Care Market Insight 2025: Oxfordshire 

Image: Nils Linder for Unsplash

Demand for care homes across Oxfordshire remains exceptionally strong; however, a key challenge in the current market is that available stock is limited. There is significant potential for further development in the area, with a forecasted shortfall of over 1,500 wet room bed spaces by 2035.

At Christie & Co, we’re seeing consistent interest across the board, with demand for both trading care homes and development sites. Buyers range from first-time entrants to experienced regional operators and national investment firms. Many are seeking residential dementia homes with 25 to 60 beds, especially those with potential for value-adding extensions and a strong management team in place, ideally with a long-serving Registered Manager. 

This competitive environment is driving multiple bids on available properties, with some sales exceeding guide prices. It’s an excellent time for vendors, as prices remain robust and funding continues to be accessible. Our sister company, Christie Finance, is especially active in the care market. Lenders remain focused on ‘Good’-rated homes, making quality assurance a vital factor.  

Alongside the scarcity of stock, another hurdle for buyers is the challenges from the CQC, particularly in processing registration applications.  

A recent example illustrating current market conditions is the sale of The Old Vicarage in Oxfordshire. This transaction attracted multiple offers and ultimately saw a new investor enter the care sector, a trend we’re seeing more frequently as the market attracts new capital and fresh ambition. 

In summary, Oxfordshire presents a buoyant and competitive landscape for care home sales, making it a seller’s market for the foreseeable future. 

For more information on the care market in Oxfordshire, or for a confidential chat about your business options, contact Charles Phillips: charles.phillips@christie.com / +44 7764 241 346