A Guide To Moving From London To Surrey

Published: 30/05/2025 By Cavender Estate Agent

Relocating from the capital to its leafy commuter belt can feel a bit daunting - but with the right insights, your move can be strategic and rewarding. If you’ve ever thought “I want to leave London” in search of more space or a calmer environment, this guide will walk you through everything from budget planning to choosing the perfect town in Surrey. Whether you’re moving to Surrey for family life, career flexibility or simply lower costs, read on for expert tips, data and a step-by-step checklist.

1. Should I Move to Surrey? Why It Makes Sense

London’s undeniable energy comes at a price. The rent prices in London reached a record £2,698 per calendar month in Q1 2025, up 0.1% on the quarter, making many residents consider moving from London to more affordable areas. In contrast, the average price of a home in Surrey stood at £511,001 in June 2024, some 67% below London’s £523,000 average.

Key pull factors include:

• More space: Larger gardens, driveways and local greenbelt.
  
  
• Community feel: Tight-knit villages and market towns.
  
  
• Quality of life: Cleaner air, quieter streets and top-ranking schools.
  
  

If you’re weighing up where to move out of London, Surrey’s combination of affordability and accessibility makes a compelling case.

2. Cost of Living & Housing: Budgets and Bargains

Buying vs Renting

• Property purchase: With the average price of a home in Surrey at £511,001, you’ll often get more square footage here than in London, where the average is £523,000.
  
  
• Renting: Outside of London, advertised rents rose to £1,349 pcm in Q1 2025, less than half of London’s average based on stats from Rightmove.
  
  

Where is the Cheapest Place to Live in Surrey UK?

According to April 2025 data, the most affordable postcode sector in Surrey is RH1 1 (Redhill), with an average property price of around £330,000. For rental bargains, Waverley and Surrey Heath remain the only Surrey areas where tenants spend under 50% of their salary on rent according to Yahoo News.

3. Can You Live in Surrey and Work in London? Transport & Commute

Absolutely. Surrey is criss-crossed by fast rail links into London, making it ideal for those who crave country calm by night and city energy by day.

• Guildford to London Waterloo:
  
• Average journey time: 56 minutes
  
  
• Fastest services: 32 minutes.
  
  
• Camberley to London Waterloo:
  
• Average journey time: 1 h 20 min
  
  
• Approximate fares from £19.30 when booked in advance.
  
  
• Woking to London Waterloo:
  
• Direct trains are roughly 44 minutes on many peak-time services.
  
  

4. Which Part of Surrey Is Best to Live?

Surrey is diverse, so the best locale depends on your priorities—commute, schools or community vibe. Here are top contenders:

Town	Average Price (3-bed)	Commute to Waterloo	Key Draw
Farnham	~£548,600	~1 h train ride	Historic town centre, Surrey Hills scenery
Guildford	~£619,800	32–56 min train	University city, retail hub
Woking	~£455,000	25–40 min train	Regenerated town, excellent rail frequency
Redhill	~£360,000	40 min to Victoria	Cheapest postcode, good motorway links

For families, Farnham offers top schools and community events. Guildford blends nightlife with green spaces. If budget is king, Redhill delivers the lowest entry point.

5. Schools, Healthcare & Amenities

Moving to the commuter belt brings more than just better value. Surrey boasts:

• Outstanding schools: Several primary and secondary schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
  
  
• Healthcare access: Well-resourced GP surgeries and hospitals, including Royal Surrey County Hospital.
  
  
• Leisure facilities: Sports centres, swimming pools, golf courses and walking trails.
  
  

If education and healthcare are your top concerns, check local league tables and practice lists early in your search.

6. Lifestyle & Community

One of the joys of moving to Surrey is the vibrant local scene:

• Green spaces: Hollywater, Box Hill and Alice Holt Forest for walking, cycling and picnics.
  
  
• Pubs & eateries: Traditional country pubs alongside Michelin-starred dining in Guildford.
  
  
• Community events: Farmers’ markets, village fetes and cultural festivals foster neighbourly bonds.
  
  

Online forums such as Reddit and Mumsnet confirm that newcomers often find Surrey’s social fabric warm and welcoming.

7. Step-by-Step Moving Checklist

1. Research & viewings
   
• Compile a shortlist of Surrey towns.
  
  
• Arrange viewings with local agents (start with Cavender’s in Guildford).
  
  
2. Budget & mortgage
   
• Get a mortgage in principle.
  
  
• Factor in stamp duty changes for first-time buyers vs movers.
  
  
3. Legal & survey
   
• Hire a conveyancing solicitor.
  
  
• Commission a full structural survey.
  
  
4. Logistics
   
• Book removal services.
  
  
• Redirect mail and notify utilities, council tax and insurers.
  
  
5. Settling in
   
• Register with GP and dentist.
  
  
• Enrol children in schools and join community groups.
  
  

8. Conclusion & Next Steps

Deciding “Should I move to Surrey?” boils down to your priorities: more room, quieter surroundings and strong communities typically outweigh London’s unrivalled buzz and rental yields. This guide has laid out the data and practical steps to help you move with confidence.

If moving to Surrey is on your horizon, reach out to Cavender’s - your local guide from initial viewings through to handing over the keys. Let our expert team make your transition as easy as possible.

Ready to start your journey? Book a discovery call with Cavender Estate Agent Guildford Surrey today and transform your London life into a Surrey story.