Bidwells has launched a full-service residential agency in Oxford, bringing sales, lettings and new homes together under one team as the city faces mounting supply pressures.
The new operation marks the first time the firm has combined all three service lines in Oxford, as part of a broader strategy to scale its residential offering and deepen its presence in high-growth regional markets.
The agency will be led by three sector specialists. Maxine Reynolds will head up sales, Nick Jones joins as a partner to lead lettings following the acquisition of his firm Nicholas Jones Residential, and Iain Powis will oversee new homes, working with developers across the city.
The move comes as Oxford’s housing market continues to face acute undersupply. According to Bidwells’ research, average house prices stand at £478,000, up 6% over the past five years, while rents have risen by 33% over the same period.
POPULATION BOOM
Demand is expected to intensify further. Greater Oxford’s population could increase by 44% by 2040, from 240,000 to 345,000, creating a requirement for an estimated 40,000 additional homes.
The firm said combining sales, lettings and new homes with its existing land, planning and development advisory teams would allow it to offer a more integrated service, spanning land acquisition through to disposal and management.
The Oxford residential team will work closely with Bidwells’ land and development division, led locally by Zanna Bowles, providing access to planning intelligence, development economics and pipeline visibility.
Bidwells already has an established presence in the city across planning, rural agency, project management and science and technology advisory, acting for a range of clients including Oxford University colleges and Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
EXPERT COMBINATION
David Bentley, Head of Residential at Bidwells, says: “What we are building in Oxford is a fundamentally different proposition to most residential agencies.
“Maxine, Nick and Iain each bring deep local expertise in their respective disciplines, but it is the combination of sales, lettings and new homes sitting alongside our land, development and planning teams that gives clients something they cannot get elsewhere.
“Oxford is one of the most supply-constrained markets in the country and the demand fundamentals are only strengthening. We are delighted to welcome them to the team and to be building this offer here.”
The launch forms part of Bidwells’ Nexus growth strategy, which aims to double the size of the business through regional expansion, service diversification and investment in growth sectors.
Main picture: (Left to right) Iain Powis; Maxine Reynolds and Nick Jones.
