Investors are taking advantage of property price reductions in the Oxford market, seeking long-term refuge in bricks and mortar, according to an Oxfordshire-based lettiings agency.

Frank Webster, director of Finders Keepers, said: “Investors are keen to protect their funds in these turbulent times when there are low returns on savings, “The introduction of the upper rate of income tax for those earning more than £150,000 per year may well act as an added stimulus for the buy-to–let market.”

Clients are also making sure that their buy-to-let properties stand out from the crowd by using interior designers to create the ‘wow factor’ in their property portfolio.

This trend is apparent at a desirable city centre apartment where Tony Houghton of Decorum, Finders Keepers’ interior design division. has furnished the property for a client who has other properties in the city.

Mr Houghton said: “Our clients have a long-term vision. Their properties have been acquired using a strict but simple benchmark: Would they live there themselves?

“On our first project we were asked to give a presentation of every detail including bed linen, cutlery and crockery because the clients were passionate about design.”

He added: “This meant we forged a great relationship with them so on this project, a penthouse apartment at Stream Edge,Oxford, we had a completely free hand to interpret design preferences.

“They waited until everything was installed before viewing..”

The two-bedroomed apartment has decked balconies leading from the bedrooms and the living area The balconies have views over Oxford Castle and the dreaming spires.

Mr Houghton said: “The colour scheme for the living area has red features inspired by an original piece of red glass artwork acquired by the clients.

“There was a ‘Eureka’ moment when sourced ‘Z’ shaped red chairs, plus a co-cordinating glass table which I had seen in a restaurant while on holiday in Bali. I knew it would make a real impact.

“In the bedrooms, a calm mood was achieved by using subtle textures in bronze, copper and shades of gold.”

The apartment also benefits from an undercover parking space, a lift and secure pedestrian access.

It is available to rent at £1,950 pcm, or on a short let at £2,500 per week.

For more details call either Kate Rutherford or Sandra Rose at Finders Keepers Central Oxford office on 01865 297999, or visit the website: www.finders.co.uk