Renting in Oxford, everything you need to know before renting a home in Oxford!
Located in the south of England, with a population surpassing 163,000, Oxford has been described as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires.’ It offers a diverse array of rentals to suit different lifestyles, from modern apartments in the city center to charming houses in the surrounding areas. The city boasts an average monthly rent of approximately £725 to £1,650, making it an attractive option for renters seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford, and is well-known for being a historic and pleasant city to live in. It’s a place where you can have a conversation in a pub one day with a Nobel Prize winner and the next day with the prime minister of some country. Additionally, this city is a favorite among outdoor activity lovers due to its stunning countryside, featuring beautiful green spaces perfect for hiking, running, or cycling. Whether you're looking for a spacious house in a quieter neighborhood or a convenient apartment close to the university, Oxford provides rental options to suit all preferences.
Cowley: This neighbourhood is located southeast of the city centre and is the alternative and stylish hotspot of Oxford. This area welcomes locals and newcomers with its numerous restaurants offering tastes from all around the world and crafted beers. Popular among students, young professionals, and families looking for proximity to all the best that the city has to offer, you can find supermarkets, schools, and shopping malls. The downside is that this part of the city has the least green areas. This area offers a range of budget options for students and families.
North Oxford: Located close to the city centre, this is one of the most expensive areas to live in due to its popularity among young professionals and families. It is among the best areas in Oxford, close by to the school area, and there are plenty of public transport lines, which allows it to be well-connected with the rest of the city. The neighbourhood offers a range of housing options, from modern studio flats to Gothic-style houses.
East Oxford: Situated east of Magdalen Bridge, this area has a culturally vibrant scene with a lively atmosphere and numerous alternative local shops, diverse restaurant options, and bars. This location is ideal for families looking for a fostering environment, as this area has parks, playgrounds, and recognised schools. East Oxford is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods to reside in, thanks to its abundance of amenities and vibrant atmosphere. Consequently, property prices in this area tend to be higher. East Oxford offers convenient housing options for young professionals and families alike, from studio flats to Victorian terraced houses.
Headington: Located east of the city centre, this area is suitable for those looking for a residential life suitable for residents of all ages. This area offers a great range of amenities such as cafes, restaurants, schools, supermarkets, and local shops. This neighbourhood possesses green areas, including the well-known Bury Knowle Park, which is a favourite among locals and tourists. This zone is well-connected due to regular bus services to the city centre. Also, for those who commute to London, there are plenty of public transport options. Headington offers a range of housing options from spacious terraced houses to student accommodation options due to the proximity to the University of Oxford.
In such a vibrant city, finding the perfect rental property can be challenging and requires engagement. By signing up for property alerts with rentaroof, you will stay up-to-date and well-informed about the latest properties on the market in Cowley, North Oxford, East Oxford, Headington and beyond. Rentaroof helps you find your perfect house faster by tailoring options to your preferences. Stay updated on new listings in Oxford setting up a free property alert with rentaroof this way, you'll receive the latest listings in Oxford directly in your email.
Written by: Coco Bronsgeest
Oxford is a popular city to live in. Similar to other regions in the United Kingdom, the availability of rental properties is limited, amplifying the demand. Therefore, initiating your search early is imperative if Oxford is your relocation destination. Utilise rentaroof to promptly receive new listings matching your preferences directly to your inbox once they are added to our platform. We diligently search through over 3500 websites daily to gather the latest property listings on our platform.
Oxford was on the list of the most expensive places to live in the United Kingdom, primarily due to the presence of Oxford University and the number of tourists who want to visit this historic place. The price can vary depending on your preferences and lifestyle: the estimated price per month could be between £1,345 and £1,955 for a single young professional. Despite the cost of living, Oxford is considered 33% cheaper in comparison with major cities such as London. Additionally, Oxford is trying to make prices more affordable due to the high population of students living in the area.
Oxford has wide options for living. For those seeking well-known restaurants, cosy cafes, and green havens, Headington offers great rentals, and it's suitable for all budgets due to a vibrant student community plus a residential lifestyle perfect for families. Another great area is North Oxford due to its location close to the city centre, where you can find more expensive options perfect for young professionals and families. If you are on a budget or seeking to be situated near a trendy neighbourhood, Cowley has many affordable options. Another popular area favourite among families and those seeking a vibrant neighbourhood is East Oxford.
Oxford is well-known for its university, which is the second oldest in the world, as well as its beautiful buildings and vibrant atmosphere, with landmarks such as Radcliffe Square and the Bodleian Library.
The average rent price varies by the size of the property and each neighbourhood. For example, in neighbourhoods like Headington and Cowley, you'll pay an average of £1,200 per month. However, if you are looking for cheaper options, you should consider the outskirts of Oxford, such as Banbury or Witney.
Moving to Oxford can be worthwhile for many people looking to live in such a vibrant city with more reasonable prices in comparison with London, as well as all the amenities that a vibrant big city has to offer. Furthermore, there are plenty of opportunities to develop yourself professionally due to the excellent education Oxford has to offer through its university or finding a new job opportunity, as there are plenty of recognised companies looking for competent professionals.
This city is very well-connected due to its bus service, and it is also bike-friendly. Oxford is a small city, so you can cover the city centre on foot. For those with a car, it can be difficult to move around with this type of transport due to the city's small size, traffic restrictions, and limited parking. However, you can also use the Park and Ride system. Oxford also has a small airport which offers international and domestic flights.
| Area | Properties | |
|---|---|---|
| Cowley | 39 | £2,830 |
| Headington | 70 | £3,003 |
| North Oxford | 39 | £3,239 |
| City Centre | 26 | £3,371 |
| East Oxford | 87 | £3,583 |
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