According to new analysis from property platform Rightmove, demand for first-time buyer homes in the area has risen by 45 per cent year-on-year, bucking the national trend of slowing buyer interest.

Rightmove defines first-time buyer properties as homes with up to two bedrooms—typically considered entry-level on the property ladder.

The data suggests that a 37 per cent increase in available properties of this type has fuelled the demand, with flat house prices making purchasing more achievable for new buyers.

Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: “First-time buyers are more exposed to mortgage rate rises, so it was quite surprising to see this sector holding up more strongly than the wider market.

“While overall buyer demand is lower than last year, there are pockets of Great Britain seeing more activity, where local factors are making a real difference.

“In some of these areas, a rise in the number of suitable starter homes coming onto the market, alongside prices edging down year-on-year, is helping to improve affordability and support demand for first-time buyer properties.”

The findings highlight how local market conditions are influencing demand for starter homes.

Mary-Lou Press, president of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), said that regional differences in house price growth continue to affect buyer behaviour across the UK.

Ms Press said: “Today’s figures show Scotland continuing to outperform the wider UK market for annual house price growth, with average prices increasing by 1.6 per cent year-on-year while UK-wide growth has remained flat.

“For many existing homeowners, steady price growth may help support onward moves during the traditionally busier spring and summer period, particularly where rising equity can assist with deposits and affordability when moving up the housing ladder.”

Nationally, first-time buyer demand was down four per cent in April compared to the same month in 2025.

Despite this decline, first-time buyers still make up a majority of home purchases.

Data from UK Finance shows they account for around 55 per cent of transactions, up from 39 per cent 15 years ago.

The average monthly mortgage payment for a first-time buyer now stands at £998.

West Oxfordshire’s strong performance is attributed to a combination of increased housing supply and stable prices, creating a rare pocket of affordability and opportunity for those looking to get onto the property ladder.

Other high-demand areas include East Staffordshire (up 31 per cent) and Bracknell Forest (up 28 per cent).

Asset Advantage aims to boost access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a team focused on supporting business growth and investment.

Based in Basingstoke, the lender offers asset finance and business development-driven loans to SMEs across Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.

The new team will provide funding for equipment, machinery, facilities, and business acquisitions, including management buy-outs and buy-ins.

Gary Thompson, sales director at Asset Advantage, said: “Asset Advantage has been supporting businesses across the region for decades, and now we will do that through our specialist SME lending team.

“The investment in our new team aims to increase access and options to SMEs looking to invest, expand, or acquire through flexible business finance.”

He added that access to finance is often a barrier for SMEs, especially when dealing with mainstream lenders.

Mr Thompson said: “Despite significant demand from the region’s small and medium-sized firms, access can often be a real stumbling block – particularly when dealing with more mainstream national funders.

“Being based in the region and with our expertise as a specialist funder, our hope is that we can engage with SMEs and help them realise their growth ambitions.”

The team supports businesses at all stages of growth, from startups to long-established firms, and serves a wide range of sectors.

Recent investments by Asset Advantage have focused on expanding its team, enhancing processes, and broadening its funding services.

Horspath Cricket Club is teaming up with STRONG Pilates, a global fitness brand that has opened its doors in Stanton St John.

The deal is a significant development for the Home Counties Premier Cricket League club.

It ensures the continued provision of inexpensive cricket for adults, women, and juniors, including girls, while also facilitating the improvement of club facilities.

Horspath plans to collaborate with STRONG Pilates on activities that support both the club and the sponsor.

These activities include team-focused training and recovery sessions, matchday and club events, and exclusive offers for Horspath families and members to join STRONG Pilates.

Already, the men’s and women’s sections have enjoyed fitness sessions at the brand’s studio.

The cricketers set aside net practice and fielding drills for one evening to participate in Pilates, cardio, and strength training.

Australian-founded STRONG Pilates, launched in 2019, make sessions accessible for beginners yet challenging for experienced athletes.

The fitness regimes, which aim to build core strength, mobility, control, and conditioning, offer benefits specifically tailored for cricketers, such as supporting recovery and enhancing stability, movement quality, and durability.

The sessions complement other training as well as matchday demands.

The UK arm of STRONG Pilates is led by ex-professional cricketer John Hastings, with England hero Stuart Broad serving as an official ambassador.

Director of Cricket Will Eason said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome STRONG Pilates Oxford as our new principal sponsor for the next three years.

“The financial support will help us to continue to grow both on and off the pitch, as well as providing some exciting ideas working together with all our members.

“It was great to come to the studio and link up with STRONG.

“It was a lot more intense than we thought it would be, but it was absolutely brilliant.

“There was a really good camaraderie between the instructor and the guys.”

Director of Women’s Cricket Munaza Dogar led her squad into a fitness session, after which she stated: “The evening was a great opportunity for the women’s side to connect away from the cricket pitch prioritising our health with a focus on building strength.

“We are grateful to STRONG for an intense yet incredibly fun session. We’re looking forward to our fixtures with renewed energy.”

Under the fresh partnership, Horspath’s men’s team triumphed over Wargrave with a 56-run victory at home over the weekend, while the women enjoyed a 40-run win over Oxenford.