Rightmove says West Oxfordshire a hotspot for house buyers

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).