4th Sept 2026
For many of our clients, the decision to move from London to Surrey is driven by one thing: wanting more from everyday life, without giving up easy access to London.
We regularly work with families looking to make the move, whether they are buying their first family home, upsizing, or simply looking for more space, greenery and a better quality of life.
So, what are the real advantages of moving from London to Surrey?
It’s a question we’re often asked at the very beginning of a property search. And having both made the move from London to Surrey ourselves, it’s one we’re particularly well placed to answer!
Here are some of the key benefits we see time and time again.
One of the biggest attractions of moving from London to Surrey is the opportunity to get more for your budget.
Of course, property prices vary considerably across Surrey, but in many areas you can expect to find larger homes, bigger gardens and more surrounding green space than you might achieve for the same budget in London.
For families in particular, this can make a significant difference. A move to Surrey can provide that extra bedroom, home office, larger garden or simply more breathing space that can be difficult to find within a London budget.
And it isn’t necessarily about spending more. Some of our clients choose to maintain a similar budget to their London property and enjoy a completely different style of home and lifestyle.
One of the biggest concerns we hear from London buyers considering a move to Surrey is the commute. The good news? It is often far less daunting than people expect.
Surrey has excellent rail connections into London, and for many people the overall journey time can be surprisingly similar to the commute they are already making within London.For example, trains from Woking to London Waterloo take around 24 minutes, Guildford around 33 minutes and Godalming around 43 minutes, making London very accessible for those who still need to commute into the capital.
There are also excellent road connections, with the A3 providing a direct route into London as well as towards the South Coast. Of course, the commute is something we always encourage our clients to consider carefully when choosing where to live. The beauty of Surrey is that there are numerous towns and villages offering different combinations of commute time, countryside, schools, amenities and property, so it is possible to find the right balance for your lifestyle.
For families, schools are often one of the most important considerations when choosing where to live.
Surrey has an excellent selection of both state and independent schools, including girls', boys' and co-educational schools, as well as day and boarding options.
There are also a number of highly regarded state schools across the county, meaning school catchment areas are understandably an important consideration for many families when searching for a home. This is an area where local knowledge can be invaluable. The right property in the right location can make all the difference, particularly when school catchment is an important part of your search criteria.
Perhaps the biggest lifestyle change for many people moving from London to Surrey is simply having the countryside on your doorstep.
Surrey is exceptionally well known for its green spaces, with the Surrey Hills, North Downs, extensive woodland, commons and miles of footpaths providing endless opportunities to get outside.
There are also numerous National Trust properties and beautiful historic estates across the county, making it easy to find somewhere new to explore at the weekend.
One of the things our clients love most is that a countryside walk doesn't necessarily have to involve getting in the car. Depending on where you live, it can genuinely be possible to step out of your front door and be walking through beautiful countryside within minutes.
It isn't just walking that attracts people to Surrey. The county has an abundance of outdoor activities, many of which attract visitors from London — but when you live locally, they're right on your doorstep.
Buckland Park Lake, for example, offers open-water swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, alongside activities such as yoga, meditation and wood-fired sauna sessions.
For those who enjoy being on the water, Roar Outdoor offers kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along the River Wey in Godalming.
Then there are Surrey's many farmers' markets. If you enjoy buying fresh, locally sourced produce, there is an impressive choice of markets taking place across the county throughout the year.
For families, the National Trust has numerous Surrey properties offering activities and events throughout the school holidays.
The Surrey Hills
For many people making the move from London, the Surrey Hills are the ultimate attraction.
The landscape is beautiful, with picturesque villages including Shere, Peaslake and Abinger Common, alongside miles of walking, cycling and mountain-biking routes.
It's the combination of beautiful countryside and charming villages — while still being within easy reach of London — that makes this part of Surrey so appealing.
Ultimately, moving from London to Surrey isn't simply about finding a bigger house: It's about finding a different way of living — more space, more greenery, excellent schools, beautiful villages and a wealth of things to do outdoors, while retaining the connectivity and convenience of London.
But Surrey is a large and diverse county, and the experience of living in one part of Surrey can be completely different from another.
That's where we can help.
Having made the move ourselves, and having worked with many many clients over the last 7 years to do the same, we understand that finding the right Surrey location is about much more than finding a property you like. It's about finding the right place for your lifestyle, your family and your future.
If you are considering moving from London to Surrey, we'd love to hear from you.
Call us on 01483 905160 or email us at info@surreyhomesearch.co.uk We'd be delighted to hear about your plans, talk through the different areas of Surrey and explain how we can help you find the right property..