Moving out of London is a big step. It is about finding more room to breathe, getting better value for your money, and slowing down the pace of life. Surrey has become a top choice for people making this change because it offers that balance of countryside living with easy links back to the city. 

At Hamptons, we have been helping people find the right home since 1869. We know that moving to Surrey is more than just swapping houses. It is a chance to improve your lifestyle and make a smart financial choice for your future. We are here to share what we know and help you make the move with confidence.

Key insights for your move

  • You get the best of both worlds: Surrey is popular because it balances countryside living with close proximity to London. You benefit from excellent train and road links for work or leisure, but you come home to a much calmer lifestyle.
  • Green space is everywhere: It is known for having more wooded areas than any other county in the UK. This gives you a high quality of life with plenty of beautiful green spaces to explore.
  • It is ideal for families: The area is highly sought-after by families. This is largely due to the top-ranking schools and the strong sense of community found in many neighbourhoods.
  • There is a home for everyone: The housing market is diverse. You can find everything from large modern homes to historic properties, and from efficient flats to substantial plots of land.
  • Locations vary significantly: Surrey is not uniform. We recommend researching specific areas to find the right fit for you, whether that is a lively town like Guildford or Woking, or a quieter village in the Surrey Hills.
  • The market is competitive: Property prices are generally high because the area is so desirable. It is smart to research different areas to find the best value for your budget.
  • Planning is essential: Spend time visiting different towns and villages at various times of the day. This helps you understand the local atmosphere and decide if you prefer a busy town centre or a rural retreat.

Why move to Surrey?

What's driving the move: affordability, lifestyle, hybrid work, and space

The decision to relocate is rarely down to just one thing. It is usually a mix of desires that leads you to look for a better way of living. The main driver we see is a simple need for more room. By moving here, you are essentially trading the density of the city for a 'spatial dividend', larger homes, private gardens, and the countryside right on your doorstep.

This shift is not just about square footage; it is about how you feel. Residents tell us they are moving for a calmer, slower pace of life where community really matters. With hybrid working now so common, this lifestyle upgrade does not have to come at the cost of your career. In fact, over 77,000 people moved into the county from the rest of the UK in the last year alone, source. Proving that this is a strategic choice for anyone wanting a better quality of life.

Who's moving: families and retirees

The types of people moving here tell a clear story. We are seeing a strong 'family flight' trend, where professionals leave the capital to give their children a better environment. The numbers back this up: the population of residents aged 17 and under grew by 6.2% over the last decade, source. This is driven by the county’s incredible schools and the family-sized homes that are just so much harder to find in London.

We also see plenty of later-life movers. The number of residents aged 65 and over has grown by 12.4% in the last ten years, source. For this group, the move is often about downsizing intelligently while staying close to excellent healthcare and support services, ensuring their future needs are met with the same high standards they are used to.

Why it's a smart investment

Relocating to Surrey is not just a lifestyle choice; it is a smart financial move. It offers what we call capital efficiency, allowing your equity to go further than it might in the capital. By trading London prices for Surrey value, you are often able to secure a premier property that offers both an immediate lifestyle improvement and strong long-term potential. It is a strategic investment in your family's future.

The Surrey property market: trends, types, and prices

Market overview and how prices compare

If you are moving from London, you will likely find that your budget stretches much further here. The difference in value is significant, allowing you to potentially secure a larger home or a better location for the same investment.

  • The Price Gap: The average price of a home in Surrey is currently £591,589, source. This is around 10.09% lower than the London average of £658,011, source.
  • Strategic Savings: In specific areas, the value is even more compelling. For example, the average property price in Surrey Heath is £462,000, offering a potential saving of over 32% compared to the capital, source.

It is also a market with positive momentum. While London prices have seen fluctuations, values in areas like Surrey Heath grew by 4.5% over the last year, suggesting a stable environment for your capital.

Types of homes and entry points for buyers

We see exceptionally strong demand for family homes. The value of semi-detached properties in Surrey Heath rose by 6.6% in the last year, which reflects just how popular these homes are for those seeking more space. However, if you are just starting out, there are still accessible opportunities to join the market.

  • First-Time Buyers: The average price paid by first-time buyers in Surrey Heath was £339,000 in August 2025, source. This demonstrates that valid entry points exist if you know where to look.
  • New Developments: There is a steady supply of high-quality new builds offering modern amenities and energy efficiency.

Explore new homes for sale in Surrey

Rental market savings

Renting in Surrey can also offer significant financial benefits compared to the capital. Recent data highlights a stark contrast in monthly costs:

  1. London Rents: The average advertised rent in London hit a record £2,698 per month in Q1 2025, source.
  2. Regional Value: In comparison, rents outside London averaged £1,349 per month, source.
  3. Upgrade Your Lifestyle: You could rent a large, detached property in Surrey Heath for around £2,217 per month, source. This is substantially less than the average cost of renting any type of property in London, meaning you can often upgrade your home while reducing your monthly outgoings.

Find local properties to let and for rent in Surrey

Getting around: commuting and local transport

Trains and roads to London

For many, the ability to be at a desk in London within an hour is the ultimate draw. You get the space and the greenery, but you never feel cut off from the capital. The rail network here is extensive, with South Western Railway and Southern Railway providing fast, direct links to major hubs like Waterloo and Victoria.

The way we work has changed, and the ticketing system has finally caught up. It is worth knowing your options to make sure you aren't overpaying for a daily commute you no longer do.

  • The Hybrid Worker: If you are splitting your time between home and the office, the Flexi Season Ticket is a game changer. It allows you to travel on any 8 days within a 28-day period, offering flexibility without the commitment of a full season pass.
  • The Daily Commuter: For those in the office full-time, the Annual Season Ticket remains the most cost-effective choice. It effectively caps your travel costs and offers maximum savings, which can be over 20% compared to buying daily tickets.

Note: Remember that adding a Travelcard for travel within London zones will cost extra.

Getting around locally

Driving in Surrey is generally a pleasure, with scenic B-roads connecting the villages. However, like anywhere popular, it has its pinch points. The A3 and M25 are the main arteries for car travel, but they are prone to congestion. It is worth noting specific local infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing roadworks on the A3 near Cobham, which can impact journey times.

Working locally and hybrid life

The "commute" is often just a walk to the home office these days. Hybrid working thrives here because the digital infrastructure supports it. Fast, reliable internet is now as important as the train timetable. Most major towns and many villages are now served by business-grade fibre broadband, ensuring that your video calls are as clear as the country air.

Schools and family life in Surrey

Education options

For many of our clients, schools are the deciding factor. The good news is that moving here does not mean compromising on education; in fact, it often means an upgrade. The county is renowned for its exceptional mix of state and independent options, relieving a lot of the pressure parents feel when relocating.

  • State Schools: You will find a high concentration of schools rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, particularly around major hubs like Guildford, Epsom, Woking, and Reigate.
  • Independent Sector: If you are looking for private education, the choices are world-class. Institutions like Guildford High School, the Royal Grammar School, Cranleigh School, and Charterhouse have global reputations for excellence.
  • Higher Education: The region also boasts top-tier university options, most notably the University of Surrey in Guildford, which is consistently ranked as one of the UK’s leading research institutions.

Admissions: Navigating catchment areas can be tricky, but the local council provides clear resources to help you plan.

Family-friendly living

Life here is designed for families who want to swap screens for green space. The "weekend routine" shifts from city pavements to muddy boots and fresh air. You have incredible access to nature right on your doorstep.

  • National Trust Sites: Spending a Saturday at Box Hill, Runnymede, or Polesden Lacey is a standard part of local life.
  • Walking Trails: Whether it is a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, the county offers some of the best walking routes in the South East, source.

Healthcare and practical matters

Knowing you are in safe hands is vital. The healthcare provision here is reassuringly strong. The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is a national leader in patient safety, notably achieving a summary hospital-level mortality indicator (SHMI) score of 0.78, which is significantly better than the national average, source.

Note: While performance is generally high, it is always worth checking the latest Care Quality Commission reports for specific local GP surgeries to ensure they meet your needs.

Support for older residents

For those moving in later life, or moving with older parents, the support network is robust. Surrey County Council runs a comprehensive Adult Social Care system focused on helping residents maintain their independence and stay healthy in their own homes for as long as possible, source.

Lifestyle, dining, and shopping

Local culture and pace of life

One of the biggest changes you will notice is the shift in pace. Life here is not about rushing; it is about savouring your time. You are swapping the anonymous rush of the city for a place where shop owners know your name and the community calendar is actually worth checking.

It is also a county rich in artistic heritage. For a dose of culture without the train ride into London, you can explore places like the Watts Gallery - Artists' Village. It is a unique cultural hub that perfectly captures the creative spirit of the area.

Restaurants and pubs

If you are worried that leaving London means leaving behind great food, don't be. The dining scene here is exceptional, ranging from cosy, fire-lit pubs to high-end gastronomy.

  • Michelin Quality: You have serious culinary heavyweights on your doorstep. We recommend trying Sorrel in Dorking for modern fine dining, or The Tudor Pass in Egham for an intimate gastronomic experience.
  • Global Flavours: It is not just about British classics. Dastaan in Epsom serves incredible Indian street food that rivals anything you will find in the capital.
  • The Local Pub: For a more relaxed Sunday lunch, the county is dotted with award-winning gastropubs that serve as the social heart of their village's source.

Outdoor activities

Here, the "gym" is often the great outdoors, though world-class indoor facilities are also close at hand. With the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right here, keeping active feels less like a chore and more like a lifestyle.

  • The Box Hill Challenge: This is a rite of passage for locals. The views from the top are spectacular, making the steep climb completely worth the effort, source.
  • Long Distance Trails: If you prefer a longer trek, the North Downs Way offers miles of stunning paths that let you really disconnect and clear your head, source.
  • Surrey Sports Park: Located in Guildford, this elite facility hosts professional teams and offers public access to Olympic-standard pools, climbing walls, and courts, source.

How to make the move to Surrey

Getting your finances ready

Moving home is exciting, but the admin can sometimes feel overwhelming. Getting ahead of the numbers is the best way to keep things stress-free. Aside from the property price, you will need to factor in costs like Stamp Duty Land Tax and Council Tax, which vary depending on where you buy.

We know that the paperwork is the least fun part of moving, which is why we try to take as much of it off your plate as possible. Our team can help simplify the boring bits, from setting up your new utilities to handling Council Tax registration, so you can focus on planning the housewarming.

Expert help and logistics

If you are relocating for work or moving a family, the logistics can get complicated. We specialise in making these transitions smooth, especially for corporate relocations where timelines are often tight. We offer a tailored home search service that goes beyond just scrolling through listings; we coordinate the whole process to ensure you land in the right spot without the usual hassle.

Hamptons' local expertise

How we can help you make the move

We have been matching people with the right properties since 1869, and if there is one thing we have learned, it is that local knowledge beats an algorithm every time. You aren't just buying a building; you are investing in a lifestyle, a school catchment, and a community.

Our job is to combine hard market data with that on-the-ground insight - knowing which streets have the best community feel or which villages offer the easiest commute. We are here to help you make a smart investment decision that feels right for your family’s future.