London buyers are helping keep the Oxfordshire property market afloat this year, according to agents.

Butler Sherborn, which has offices in Burford, promotes houses from the county to buyers in London via the Move to the Country Show, organised by the agent’s London connections.

This year’s exhibition was advertised in Country Life, various London property magazines and a door drop in affluent residential areas.

Sophie Salter, of Butler Sherborn, said: “A lot of house hunters based in London are cash buyers so there is no chain and they do not need a mortgage.

“They often come to Oxfordshire for a weekend, view a lot of houses and then make a decision on the one they want.

“They are often looking for second homes and places such as Burford are popular for what are known as ‘lock-up and leaves’. Or, it may be that they are after a change of lifestyle or their children have reached a particular age so they want to be near good schools.

“Sometimes they rent a property here first to see if they will enjoy it. On the whole, London buyers tend to have done their research and have the capital to move quickly.”

Hamptons operates a similar initiative through its Town and Country Exhibition which offers prospective buyers and tenants advice on relocating to the country. The show is held in Mayfair and showcases Oxford and Cotswold properties to London buyers.

Mike Simkin, of Hamptons in Summertown, said: “We have 21 offices in London so have a lot of referrals from buyers who are based in the capital.

“Lots of people in London are looking for property in Oxfordshire and it varies from pieds-à-terre to family homes because the commute is so easy.

“They are used to paying a premium for property in London so houses here appear to be better value for money.”