Oadby

Oadby is a well-established town in the borough of Oadby and Wigston, sitting just four miles south-east of Leicester on the A6 road. Home to Leicester Racecourse, the University of Leicester Botanical Garden, and a genuinely strong reputation for safety and family living, Oadby has long been one of the most desirable residential addresses in Greater Leicester. Whether you are a family looking for highly regarded schools and open green spaces, a professional seeking a suburban base close to the city, or a homeowner considering selling your property without paying estate agent commission, this guide gives you an accurate and original picture of Oadby in 2026.

Browse verified property listings in and around Oadby directly on the YooSell Find a Home platform, with no agent fees and no third-party delays between buyer and seller.

About Oadby?

Oadby is a town in the borough of Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire, England, located four miles south-east of Leicester on the A6 road. Oadby had a population of 23,849 at the 2011 census, with the 2021 census confirming a further increase to 24,040, driven by limited new housing and migration patterns within Leicestershire. Like its neighbour Wigston, Oadby is made up of five wards, and the wider Borough of Oadby and Wigston is twinned with Maromme in France and Norderstedt in Germany.

There has been habitation in Oadby since an Anglian settlement in the early Anglo-Saxon period, and the town's name is believed to derive from the Old Norse Auðarbýr, meaning Auði's settlement, making Oadby one of seventy Danish settlements in Leicestershire ending in "-by". In the Domesday Book of 1086, Oadby's name was recorded as Oldebi. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror gave Oadby to Hugh de Grandmesnil, who founded the parish church of Oadby on the site of the present St Peter's Church.

Oadby remained a small settlement until the late 19th century, when it became a fashionable suburb for the businessmen of Leicester, including the factory owners of the city's shoe and stocking manufacturers. Many substantial houses were built in Oadby during this period, some of which are now used by the University of Leicester. Stoughton Road in Oadby contains two sets of houses of particular historical interest: the Framework Knitters Homes, dating back to 1909, and the North Memorial Homes, financed by Sir Jonathan North, a former Mayor of Leicester, and opened in 1927 by the Prince of Wales.

Oadby has notable connections to several well-known figures, including John Deacon, bassist and songwriter for the rock band Queen, who was born and raised in the town, and actress Amanda Drew, known for roles in EastEnders, who grew up in Oadby and attended Beauchamp College.

Oadby Property Market 2026

Oadby is widely regarded as one of the more premium residential addresses within the wider Oadby and Wigston district, reflecting its long history as a fashionable suburb and its proximity to highly regarded schools and green spaces.

Property Market Overview

According to ONS UK House Price Index data, the average house price in Oadby and Wigston district was £268,000 in March 2026, broadly in line with the figure for March 2025. Home movers in the district paid an average of £316,000 in March 2026, similar to £319,000 the year before, while the average first-time buyer price was £238,000, also broadly stable year-on-year.

Within Oadby itself, prices sit notably higher than the wider district average. According to Rightmove sold price data, the average price for a property in Oadby is £357,547 over the last year. Separate analysis based on recent transactions suggests average house prices in Oadby rose to approximately £341,000 as of October 2025, reflecting a 3.6% increase over the prior year, driven in part by demand pressures linked to revised national housing targets.

Property Types in Oadby

Oadby's housing stock reflects its origins as a late Victorian and early 20th century suburb for Leicester's professional classes, with a strong concentration of substantial detached and semi-detached houses alongside more modern infill development. Recent HM Land Registry sold price data shows individual transactions, including a property on Ash Tree Road that sold for £422,500 in March 2026, illustrating the premium end of the local market in postcodes such as LE2 5.

The Rental Market in Oadby

Private rents across the Oadby and Wigston district averaged £1,022 per month in April 2026, an annual increase of 5.5% from £969 in April 2025, according to ONS Price Index of Private Rents data. This growth was notably higher than the East Midlands regional rise of 3.8% over the same period. Rent for terraced properties in the district rose by 5.8% over the year, while detached properties saw an increase of 4.8%.

How Much Could You Save Selling Without an Agent?

Traditional estate agents typically charge between 1% and 3% commission on the final sale price. On an Oadby property sold at the local average of £357,547, that commission can represent a substantial sum deducted directly from your proceeds at completion. With YooSell, you pay a fixed monthly fee from just £49.50 and keep 100% of your agreed sale price. You can also list your property on Rightmove through YooSell directly, giving your home full visibility on the UK's biggest property portal without paying estate agent commission. Use the free YooSell Cost Saving Calculator to see exactly what you could keep based on your own property value.

Best Areas and Neighbourhoods in Oadby

Oadby's residential streets reflect its history as a fashionable Victorian and Edwardian suburb, with distinct conservation areas and well-regarded pockets that continue to attract buyers seeking quality housing close to Leicester.

Oadby Town Centre and The Parade

Oadby is a large district centre with a good range of shops, services, and facilities, mostly located along The Parade. This area combines everyday convenience with the town's historic commercial heart, which in the late 19th century was focused along Leicester Road, The Parade, and London Road.

Conservation Areas

Oadby contains five recognised conservation areas, including the North Memorial Homes and Framework Knitters Cottages, Oadby Hill Top and Meadowcourt, Oadby Court, and the London Road and St Peter's conservation area. Properties within these areas benefit from additional planning protections that help preserve the architectural and historic character that makes Oadby such a distinctive place to live, though this also means permitted development rights can be more restricted for homeowners considering alterations.

Stoughton Road

Stoughton Road is home to two of Oadby's most historically significant residential developments: the Framework Knitters Homes, dating from 1909, and the North Memorial Homes, built in 1927 and financed by former Leicester Mayor Sir Jonathan North. These properties offer genuine period character for buyers interested in the town's social and architectural history.

Areas Near Leicester Racecourse and the University

The northern part of Oadby, close to the border with Stoneygate and near Leicester Racecourse and the University of Leicester Botanical Garden, offers a distinctive setting combining suburban residential streets with proximity to these significant local landmarks.

Surrounding Areas

Oadby sits immediately adjacent to Wigston, one mile to the west via the B582, and close to a number of attractive south Leicestershire villages including Kibworth and the wider area towards Market Harborough. Buyers seeking a slightly more rural alternative while remaining close to Oadby's amenities have a range of nearby options to consider.

Search for available properties across Oadby and the surrounding area on the YooSell Find a Home platform.

Schools in Oadby

Oadby has a long-standing reputation for strong schools, a major factor in its continued popularity with families relocating from Leicester and further afield.

Beauchamp College

Beauchamp College in Oadby is one of the most well-regarded secondary schools in the wider Leicester area, with notable alumni including actress Amanda Drew. The college has built a strong reputation over many decades as a destination school for families specifically choosing to live in Oadby for educational reasons.

Primary Schools in Oadby

Oadby has a range of primary schools serving its different residential areas. Parents are encouraged to check current Ofsted ratings and confirm catchment boundaries directly with Leicestershire County Council ahead of each year's admissions process, as these can change between academic years.

Higher Education in Oadby

The University of Leicester has a significant presence in Oadby, including its Botanical Garden, one of the town's most distinctive features, alongside several substantial Victorian houses in the town that are now used by the university. This connection gives Oadby a genuinely academic character that is unusual for a town of its size, and provides residents with practical proximity to one of the East Midlands' leading universities without needing to live within the city itself.

Transport and Commuting from Oadby

Oadby's position on the A6, combined with good bus connections and proximity to Leicester and South Wigston railway stations, makes it a practical base for commuters working in Leicester or travelling further afield.

Road Access

The main A6 dual carriageway passes through Oadby, bypassing the commercial centre and providing fast access both into Leicester to the north-west and towards Market Harborough to the south-east. The A563 Leicester Ring Road intersects with the A6 close to Leicester Racecourse on the northern edge of Oadby town centre, giving residents efficient access to the wider Leicester road network.

Rail Connections

The nearest railway stations to Oadby are Leicester and South Wigston, both less than three miles away. Leicester station provides extensive intercity connections including direct services to London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Nottingham, while South Wigston offers more local connections on the Birmingham to Peterborough Line.

Bus Services

Oadby and the surrounding areas are served by Arriva Midlands routes 31, 31A, and 31E, which operate as loops around the housing estates to and from Leicester city centre. Arriva X3 and Stagecoach X7 services also serve nearby villages and towns, including Kibworth and Market Harborough, giving Oadby residents a genuinely useful bus network for both local and regional travel. As part of the Leicestershire Buses Network Review's final phase for the Oadby and Wigston area, these services are under ongoing review, with resident input gathered through public roadshows to identify further improvements.

Living in Oadby: Culture, Heritage and Community

Leicester Racecourse

Leicester Racecourse, built in 1883, sits on the border between Oadby and Stoneygate and is one of the town's most prominent landmarks. The racecourse hosts regular horse racing fixtures throughout the year and is a significant draw for visitors to the area, contributing to Oadby's distinctive identity within Greater Leicester.

University of Leicester Botanical Garden

The University of Leicester Botanical Garden, located in Oadby, provides a beautiful and tranquil green space cultivated and maintained by the university. The garden is a notable local amenity, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a wide range of plant collections in a peaceful, well-tended setting close to the town centre.

The Parade and Shopping

Oadby is a large district centre with a good range of shops, services, and facilities, mostly located along The Parade, giving residents a genuine high street experience without needing to travel into Leicester for everyday needs. The town's commercial character developed in the late 19th century along Leicester Road, The Parade, and London Road, and this historic core remains central to local life today.

Heritage Buildings

The Framework Knitters Homes on Stoughton Road, dating from 1909, and the North Memorial Homes, built in 1927 and opened by the Prince of Wales, are among Oadby's most significant heritage assets. The North Memorial Homes site also includes the North Memorial Hall, built in a neo-Georgian style and leased to Oadby Evangelical Free Church since 1974, continuing its role as a community and worship space.

Diversity and Community

Oadby has a genuinely diverse population by age, country of origin, and religion. Approximately 20% of the population is under 17 years old, 21% are over 65, 17% were born outside the British Isles, and between 22% and 29% of residents, depending on the source, come from ethnically diverse communities, giving the town a varied and inclusive character.

Safety in Oadby

Oadby is widely regarded as a particularly safe place to live within the wider Leicester area, with planning data analysis noting no crimes reported in some immediate residential areas during recent reporting periods. The town's profile as a predominantly residential area for families contributes to this reputation, and Oadby is frequently cited alongside Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray as one of the safest parts of Leicestershire for quality of life.

Healthcare in Oadby

Oadby has a range of GP surgeries serving the town's residential population, providing accessible primary care close to home. For specialist or emergency hospital treatment, Leicester Royal Infirmary and the wider University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust are accessible within approximately 15 minutes by car, given the town's close proximity to the city.

Selling Your Home in Oadby with YooSell

If you are considering selling your Oadby property, YooSell offers a genuinely better alternative to the traditional high street estate agency model. YooSell is a self-service home-selling platform built for homeowners across Leicestershire and the wider Midlands, giving you complete control of your sale at a fraction of the cost of a conventional agent.

Why Oadby Homeowners Choose YooSell

With YooSell, you pay no commission at any stage of the sale process. You pay a simple fixed monthly fee from £49.50 and keep 100% of your agreed sale price. There is no percentage cut at completion, no hidden extras, and no agent taking a share of the equity you have built in your home.

You can list your property on Rightmove through YooSell directly, putting your Oadby home in front of millions of active property buyers on the UK's biggest portal without instructing a traditional estate agent. You set your own asking price, manage your own viewings on your own schedule, and respond to offers entirely on your own terms. Every buyer on the platform is ID-verified and financially qualified before making an offer, so you only deal with serious, genuine purchasers. When you accept an offer, access trusted conveyancers and legal partners directly through your YooSell dashboard, keeping the process streamlined from acceptance through to completion.

Free Tools for Oadby Buyers and Sellers

Make use of the free planning tools available through YooSell before listing or making an offer:

• Valuation Calculator to estimate your Oadby property's current market value

• Cost Saving Calculator to see exactly how much you save versus a traditional agent on your sale

• Mortgage Calculator to plan your next purchase and understand your monthly repayments

• Stamp Duty Calculator to calculate your full tax liability before you exchange contracts

• YooSell Pricing Plans to choose the listing tier that fits your sale