20th July 2026
Relocating as a family from overseas is challenging enough without having to navigate Surrey's competitive property market and school admissions process.
In June 2026, we helped a family relocating from Oman secure an off-market rental in Surrey within the correct school catchment area—allowing them to secure school places before the new academic year began.
In this particular case study, a family relocating from Oman hoped to move to Surrey. Looking to rent, they were also working against the clock to secure school places, so needed a long-term rental which aligned with school catchment areas.
For this family of six, securing school places was the highest priority. They needed to secure places for all four children at highly regarded schools — no easy task after the main admissions process had closed and with the start of the new school year fast approaching. Before they could submit school applications, they first needed to secure a rental property and obtain a local address. Living overseas and unfamiliar with the Surrey property market, they needed expert local guidance from an independent property search agent to advise on the areas that would work for their young family and the steps required in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Within days we had narrowed the search to locations that offered both suitable family housing and excellent schools.
The next step was exploring the suitable schools within these areas to ensure that there were places available for the children for the upcoming academic year. Surrey HomeSearch worked alongside education consultant, Joanna Dick, at Rise Above Education Consultancy who was able to advise on the schools with spaces that would work for our client. Joanna worked closely with the family to understand each child's needs and identify schools with available places for the forthcoming academic year. With the preferred schools identified, it was then our job to find the perfect property within the catchment area so that our clients had an address in order to complete the school application process.
Using our network of local estate agents and trusted contacts, we quickly shortlisted the most suitable rental properties. From our Zoom calls and meetings with our clients, we had a good understanding of our client’s property needs – a modern, high-spec property, within walking distance to shops, public transport and the school, while being in a safe area for families. The catchment area for outstanding state schools is always very tight, so we needed to ensure that any properties we put forward to our client were within the required catchment area.
Thanks to our relationships with local agents, we were among the first to view several off-market rental opportunities before they reached the wider market. We provided immediate feedback, together with detailed video tours, enabling the family to assess each property without travelling to the UK. One off-market property immediately stood out as an excellent match for the family's requirements. Knowing demand would be high, we moved quickly to negotiate terms and secure the property before any other prospective tenants had the opportunity to view it. With the offer agreed, we were able to support our clients through the referencing process and guide them through the terms of the Tenancy Agreement.
The entire tenancy was completed remotely, without the family needing to visit Surrey until after contracts had been signed - which would have been impossible without an independent property search agent. Once everything was in place, with the tenancy agreement signed, the family travelled to Surrey to see both the property and the local area for the first time. Thankfully, it exceeded their expectations.
On their visit, the family told us they simply couldn't have completed the relocation without our guidance, local knowledge and support throughout the process. Feedback like this reminds us why we love helping families relocate to Surrey.
Every relocation is different, but many of our clients face similar challenges — limited time, unfamiliar locations and a highly competitive property market.
As an independent property search agency based in Surrey, we help buyers and tenants relocate with confidence, whether they're moving from overseas, relocating from elsewhere in the UK, or simply looking for expert guidance in finding the right home.
If you are moving from overseas, relocating from London or searching for your next family home, Surrey HomeSearch can manage the search from start to finish and help you secure the right property with confidence. Contact Catherine or Helen at Surrey HomeSearch to discuss your property search and how Surrey HomeSearch can help. Call us on 01483 905160 or email us at info@surreyhomesearch.co.uk.