College and County Announces Launch of Hunt Residential: A New Era in Ethical Estate Agency College and County, the renowned Thame & Oxford based letting agents, proudly unveil their new brand, Hunt Residential.
The launch marks an exciting new phase for the company’s successful sales department, originally established in 2019 by founder Darren Hunt to assist landlords with buying and selling their investments.
Hunt Residential is set to continue the tradition of market-leading service, placing ethical property sales and people at the heart of its operations. Darren Hunt and his dedicated team remain at the helm, ensuring clients experience the same outstanding support, now with a fresh and modern identity. Importantly, Hunt Residential will maintain its strong partnership with College and County, guaranteeing a seamless connection between sales and lettings services for clients throughout Thame, Oxford and the surrounding areas.
As we introduce Hunt Residential, our mission remains unchanged: to serve our communities through ethical property sales, always putting people first
said Darren Hunt, Founder.
“Our clients can expect the same trusted service, delivered under our new, forward-thinking brand.”
As I’m sure you’re aware, a lot has been happening since the last update. Some good, some bad and some downright ugly… And for the next 6-7 minutes, it’s my job to take you through it all, step by step.
Here’s what we’ll be discussing:
The 2026 market so far
Iran War: The impact so far, and the scenarios going forward
Insider insights from other property markets around the UK
My crystal ball predictions for the rest of the year
Thinking of selling? Here’s what we suggest you do now
And quite a bit more besides
2026 so far…
After a slow start to the year, the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire market has picked up nicely through the end of February into March and April.
Interest rates and mortgage rates were beginning to ease, and we seemed to be heading into calmer waters. Nationally, the market was showing strength, and here in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire we were seeing more proceedable buyers viewing homes and making strong offers, gradually moving up through the price points.
In Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire, most interest was (and still is) in the homes that are well presented and keenly priced, particularly under the £1 million mark. We’re finding that most of our buyers this year are looking for a home they can live in, rather than a second home, and that usually involves a chain, as they need to sell their home in order to buy a home they will occupy.
We’re definitely seeing more interest from buyers now, compared.
The US-Iran War
On 13th March, the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting missile and drone responses and restrictions on shipping throug the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for 20% of the world’s oil.
This has already contributed to rising UK fuel costs and pressure on food prices.
Mortgage lenders reacted quickly: rates jumped over 1%, and some first-time buyer products were reduced or withdrawn, slowing activity at the lower end of the market. However, a ceasefire has brought early signs of stability. While a modest rise in UK energy bills is likely in July, the feared larger increase in October may now be avoided.
Markets responded positively, with effective interest rates on UK and European government debt falling. The ceasefire is helping slow the rise in fixed mortgage rates, and if sustained, rates could start to ease both here and globally.
Ultimately, it’s the pace at which confidence returns, not just the ceasefire, that will determine how much these events affect the local property market.
I’ve tried to map out each scenario below, with what I think the likely impact will be on inflation, the base rate, mortgage rates, and ultimately, the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire property market.
Insider Insights from Property Markets around the UK
Being proactive is making a clear difference in the current market. Thoughtful exposure, consistent communication and actively matching buyers to new listings are all driving stronger engagement. Where viewings are happening, offers are following, supported by sellers who are ready to move.
At the upper end of the market, there are encouraging signs. While viewing volumes remain more measured, they are improving, and when the right buyers engage, they are acting with intent”.
Steven & James Child, Mr & Mr Child, Harrogate
A busy and encouraging start to 2026, with strong levels of valuations and new instructions coming through. Activity has picked up across the board, but particularly within the £500,000 to £1 million price bracket, where we’ve seen a noticeable increase in both viewings and offers.
Buyers in this range are engaged and ready to move when the right opportunity presents itself. They are taking a considered approach, but the underlying demand is clear, and well-positioned homes are generating interest early. It’s a confident start to the year, with signs that this momentum will continue to build.
Claire Roberts, Rutley Clark, Leeds
London’s Q1 2026 market feels steady, selective and more positive than the headlines suggest. There are fewer homes for sale overall, but more new properties are coming onto the market, which is encouraging. Buyers are being more careful and taking a bit longer, and that’s creating real opportunities for people who are ready to move. Even better, once sales are agreed, more of them are now going through. This isn’t a market in decline. It’s a market finding its feet again.
Georges Verdis, London Executive, Marylebone
Current conditions feel busy, with a familiar spring pace returning across all price points. There are more homes coming to market, particularly up to £600,000 where demand remains strong. The £600,000 to £900,000 bracket is more sensitive, having been a challenging range in recent years, and there are early signs buyers here are becoming more cautious again. Above £1 million, the market feels more confident than this time last year, when uncertainty around taxation weighed more heavily on decision making. Buyer behaviour reflects this shift. At the lower end, it feels closer to previous market cycles, with some homes attracting competing interest. In the mid-range, pricing is critical, with relatively small adjustments making a clear difference to levels of enquiry. At the top end, there is an increase in cash-led activity, alongside more creative approaches to securing property. Pricing and sales are being influenced by this, with a noticeable rise in off-market transactions where committed buyers are prepared to pay a premium for the right opportunity.
John & Lisa Curran, Currans Unique Homes, Chester
Being proactive is key in the current market, particularly when bringing homes to market. Ensuring strong, consistent exposure through social media and actively working the database to match buyers with new listings is making a clear difference. When viewings are taking place, offers are following, with sellers showing genuine motivation to move. At the £1.5M to £2M price point, there are some encouraging signs. While viewing numbers remain lower than in previous years, they are improving compared to the end of last year, and when the right buyers engage, they are prepared to act decisively. In some cases, this is leading to homes achieving above asking price, reinforcing that well-positioned properties continue to perform even in a more selective market.
Alex Pittaway & Olivia Thompson, Pittaway Thompson, Kenilworth
Insider Insights from Property Markets around the UK
Being proactive is making a clear difference in the current market. Thoughtful exposure, consistent communication and actively matching buyers to new listings are all driving stronger engagement. Where viewings are happening, offers are following, supported by sellers who are ready to move.
At the upper end of the market, there are encouraging signs. While viewing volumes remain more measured, they are improving, and when the right buyers engage, they are acting with intent.
Steven & James Child, Mr & Mr Child, Harrogate
A busy and encouraging start to 2026, with strong levels of valuations and new instructions coming through. Activity has picked up across the board, but particularly within the £500,000 to £1 million price bracket, where we’ve seen a noticeable increase in both viewings and offers.
Buyers in this range are engaged and ready to move when the right opportunity presents itself. They are taking a considered approach, but the underlying demand is clear, and well-positioned homes are generating interest early. It’s a confident start to the year, with signs that this momentum will continue to build.
Claire Roberts, Rutley Clark, Leeds
London’s Q1 2026 market feels steady, selective and more positive than the headlines suggest. There are fewer homes for sale overall, but more new properties are coming onto the market, which is encouraging. Buyers are being more careful and taking a bit longer, and that’s creating real opportunities for people who are ready to move. Even better, once sales are agreed, more of them are now going through. This isn’t a market in decline. It’s a market finding its feet again.
Georges Verdis, London Executive, Marylebone
Current conditions feel busy, with a familiar spring pace returning across all price points. There are more homes coming to market, particularly up to £600,000 where demand remains strong. The £600,000 to £900,000 bracket is more sensitive, having been a challenging range in recent years, and there are early signs buyers here are becoming more cautious again. Above £1 million, the market feels more confident than this time last year, when uncertainty around taxation weighed more heavily on decision making. Buyer behaviour reflects this shift. At the lower end, it feels closer to previous market cycles, with some homes attracting competing interest. In the mid-range, pricing is critical, with relatively small adjustments making a clear difference to levels of enquiry. At the top end, there is an increase in cash-led activity, alongside more creative approaches to securing property. Pricing and sales are being influenced by this, with a noticeable rise in off-market transactions where committed buyers are prepared to pay a premium for the right opportunity.
John & Lisa Curran, Currans Unique Homes, Chester
Being proactive is key in the current market, particularly when bringing homes to market. Ensuring strong, consistent exposure through social media and actively working the database to match buyers with new listings is making a clear difference. When viewings are taking place, offers are following, with sellers showing genuine motivation to move. At the £1.5M to £2M price point, there are some encouraging signs. While viewing numbers remain lower than in previous years, they are improving compared to the end of last year, and when the right buyers engage, they are prepared to act decisively. In some cases, this is leading to homes achieving above asking price, reinforcing that well-positioned properties continue to perform even in a more selective market.
Alex Pittaway & Olivia Thompson, Pittaway Thompson, Kenilworth
History shows us that markets tend to adapt quickly once clarity returns. If stability holds, the overall impact here is likely to remain minimal. From there, I believe momentum in the property market will continue to build.
Homes under £1 million are likely to remain the most in demand, but we expect homes up to £1.5 million and beyond to gain increasing traction as the year progresses.
Mortgage rates should begin to ease again as confidence returns, with increased lender competition bringing more products, particularly for first-time buyers, back to the market by the end of Q3. In turn, this should see rates move back towards pre-conflict levels and by September, I predict the Local market to be in a strong position once again.
Thinking of selling? Here’s what we suggest…
If your home is likely worth £1.5 million and below, don’t hesitate. The market is moving now, don’t miss it.
If your home is likely worth more than this, then let’s have a chat. Every home and situation is different – if it’s not critical you sell this year, we may suggest it would be better for you to wait for a more predictable market. Your plans are unique, and therefore so is our advice.
If this update leaves you with questions about your home and plans, let’s talk.
A chat over a cup of coffee is still our favourite way to get to know you, your home, and your plans for the future.
You might feel like you’d be wasting our time, especially if you’re not planning to move any time soon. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, these early conversations are often the most valuable for both you and us.
It’s our job, and a responsibility we take seriously: to support owners of high-value homes across Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire in making informed decisions, whether that’s a move in the coming months, a few years down the line, or simply keeping a close eye on the market for now.
3 ways you can arrange a conversation or a home visit with us:
Email me direct on [email protected]
Text or WhatsApp me on 07833 246456
Call the team on 01844 399292
If we don’t hear from you in the next couple of months, we’ll catch up again in Q3. Here’s to a calmer world, a more predictable market and lots and lots of cash buyers.