OXFORD is the number one hotspot in the country for property investors outside London, according to TV experts.

Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer described the city as "investor heaven" because of its winning combination of large numbers of students, young professionals and families.

And they predict house prices will soar by 42 per cent in the next four years from £265,034 to £377,673 by 2010.

The findings were disclosed on the Channel 4 programme Where Best to Invest with Oxford topping the pile for investors outside London, beating Cambridge into second place.

The report highlighted North Oxford and Jericho as being particularly good for investors.

It said: "Jericho in particular features the trendy bars, restaurants and independent boutiques that young professionals are attracted to."

And it pointed out that the "upper end" of the student market in East Oxford will take on four-bedroom properties at about £1,800 a month, or about £450 per person per week. The property itself will cost about £300,000.

The programme shown on Channel 4 on Tuesday has already provoked a response among Oxford property agents.

John Scrafton, manager of the Cowley branch of Andrews estate agents which had a property featured in the show, said he had been taking inquiries from London-based individuals interested in investing in the city.

He said: "The programme has already created a wave of interest because property is cheaper here than in London.

"The university is a key factor as is the hospital for Headington where you can pay up to £900 a month for a one-bedroom flat."

And Suzanne Webb, lettings manager at Oxford- based Cluttons estate agents, said the quality of Oxford's schools was drawing people from abroad.

She added: "I have people coming back from Dubai looking to pay up to £4,000 a month for a family property in North Oxford that is near a good school."