Parcels of land dominate an Oxford auction next month, reflecting the strong interest in buying land or run-down properties to develop.

Jonathan Perks, Oxford-based rural surveyor for agents Carter Jonas, said: “People have always recognised the investment worth of land, but now more than ever.

“In the past 12 months we have seen some great results for land presented at auction, thanks to highly competitive bidding.

“After the shake-up in the banking sector, buyers like to see where their money is and what better way than being able to cast your eye over the land you have bought?”

Auctioneer Kit Harding, added: “I don’t see any sign of the enthusiasm letting up just yet because pasture land can either be used for keeping livestock or let to neighbouring farmers or horse owners, who are always crying out for land close to where they live.”

Items coming under the hammer during the sale at The Oxford Centre, in Banbury Road, on April 5 include 11 acres at Old Boars Hill, near Oxford.

A field with road frontage and views of The Ridgeway, it has a guide price of £80,000-£100,000.

Other lots are Red Gate Stables at Chieveley, which includes stables plus six acres of pasture and is expected to fetch £85,000-£95,000 plus pasture near Thatcham, with a guide of £55,000-£65,000.

Mr Harding will also be taking bids for The Anchorage, in Minster Lovell, a brick-built bungalow in a quarter-of-an-acre plot. The three-bedroom property needs modernising, reflected in the guide price of £130,000-£160,000.

Also on offer is the Old Bakery at Hatford, near Faringdon, expected to raise £40,000- £60,000.

Another project with potential for development is St Andrews Barn, just off the A40 near Burford. The two-storey stone building has no running water or electricity, but planning permission exists to convert it into a five-bedroom holiday let.

Set in just over three acres of grounds, including woodland, it has a guide price of £575,000 through agents Butler Sherborn.

Call 01993 822325 or visit butlersherborn.co.uk for more details.

For more information about the auction in Oxford, contact Carter Jonas on 01249 706070 or visit carterjonas.co.uk