West Oxfordshire property market off to a ‘strong start in 2026’
A combination of families looking to upsize and first-time buyers have helped the West Oxfordshire property market get off to a “strong start” in January.
Since the turn of the year, Parkers Properties has booked in almost 130 viewings, a 40 per cent increase on the same period in 2025.
The estate agent, which has branches in Witney and Eynsham, has also sold subject to contract a dozen homes, more than the total sold in all of January last year.
And, in a further positive sign, the agent was able to negotiate an average increase of £20,000 from the initial offer to sale agreed price.
Brendan Kay, Managing Director of Parkers Properties, said: “There is no question that confidence is returning to the property market.
“This is partly due to recent interest rate cuts and inflation holding reasonably steady. These are always important factors in giving home movers the confidence to push ahead with their plans.
“There is no doubt that a lot of people put any thoughts of moving on hold during the final months of last year, triggered in the main by uncertainty as to what would be included in the Budget.
“But since we returned to the office after the festive period, the mood has shifted, particularly among those families seeking to upsize and first-time buyers looking to get on to the first rung of the property ladder.
“We have seen multiple offers on some properties which has helped to generate the best possible value for sellers.”
Brendan said that key drivers for the upsurge in home moving activity included people reassessing travel to work distances, with more employers implementing return to office policies and families considering school-related moves. In other instances, couples were ready to downsize.
Brendan added: “The combination of low housing stock and high buyer intent, driven by increased confidence and affordability, creates the right environment for a more active market. We are confident that the strong start in January will continue into the Spring when we typically see a spike in homes being launched on to the market.”
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