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
If you're looking to rent or invest in Oxford, understanding the current rental market is essential.
Oxford's rental prices in 2026 remain among the highest in the UK outside London, driven by its universities, hospitals, and thriving science corridor.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest Oxford rent data and market trends.
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 rents grew around 6.5% year-over-year in January 2026, but this represents a slowdown from the 8% to 10% growth seen in 2023 and 2024.
- A typical 1-bedroom apartment in Oxford costs about £1,450 per month, which is roughly 25% higher than the UK average for similar properties.
- Vacancy rates in Oxford sit around 2.5%, meaning landlords rarely wait long to find tenants in most neighborhoods.
- Studios in Oxford command £32 to £38 per square meter, making them the most expensive property type relative to their size.
- Jericho and Summertown remain Oxford's priciest rental areas, with 2-bedroom apartments often exceeding £2,200 per month.
- Oxford's academic calendar creates two distinct demand peaks: late summer (August to October) and a smaller January surge for mid-year moves.
- Properties with secure bike storage can command a 3% to 5% rent premium in Oxford, where cycling is the dominant commute mode.
- Furnished rentals are more common in Oxford than in most UK cities because of the large student and visiting academic population.
What are typical rents in Oxford as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Oxford is around £1,150 (approximately $1,460 USD or €1,345 EUR).
Most studios in Oxford fall within a range of £1,000 to £1,350 per month ($1,270 to $1,715 USD or €1,170 to €1,580 EUR), depending on location and whether utilities are included.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Oxford include proximity to the city centre, whether bills are included in the rent, and the quality of the building, with areas like Jericho and Cowley Road commanding higher prices than outer neighborhoods.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oxford is around £1,450 (approximately $1,840 USD or €1,695 EUR).
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Oxford rent between £1,250 and £1,700 per month ($1,590 to $2,160 USD or €1,460 to €1,990 EUR), making this the most common rental segment for young professionals and university staff.
The cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Oxford are typically found in Cowley, Botley, and Rose Hill, while the highest prices appear in Jericho, North Oxford, and the City Centre.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Oxford is around £1,850 (approximately $2,350 USD or €2,165 EUR).
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Oxford rent between £1,650 and £2,250 per month ($2,095 to $2,860 USD or €1,930 to €2,630 EUR), with this segment showing the tightest supply due to demand from small families and professional sharers.
The most affordable 2-bedroom rents in Oxford tend to be in Blackbird Leys, Barton, and parts of Cowley, while Summertown, North Oxford, and Jericho consistently have the highest prices.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oxford.
What's the average rent per square meter in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Oxford is around £28 per month (approximately $36 USD or €33 EUR).
Rents per square meter in Oxford typically range from £24 to £35 ($30 to $44 USD or €28 to €41 EUR), with central areas and smaller units commanding the highest rates.
Compared to other major UK cities, Oxford's rent per square meter sits well above the national average and is similar to cities like Cambridge, though still below central London prices.
Properties that command above-average rent per square meter in Oxford typically feature modern finishes, high EPC ratings, outdoor space, or locations within walking distance of the city centre or major employers.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Oxford in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Oxford have increased by approximately 6.5% compared to January 2025.
The main factors driving rent changes in Oxford this year include continued supply constraints due to planning restrictions, steady demand from universities and hospitals, and the high cost of homeownership pushing more people into renting.
This year's rent growth in Oxford is slower than the 7% to 9% increases seen in 2023 and 2024, suggesting the market is gradually cooling as affordability limits start to bite.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Oxford in 2026?
As of early 2026, Oxford rents are projected to grow between 3% and 5% over the coming year, which is slower than recent years but still above UK inflation.
The key factors likely to influence rent growth in Oxford include the city's ongoing housing supply shortage, strong demand from the science and technology corridor, and affordability pressures that may eventually cap how much tenants can pay.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Oxford include Headington (due to hospital and university expansion), Botley (improving transport links), and areas along the new cycling infrastructure routes.
Risks that could cause Oxford rent growth to differ from projections include a broader UK economic slowdown, changes to university enrollment patterns, or unexpected increases in new rental supply.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in the UK. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Oxford as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Oxford are North Oxford (around £2,400 per month or $3,050 USD / €2,810 EUR for a 2-bed), Summertown (around £2,300 per month or $2,920 USD / €2,690 EUR), and Jericho (around £2,200 per month or $2,795 USD / €2,575 EUR).
These neighborhoods command premium rents in Oxford because they offer excellent school catchments, walkable village-like atmospheres, and proximity to the University of Oxford and city centre amenities.
The typical tenants renting in these high-rent Oxford neighborhoods are senior academics, hospital consultants, professional families, and international expats on corporate relocation packages.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Oxford.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Oxford right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Oxford are Jericho (trendy cafes and walkable to the centre), Cowley Road and East Oxford (vibrant nightlife and diverse dining), and Osney (close to the train station and riverside living).
Young professionals in these Oxford neighborhoods typically pay between £1,200 and £1,600 per month ($1,525 to $2,030 USD or €1,405 to €1,870 EUR) for a 1-bedroom apartment.
The specific amenities that attract young professionals to these Oxford neighborhoods include excellent cycling infrastructure, independent coffee shops and restaurants, quick access to the train station for London commutes, and a lively social scene.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oxford.
Where do families prefer to rent in Oxford right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Oxford are Summertown (leafy streets and village atmosphere), North Oxford (large homes and quiet roads), and Wolvercote (green spaces and community feel).
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom homes in these Oxford neighborhoods typically pay between £1,900 and £2,800 per month ($2,410 to $3,555 USD or €2,220 to €3,275 EUR).
The features that make these neighborhoods attractive to families in Oxford include safe cycling routes, excellent primary and secondary schools, access to parks and green spaces, and lower traffic compared to central areas.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Oxford neighborhoods include Dragon School, Summertown's St Philip and James Primary, and Wolvercote Primary, along with secondary options like Cherwell School and Oxford High School.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Oxford in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Oxford are Jericho and the City Centre (University of Oxford footprint), Headington (Oxford Brookes University and hospitals), and Osney near Oxford train station (London commuter access).
Properties in these high-demand Oxford areas typically stay listed for just 7 to 14 days, compared to 14 to 25 days in less central locations.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of Oxford's universities or train station is around 10% to 15% (roughly £100 to £200 per month or $125 to $255 USD / €115 to €235 EUR extra) compared to similar properties further out.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Oxford right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Oxford are Jericho (short lets and premium furnished stock), Summertown and North Oxford (family expats seeking good schools), and Headington (international hospital and university staff).
Expats renting in these Oxford neighborhoods typically pay between £1,500 and £2,500 per month ($1,905 to $3,175 USD or €1,755 to €2,925 EUR), often at the higher end due to preferences for furnished, move-in-ready properties.
The features that make these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Oxford include furnished rental availability, proximity to international schools, English-speaking communities, and easy access to London via train or the A40/M40.
The nationalities and expat communities most represented in these Oxford neighborhoods include Americans (often academics or tech workers), Europeans (particularly Germans and French academics), and East Asians (Chinese and Japanese researchers on university placements).
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Oxford.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Oxford right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Oxford?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Oxford are students and postgraduate researchers, university and hospital staff on fixed-term contracts, and young professionals working in the science and technology corridor.
Students and academics represent roughly 35% to 40% of Oxford's rental market, while university and hospital staff account for around 25% to 30%, and young professionals make up approximately 20% to 25%.
Students typically seek affordable rooms in shared houses or small flats near colleges, hospital staff often look for 1 to 2 bedroom apartments in Headington or Marston, and young professionals tend to prefer modern 1-bedroom flats in Jericho or near the train station.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Oxford.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Oxford?
In Oxford, roughly 55% to 60% of tenants prefer furnished rentals, which is higher than the UK average due to the city's large student and visiting academic population.
Furnished apartments in Oxford typically command a rent premium of £100 to £200 per month ($125 to $255 USD or €115 to €235 EUR) compared to unfurnished equivalents.
The tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Oxford include international students, visiting academics on term-time contracts, expats on corporate relocations, and young professionals moving for their first job.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Oxford?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Oxford are secure bike storage, high EPC ratings with good insulation, off-street parking (in certain areas), private outdoor space like a garden or patio, and fast broadband for remote work.
Secure bike storage in Oxford can add £30 to £75 per month ($38 to $95 USD or €35 to €90 EUR), while a high EPC rating adds £50 to £100 ($65 to $125 USD or €60 to €115 EUR), off-street parking in North Oxford or Summertown adds £75 to £150 ($95 to $190 USD or €90 to €175 EUR), outdoor space adds £75 to £125 ($95 to $160 USD or €90 to €145 EUR), and fast broadband adds £25 to £50 ($32 to $65 USD or €30 to €60 EUR).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Oxford, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Oxford?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Oxford are insulation and draught-proofing upgrades, durable kitchen refurbishments, bathroom modernization, adding secure bike storage, and creating an additional bedroom where the layout allows.
Insulation upgrades in Oxford typically cost £1,500 to £4,000 ($1,905 to $5,080 USD or €1,755 to €4,680 EUR) and can increase rent by £50 to £100 per month, kitchen refurbishments cost £3,000 to £8,000 ($3,810 to $10,160 USD or €3,510 to €9,360 EUR) and add £75 to £150 per month, bathroom updates cost £2,000 to £5,000 ($2,540 to $6,350 USD or €2,340 to €5,850 EUR) and add £40 to £80 per month, bike storage costs £500 to £1,500 ($635 to $1,905 USD or €585 to €1,755 EUR) and adds £30 to £75 per month, and creating a second bedroom can add £200 to £400 per month.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Oxford include high-end luxury finishes that exceed what tenants will pay for, elaborate landscaping in properties where tenants prefer low-maintenance gardens, and oversized extensions that push the property into a price bracket with less demand.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Oxford as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Oxford is around 2.5%, which indicates a very tight market with strong tenant demand.
Vacancy rates across different Oxford neighborhoods range from as low as 1.5% in high-demand areas like Jericho and Headington to around 3.5% in outer areas like Blackbird Leys or Barton.
The current vacancy rate in Oxford is lower than the historical average of around 3% to 4%, reflecting ongoing supply constraints and persistent demand from universities and employers.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oxford.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Oxford stay listed for an average of around 14 days before being let.
Days on market in Oxford range from as few as 7 days for well-priced properties in Jericho, Summertown, or Headington to 25 days or more for overpriced or lower-quality listings in less desirable areas.
The current days-on-market figure in Oxford is slightly higher than one year ago, when properties were letting in around 10 to 12 days, suggesting the market has eased slightly as rent growth has slowed.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Oxford?
The peak months for tenant demand in Oxford are August through October (the main academic cycle) and January (a smaller mid-year surge for postgraduate starts and job changes).
The specific factors that drive these seasonal patterns in Oxford are the university academic calendar, hospital staff rotation schedules, and the timing of new employment contracts in the science and technology sector.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Oxford are typically November through December and April through May, when fewer students and academics are relocating.
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What will my monthly costs be in Oxford as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Oxford should expect typical annual council tax (the main property-related tax for occupiers) of around £2,200 for a Band D property (approximately $2,795 USD or €2,575 EUR), though tenants usually pay this rather than landlords.
Council tax in Oxford ranges from around £1,450 per year for Band A properties ($1,840 USD or €1,695 EUR) to over £4,000 for Band H properties ($5,080 USD or €4,680 EUR), depending on the property's valuation band.
Council tax in Oxford is calculated based on the property's valuation band (set by 1991 property values) and the rates set annually by Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oxford, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Oxford right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Oxford is around £2,000 to £3,500 per year ($2,540 to $4,445 USD or €2,340 to €4,095 EUR) for flats, and £3,000 to £5,000 ($3,810 to $6,350 USD or €3,510 to €5,850 EUR) for older terraced or semi-detached houses.
Maintenance costs in Oxford range from around £1,500 per year for newer, well-maintained flats to £6,000 or more for older Victorian or Edwardian properties that require more regular upkeep.
Landlords in Oxford typically set aside 8% to 12% of their annual rental income for maintenance and repairs, with higher percentages for older properties or those in the sharer market that experience more wear and tear.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Oxford right now?
In Oxford, landlords most commonly pay utilities when offering all-bills-included student or sharer rooms, short-term lets, or premium furnished apartments marketed to corporate tenants and visiting academics.
When landlords include utilities in Oxford, typical monthly costs are around £120 to £180 ($150 to $230 USD or €140 to €210 EUR) for gas and electricity combined, £25 to £40 ($32 to $51 USD or €29 to €47 EUR) for water, and £30 to £50 ($38 to $64 USD or €35 to €59 EUR) for broadband.
The common practice in Oxford is for tenants to pay their own utilities in standard lets, but landlords often include bills in the rent for student HMOs, short lets, and high-end furnished rentals to simplify the tenant experience.
How is rental income taxed in Oxford as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Oxford (and the rest of the UK) is taxed as part of your total income, meaning it is added to your other earnings and taxed at your marginal rate of 20% (basic), 40% (higher), or 45% (additional rate).
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Oxford include letting agent fees, property repairs and maintenance (but not improvements), insurance premiums, accountancy fees, and a portion of mortgage interest through the tax credit system.
A common tax mistake landlords make in Oxford is failing to properly distinguish between repairs (which are deductible) and improvements (which are not), particularly when renovating older Victorian or Edwardian properties that are common in the city.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Oxford.
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 authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Office for National Statistics (ONS) - Oxford Housing Prices | The ONS is the UK's official statistics authority and publishes the most widely cited rent and house price data. | We used it to anchor Oxford's average monthly rent level and recent annual rent inflation. We treat it as our baseline truth and cross-check it against market asking-rent sources. |
| ONS - Private Rent and House Prices UK Bulletin | This is the ONS's official monthly release for private rents and house prices across the entire UK. | We used it to cross-check national and regional rent context and confirm that Oxford sits in a higher-rent region. We also used it to keep our Oxford estimates consistent with the wider UK trend. |
| Valuation Office Agency (VOA) - Private Rental Market Statistics | The VOA is a UK government body and its rental dataset underpins multiple official rent measures. | We used it to validate the shape of the rental market by property size and type. We also used it as a government-side cross-check against private-sector indices. |
| UK Government - Private Rental Affordability Statistics | This is an official government statistical release focused on rent affordability and local authority comparisons. | We used it to ground our narrative on affordability pressure and local-authority comparisons. We also used it as a realism check on how far rents can rise without demand bending. |
| Zoopla - Rental Market Report (December 2025) | Zoopla is a major UK property platform with a long-running rental report and transparent headline metrics. | We used it to gauge late-2025 momentum into early 2026 and to see that growth is slowing nationally. We also used it to triangulate demand conditions and likely 2026 rent-growth ranges in Oxford. |
| Rightmove - Rental Trends Tracker (Q2 2025) | Rightmove is the UK's largest property portal and its rental tracker is heavily referenced by UK media and analysts. | We used it to benchmark asking-rent dynamics and the supply versus demand rebalancing story. We also used it to keep our time-to-let and competition estimates realistic. |
| HomeLet - Rental Index | HomeLet is a widely cited index built from new tenancies and often referenced in UK rental commentary. | We used it to cross-check the national new-let picture versus ONS, which is stock-weighted. We also used it for affordability context on rent share of income. |
| Goodlord - Rental Index (November 2025) | Goodlord is a large UK lettings platform publishing regular metrics, including void periods, from tenancy data. | We used it as our main evidence base for void periods and market tempo. We then adjusted for Oxford's tighter market versus England overall. |
| Savills Research - Rental Forecasts (November 2025) | Savills is a top-tier global real estate consultancy with a dedicated research function. | We used it to frame the 2026 outlook, noting that rents will likely grow between inflation and income growth unless supply shocks bite. We also used it to justify why Oxford can stay structurally expensive. |
| Bank of England - Monetary Policy Summary (November 2025) | The Bank of England is the UK central bank and the definitive source for policy-rate decisions. | We used it to explain the cost-of-capital backdrop that influences landlord supply and pricing. We also used it to justify why rent growth can cool when the economy cools, even in strong cities. |
| Ofgem - Energy Price Cap (January-March 2026) | Ofgem is the UK energy regulator and the official reference for capped tariff levels. | We used it to estimate tenant and landlord utility costs as of the first half of 2026. We also used it to show what typical bills look like if utilities are included in rent. |
| Oxford City Council - Council Tax Charges 2025-26 | Oxford City Council is the local authority and the primary publisher of Oxford council tax charges. | We used it to quantify a key monthly cost that affects rental budgeting. We also used it to explain special cases where landlords pay council tax, such as during void periods. |
| GOV.UK - Work Out Your Rental Income | This is official UK government guidance for landlord taxation and allowable expenses. | We used it to summarize how rental profits are calculated. We also used it to keep the tax section accurate and low cognitive load for readers. |
| HMRC Self Assessment Notes (UK Property Pages) | This is HMRC's official filing guidance, including the property income allowance rules. | We used it to confirm the £1,000 property income allowance and how it interacts with expenses. We also used it to keep the tax section precise in plain English. |
| English Private Landlord Survey 2024 | This is an official government statistical publication about landlords and the private rented sector. | We used it to support the tenant profile section from the landlord-side perspective. We also used it to avoid over-relying on portal anecdotes about preferences and management realities. |
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