AREA Oxfordshire in its entirety, specifically central north Oxford and the surrounding countryside with its prime villages, farms and estates.

GENERAL OUTLOOK There is currently a market within a market, with property that was previously privately available now being held until after the election. The general consensus is that the lack of stock may prove rewarding for vendors prepared to take the plunge and put their property on the market now.

AVERAGE PRICES There is no such thing as average in terms of the property we advise to buy, whether it be a prime villa in central north Oxford at £1,000/sq ft or an edge-of-village rectory that needs complete renovation.

ON THE BOOKS The number of open-market properties over £3m we are tracking is about 30 per cent down on this time last year.

NEW INSTRUCTIONS Duns Tew Manor, being sold with Knight Frank at a guide price of more than £4.1m, has the most incredible dovecote. Savills is selling a semi-detached villa on Norham Road within walking distance of the Dragon School at £2.65m. Hundley House, from Strutt and Parker, with a guide price of £3.25m, has an unusual amphitheatre in the garden.

HOT DEMAND A charming rectory with open aspects on the edge of a village is in high demand. Town houses and villas in Oxford that mimic those found in the best parts of London can also command a premium.

LINGERING Overpriced stock not within driving distance of a fine school; more than two hours from London; or blighted by pylons, planes or road noise.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Oxford has a diverse cultural offering with many theatres and museums, most notably the refurbished Ashmolean Museum. Other nearby attractions include Blenheim Palace, Cotswold Farm Park and the Hook Norton Brewery.

Full Article from May 2010

The bell tower of Magdalen College, Oxford Photo: PHOTOLIBRARY