OXFORDSHIRE is bucking the national trend towards a housing market slowdown, according to developers Berkeley Homes.

Berkeley Homes says its views are shared by many Oxfordshire-based estate agents, who also expect prices to rise by more than the national average.

The latest national survey from the Nationwide Building Society showed that house prices rallied slightly in October, but that the three-month trend indicated a moderate slowdown.

Figures from the Halifax showed prices rose by 1.2 per cent in October, following a 0.45 per cent rise in September. The Halifax said the underlying trend remained very stable with moderate rises expected.

However, the Halifax is predicting that the sharp slowdown in the economy over the next year will reduce housing demand and curb activity in the housing market.

The bank said it expected house price inflation to ease gradually during the remainder of 1998 and into next year, falling to four per cent in the final quarter of 1999.

By 2000 the annual rise could fall to three per cent.

But according to Berkeley Homes, Oxfordshire does not reflect the national trend.

The developers say it is the least populated county in the South East of England - but with the M40 having been opened for five years and recent improvements in rail networks it was now one of the most popular destinations for people starting their career, raising a family and also for those retiring.

Andrea Tate, of Berkeley Homes (Oxford), said her company had been achieving record sales, saw no sign of a reduction and was bringing more sites on to the market.

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