15th September 2023
Earlier in the year, Surrey HomeSearch teamed up with The London Resident Magazine to create a "How to" guide for couples/families looking to find their perfect Surrey property. Read the text article below, or click here to view the article on The Resident website.
As featured in The Resident, April 2023:
Whether you’re a couple looking to escape the bustle of London life or a young family hoping to get more space for your money, moving to Surrey could be the perfect next step.
However, securing your dream home in such a competitive housing market can be a challenge. This is why more and more house-hunters are turning to the expert property finding services of buying agents like Surrey HomeSearch.
“Working with a Surrey property search and buying agent that knows the area and housing market inside-out is invaluable if you want to find a home that meets your exact needs and take the stress out of relocating,” says Helen Smith, partner at Surrey HomeSearch.
“Whether you’re moving house from London or even from abroad, a specialist property agent can help you to narrow down your options, discover your perfect home and negotiate the best possible price,” adds Catherine Bremford, partner at Surrey HomeSearch.
What does a property search agent do?
A property search and buying agent works on behalf of the buyer to help them find and secure a home that meets their needs and lifestyle. Using their expertise and contacts, they can identify suitable locations, source potential properties both on and off-market and preview them on behalf of their clients.
Between them, Catherine and Helen at Surrey HomeSearch have more than 20 years’ experience helping people to find their dream home and have built up an extensive knowledge of, and contacts within, the local property market.
“Whether moving to Surrey to be close to the countryside, within the catchment area of a good school or for quick transport links to London, our client’s requirements are always at the forefront of our mind,” says Helen. “By helping with the property search, liaising with estate agents and doing video viewings, our clients won’t miss out on their perfect property due to their own busy schedules.”
Once they’ve found the right home, Helen and Catherine at Surrey HomeSearch will liaise with the estate agent, negotiating the best possible price on the buyer’s behalf and ensuring the smooth running of the process to the end. “Buying a home isn’t always straightforward and it’s our job to help keep the deal on track and ensure that our clients are kept informed every step of the way,” says Catherine.
Why use a buying agent to find property rather than searching online?
Trying to purchase a home in today’s market can be daunting and it can often feel like you're constantly one step behind other buyers. A major benefit of working with a search and buying agent like Surrey HomeSearch is that they can access off-market properties that haven’t yet been advertised online.
“Quite often properties will go under the radar and are snapped up before they appear on portals like Rightmove,” explains Helen. “Using our local contacts, we are aware of valuations taking place and are often able to access properties before they come to the open market"
This helps to reduce the competition from other home buyers, and Catherine tells us that many people have had success finding off-market properties with Surrey HomeSearch. “We’ve secured off-market homes for over half of our clients, some of whom had been looking for a property for over a year and had no luck,” she says.
Where are the best places to live in Surrey?
Helen grew up in Surrey, and having both made the move from London to Surrey, Helen and Catherine have picked out some of their top places to live:
Guildford
Voted one of the best places to live in the southeast in 2020, Guildford boasts some of the best schools in the county and residents can enjoy the benefits of the nearby countryside with good transport connections to London. The market town has an attractive high street with historic architecture, as well as great shopping and plenty of restaurants and pubs.
Top tip: Finish off a busy day shopping with a trip to Asian-inspired restaurant, The Ivy Asia in the Tunsgate Quarter.
Surrey Hills
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Surrey Hills is home to the county’s most scenic spots including Box Hill, Newlands Corner and Devil’s Punchbowl. Some of the most sought-after places to live in the Surrey Hills include the quintessential English villages of Peaslake, Abinger Hammer and Shere along with market towns such as Dorking and Godalming.
Top tip: Kids will love paddling in the river at Shere during the summer months and for the grown ups, a refreshing G&T at cosy terrace bar, The Pool Bar, at the Surrey Hills Gin Distillers Silent Pool, is the perfect way to relax.
Farnham
With good connections to the city as well as easy access to gorgeous countryside, Farnham is a popular choice for families and working professionals looking for more space and good schools. The vibrant town has a charming centre lined with independent shops, restaurants and a monthly farmer’s market.
Top tip: Visit Farnham Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, or a little further afield, take a stroll around Alice Holt Forest with its adventure playground and themed walking trails for the children.
Woking and surrounding villages
Located in the heart of Surrey, Woking is an excellent commuter town with a regular train to London Waterloo that takes just 30 minutes. For those who want to enjoy a more rural lifestyle with easy access to Woking’s facilities and commuter network, consider looking at popular surrounding areas such as Hook Heath, Horsell and Chobham.
Top tip: Just a stone’s throw from Woking, visit RHS Wisley, which is stunning year-round. There is always something going on, whether it's tours, talks or trails - you could walk the gardens for days and always discover something new.
If you’re looking for a Surrey property finder service, visit surreyhomesearch.co.uk, call 01483 905160 or email info@surreyhomesearch.co.uk.
You can also follow on Instagram #surrey_homesearch.