The property market

“Prices in West Oxfordshire – and most of the country – have risen considerably over the last 10 years but since summer 2007 there has been a definite slow down in the market. Land Registry figures confirm that prices are stabilising too, though NOT dropping like a stone.
This change in market conditions arises firstly from the debacle over Home Information Packs – commonly known as HIPs.
A HIP is required for any property put on sale since 14 December 2007 but they are very easy to arrange and needn’t delay getting your house on the market. Your estate agent will be happy to explain.”

Web: Land Registry Index

On top of HIPs ...

“we’ve had rising interest rates, problems with the American sub-prime mortgage markets affecting our own economy and all the bad press surrounding Northern Rock.
I remain optimistic that we’ll see a slight upturn in the market in 2008. Eynsham is a very popular and desirable location and sensibly priced property in the village will always sell. In fact the village traditionally has been less affected by seasonal downturns than other parts of West Oxfordshire. In a more fragile market a realistic asking price and the correct exposure are more important than ever but property in Eynsham remains very saleable and I don’t see that changing.”

Eynsham's estate agencies

are in the heart of the old village and regularly involved in local life. Chancellors sponsored the 2007 Eynsham Directory.

Email: eynsham.sales@chancellors.co.uk
Web: Chancellors

SALES

There is a vast range of very desirable property in Eynsham. Quite a few places are on the market in the £180k-220k price range, which attracts both investors and first time buyers. Abbey Properties have around 25 houses on their books at present. This period house in Queen Street is £189,950. Contact Mervyn Harris

Email: mfh@abbeyproperties.tv
Web: Abbey Properties

AVERAGE PRICES

depend greatly on area and condition: typically £200- £250k for a 3-bed terraced/end terraced/semi and £175-195k for a 2 bedroom house in Dovehouse Close.
Character and period property is much sought after and generally more expensive: this one in Queen's Lane is £295,000.

Latest Development

9 houses off Acre End Street – currently marketed as Newlands Place. Prices range from £400,000 to 500,000 - enquiries to Chancellors.

FAVOURED AREAS

include Newland Street, Old Witney Road, Orchard Close and Queen Street; and houses put on sale in the morning have been known to sell by tea time. But at any level the right price is as important as the right buyer. This detached house on the western side of the village is advertised at £399,950 – enquiries to Abbey Properties.

An unpromising exterior often conceals a large and beautiful garden (though this can also provide an opportunity for 'infill' development). At the other end of the scale is this 1 bedroom cottage in Newland Street, on the market with Chancellors at £189,995.

And this detached house in Witney Road is advertised at £389,950 – enquiries to Chancellors.

RENTALS

This two- bedroom unfurnished flat in the village centre is available for £749 pcm. Demand for rental properties has risen sharply, for a range of reasons:
* Buy to Let – the advent of assured shorthold tenancies and more recent decline in stock market returns have encouraged this form of investment;
* Divorce/Separation – when couples split there is rarely enough cash to buy the second home immediately;
* Relocation – rented accommodation offers an interim measure until a sale elsewhere is completed, or a chance to become familiar with the new area.

Abbey Rentals

have around 50 properties for rent in Eynsham, most of which they manage. The landlord may be in Belgium or France, Ireland or Australia, and needs someone on the spot to keep things in order ... so tenants are no more likely than householders to be bad neighbours.
Most of Abbey's rentals are in the smaller and 'cheaper' range, such as Dovehouse Close and Grange Mill Court (off Acre End Street). GUIDE PRICES start at £600/month for a 1- bed property, £700 for two beds and £800- 850 for three. Larger properties are generally one- off and negotiable. That said, places rarely hang around, and Chancellors have only one available at present. Best guess at the total stock is around 150 properties. Contact Chris Dodds

Email: cnd@abbey-rentals.co.uk
Web: Click here for info

Eynsham Online

is an Eynsham Parish Council initiative

Email: eynsham-online@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.eynsham.org.uk