 6,200 to 6,700 pounds (8,250 to 8,900 US dollars or 7,130 to 7,705 euros), depending on the development and location.
For resale apartments in Oxford, the average price per square meter is closer to 5,400 to 5,800 pounds (7,200 to 7,700 US dollars or 6,200 to 6,670 euros), making them more accessible but often requiring some updates or renovations.
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Can I afford to buy in Oxford in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget needed to buy a standard apartment in Oxford is around 320,000 to 330,000 pounds (426,000 to 439,000 US dollars or 368,000 to 380,000 euros) for a foreign buyer who is not UK-resident for tax purposes, or around 315,000 to 320,000 pounds for a UK-resident first-time buyer.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget should include stamp duty (which varies significantly based on residency status), solicitor and conveyancing fees, survey costs, Land Registry fees, mortgage arrangement fees if applicable, and leasehold-specific charges like management pack fees.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Oxford property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Oxford.
What down payment is typical to buy in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment for buying an apartment in Oxford is around 20% to 30% of the purchase price, which translates to roughly 62,000 to 93,000 pounds (82,000 to 124,000 US dollars or 71,000 to 107,000 euros) on a 310,000-pound flat.
Most UK lenders require a minimum down payment of 10% to 15%, though foreign buyers often face stricter requirements and may need to work with specialist lenders who typically ask for at least 25%.
To secure the most favorable mortgage terms and interest rates in Oxford, a recommended down payment of 25% or more will give you access to better products and reduce your overall borrowing costs.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in The United Kingdom.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the UK compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Oxford in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, the price per square meter for apartments in Oxford ranges from around 4,200 pounds (5,600 US dollars or 4,830 euros) in the most affordable areas to 8,500 pounds (11,300 US dollars or 9,775 euros) in the most expensive neighborhoods.
The most affordable neighborhoods for apartments in Oxford include Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, and parts of Cowley, where prices typically range from 4,200 to 5,300 pounds per square meter (5,600 to 7,000 US dollars or 4,830 to 6,100 euros per square meter).
The most expensive neighborhoods for apartments in Oxford include Jericho, North Oxford, and Summertown, where prices typically range from 6,500 to 8,500 pounds per square meter (8,650 to 11,300 US dollars or 7,475 to 9,775 euros per square meter).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Oxford.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods best suited for first-time buyers on a budget in Oxford are Cowley, Blackbird Leys, and Rose Hill, all of which offer more accessible entry points while remaining well-connected to the city center.
In these budget-friendly neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from 200,000 to 280,000 pounds (266,000 to 373,000 US dollars or 230,000 to 322,000 euros), putting them within reach of first-time buyer stamp duty relief.
These areas offer good bus connections to the city center, local shops, and community amenities, with Cowley Road in particular known for its vibrant restaurant and cafe scene that appeals to younger buyers.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly neighborhoods is that they tend to be farther from the university colleges and central Oxford landmarks, which may matter less for owner-occupiers but could affect rental demand if you later decide to let the property.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Oxford in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Oxford are Headington, the East Oxford and Cowley Road corridor, and Botley in West Oxford, all of which benefit from strong local demand drivers.
These fast-appreciating neighborhoods have seen estimated year-over-year price increases of around 2% to 4% for apartments, outperforming the citywide average which has been relatively flat or slightly negative.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in these neighborhoods is their combination of relatively affordable starting prices, good transport links, and consistent rental demand from hospital workers, university staff, and London commuters.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Oxford.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Oxford in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Oxford?
The estimated total buyer closing cost for a typical apartment purchase in Oxford ranges from about 4,500 to 15,000 pounds (6,000 to 20,000 US dollars or 5,200 to 17,250 euros), with the wide range reflecting how much stamp duty varies based on your residency status.
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Oxford include stamp duty land tax, solicitor and conveyancing fees, survey costs, Land Registry registration fees, and leasehold-specific charges like notice of transfer and management pack fees.
Stamp duty is typically the largest closing cost expense for buyers in Oxford, especially for foreign buyers who are not UK residents for tax purposes and face an additional 2% surcharge on top of standard rates.
Some closing costs are negotiable or can vary between transactions, particularly solicitor fees, survey choices, and occasionally the seller's contribution to leasehold admin charges, so it pays to get multiple quotes.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Oxford?
The estimated typical percentage of the purchase price that buyers should budget for closing costs in Oxford is around 3.5% to 4.5% for foreign buyers who are not UK residents for tax purposes, or around 1.5% to 3% for UK-resident first-time buyers.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard transactions in Oxford is 1.5% to 6%, with the lower end applying to UK-resident first-time buyers purchasing below 300,000 pounds and the higher end applying to non-resident buyers or those purchasing additional properties.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Oxford.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UK versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Oxford in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Oxford right now?
In Oxford, the equivalent of HOA fees is called a service charge, and for most apartments the typical annual service charge ranges from 1,800 to 3,600 pounds (2,400 to 4,800 US dollars or 2,070 to 4,140 euros), which works out to roughly 150 to 300 pounds per month.
The realistic range of service charges in Oxford varies from around 1,200 pounds per year for basic older buildings to over 4,500 pounds per year for luxury developments with amenities like lifts, gyms, concierge services, or large communal gardens.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Oxford right now?
The estimated total monthly utility cost for a typical apartment in Oxford is around 220 to 280 pounds (293 to 373 US dollars or 253 to 322 euros), covering energy, water, and basic broadband.
The realistic range of monthly utility costs in Oxford varies from around 180 pounds for a small, energy-efficient flat with careful usage to over 350 pounds for larger apartments or those with older heating systems during winter months.
The specific utilities included in this typical monthly budget for Oxford are electricity, gas (or just electricity if you have an all-electric system), water and wastewater charges, and broadband internet.
Energy (electricity and gas combined) tends to be the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Oxford, with the Ofgem price cap for early 2026 putting typical dual-fuel costs at around 147 pounds per month as a benchmark.
How much is property tax on apartments in Oxford?
The estimated typical annual property tax for an apartment in Oxford is around 2,200 to 2,600 pounds (2,930 to 3,460 US dollars or 2,530 to 2,990 euros), as most flats fall into Council Tax Band C or Band D.
Council Tax in Oxford is calculated based on the valuation band your property falls into (from A to H), which was set based on 1991 property values, and each band has a fixed annual charge rather than a percentage of current value.
The realistic range of annual Council Tax in Oxford varies from around 1,800 pounds for Band A properties to over 5,000 pounds for Band H properties, though most apartments sit in the mid-range bands.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Oxford.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Oxford?
The estimated typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Oxford is largely covered within your service charge, with an additional personal buffer of around 300 to 800 pounds (400 to 1,065 US dollars or 345 to 920 euros) recommended for inside-the-flat repairs and upkeep.
The realistic range of yearly maintenance costs in Oxford varies from minimal in newer buildings with comprehensive service charges to potentially 1,500 pounds or more in older buildings where your service charge may not cover everything or where you need to budget for interior updates.
Building maintenance expenses in Oxford typically include communal repairs, external decorations, roof and structural work, shared systems like lifts or entry phones, and contributions to a sinking fund for major future repairs.
For Oxford leasehold flats, building maintenance costs are generally included within your service charge rather than being a separate expense, though your personal interior maintenance remains your responsibility.
How much does home insurance cost in Oxford?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment in Oxford is around 150 to 350 pounds (200 to 466 US dollars or 173 to 403 euros) for contents insurance only, since buildings insurance for leasehold flats is usually arranged by the freeholder and included in your service charge.
The realistic range of annual contents insurance costs in Oxford varies from around 100 pounds for basic coverage with a higher excess to over 500 pounds for comprehensive policies covering high-value possessions or accidental damage.
Buildings insurance is effectively mandatory for Oxford apartment owners since it protects the structure, but as a leaseholder you typically pay this through your service charge rather than arranging it yourself, while contents insurance is optional but strongly recommended.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Oxford, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| ONS Housing Prices Oxford | The UK's official statistics office publishing nationally consistent housing metrics. | We used this as our primary anchor for Oxford flat prices and the latest available timestamp. We treated this as the baseline for all apartment pricing estimates. |
| HM Land Registry UK HPI | The official portal for the UK House Price Index, a National Statistic. | We used this to understand the latest published period and to check Oxford's price direction heading into 2026. |
| GOV.UK SDLT Rates | HMRC's official tax guidance on Stamp Duty Land Tax. | We used the exact rate bands and first-time buyer relief rules to compute buyer tax in our all-in budgets. |
| GOV.UK Non-Resident SDLT | The definitive HMRC page for the 2% non-resident surcharge rules. | We used this to price the extra surcharge foreign buyers pay and to explain the 183-day residency test. |
| HM Land Registry Fees | The official fee schedule for registering ownership and mortgages. | We used this to include Land Registry fees in closing costs at realistic levels for a typical purchase. |
| GOV.UK Leasehold Guidance | Government guidance on service charges and leasehold ownership. | We used this to explain service charges accurately and highlight what buyers should ask for before purchase. |
| Leasehold Advisory Service | A specialist public advisory body widely cited for leasehold issues. | We used this to detail what service charges can include and to shape the buyer checklist for red flags. |
| Oxford City Council Tax | The local authority's official Council Tax schedule for Oxford. | We used this to quantify annual Council Tax by band and give realistic yearly ownership cost estimates. |
| Ofgem Price Cap | The UK's energy regulator and the main public benchmark for household bills. | We used this to set a realistic energy budget for early 2026 and translated it into monthly figures. |
| Thames Water Charges | The primary document defining household water charges for Oxford's area. | We used this to anchor water and wastewater budgeting for apartments in the Thames Water service area. |
| RICS Survey Guide | The main professional body for surveyors in the UK. | We used this to budget realistic survey costs and explain which survey level fits most flat purchases. |
| RICS UK Residential Survey | A long-running professional sentiment survey on the UK housing market. | We used this to set expectations for early 2026 market conditions including demand and pricing momentum. |
| UK Finance Mortgage Forecasts | The main trade body for UK banking and finance. | We used this to frame typical mortgage availability and support deposit expectations for this market cycle. |
| FCA Mortgage Statistics | The UK regulator's official mortgage lending dataset. | We used this to keep our deposit and loan-to-value discussion grounded in how UK lending actually works. |
| Rightmove | The UK's largest property portal with comprehensive listing data. | We used this to validate neighborhood pricing and cross-check sold price records against official data. |
| Zoopla | A major UK property portal with detailed area-level pricing information. | We used this to validate price ranges and understand current market activity across Oxford neighborhoods. |
| MoneyHelper SDLT Calculator | A government-backed service providing impartial financial guidance. | We used this to verify our stamp duty calculations and ensure accuracy for different buyer scenarios. |
| Bank of England | The UK's central bank setting monetary policy and base rates. | We used this to understand the interest rate environment and its impact on mortgage affordability in 2026. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of the UK. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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