Outside of London, Oxford has been named the UK's second most expensive city (after Cambridge) in which to buy a home, according to Zoopla's April 2025 UK House Price Index. While average property prices in the city can be over £180,000 more expensive than the UK average[1], there is hope for aspiring homebuyers looking to secure a home in this iconic location. Delivering an opportunity to get onto the ladder in Oxford without the eye-watering price tag, The Aviary by Peabody New Homes is launching on 28th June.

An alternative to Oxford's steep prices, The Aviary is a 100% affordable development providing 84 two and three-bedroom houses just south of the bustling city centre. Creating more than just a place to live, the development hosts new shops, a communal play area and pretty green spaces that will bring the community together. A vibrant new community centre, designed in collaboration with local residents, provides additional space for those looking to learn something new, enjoy their hobbies or celebrate milestones with friends and family.  With 13 different house types to choose from, The Aviary effortlessly caters for a wide range of buyers' needs and pricing starts from just £95,750 for a 25% share of a two-bedroom house.

Taking a more affordable route to homeownership doesn't have to mean compromising on quality and The Aviary is designed to a high specification. Internally, the homes make clutter-free living a breeze, from the spacious kitchen units to the fitted wardrobes with sliding doors. Integrated appliances make it easy to cook everything from a quick dinner to an elaborate dinner party. Large windows fill the homes with swathes of natural light, while the white paint finish adds to their uplifting feel. A private garden to each property is the ideal spot to soak up the sunlight in the summer, while underfloor heating, air source heat pumps and increased insulation keep the homes toasty when the weather turns cold.

Gareth Gow, Senior Sales Manager at Peabody New Homes comments: “One of the most captivating cities in the UK, Oxford is known across the world for its academic excellence, charming architecture and rich history.  Unveiling a new opportunity for aspiring homebuyers just a few miles from the historic city centre, The Aviary delivers 100% affordable homes through Shared Ownership. Sleek, contemporary and comfortable, these homes challenge local price expectations and provide homebuyers with an affordable route to owning a high-quality new home.”

For relaxed afternoons punting on the River Cherwell or hours spent exploring museums, galleries, theatres and the famous Bodleian Library, Oxford's city centre is easily accessible by both car (15-minutes) and by bike (19-minutes). For dining and shopping, there is the Covered Market, with its array of independent stalls and eateries, and Westgate Oxford, a modern shopping centre featuring high-end stores, restaurants and a rooftop terrace.

Balancing Oxford's dynamic urbanism is a multitude of tranquil green spaces and stunning countryside. Whether looking to unwind in the local nature or seeking spaces to cycle, run or walk, Oxford hosts an abundance of green pockets to explore. Just a short walk away, Blackbird Leys Park and Fry's Hill Park have plenty of space for children to play. Alternatively, Oxford Botanic Garden is the perfect spot to revel amongst over 5,000 plant species and get swept up in the wonders of nature.

Families at The Aviary can enjoy a seamless school drop off with Orchard Meadow Primary School and Pegasus Primary School are just three and four minutes away by car respectively. For older students, a selection of secondary schools are nearby including The Oxford Academy, Orion Academy and Greyfriars Oxford.

Commuting, exploring and travelling overseas can all be easily achieved from The Aviary. Buyers can zip across to the capital from nearby Oxford station, reaching London Paddington in 52 minutes and London Marylebone in just over 70 minutes. For more to enjoy, Reading (22 mins) and Birmingham International (57 mins) can also be reached by train. Just under an hour's drive away, Heathrow airport opens the doors to holidays abroad and international business trips.

Prices at The Aviary start from £96,250 for a 25% share of a two-bedroom house.  For more information, visit https://www.peabodynewhomes.co.uk/developments/the-aviary/

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For more information, please contact The Oracle Group PR Agency on: peabody@oraclepr.co.uk or call 0208 394 2821

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About Peabody

160 years after it was established, Peabody is one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit housing associations in the UK. Following a merger with Catalyst Housing in April 2022, The Peabody Group is responsible for over 104,000 homes and 220,000 residents across London and the Home Counties.

Our mission is to help people flourish.

We are relentlessly committed to creating great places and building sustainable, high-quality new homes that stand the test of time. With significant development, placemaking and regeneration expertise, we provide top-quality new homes and invest in communities for the long-term.

Founded by the American financier and philanthropist George Peabody in 1862, we continue to invest in our homes and communities, designing inclusive neighbourhoods that support wellbeing. We invest around £11m each year through our Community Foundation, to support people to be healthier, wealthier and happier. We aim to make a positive impact on climate change for our residents, communities and the environment, with an ambition to achieve net zero carbon in our new and existing homes by 2050.

Find your place: peabodynewhomes.co.uk