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
Oxford is one of the UK's most sought-after rental markets, thanks to its two world-famous universities, major hospitals like the John Radcliffe, and a growing cluster of science and tech employers around the city.
This unique combination creates consistent tenant demand, but Oxford also has a quirk that many foreign buyers overlook: most apartments here are leasehold, and the service charges can significantly reduce your actual returns.
In this article, we break down exactly what rental yields you can realistically expect in Oxford in 2026, what rents you can charge, which neighborhoods perform best, and what costs will eat into your profits.
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.
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Oxford?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for apartments in Oxford sits at around 6.0%, which is actually quite competitive compared to many other university cities in England.
However, the realistic range spans from about 5.0% in prime central areas like Jericho and North Oxford (where property prices run ahead of rents) to around 6.7% in more value-oriented neighborhoods like East Oxford and parts of Cowley.
The main factor that causes yields to vary so much in Oxford is the massive price gap between "prestige postcodes" near the university colleges and the more working-class neighborhoods further out, while rents stay relatively compressed because tenants compare options across the whole city.
Compared to other major UK cities, Oxford's gross yields are lower than cities like Manchester or Liverpool (which can hit 7-8%), but higher than London (often 3-4%) and roughly on par with Cambridge, which shares similar university-driven dynamics.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for apartments in Oxford typically falls between 3.7% and 4.5%, which is what remains after you subtract all your operating costs from that 6.0% gross figure.
Most apartment investors in Oxford can realistically expect net yields in this 3.7% to 4.5% range, though some well-managed properties with low service charges can stretch toward 5%, while high-amenity buildings with expensive service charges can dip below 3%.
The single biggest expense that reduces gross yield to net yield for Oxford apartments is the leasehold service charge, which covers building maintenance, communal areas, and often building insurance, and these charges commonly eat up 8% to 16% of your annual rent in Oxford.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oxford.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Oxford in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Oxford is approximately 6.0% annually, which translates to about 0.50% per month of the property's purchase price.
Across most Oxford apartment transactions, rent-to-price ratios range from about 5.0% at the low end (in premium areas) to around 6.7% at the high end (in more affordable neighborhoods), with the citywide average landing right around 6.0%.
The highest rent-to-price ratios in Oxford tend to appear in areas like Cowley, Temple Cowley, and East Oxford, where entry prices are lower but rental demand remains strong thanks to hospital workers, university staff, and young professionals seeking more affordable options.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Oxford?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Oxford right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget for renting an apartment in Oxford ranges from about £1,300 to £2,000 (approximately $1,750 to $2,700 USD or €1,500 to €2,300 EUR), depending on the size and location of the property.
For mid-range apartments in Oxford, tenants typically budget between £1,400 and £1,700 per month ($1,890 to $2,295 USD or €1,610 to €1,955 EUR), which covers decent 1-2 bedroom flats in areas like Headington, Cowley, or the Botley corridor.
For high-end or luxury apartments in Oxford, tenant budgets stretch from £1,900 to £2,500 or more per month ($2,565 to $3,375 USD or €2,185 to €2,875 EUR), and these tenants typically seek prime locations in Jericho, Summertown, or modern developments near the city centre.
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Oxford here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Oxford is approximately £1,314, which translates to about $1,775 USD or €1,510 EUR at current exchange rates.
For a decent entry-level 1-bed in Oxford, expect to pay around £1,100 to £1,200 per month ($1,485 to $1,620 USD or €1,265 to €1,380 EUR), and these would typically be older flats in areas like Cowley or Rose Hill, perhaps without parking or with dated interiors.
A typical mid-range 1-bed in Oxford rents for about £1,250 to £1,400 per month ($1,690 to $1,890 USD or €1,440 to €1,610 EUR), and you'd find these in areas like Headington, Botley, or parts of East Oxford with decent transport links and modern kitchens.
For a luxury 1-bed apartment in Oxford, rents run from £1,500 to £1,800 per month ($2,025 to $2,430 USD or €1,725 to €2,070 EUR), and these are typically new-build flats in Jericho, Summertown, or premium city-centre developments with amenities like secure parking and concierge.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Oxford is approximately £1,621, which works out to about $2,190 USD or €1,865 EUR.
A decent entry-level 2-bed in Oxford rents for around £1,350 to £1,500 per month ($1,820 to $2,025 USD or €1,555 to €1,725 EUR), and these are often older purpose-built flats in areas like Blackbird Leys, Barton, or parts of Cowley with basic finishes.
A typical mid-range 2-bed in Oxford costs about £1,550 to £1,750 per month ($2,095 to $2,365 USD or €1,785 to €2,015 EUR), usually found in Headington near the hospitals, the Botley corridor, or renovated Victorian conversions in East Oxford.
For a luxury 2-bed apartment in Oxford, expect £1,850 to £2,300 per month ($2,500 to $3,105 USD or €2,130 to €2,645 EUR), and you'd find these in new-build developments in Jericho, premium Summertown addresses, or modern blocks near Oxford station.
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Oxford is approximately £1,976, equivalent to about $2,670 USD or €2,275 EUR.
A decent entry-level 3-bed in Oxford rents for around £1,650 to £1,850 per month ($2,230 to $2,500 USD or €1,900 to €2,130 EUR), and these tend to be older flats in areas like Cowley, Blackbird Leys, or converted houses split into larger units.
A typical mid-range 3-bed in Oxford costs about £1,900 to £2,100 per month ($2,565 to $2,835 USD or €2,185 to €2,415 EUR), often found in family-friendly areas like Headington, Marston, or purpose-built developments with parking.
For a luxury 3-bed apartment in Oxford, expect £2,200 to £2,800 per month ($2,970 to $3,780 USD or €2,530 to €3,220 EUR), and these are premium properties in North Oxford, Summertown, or high-specification new developments with multiple bathrooms and outdoor space.
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Oxford?
A well-priced apartment in Oxford typically rents within days to two weeks, because the city has such strong structural demand from university staff, hospital workers, and science park employees.
The typical vacancy rate for apartments in Oxford is low compared to the UK average, with most well-maintained properties experiencing only about one to two weeks of void per year if priced correctly at market rates.
The main factors that cause some Oxford apartments to rent faster than others are proximity to the John Radcliffe Hospital (huge for medical professionals), walkability or cycling distance to university buildings, and whether the property has parking, since street parking is notoriously difficult in central Oxford.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost 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.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Oxford?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and 1-bed apartments typically offer the best rental yields in Oxford, with 2-beds close behind and 3-beds generally producing the lowest yields.
The typical gross rental yield by apartment type in Oxford breaks down roughly as follows: studios can reach 6.0% to 6.5%, 1-beds typically achieve 5.4% to 6.1%, 2-beds sit around 5.3% to 6.1%, and 3-beds tend to fall between 4.6% and 5.5%.
The main reason smaller units outperform in Oxford is the city's exceptionally deep demand from single professionals, researchers, postdocs, and couples without children, who make up a huge share of Oxford's renter population and don't need the extra space of larger apartments.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Oxford?
The features that most positively impact rental yield for apartments in Oxford are walkable or bikeable access to major employers (universities, hospitals, science parks), off-street parking (which is genuinely scarce and valuable in most Oxford neighborhoods), and a good EPC energy rating since tenants are increasingly cost-conscious about heating bills.
In Oxford, ground-floor apartments can be harder to let than upper floors because of security concerns and lack of natural light, while first and second-floor units tend to rent fastest since they balance accessibility with security.
Apartments with balconies or outdoor space do command a small rent premium in Oxford (roughly 5% to 10%), though this is less pronounced than in larger cities because Oxford tenants often value proximity and parking over outdoor amenities.
Building features like elevators and concierge services can raise rents, but in Oxford the trade-off is usually negative for yields because the associated service charges often increase by more than the rent premium, making simpler low-rise blocks better for net returns.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Oxford?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Oxford neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments are Jericho, Summertown and North Oxford, Headington, Cowley and East Oxford, and the Osney/Botley corridor near the train station.
The main demand driver that makes these neighborhoods so attractive to tenants in Oxford is their proximity to the city's three big employment anchors: the university colleges (central and North Oxford), the hospitals especially John Radcliffe (Headington), and the growing science and business parks (accessible via Botley/station area).
In these high-demand Oxford neighborhoods, vacancy periods are typically very short, with well-priced apartments often receiving multiple inquiries within days and letting within one to two weeks.
One emerging neighborhood gaining rental momentum in Oxford is Barton, where recent development and improved bus links have attracted tenants priced out of Headington but still wanting hospital access.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Oxford.
Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Oxford neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments are Cowley, Temple Cowley, East Oxford, and parts of Headington away from the most premium streets.
The typical gross rental yield in these top-yielding Oxford neighborhoods ranges from about 5.8% to 6.7%, compared to 4.5% to 5.5% in premium areas like Jericho or Summertown.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields is that property prices are significantly lower (often 20% to 35% below citywide averages) while rents remain relatively strong because tenants still benefit from good transport links and hospital/university access without paying Jericho premiums.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Oxford?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals are generally legal for apartments in Oxford, but this is a "watch this space" area because the UK government is actively tightening regulations.
The main legal restrictions for operating a short-term rental apartment in Oxford include checking your lease (many leasehold flats prohibit or restrict short lets), ensuring your property meets safety standards, and being aware that national planning changes may soon require permission for frequent short-term letting.
Registration requirements are coming: the UK government has announced plans for a mandatory short-term let registration scheme, and Parliament is actively considering a bill that would require planning permission for properties used frequently as short-term rentals.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Oxford.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Oxford in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Oxford can generate gross income roughly 1.3 to 2.0 times higher than long-term rentals, but the net yield advantage shrinks dramatically once you account for the extra costs.
The typical gross yield for short-term rentals in Oxford can reach 9% to 11% (based on around 56% occupancy at £170 per night), compared to 5.5% to 6.5% for long-term rentals using the same property.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Oxford include cleaning between guests (often £50 to £80 per turnover), platform fees (typically 3% to 15%), higher utility bills paid by you, furnishing replacement, and often higher management fees if you don't self-manage.
To actually outperform a long-term rental on net yield in Oxford, a short-term rental typically needs to achieve at least 45% to 55% occupancy, and reaching that level consistently requires either excellent location, professional management, or both.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Oxford?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical building service charges for apartments in Oxford represent about 8% to 14% of annual rent, or roughly £1,500 to £2,500 per year ($2,025 to $3,375 USD or €1,725 to €2,875 EUR).
The realistic range of service charges in Oxford spans from about 6% of rent for basic low-rise blocks up to 18% or more for buildings with lifts, concierge services, or extensive communal gardens.
In Oxford specifically, service charges tend to be higher than the national average because many buildings are older Victorian or Edwardian conversions requiring expensive maintenance, and newer developments often include amenities like underground parking that push up communal costs.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Oxford right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for an apartment in Oxford is about £600 to £1,200 ($810 to $1,620 USD or €690 to €1,380 EUR), and this covers items inside your flat that aren't covered by the building's service charge.
The range depends on the age and condition of your apartment: newer builds might need only £400 to £700 per year, while older conversions in Victorian buildings can easily require £1,000 to £1,500 for periodic repairs.
The most common maintenance expenses Oxford apartment owners face are boiler servicing and repairs (Oxford's older housing stock often has ageing heating systems), appliance replacements, periodic redecoration between tenants, and gas safety certificate renewals which are legally required for landlords.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the main property tax for apartment buyers in Oxford is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), which is a one-time purchase tax rather than an annual charge, and the amount depends on the property price plus any applicable surcharges.
For a typical Oxford apartment at £302,000, a UK-resident first-time buyer would pay no SDLT, but a buy-to-let investor faces a 5% surcharge on top of standard rates, and non-UK residents pay an additional 2% on top of that.
SDLT is calculated on a tiered basis: you pay different rates on different portions of the price, so for buy-to-let purchases the effective rate on a £302,000 apartment would be roughly £14,000 to £20,000 depending on your residence status.
There are no meaningful SDLT exemptions for individual apartment investors in Oxford, though the annual council tax (typically paid by tenants during a tenancy) becomes your liability during void periods.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Oxford.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Oxford in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical annual landlord insurance for an apartment in Oxford costs about £250 to £400 ($340 to $540 USD or €290 to €460 EUR), covering landlord liability, contents, and loss of rent.
The realistic range stretches from around £180 for basic cover on a low-value flat up to £500 or more for comprehensive policies on higher-value properties with additional covers like legal expenses and rent guarantee.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical property management fees for apartments in Oxford range from 10% to 18% of rent (plus VAT) for fully managed services, which works out to roughly £150 to £270 per month ($200 to $365 USD or €175 to €310 EUR) on an average Oxford flat.
The realistic range spans from about 8% to 12% for tenant-find-only services (where you handle ongoing management yourself) up to 15% to 20% plus VAT for premium fully managed packages from established agents.
Standard property management fees in Oxford typically include tenant finding, rent collection, routine maintenance coordination, and property inspections, though extras like guaranteed rent schemes or inventory services often cost additional fees.
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.
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 trustworthy | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| ONS Housing Prices in Oxford dashboard | Official UK statistics combining HM Land Registry and ONS rent data. | We used it for Oxford's flat purchase prices and rents by bedroom. We calculated gross yields and rent-to-price ratios directly from this data. |
| UK House Price Index (HM Land Registry) | The official house price index for England and Wales. | We used it to verify Oxford price trends and segment data. We cross-checked that ONS figures align with official HPI series. |
| English Housing Survey (leasehold fact sheet) | Major official survey and best source on leasehold costs. | We used it for typical service charge levels for flats. We adjusted the national average upward for Oxford's older building stock. |
| HMRC SDLT rates | Government's definitive rulebook for property transaction tax. | We used it to explain SDLT surcharges for buy-to-let and non-residents. We quantified one-time purchase tax costs for typical Oxford apartments. |
| Savills landlord fees | Major established real estate firm with published fee schedules. | We used it to anchor realistic management fee percentages. We built net yield cost stacks using these published rates. |
| Finders Keepers Oxfordshire market report | Large local letting agent with data-based market commentary. | We used it to understand how fast properties let in Oxford. We validated demand patterns and neighborhood dynamics. |
| AirDNA Oxford market overview | Widely-used data provider for short-term rental performance. | We used it to estimate Oxford STR occupancy and daily rates. We compared STR versus long-term gross yields using this data. |
| GOV.UK leasehold service charges guidance | Government's explanation of how leasehold charges work. | We used it to explain what service charges cover. We structured our net yield cost breakdown using these definitions. |
| GOV.UK Renters' Rights Act guide | Government's plain-English guide to current landlord law. | We used it to explain how regulations are changing in 2026. We contextualized tenant demand and management requirements. |
| confused.com landlord insurance statistics | Mainstream UK comparison platform with cited market statistics. | We used it to anchor a realistic landlord insurance budget. We treated it as a cost benchmark for net yield calculations. |
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